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Renting in Madrid now costs more than in Barcelona and the gap keeps growing
Madrid reaches a new high in housing and is officially Spain's most expensive city for renting. The change is especially noticeable among people looking for a flat now: renewing a contract, moving out or moving to the capital costs more than ever.
According to data from Idealista, the average price in Madrid has reached 23.3 euros per square metre, surpassing Barcelona for the first time in a long while. For an average 80 m² flat, this translates into rents of close to 1,860 euros a month.
The pace of increases remains rapid. In just one year, rents in Madrid have risen by 8.6%, far above other major cities. Demand pressure, the constant arrival of new residents and the lack of supply are keeping the market under strain.
Meanwhile, Barcelona is breaking with the national trend. The city is recording a 7.6% fall in prices, something unprecedented after years of continuous increases. Catalonia is thus becoming an exception in a market that continues to become more expensive across almost all of Spain.
The difference between the two cities is already beginning to influence real decisions. Sharing a flat, moving further from the centre or changing neighbourhood is becoming an increasingly frequent necessity in Madrid, particularly among young people and workers.
The property market is once again redefining the rhythm of urban life. While Barcelona begins a correction, Madrid continues to absorb pressure and raise prices, a situation that directly affects how people live, work and plan their future in the city.