Spain’s most expensive and cheapest places to raise a family in 2026 revealed

A new study has revealed the huge difference in the cost of raising a family across Spain – with Barcelona ranked the country’s most expensive city and Badajoz named the cheapest.

The research, carried out by Moving to Spain, analysed the cost of maintaining a premium family lifestyle in 11 Spanish cities. Although the figures represent a family of four in a four-bedroom house with two children at international school, they highlight how dramatically prices can vary depending on where families choose to live.

Barcelona tops the list as Spain’s most expensive city for families

Barcelona ranked as the most expensive city in the study, with estimated monthly family costs reaching more than €22,000 for a premium lifestyle.

Rising property prices, international school fees and increasing day-to-day expenses continue to drive costs higher in the Catalan capital.

Demand from overseas buyers, remote workers and international professionals has also intensified pressure on the housing market, particularly in sought-after family neighbourhoods.

Palma de Mallorca follows closely behind

Palma de Mallorca came second in the rankings, with family living costs sitting only slightly below Barcelona.

The Balearic Islands continue to experience soaring housing prices due to second-home ownership, luxury tourism and limited rental supply.

For many local families and expats alike, finding affordable long-term housing has become increasingly difficult.

Madrid remains among Spain’s priciest places to raise children

Madrid also ranked among the country’s most expensive cities for family life.

While salaries in the Spanish capital are often higher, rising rents, childcare costs and increasing living expenses continue to place pressure on households.

Demand for larger homes in popular residential areas remains particularly strong.

Valencia and Alicante offer a more affordable coastal lifestyle

Valencia and Alicante ranked mid-table, offering a more affordable alternative to Barcelona, Madrid and Palma while still providing coastal living and international amenities.

Both cities remain popular with expat families thanks to their beaches, infrastructure and comparatively lower housing costs.

Tenerife continues to attract families despite rising costs

Santa Cruz de Tenerife also featured in the study, reflecting growing demand for family life in the Canary Islands.

While costs remain lower than Spain’s biggest cities, rising tourism and increased housing demand are continuing to impact affordability across the islands.

Seville, Bilbao and Málaga provide better value

Seville, Bilbao and Málaga all ranked in the lower half of the list for overall family living costs.

Although prices have risen steadily in recent years – particularly in Málaga due to its popularity with international buyers and remote workers – they still remain considerably cheaper than Barcelona or Palma.

Granada and Badajoz emerge as Spain’s cheapest cities

Granada and Badajoz were named the most affordable cities included in the report.

Lower housing costs, cheaper transport and reduced day-to-day expenses continue to make inland Spain significantly less expensive than the country’s coastal hotspots.

According to the study, families living in Badajoz could spend more than €116,000 less per year than those living in Barcelona while maintaining the same lifestyle assumptions.

The growing divide in the cost of living across Spain

While the study reflects a high-end family lifestyle rather than average household spending, it highlights the widening financial gap between Spain’s major cities and more affordable inland regions.