Spain has long been a dream destination for expats, retirees, and remote workers seeking sunshine, laid-back living, and a lower cost of life. But while cities like Barcelona and Madrid grab the headlines, they also come with hefty price tags. The real gems—especially for home buyers—lie off the beaten path in towns and regions you may have never heard of.
Whether you’re looking for a seaside escape, a historic mountain village, or a countryside retreat surrounded by olive groves, Spain offers surprisingly affordable options. And with more flexible visa rules and a growing digital nomad presence, buying a home in Spain has never been more accessible—or more tempting.
These 10 destinations combine charm, lifestyle, and value in ways that rival any European hotspot. From Andalusia’s whitewashed villages to lesser-known regions of Galicia and Extremadura, there’s a Spanish home with your name on it—without draining your savings.
Read here best things to know before visiting Spain, best Spanish food, Biggest Mistakes when moving to Spain and best breakfast in Spain
BOOK YOUR TRAVEL INSURANCE
Two of our favorite travel insurance: Heymondo Vs Safetwing cheapest travel Insurance. You can get for $135 USD your Heymondo Travel Insurance with Heymondo discount code valid for 90 days. Read our full comparison of Genki vs Safetywing Travel Insurance Review and the comparison Heymondo vs Genki
Tips for Buying a House in Spain
Understand the local real estate market and trends in the area you’re interested in.
Hire a local lawyer to help navigate the legal aspects of buying property in Spain.
Visit properties in person to get a real feel for the area and the condition of the house.
Consider all costs involved, including taxes, legal fees, and maintenance.
Learning some Spanish can be very helpful, especially in less touristy areas.
If you need a mortgage, research the options available to foreigners and get pre-approved if possible.
Consider the amenities, transportation links, and community in the neighborhood.
Have the property inspected by a professional to avoid any hidden issues.
Be aware of any community fees if you are buying an apartment or property within a complex.
Familiarize yourself with Spanish property laws and the buying process.
Many foreigners rush to buy property in places like Marbella, Madrid, or Ibiza without realizing these are Spain’s most inflated markets—often propped up by foreign demand, not local reality. What’s sold as a “Mediterranean dream” is often a tourist bubble with seasonal crowds, overpriced amenities, and little community life outside peak months.
Meanwhile, the regions overlooked by international buyers—like Castilla-La Mancha or northern Aragón—offer far better value and quality of life. These places aren’t trendy, and that’s exactly the point. Spaniards themselves are moving inland for cheaper housing, stronger community ties, and quieter lives.
Another factor? The Golden Visa program has shifted foreign demand toward flashy coastal properties, inflating prices for houses with ocean views. But if you’re not chasing Instagram clout and are looking for livability and long-term investment, you’ll do better skipping the hype and going where the Spaniards go.
Affordable Places to Buy a House in Spain
1. Valencia
Highlights:
Cost of Living: Lower than in Madrid or Barcelona, with affordable real estate prices.
Culture: Rich in history, arts, and the famous Fallas festival.
Climate: Mediterranean climate with mild winters and hot summers.
Why It’s Affordable:
Real Estate: Property prices in Valencia are significantly lower than in larger cities. You can find apartments in the city center and houses in the suburbs at reasonable prices.
Example:
Average Price: Around €1,500 per square meter in the city center.
2. Murcia
Highlights:
Cost of Living: One of the lowest in Spain.
Culture: Known for its baroque architecture and beautiful coastlines.
Climate: Mild winters and very hot summers.
Why It’s Affordable:
Real Estate: Murcia offers a range of affordable properties, from city apartments to coastal homes.
Example:
Average Price: Around €1,000 per square meter in the city center.
3. Alicante
Highlights:
Cost of Living: Affordable compared to other coastal cities.
Culture: Vibrant nightlife, beautiful beaches, and the famous Alicante Castle.
Climate: Warm Mediterranean climate.
Why It’s Affordable:
Real Estate: Attractive property prices, particularly for apartments and villas near the coast.
Example:
Average Price: Around €1,200 per square meter in the city center.
4. Castellón de la Plana
Highlights:
Cost of Living: Lower than in larger cities.
Culture: Rich history and close proximity to beautiful beaches.
Climate: Mediterranean climate with mild winters.
Why It’s Affordable:
Real Estate: Offers affordable housing options, including apartments and houses.
Example:
Average Price: Around €1,000 per square meter in the city center.
5. Granada
Highlights:
Cost of Living: Affordable, with a rich cultural and historical heritage.
Culture: Famous for the Alhambra, vibrant student life, and flamenco.
Climate: Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters.
Why It’s Affordable:
Real Estate: Granada offers reasonably priced properties, especially in the city center and surrounding areas.
Example:
Average Price: Around €1,300 per square meter in the city center.
6. Extremadura
Highlights:
Cost of Living: One of the most affordable regions in Spain.
Culture: Known for its natural parks, Roman ruins, and historical towns.
Climate: Continental climate with hot summers and cold winters.
Why It’s Affordable:
Real Estate: Extremadura offers very low property prices compared to other regions in Spain.
Example:
Average Price: Around €800 per square meter in the main towns.
7. Aragon
Highlights:
Cost of Living: Affordable, with a mix of natural beauty and historical sites.
Culture: Home to the Pyrenees, Zaragoza, and many medieval towns.
Climate: Continental climate with cold winters and hot summers.
Why It’s Affordable:
Real Estate: Aragon offers low property prices, particularly in smaller towns and rural areas.
Example:
Average Price: Around €1,000 per square meter in Zaragoza, less in rural areas.
8. Galicia
Highlights:
Cost of Living: Lower than in many other parts of Spain.
Culture: Famous for its lush landscapes, coastline, and the Camino de Santiago.
Climate: Atlantic climate with mild, rainy winters and cool summers.
Why It’s Affordable:
Real Estate: Galicia offers a variety of affordable properties, from coastal homes to rural retreats.
Example:
Average Price: Around €1,000 per square meter in cities like Santiago de Compostela and even less in rural areas.
9. Asturias
Highlights:
Cost of Living: Affordable, with beautiful natural scenery and a rich cultural heritage.
Culture: Known for its green landscapes, coastlines, and cider.
Climate: Oceanic climate with mild temperatures year-round.
Why It’s Affordable:
Real Estate: Asturias offers good value for money, with a range of property options.
Example:
Average Price: Around €1,200 per square meter in Oviedo, lower in smaller towns.
10. La Rioja
Highlights:
Cost of Living: Affordable, with a strong wine culture and beautiful landscapes.
Culture: Famous for its vineyards and wine production.
Climate: Continental climate with hot summers and cold winters.
Why It’s Affordable:
Real Estate: La Rioja offers affordable properties, especially in smaller towns and rural areas.
Example:
Average Price: Around €1,000 per square meter in the main towns.
Final Thoughts
Spain’s most affordable housing markets aren’t just cheap—they’re smart. You get more space, better air, and deeper culture for your euro. And with Spain’s robust healthcare system, lifestyle perks, and low cost of living, even small towns offer a high standard of living.
Before buying, spend a few weeks in the area. Visit in the off-season. Talk to the neighbors. A house may look perfect online but feel isolated or dead outside tourist season. Long-term livability matters more than glossy photos or bargain prices.
In the end, the best place to buy a house in Spain isn’t the one with the most listings—it’s the one where you can build a life, feel welcomed, and still afford tapas and wine without checking your bank account.
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.