Which city is the most affordable for language students?

Generally, the most affordable student cities in Spain are inland and in the southern regions. Cities like Salamanca, Granada, and Seville tend to have a lower cost of living, especially for accommodation, compared to Madrid, Barcelona, or San Sebastián.

Which city has the best weather?

This depends on your preference! If you love the sun and heat, the southern cities of Andalusia (like Seville and Malaga), and the Mediterranean coast (like Valencia and Alicante), are perfect. If you prefer milder temperatures and four distinct seasons, you might prefer a city in the north like Bilbao.

I love the beach. What are the best coastal cities?

For a classic, large-city beach experience, Valencia and Malaga are popular choices. For a more sophisticated, food-focused coastal city, consider San Sebastián. And for a pure, sunshine-filled experience, Alicante is a fantastic option.

Will it be harder to learn Spanish in a bilingual region like Barcelona or Bilbao?

While it is a unique opportunity to be immersed in two cultures at once, it is important to note that in bilingual regions, the experience of learning Spanish could be more challenging. Specifically in Bilbao, most people speak Spanish in everyday conversations, so there should not be much of an issue when it comes to learning and understanding. However, in Barcelona the case is different, with many locals often speaking Catalan, it can present more difficulties for the student experience. These are important factors to take into consideration when you choose the city for your language study.

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How to Choose the Best Places to Study in Spain for Your Spanish Language Study

This guide will help you discover the best places to study Spanish in Spain, considering your budget, lifestyle, and academic goals.

The city you choose in Spain will be your home, your classroom, and your playground. It’s one of the most exciting and important decisions you’ll make in your language study abroad journey. Are you dreaming of a bustling capital city with world-class museums, a sunny beach town with a relaxed vibe, or a historic city surrounded by mountain ranges with hikes for you to enjoy?

We’ll walk you through the key factors to consider and compare some of the best places to study Spanish in Spain, ensuring you find the destination that feels right for you.

This guide is designed specifically for language learners to assist you whilst you decide what city you are going to study in. For an overview of the whole process, see our complete guide to learning Spanish in Spain.

(Last Updated: January 2026)

Key Takeaways

Monthly living costs can range from as low as €500 in Salamanca to over €1,400 in Barcelona. Choosing a city you can comfortably afford is an incredibly important first step.
Spain offers everything from major, energetic capital cities like Madrid, to relaxed, mid-sized coastal cities like Valencia or Malaga, and historic, walkable university-friendly locations like Granada or Salamanca.
If you love the heat, the southern regions of Spain; Andalusia and Murcia, offer hot summers and mild winters. If you prefer milder temperatures, consider cities along the northern coastal regions like Galicia, Asturias or the Basque Country.
Deciding what sort of vibe and lifestyle you want to experience, plus what sightseeing you want to do, is a simple way to narrow down your options significantly.

Spanish Study City in Spain

How to Choose The Perfect City in Spain For Your Spanish Language Study?

The perfect city for your Spanish language study depends on four key lifestyle factors: your budget, the city size you prefer, your ideal location, and the climate.

Before you fall in love with a city, take a moment to think about what kind of environment you will thrive in. Answering these four questions will help you find the right place for your personality.

1. Your Budget

How much can you comfortably spend each month on rent and living expenses? Spain has options for every budget.

To make your Spanish language study experience as smooth as possible, it is important to set a realistic budget for yourself, so that you can make the most of your time in Spain.

Choosing a city that matches the limitations of your ideal monthly spend, when it comes to costs like accommodation, bills, groceries, tuition fees, plus additional spending money for travel and activities, is a crucial planning step that will inevitably influence your choice in finding the perfect city for you.

2. City Size and Vibe

Do you get energized by the fast-paced action of a massive capital city, or do you prefer the charm and slower lifestyle of a smaller, more laid-back city?

Both the city’s size and vibe are important factors to consider when choosing the best place to study in Spain. Knowing what sort of overall atmosphere you desire, helps to set realistic expectations for the experience, allowing you to feel more at ease with your choice.

Whether you’re looking for a city that feels a bit like home for familiarity, or one that pushes your comfort zone boundaries for a new adventure, considering the city’s size and general vibe plays a pivotal part in making that decision.

3. Location: Coast or Inland?

Is waking up near the Mediterranean Sea a non-negotiable part of your dream, or are you more excited by the cultural buzz of a popular inland Spanish city?

Spain’s geography offers a diverse range of cities to undergo your Spanish language study, with amazing options along the coast, or inland. It’s beneficial to think about your preference, for what sort of activities you like or what kind of sights you’d like to see.

