An International Student’s Guide to Living and Studying in Murcia

Experience an authentic Spanish lifestyle filled with sunshine and tradition while studying in Murcia, “Europe’s Orchard.”

Want to learn Spanish in a city bursting with authentic charm and sunshine, far from the main tourist trail? 

Discover Murcia, the historic capital of a region so fertile it’s known as “Europe’s Orchard.” 

For international students looking to study in Murcia for deep cultural immersion and an affordable cost of living, the city is a hidden gem waiting to be explored.

This guide will give you a real, practical look at what it’s like to live and learn in this welcoming southern city.

We’ll cover everything from the budget-friendly lifestyle and the best neighborhoods to the city’s unique traditions, helping you decide if studying in Murcia is the right choice for you.

This is our deep dive into Murcia. To see how it compares with other top destinations, read our main guide: How to Choose a City in Spain for Your Spanish Language Study.

(Last Updated: February 2026)

Main Key Takeaways

• As a less touristy city, Murcia offers an incredible opportunity for students to immerse themselves in daily Spanish life and practice the language everywhere.
  
• Murcia is one of Spain’s most affordable regional capitals, allowing international students to enjoy a high quality of life on a very manageable budget.
  
• Thanks to its local schools, the city has a vibrant and youthful atmosphere with a lively social scene centered around its tapas plazas.
  
• Murcia has a hot, semi-arid climate with very mild winters and over 3,000 hours of sunshine per year.
  
• Murcia is famous for its stunning historical buildings, including the magnificent Cathedral and the ornate Real Casino de Murcia.

Murcia at a Glance: A Student’s Scorecard

Feature	Description
Vibe	Traditional, authentic, sunny, and relaxed.
Best for	Students seeking deep cultural immersion on a budget and an off-the-beaten-path experience.
Average Monthly Cost	€600 – €1,000 (Highly affordable)
Key Highlights	Hot, dry summers and very mild winters.

Is Murcia a Good Place for International Students to Study Spanish?

Yes, studying in Murcia is an excellent choice for international students, especially for those who are looking for an authentic, off-the-beaten-path experience with a very affordable cost of living. 

What makes Murcia a good place to study abroad?

Murcia stands out as a study abroad destination because of its strong sense of cultural authenticity.

It’s a traditional Spanish city where daily life unfolds in Spanish, making it easier, and almost unavoidable, to practice the language in real-world situations. 

From chatting with shop owners and baristas to navigating public services, students are constantly immersed in the language.

The city also has a large and diverse student population, thanks to institutions like the University of Murcia and UCAM. 

This creates a welcoming, youthful energy while still preserving a distinctly local feel. 

Compared to cities like Madrid or Barcelona, the cost of living in Murcia is significantly lower, which helps reduce financial stress and allows students to focus more fully on their studies and experiences.

What is the student life like in Murcia?

Student life in Murcia is lively, social, and deeply connected to the city’s historic center. 

Much of student culture revolves around outdoor spaces, plazas, cafés, and terraces, where people gather to socialize, study, and unwind. 

Popular spots like Plaza de las Flores and Plaza Santo Domingo are hubs for tapas, drinks, and late-night conversations.

Thanks to Murcia’s warm climate, life is lived largely outdoors year-round, encouraging a relaxed and social lifestyle. 

The city’s compact size makes it easy to get around on foot or by bike, which helps students quickly feel at home and build a sense of community.

Overall, studying in Murcia is ideal for international students who want a vibrant social life, meaningful cultural immersion, and the chance to experience a more traditional side of Spain, one that feels authentic and welcoming. 

What is the Real Cost of Living in Murcia for International Students?

Murcia is one of the most affordable regional capitals in Spain, making it an excellent choice for international students who want a high-quality study abroad experience without the high price tag. 

Compared to Spain’s larger cities, Murcia offers significantly lower living costs while still providing an active student lifestyle and strong cultural immersion.

When factoring in accommodation and daily expenses, such as food, transportation, and leisure, most students can expect to budget between €600 and €1,000 per month. 

Housing will be your largest expense, but student accommodation in Murcia is very budget-friendly.

A room in a shared apartment typically costs around €250 to €400 per month, depending on location and amenities, with many options available near the city center and universities.

In comparison, cities like Madrid or Barcelona often require a monthly budget of €1,500 or more, especially once rent is included. 

Murcia’s lower cost of living makes it a far more financially accessible option, giving students the freedom to fully enjoy their social life, travel within Spain, and focus on their studies rather than their expenses.

For a more detailed breakdown of what you can expect to budget while studying in Murcia, check out Go! Go! España’s Cost of Living Calculator.

To see how Murcia compares to other destinations, explore our guide on the real cost of studying in Spain.

Where are the Best Places in Murcia for International Students to Live?

The best neighborhoods for international students studying in Murcia are located in and around the city center. 

These areas are lively, historic, and well connected to universities, social spaces, and daily essentials. 

Living centrally allows students to fully immerse themselves in local life while staying close to classmates, nightlife, and cultural attractions.

The City Center

Living in the city center, especially near the Cathedral of Murcia orPlaza de las Flores, places you right in the heart of student and social life.

This area is filled with tapas bars, cafés, shops, and cultural landmarks, all within easy walking distance.

