The rental situation in Catalonia
The rental market in Catalonia is in a time of great movement, with a constant increase in prices that has left many looking for more affordable options. Despite the general increase, there are municipalities that offer rates that are much more accessible than those that can be found in Barcelona, where the average price per square meter is 21.6 euros.
Manresa, the hidden gem
According to the report published by Idealista in July, Manresa emerges as the cheapest municipality to rent a home in Catalonia, with a price of only 8 euros per square meter. This locality not only offers affordable prices but also provides an attractive quality of life and a peaceful environment.
Other economic options in Catalonia
In addition to Manresa, there are other cities that also have attractive rents. Lleida, for example, offers an average price of €8.4/m2, while Reus stands at €8.5/m2. Other towns, such as Vendrell (€9/m2) and Vic (€9.4/m2), also stay below 10 euros.
The contrast with the big capitals
In contrast to Manresa and these cities, Girona presents rents that do not fall below €12.3/m2, and the Costa Brava, with Lloret de Mar, reaches up to €14/m2. Thus, it becomes clear that the affordable options are far from the most touristic and urbanized areas.
General rental trends in Spain
The rental market at the state level also shows a significant increase, with an average increase of 10.4% compared to the previous year. Cáceres tops the list with an increase of 18.9%, followed by Palma and Valencia, which have also seen notable increases.
The capitals with the highest and lowest prices
Barcelona continues to be the city with the highest rents in Spain, with 21.6 euros/m2. Madrid and San Sebastian follow, with 19.8 and 17.6 euros/m2 respectively. At the other end of the spectrum, Zamora, Ciudad Real and Ourense offer the lowest rates, with prices ranging from 6.5 to 7.1 euros/m2.
Reflections on the future of renting
With the current scenario, tenants in Catalonia and Spain must be more strategic when looking for housing. Manresa and other municipalities offer a viable alternative for those looking for a balance between quality of life and budget. As the market continues to evolve, renters will likely need to explore beyond the big cities to find options that fit their needs.
