Moving out alone is becoming increasingly impossible for thousands of young people across Andalucia as soaring rents continue to outpace wages.

Rising housing costs, low salaries and a chronic lack of available homes have pushed the age of emancipation steadily higher across Spain’s southern region, especially in its biggest cities.

The latest figures paint a bleak picture for young renters, many of whom are now forced to spend huge chunks of their monthly salary simply to keep a roof over their heads.

Malaga remains the most expensive

Malaga continues to dominate as the most expensive provincial capital in Andalucia for renters.

According to the latest data from Idealista for May 2026, average rental prices in the city have now reached €16.3 per square metre – placing Malaga among the priciest cities in Spain overall.

That means a standard 70m2 flat can now easily cost more than €1,100 per month before bills or other living expenses are even added.

The surge has fuelled growing anger among residents, with housing groups and neighbourhood associations blaming mass tourism, holiday rentals and a lack of residential supply for driving locals out of the city.

Sevilla and Cadiz under pressure

Sevilla is now averaging around €12/m2, cementing its position as one of the region’s most pressured rental markets.

Cadiz also remains among the region’s most expensive cities at roughly €11/m2, with tourism demand and limited housing stock continuing to squeeze long-term residents.

Granada, Cordoba and Almeria

Granada currently averages around €10/m2, with strong pressure linked partly to the city’s huge student population and the popularity of room rentals in certain districts.

Meanwhile, Cordoba and Almeria hover around €9/m2. Although still cheaper than Malaga or Sevilla, both cities have also seen steady rental increases in recent years.

Jaen and Huelva

At the other end of the scale, Jaen and Huelva continue to offer Andalucia’s most affordable rents.

Both cities remain around the €8/m2 mark, roughly half the average price currently seen in Malaga.

However, property experts warn that even traditionally cheaper cities are beginning to experience upward pressure as demand rises across the region.

Young salaries no longer match housing costs

The biggest issue remains the growing disconnect between wages and housing prices.

Studies into youth emancipation repeatedly show that many young people in Spain now need to spend more than 40% of their income on rent alone, far above the level considered financially sustainable.

As a result, many young Andalucians are left with little choice but to continue living with parents, share flats deep into adulthood, or leave major cities altogether in search of cheaper housing.

Read more Andalucia news at the Spanish Eye.