Recently while searching for accommodation in Zaragoza, I noticed many friends were unclear about rental costs here Zaragoza living costs, so today I’ll share my experience and actual expenses from these past few months of renting.
Monthly Rent Price Range
Rental prices in Zaragoza are considerably cheaper than Madrid and Barcelona, though there’s still significant variation between different areas. In the city center, such as Casco Antiguo and Centro, studio apartments typically range from 450-600 euros, while one-bedroom apartments cost around 600-800 euros. If you choose areas like Delicias or Universidad, prices are slightly lower - studios run 400-550 euros and one-bedrooms 550-700 euros. Suburban areas like Oliver and Valdefierro are even more affordable, with studios available for 300-450 euros.
Below is a comparison table I’ve compiled for different areas:
| District | Studio | One-Bedroom | Two-Bedroom |
|---|
| Centro/Casco Antiguo | 450-600€ | 600-800€ | 800-1100€ |
| Delicias/Universidad | 400-550€ | 550-700€ | 700-950€ |
| Oliver/Valdefierro | 300-450€ | 450-600€ | 600-800€ |
Deposit and Advance Payment
Renting here typically requires a 1-2 month deposit, with most landlords requesting 1 month, though some Zaragoza travel costs may ask for 2 months. Additionally, you’ll need to prepay the first month’s rent when moving in, so it’s important to budget at least 2-3 months’ rent. When I rented, I paid 600 euros deposit plus 600 euros first month’s rent, totaling 1,200 euros upfront. It’s worth noting that when the deposit is returned, the landlord will inspect the property condition, and any damage may result in partial deductions.
Utilities and Internet
Monthly Fixed Expenses
Expenses beyond rent shouldn’t be overlooked. Utilities are generally not included in rent. Electricity costs vary with usage - with air conditioning in summer, expect around 40-70 euros monthly, and in winter with heating it may be higher at 60-90 euros. Water is relatively cheap at 15-25 euros per month. For internet, I use Movistar’s package at 35 euros monthly, which offers decent speeds. If you’re sharing, these costs split among roommates become much more affordable.
Community fees are sometimes included in rent by some landlords, while others require tenants to pay separately, typically 30-50 euros monthly. Waste disposal fees sometimes need to be paid separately too, though they’re not expensive - around 100 euros annually.
Other Hidden Costs
While house hunting, I encountered some unexpected additional expenses. Some agencies charge half a month to one month’s rent as commission, though nowadays many landlords post directly on idealista or fotocasa, allowing you to save this fee. Contract signing may require notarization, costing approximately 50-100 euros. If the property is unfurnished, purchasing basic furniture and household items represents a significant expense - I spent about 800 euros on a bed, desk, chairs, and kitchenware.
For the first month of renting in Zaragoza, you may need to prepare 2,000-3,000 euros total, with monthly costs stabilizing at around 700-900 euros thereafter. I recommend viewing several properties before deciding, carefully reading contract terms, and clarifying which costs are included and which aren’t to avoid disputes after moving in.
