So you have decided to study in Spain, but are you having a hard time choosing between Madrid, Malaga or Seville? We understand. After all, they are three of the largest and most popular cities in Spain, and both Madrid, Malaga, and Seville offer great advantages for your student life in Spain. So it’s normal to be a little hesitant about it.
But you should know that Madrid, Malaga, and Seville also have some differences between them, so depending on what you are looking for, you may prefer one over the other.
In this post, we will help you decide, breaking down the main differences between Madrid, Malaga, and Seville. Thus, you will be able to choose which is the best residence for your student experience in Spain.
Check it out!
1. Cost of living Madrid vs Malaga and Seville:
The cost of living in Madrid is undoubtedly more expensive than that of Malaga and Seville, especially due to the cost of housing, which is generally higher in more populated cities. In the center of Madrid, an apartment for one person can cost approximately 900€, while in Seville prices are between 500 and 700€ and in Malaga, an average of 500€.
As for purchases of the month in large supermarkets in Madrid, they are approximately 200€, going out to eat a menu of the day is around 12€. In Malaga, the approximate cost of the purchases of the month is 140€ and 9€ on the menu of the day. And Seville, 150€ in monthly purchases and 12€ in a menu of the day.
Madrid offers a very complete public transport service, there is a bonus of 54€ per month with which you will have access to the metro, tram or bus, 20€ if you are under 26 years old. In Malaga, you have a monthly bus card with a cost of 39.95€ and a youth bonus of 27€. In Seville, the monthly card costs 35€, and the youth card up to 29 years of age costs 17€.
2. Food in Madrid vs Malaga and Seville:
In Madrid, you cannot miss the squid sandwich, tripe, Madrid stew, potato omelet, broken eggs from Casa Lucio, and churros with chocolate from Chocolatería San Ginés.
In Seville, fried fish and marinated dogfish are very typical to take as an aperitif with a cold beer. Other dishes that are eaten in Seville are the Andalusian stew, the oxtail, the gazpacho, mainly consumed in summer since it is a dish that is served cold, and its special “serranito” sandwich prepared with pork loin, Serrano or Iberian ham, tomato slices and fried green pepper.
In Malaga, you can try the sardine skewers and the malagueña fry that you will find on the beach. And other typical foods are fried eggplants with honey and “ajoblanco”. In fact, there are many typical dishes that are consumed throughout Andalusia.
3. Lifestyle in Madrid vs Malaga and Seville:
As you have seen, Madrid is without a doubt one of the most expensive cities in Spain, but with a great quality of life, good weather, a super energetic city and alive both day and night, one of Madrid’s attractions is the abundance of bars, restaurants, and terraces from morning to the night. In addition, there is a great cultural offer, from museums with international relevance to World Heritage sites two hours from Madrid.
Malaga is a city with an affordable price compared to other cities, with a healthy lifestyle, a relaxed and calm pace of life, and excellent weather to enjoy the beach, the sun, and mountain routes. As every Andalusian city is also considered a living city, there are always people on the street wanting to celebrate. Cinemas, museums, concert halls, restaurants and much more!
In Seville the streets breathe well-being, it is lived as a meeting place where you will feel in a kind of vital celebration, it is a city full of energy. There are many outdoor activities thanks to its good temperature throughout the year, you can go by bicycle, stroll through the city’s parks and squares or enjoy its famous “terraceo”.
4. Location of Madrid vs Malaga and Seville:
Madrid is the state capital, it is an autonomous community and it is located in the center of Spain. Malaga and Seville, are two of the provinces that make up the autonomous community of Andalusia, are located in southern Spain. Seville is the capital of the community and also its most populous city. Malaga is a port city on the Costa del Sol, and the only one of the three with a beach.
Final Verdict:
Well, which city is the best for students who want to live in Spain, Madrid, Malaga or Seville? Depends. Both Madrid, Malaga, and Seville have the same charm, the same people, and similar things to do. Madrid and Seville are cities that can offer you a more energetic and cosmopolitan lifestyle, while Malaga can be more affordable. You just have to prioritize and see what is best for you.