If you are seeking a more outdoorsy experience with surfing, boating or swimming in your free time, a coastal city would be the right location for you. But if you prefer the idea of a more inland region where you can enjoy hiking, visiting historical monuments or enjoying the variety of styles of architecture across Spain, an inland city would be better for you.

4. Climate

Do you love long, hot summers, or do you prefer a place with four distinct, milder seasons?

With the expansive variety of regions across Spain, it is wise to do some climate research to match your seasonal preferences. This will help in choosing the right city for you and make your experience as comfortable as it can be weather-wise.

From the falling leaves of autumn with milder temperatures, the scorching heats of Spanish summers down south, to the ski and snowboard season in the mountains, it is vital to consider what sort of climate you thrive in.

Ultimately, climate can affect one’s mood, motivation and energy levels, so it is important to factor this aspect into your decision when you choose the best city for your language study abroad program.

Top cities for language students

Comparison of Top Cities in Spain for Language Students

This table provides a quick comparison of some of the most popular language student cities in Spain based on the key lifestyle factors that Go! Go! España recommends you to consider.

City	Vibe / Best For…	Average Monthly Cost	Climate / Weather	Location
Madrid	Big-city energy, art, nightlife	€800 – €1,500+	Hot summers, cold winters	Inland
Barcelona	Artistic, cosmopolitan, coastal	€850 – €1,860+	Hot summers, mild winters	Coast
Valencia	Modern, relaxed, beachy	€700 – €1,200	Mild year-round	Coast
Seville	Historic, traditional, cultural	€700 – €1,300	Very hot summers, mild winters	Inland
Salamanca	Academic, youthful, student culture	€500 – €900	Hot summers, cold winters	Inland
Granada	Historic, bohemian, student culture	€600 – €1,100	Hot summers, cold winters	Inland
Malaga	Artistic, laid-back, beachy	€700 – €1,200	Hot summers, mild winters	Coast

Top 7 Spanish cities for language learning

A Closer Look at the 7 Best Cities in Spain to Learn Spanish

Here is a deep dive into the lifestyle and atmosphere of the most popular destinations for a Spanish language study adventure.

1. Madrid

Madrid is perfect for students who love the hustle and bustle of a big capital city. Even though you would be away from the coast, the capital is well connected by public transport with the Renfe trainlines, to the rest of Spain.

While it’s one of the more expensive options, its world-class art museums, incredible food scene, and vibrant nightlife are unmatched. Expect hot, dry summers and cool, crisp winters (with amazing Christmas decorations for the festive season).

Want to learn more? Dive into our Student’s Guide to Living and Studying in Madrid.

2. Barcelona

Barcelona is ideal for students who love art, architecture, and a creative, cosmopolitan atmosphere combined with a beach lifestyle.

It is one of Spain’s more expensive cities and has its own unique bilingual culture (Spanish and Catalan), making it a truly distinct experience. At Go! Go! España, we like to remind students that while the locals are all fluent in Spanish, the local language is Catalan, and that should play a key part in making your decision for where you want to study Spanish, while you consider what will be the most accessible for you as a student.

Interested in learning more? Dive into our Student’s Guide to Living and Studying in Barcelona.

3. Valencia

Valencia offers a perfect balance between its coastal appeal and culturally diverse sights to see and explore.

It’s a large, modern city with futuristic architecture, a beautiful historic center, and a relaxed beach vibe, but with a more affordable cost of living than Madrid or Barcelona. It’s known for its mild, sunny weather year-round, and of course the birthplace of the famous dish paella.

Keen to learn more? Dive into our Student’s Guide to Living and Studying in Valencia.

4. Seville

For students seeking the traditional soul of Spain, Seville is the answer.

As the heart of Andalusia, it’s a city of flamenco, historic festivals, and endless sunshine. It’s an affordable and deeply immersive cultural experience, but be prepared for very hot summers (sometimes even reaching 40°C)!

Does this sound like the place for you? Dive into our Student’s Guide to Living and Studying in Seville.

5. Salamanca

Salamanca is Spain’s quintessential university city, with rich culture and its recognized status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site making it a top choice for study.

For serious students who want a traditional academic atmosphere, stunning golden architecture, and a city that is both walkable and incredibly affordable, Salamanca is the perfect place for you. It is also famous for its clear, “pure” Castilian Spanish accent which is a bonus for language learners.

Want to discover more about this city? Dive into our Student’s Guide to Living and Studying in Salamanca.

6. Granada

Granada is a magical city at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains, famous for the Alhambra palace and a vibrant, bohemian student life.