It is ideal for students who want a vibrant atmosphere and enjoy being surrounded by activity both day and night.

While rent here can be slightly higher than in outer neighborhoods, shared apartments are still affordable compared to larger Spanish cities.

University Area

The neighborhoods surrounding the university campuses are another popular choice for international students.

These areas are always buzzing with student energy and tend to offer a wider range of budget-friendly housing options.

Living near campus makes commuting easy and provides access to libraries, study spaces, and student-focused cafés and bars. This area is a great option for students who want convenience, affordability, and a strong sense of community.

For more tips on your search, read our comprehensive guide to finding student accommodation in Spain.

Schools in Murcia For International Students

Murcia is home to several well-established universities, making it an excellent destination for international students who want to study in Spain while experiencing an authentic Spanish lifestyle.

Spanish Language Schools in Murcia

At this time, we do not have partner Spanish language schools located directly in Murcia. However, this does not take away from the city’s value as a place to learn Spanish.

In fact, Murcia’s immersive environment makes it one of the best cities in Spain for improving Spanish through everyday interactions.

With fewer international tourists than coastal resort towns, English is spoken far less frequently, encouraging students to use Spanish in shops, cafés, universities, and social settings. 

This daily exposure helps international students build confidence, improve fluency, and develop real-world communication skills both inside and outside the classroom.

Top-Rated Universities in Murcia

For students interested in pursuing a full degree or semester abroad program, Murcia is home to several respected higher education institutions. 

These universities attract students from across Spain and around the world, creating a diverse and academically driven community.

Go! Go! España is proud to partner with one of the leading universities in the region, Universidad Católica San Antonio de Murcia (UCAM). 

UCAM is a popular choice among international students due to its wide range of English-taught degree programs, modern campus facilities, and affordable tuition compared to larger Spanish cities.

Studying at UCAM allows international students to earn a globally recognized degree while enjoying a high quality of life in Murcia.

To learn more about available programs and admissions, visit our page on our partner university in Murcia.

Things to Do in Murcia (The Student Guide)

Murcia offers a rich mix of history, culture, and everyday local life that makes it an exciting city for international students. 

From iconic landmarks to food markets and traditional cuisine, there is always something to explore outside the classroom.

Visit the Catedral de Murcia

One of the top things to do in Murcia is visiting the Cathedral of Murcia, located in the heart of the historic center.

The cathedral is famous for its impressive Spanish Baroque façade, which contrasts beautifully with its Gothic interior.

Explore the Real Casino de Murcia

The Real Casino de Murcia is one of the city’s most unique cultural attractions.

This historic 19th-century social club is open to visitors and features lavishly decorated rooms, including a stunning Moorish-style patio inspired by Andalusian design.

It is an ideal place for students interested in history, architecture, and photography, and it offers insight into Murcia’s aristocratic past.

Immerse Yourself in the Local Culture

For a truly local experience, students should spend time at the Mercado de Verónicas, Murcia’s central food market.

Here, you will find fresh fruits and vegetables from the surrounding agricultural region, often called the Huerta de Europa (Orchard of Europe).

Visiting the market is also a great way to practice Spanish with local vendors while learning about regional ingredients and daily life in Murcia.

Try the Unique Local Cuisine

No student guide to Murcia would be complete without highlighting the local food.

Murcian cuisine is simple, seasonal, and deeply tied to the region’s agriculture.

Be sure to try dishes like pisto, a vegetable-based dish similar to ratatouille, and zarangollo, made with scrambled eggs, zucchini, and onion.

For dessert, do not miss paparajotes, Murcia’s most famous sweet, made from lemon leaves dipped in batter, fried, and topped with sugar and cinnamon.

What are the Best Weekend Getaways from Murcia?

Murcia’s location makes it a great base for exploring the region’s rich history and the beautiful coastline of the Costa Cálida.

• Cartagena: Take a day trip to this ancient port city, founded over two thousand years ago. You can explore its spectacular Roman Theatre, the Punic Wall, and its historic naval port.
• La Manga del Mar Menor: Visit this unique geographical wonder, a narrow spit of land that separates the Mediterranean Sea from the Mar Menor, a large saltwater lagoon, creating beaches on two different seas.
• Bolnuevo: Head to the coast to see the incredible eroded sandstone formations, known as Las Gredas de Bolnuevo, which look like they are from another planet.
• Cabo de Gata: For students willing to travel a bit farther, Cabo de Gata is one of the most rewarding weekend trips from Murcia. Located about two hours west of the city, this protected natural park is home to some of the most remote and beautiful beaches in Spain. Popular spots include Playa de los Muertos, El Playazo de Rodalquilar, and Genoveses.

FAQ About Living and Studying in Murcia

Conclusion: Is Murcia Your Perfect Match?

The experience of studying in Murcia offers a uniquely authentic, affordable, and sunny Spanish experience, perfect for students looking to get off the beaten path and truly immerse themselves in the culture. 

It is a city that will welcome you with its warmth and charm you with its rich traditions. 

For any international student seeking a high quality of life without the high costs of a major capital, Murcia is an exceptional choice for your study abroad adventure.

Considering a university degree in a beautiful and affordable Spanish city? 

Learn more about studying at UCAM in Murcia and get free application support!

Or compare Murcia with other cities in our main Best Cities Guide.