Housing affordability is a major concern in many U.S. cities. It’s no surprise that increasing numbers of Americans are exploring the option of taking their housing budgets abroad.
One standout destination where your current housing budget—or perhaps much less—can unlock a safer, richer, more fulfilling lifestyle is Spain, where we’re hosting the Live And Invest In Spain Conference this fall.
Spain offers a range of lifestyle options: from buzzing cities and charming historic towns to relaxing beach resorts and tranquil mountain retreats. It’s safe, the cost of living is low, health care is top-tier, and the people are famously friendly and full of life.
Best of all—real estate in Spain is dramatically more affordable than in the U.S. Let’s compare the average property prices (for 100 square meters) in five popular Spanish cities with their U.S. counterparts.
Barcelona Vs. San Francisco
- Barcelona—Average Property Price: $460,000
- San Francisco—Average Property Price: $1 million
Barcelona is a world-class Mediterranean city, known for its coastline, culture, cuisine, and cosmopolitan lifestyle. It’s a hub for travel throughout Europe and beyond.
Yet all of this comes at a third of the cost of San Francisco, the U.S.’s equivalent coastal city with a cosmopolitan atmosphere, where even modest condos regularly sell for over $1 million.
Health care, dining, transportation, and entertainment all cost significantly less in Barcelona, making for a higher quality of life at a fraction of the price.
Spain property prices in Barcelona: 2-Bed Apartment For $395,300
Valencia Vs. Austin
- Valencia—Average Property Price: $300,000
- Austin—Average Property Price: $580,000
Austin may be a U.S. hot spot… but Valencia is sunnier, more vibrant, and much more affordable.
Spain’s third-largest city, Valencia offers stunning architect modern infrastructure and a relaxed coastal vibe. Named the Best Place To Retire Overseas in 2024 and 2025, it offers walkable neighborhoods, easy beach access, and year-round warm weather.
You can live well here on $2,000 to $2,500 per month—less than half of the cost of living in Austin.
Spain Property Prices In Valencia: 3-Bed Apartment For $332,300
This three-bed, two-bath, 108-square-meter apartment is on the market for €290,000 (about $332,300). It’s in Ruzafa—one of Valencia’s coolest, most in-demand neighborhoods.
Murcia Vs. Sarasota
- Murcia—Average Property Price: $163,000
- Sarasota—Average Property Price: $352,000
Both are sunny, beach-friendly destinations, but Murcia delivers that lifestyle at a steep discount (and without the alligators).
Located in southeastern Spain, Murcia boasts over 320 sunny days per year, affordable real estate, and a rich food and wine culture. You can enjoy golf, tapas, and the sea on your doorstep.
Spain Property Prices In Murcia: 2-Bed Penthouse For $149,500
This two-bed, one-bath, 60-square-meter penthouse is located in a golf course on a private residential complex in the town of Roldán. It’s on the market for €130,000 (about $149,500).
Seville Vs. Charleston
- Seville—Average Property Price: $232,000
- Charleston—Average Property Price: $819,000
Seville, like Charleston, is known for its charm and history… but at a much more accessible price point.
The Andalusian capital is a compact, romantic city where dinner begins at 9 p.m. or later, and flamenco spills out of courtyards and into cobblestone alleys. It’s famous for its historic quarter, Moorish palaces, and open-air plazas where locals gather late into the night.
You’ll find three-bedroom apartments in restored buildings for around $250,000—often in UNESCO-protected zones. Meanwhile, Charleston homes have climbed past the half-million mark.
Spain Property Prices In Seville: 2-Bed Apartment For $228,700
This 2-bed, 1-bath, 57-square-meter apartment is located in Triana, in the heart of Sevilla, on the banks of the Guadalquivir River. It’s on the market for €199,000 (about $228,700).
Cádiz Vs. Santa Fe
- Cádiz—Average Property Price: $280,000
- Santa Fe—Average Property Price: $426,300
If you’re drawn to Santa Fe’s dry air, art scene, and slow-paced living, you’ll love Cádiz—a coastal charmer on Spain’s southwestern Costa de la Luz.
It’s one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Europe, with winding alleys, whitewashed buildings, and incredible Atlantic beaches. Like Santa Fe, it has a creative energy—just with more seafood and ocean breezes.
Life moves at a relaxed pace. Instead of driving everywhere, you’ll walk to markets, cafés, and the beach. The average property price is just $280,000.
Spain Property Prices In Cádiz: 3-Bed Apartment For $287,500
This spacious three-bed, one-bath, 81-square-meter apartment is on the market for €250,000 (or $287,500). It’s in central Cádiz and only a three-minute walk to La Caleta Beach.
What Your Money Buys You In Spain
With $150,000 to $250,000—modest by U.S. standards—you can afford a charming, spacious home in a thriving Spanish city. On average, Spanish properties are 40% to 70% cheaper than comparable homes in the U.S.
But you’re not just buying property… you’re buying a better way of life. Warm weather, affordable health care, vibrant culture, fresh food, slower days, and a sense of community await you in Spain.
To smooth travels and successful property buys,
Sophia Titley
Editor, Overseas Opportunity Letter