If you’re planning a move to Madrid and wondering how on earth to find a place to live, trust me—you’re not alone. I asked all the same questions: Should I try to find an apartment before I arrive? How competitive is the rental market? Will I be able to find something in my budget (and hopefully with A/C)?

The housing market in Madrid moves quickly, and most listings are long gone by the time you land if you try to lock something in too early. Plus, the reality often doesn’t match the photos—and when you’re moving your whole life across the ocean, you want to be able to walk through your potential new home, meet the landlord, and get a real feel for the place.

In this post, I’m walking you through everything I wish I knew before moving: where to search for rentals, what neighborhoods to consider, how the process works as an expat, and some of the surprises I ran into along the way (say goodbye to your dryer). Whether you’re coming here solo, with a partner, or relocating with pets like we did, this guide is here to help you feel more confident about your apartment search in Spain.

Before We Dive In: Here’s My Recommended Approach

If you’re still in your home country and you’re looking to make a long-term move to Madrid, my biggest advice is that you book an Airbnb for 2-3 weeks then apartment hunt in person. The housing market is extremely competitive in Madrid, and the apartments you see a few months before your move will be long gone by the time you get there.

Plus, apartments don’t always look like they do in the photos. You definitely want to come check the apartment out for yourself, meet the landlord, and apply in-person once you arrive. It can be scary to move abroad without a lease in place, but trust me on this one — it’s better to look once you’re here.

Know Your Housing Options in Madrid

The first thing you need to do when moving to Madrid is research your options. Based on your salary, whether or not you work from home, or if you want to live alone/with roommates, you should consider what type of apartment you want.

• Shared flats (ideal for students or solo expats)
• Studios & 1-bedrooms (great for digital nomads or solo expats who want their own space)
• Family-sized apartments
• Furnished vs. unfurnished
• Short-term vs. long-term rentals

The right option for you will depend on a lot of different factors, and how many of these options are available to you will depend on what time of year you move. But in my experience (and from what I’ve heard from friends), there will always be options.

But no matter which type of apartment you decide to pursue, there are a few universal truths to living in Madrid (and really, most of Europe). The kitchens will almost always be small, but I’ve seen a few exceptions! If this is important to you, keep shopping around, but know a large kitchen will likely come with a price tag.

Apartments rarely have dryers, so if you aren’t used to it already, you’ll want to get comfortable with doing daily laundry and air drying your clothing. This is something I was nervous about at first, but it’s actually made doing laundry much more manageable, and I’ve come to enjoy the process. Sheets and towels aren’t as fluffy and soft as they were when I had a dryer, but you get used to it.

Lastly, walls are thin. The buildings are very old, and no matter where you live you will probably have this issue.

Where to Look for Apartments in Madrid

When it comes to how to rent an apartment in Madrid, here are the best and most trusted platforms I would recommend.

• Idealista Madrid is easily the #1 option. This is where you’ll find the most listings, and the ability to reach out directly to the property owner to schedule a viewing.
• Spotahome is great for short-term rentals and expat housing. These homes are usually furnished, and are a great option if you’re coming here to study abroad or on a short-term work assignment. In addition to furnished apartments, you can also find individual rooms for rent.
• Facebook groups are a great resource in general when it comes to expat life, but especially if you’re looking for a roommate/temporary apartment. There are many different groups like Madrid Apartments & Madrid Roommate and Flat Search or Madrid Apartment Rentals, Houses, Sublets and Rooms where people are subleasing their rooms or looking for a new roommate. Often times you can meet with your potential new roommates in person and see the room before you move in, which is a huge plus.
• Agencies are also a good option here if you’re having trouble finding something, or if you’re looking for something specific. This may be a good option if you’re making a permanent move with your family and want some help with the process. Just know that agencies will take a commission, so be prepared to pay for their services.

Best Neighborhoods in Madrid for Expats

Once you start your apartment search using the platforms and channels listed above, you’ll want to do your research on where exactly you’d like to live. If you’re not familiar with Madrid and you’re moving to Spain for the first time, I’d recommend living in the city center to get the full experience. If you’re wondering where to live in Madrid, these are the best neighborhoods in Madrid (in my opinion) that you should consider:

• Malasaña is trendy, hip, and has a younger vibe. There are lots of bars and restaurants in the area, and it’s great for the LGBTQIA+ community.
• Chamberí is quieter and a bit more upscale than other areas of Madrid. This is really great for younger families that still want to live close to the city center, but have a slightly more laid back and quiet neighborhood.
• Lavapiés is multicultural and more affordable than other areas of Madrid. It’s very close to the city center and offers tons of great ethnic food. This is an area you’ll definitely want to visit in person and make sure it’s a good fit, as there are parts of the neighborhood that are considered more dangerous at night (in terms of theft/pick pocketing).
• Salamanca is a very elegant and expensive part of Madrid, close to all the high-end shopping and restaurants. If you have the financial means to live in Salamanca, it’s a really beautiful neighborhood to live in.
• La Latina is a younger neighborhood with lots to do in the immediate area. If you’re unsure about where to live, I think this neighborhood is a great place to start. That’s what I did, and I love it!