Its world-renowned “free tapas” culture makes it very budget-friendly, and its unique location means you can be skiing in the mountains in the morning and on the coast by the afternoon.

Would you like to learn more? Dive into our Student’s Guide to Living and Studying in Granada.

7. Malaga

Located on the sunny Costa del Sol, Malaga offers a perfect blend of art, history, and beach life.

As the birthplace of Picasso, it’s a major cultural hub with world-class museums, but it maintains the relaxed, friendly atmosphere of a Mediterranean port city.

Want to hear more about this beautiful city? Dive into our Student’s Guide to Living and Studying in Malaga.

Other Spanish cities for language students

Other Great Spanish Cities for Language Students

While the largest cities are popular for a reason, Spain is full of incredible destinations that offer a unique and high-quality experience for language learners. Here are a few other fantastic options to consider.

1. Alicante

A great option for students seeking a classic, affordable beach-city lifestyle with year-round sunshine.

Alicante is a welcoming and relaxed city on the Costa Blanca that offers an amazing quality of life without the high costs of other coastal hubs.

Curious to find out more? Dive into our Student’s Guide to Living and Studying in Alicante.

2. San Sebastian

This is an amazing destination for students who love gourmet food, surfing, and an elegant city atmosphere.

Located in the beautiful Basque Country, San Sebastián is a sophisticated coastal city that is considered one of the best culinary destinations in the world.

Feeling intrigued to learn more? Dive into our Student’s Guide to Living and Studying in San Sebastián.

3. Bilbao

This is an amazing destination for students who love gourmet food, surfing, and an elegant city atmosphere.

Located in the beautiful Basque Country, San Sebastián is a sophisticated coastal city that is considered one of the best culinary destinations in the world.

Feeling intrigued to learn more? Dive into our Student’s Guide to Living and Studying in San Sebastián.

4. Murcia

Best for students seeking a truly authentic Spanish experience on a budget, all while enjoying its tranquil, coastal scenery.

Located in the sunny southeast, Murcia is an off-the-beaten-path university city known for its beautiful baroque architecture and traditional culture, far from the major tourist crowds.

Fascinated and eager to learn more? Dive into our Student’s Guide to Living and Studying in Murcia.

5. Ibiza

Best for students with a higher budget who love music, beach culture, and a vibrant, international social scene.

While famous for its iconic nightlife and party scene, Ibiza also offers a stunning UNESCO World Heritage old town and beautiful, serene coves to explore.

Want to hear more about this island? Dive into our Student’s Guide to Living and Studying in Ibiza.

6. Logroño

Located in the region of La Rioja, this city is ideal for students who love food, wine, and a more quiet, traditional lifestyle.

This world-famous wine region offers a unique immersion into the very origins of the Spanish language, surrounded by rolling vineyards and historic monasteries.

Sound like somewhere you might want to live? Dive into our Student’s Guide to Living and Studying in La Rioja.

FAQ

FAQ About Choosing a City in Spain for Your Spanish Language Study

Which city is the most affordable for language students?
Generally, the most affordable student cities in Spain are inland and in the southern regions. Cities like Salamanca, Granada, and Seville tend to have a lower cost of living, especially for accommodation, compared to Madrid, Barcelona, or San Sebastián.
Which city has the best weather?
This depends on your preference! If you love the sun and heat, the southern cities of Andalusia (like Seville and Malaga), and the Mediterranean coast (like Valencia and Alicante), are perfect. If you prefer milder temperatures and four distinct seasons, you might prefer a city in the north like Bilbao.
I love the beach. What are the best coastal cities?
For a classic, large-city beach experience, Valencia and Malaga are popular choices. For a more sophisticated, food-focused coastal city, consider San Sebastián. And for a pure, sunshine-filled experience, Alicante is a fantastic option.
Will it be harder to learn Spanish in a bilingual region like Barcelona or Bilbao?
While it is a unique opportunity to be immersed in two cultures at once, it is important to note that in bilingual regions, the experience of learning Spanish could be more challenging. Specifically in Bilbao, most people speak Spanish in everyday conversations, so there should not be much of an issue when it comes to learning and understanding. However, in Barcelona the case is different, with many locals often speaking Catalan, it can present more difficulties for the student experience. These are important factors to take into consideration when you choose the city for your language study.

Summary

Summary: Ready to Find Your City?

There is no single “best” city, only the best city for you. We hope this guide has helped you narrow down your choices and find the perfect match for your personal style and budget.

Now that you have a city in mind, the next exciting step is finding the perfect school. Our team at Go! Go! España has partnerships with the best Spanish language schools across the country and can offer free, personalized advice.

Contact us today to find your school and begin your journey!