BARCELONA
Rent eats up more than half of a student's budget. Knowing what a room really costs in your city is the first step to avoiding nasty surprises.
Spain and Italy: where do you pay more?
Broadly speaking, the big cities of northern Italy (with Milan at the top) and the most sought-after Spanish ones (Barcelona and Madrid) are the priciest, while cities like Valencia or Padua offer far more affordable prices. The difference from one city to another can be 200-300 € a month for a similar room, so the choice of city matters as much as the choice of flat.
🇪🇸
Spain average
≈ 450 €/mes
Room in a shared flat
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Italy average
≈ 500 €/mes
Room in a shared flat
Room prices, city by city
These are the guide ranges for a room in a shared flat in the cities students search most. Prices vary depending on the area, the condition of the flat and the time of year:
| City | Room (shared flat) | Worth bearing in mind |
|---|---|---|
| 🇪🇸 Barcelona | 450 € – 600 € | In high demand; central areas and those next to the university are the most expensive. |
| 🇪🇸 Madrid | 450 € – 600 € | Similar to Barcelona; the price drops quite a bit in well-connected outer neighbourhoods. |
| 🇪🇸 Valencia | 300 € – 450 € | One of the most affordable capitals; great value for money for students. |
| 🇮🇹 Roma | 450 € – 650 € | A wide range depending on the neighbourhood; the historic centre pushes the price up. |
| 🇮🇹 Milán | 550 € – 750 € | The most expensive city; being close to the universities and the metro comes at a price. |
| 🇮🇹 Padua | 300 € – 450 € | A classic university city and one of the cheapest in northern Italy. |
Guide prices for 2026 for a single room in a shared flat. They don't include the deposit or, in many cases, the bills (water, electricity, gas, internet).
What the price includes (and what it doesn't)
The price you see in the listing is almost never the total cost. Before comparing, confirm what's in the figure:
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Bills (water, electricity, gas, internet): sometimes included, sometimes separate. They can add 30-60 € a month.
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Deposit: usually one or two months, paid at the start and returned at the end.
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Building fees and, in Italy, possible local taxes: ask before signing.
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Agency fees: some rentals carry an extra commission; at Lupo Rooms there are no hidden fees.
4 ways to pay less for your room
With a little strategy you can shave a fair amount off your monthly bill:
- 1Choose your neighbourhood wisely: one extra metro stop often means 100 € less a month for the same room.
- 2Book ahead: the best-value rooms fly in summer and September.
- 3Compare the price WITH bills included, not just the base rent, to know the real cost.
- 4Prioritise a shared flat over a studio: the price difference is usually huge.
There's no single answer to 'how much does it cost': it depends on the city, the neighbourhood and when you book. What you can do is compare real, verified prices before deciding. At Lupo Rooms you see the final price of every room, with no hidden fees, in Spain and Italy.
Compare real prices in Spain and Italy
Verified rooms, final price with no surprises.
Frequently asked questions about prices
How much does a student room cost on average in Spain? expand_more
In a shared flat, it's around 450 €/month on average, though in Barcelona and Madrid it's easy to top 500-600 €, while in Valencia you can find rooms from 300-350 €. The price depends heavily on the neighbourhood and the time of year.
Is Italy or Spain more expensive for renting a room? expand_more
On average, Italy comes out slightly more expensive (≈ 500 € versus ≈ 450 €), mainly because of Milan. But there are Italian cities like Padua with prices very close to Valencia's. More than the country, it's the specific city that decides.
Are electricity and water bills usually included in the price? expand_more
It depends on the flat. Sometimes they're included and sometimes they're paid separately (30-60 € a month). Always ask whether the listing price is 'bills included' so you can compare fairly.
When is the best time to book for a better price? expand_more
The sooner the better. The summer months and September see the highest demand, so the good, cheap rooms sell out fast. Booking weeks in advance gives you more options and better prices.