[googlemaps https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/embed?mid=16iNg7CSGg-i_IrcR7mWAZrPndme-b_I&ehbc=2E312F&noprof=1&w=640&h=480]

Tips for Renting in Spain (That No One Tells You)

• Be ready to act fast—apartments go really quickly. Ask about the documentation requirements in advance and have them ready in case you want to apply!
• Most landlords want proof of income and a Spanish bank account. You may also be asked to provide a vida laboral here in Spain, and since you likely won’t have one yet, you may have to provide a resume or proof of your work history.
• Expect to pay at least 1–2 months deposit (+ agency fees if you use one). This varies drastically depending on if you have a Spanish work contract or if you’re a freelancer. If you are a freelancer, be prepared that you may be asked to provide up to 4-6 months of rent upfront. This isn’t the case everywhere, but it is pretty common here.
• Air conditioning may be difficult to find, but it’s not impossible. Most of my friends do have A/C, so if you have pets or if it’s a priority for you, it is possible to find.
• Utility bills are usually not included — you will likely have to send money to your landlord directly for utilities, but this varies.
• If you’re moving with pets, it can be tough to find options that are pet-friendly, but they exist. If you want a furnished apartment, your options may be more limited.
• If it isn’t explicitly mentioned, ask about “comunidad” fees (building maintenance). This is fairly common, and helps ensure your building is clean and well-maintained.
• To secure the best rent price, I recommend renting for one year first, then if you’re happy with your apartment and you’d like to stay long-term, you can ask for a 5 year contract. This way you’re locked into a great rent price that can’t be increased each year.

Real-Life Lessons From Our Apartment Hunt

To be honest, my husband and I got extremely lucky. We found a great apartment in the heart of La Latina which checked all the boxes for us and our two pets. But this isn’t the case for everyone — so it’s best to do your research and be fully prepared!

Here are some real lessons to take with you in your apartment search:

#1 Take careful notice of how the property owner treats you during the viewing/application process. If they’re super difficult to deal with or if they nickel-and-dime you on everything, you may way to pass on that apartment. Whether or not you have a good landlord can make even the best apartment feel like the worst.

#2 Be really careful about scam listings, regardless of the platform you use. This is why you always want to go see an apartment in-person, and if you’re a solo expat, you should have someone go with you to the viewing just to be safe.

#3 The best decision I made was to rent a cheap Airbnb for 3 weeks when first moving to Madrid, then finding an apartment in-person. I know I keep saying this, but it really is the best way to go. I took off a few days from work and dedicated that time to arranging apartment viewings, and I was able to secure an apartment within our first 3 days here — before I had even recovered from jet lag! The 3 weeks rule is key, because even though I had the apartment secured, it wasn’t ready for move-in for another 2 weeks. It’s always good to build in a buffer.

#4 Lastly, can we acknowledge how hard it is to move to a new country? It’s worth making small changes in your apartment to make it feel like home. In our case, we swapped out some of the artwork and decorated with a few keepsakes from home, and stocked the pantry with a few familiar snacks.

Bonus: Average Rental Prices in Madrid

Here’s a quick visual of average rent prices in Madrid. The cost of housing in Madrid varies depending on where exactly you’re living, but hopefully this gives you an idea of what you may be spending.

Apartment Type	Avg. Monthly Rent (2025)
Studio in city center	€800–€1,200
1-bedroom, central	€1,000–€1,400
1-bedroom, outside center	€900–€1,100
2-bedroom, central	€1,400–€1,800
2-bedroom, outside center	€1,200–€1,700
Room in shared flat	€450–€700

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Final Thoughts: Be Flexible and Stay Persistent

Finding an apartment in Madrid can feel like a full-time job—but I promise it’s worth the effort. You’ll probably tour a few places that feel totally wrong, and you’ll probably face rejection more than once. But eventually, I promise you’ll find your spot.

Looking back, I’m so glad we waited to apartment hunt until we arrived. It gave us the chance to see neighborhoods in person, ask questions, and find a place that really fit our needs (and welcomed our two pets!).

My biggest advice? Don’t panic if you don’t have everything lined up before you land. Give yourself a buffer with a short-term rental, keep your expectations realistic, and take the time to make your new space feel like home—whether that’s swapping out art, buying cozy blankets, or stocking your kitchen with your favorite snacks from back home.

This part of the move might feel chaotic, but it’s also one of the most rewarding. You’re not just finding a place to live—you’re starting your new chapter in Spain.

Have you moved abroad? If so, what was your apartment-hunting experience like? Let me know your thoughts in the comments!