Fantastic, nothing to add. Mathilde managed to find us an apartment that met all our criteria. Thank you so much for your help and professionalism.
Anne, or another of our hunters in Bilbao, will take care of your search
The total monthly cost of renting in Bilbao is made up of several components that international students should plan for carefully.
Bilbao in brief for international students: Two major universities — the University of Deusto and UPV/EHU — anchor a lively student scene. Shared rooms rent from approximately 320 EUR/month; student residences from 570 EUR/month. The best student neighbourhoods are Deusto, Abando, and Indautxu. Under Spanish law (LAU + Law 12/2023), the security deposit is one month's rent and agency fees are the landlord's responsibility. Start your search early — the market is competitive.
Finding long-term student accommodation in Bilbao requires a good understanding of the local rental market, the city's neighbourhoods, and Spanish tenancy law. Whether you are enrolling at the University of Deusto in the Deusto neighbourhood or at a faculty of the University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU) in Basurto or Leioa, choosing the right area and the right type of rental contract will have a significant impact on your experience and your budget. Bilbao's rental market is competitive, particularly at the start of the academic year, and average asking rents have been rising — Idealista data from early 2025 placed Bilbao sixth among the most expensive cities to rent in Spain, at approximately 14.9 EUR/m²/month. Starting your accommodation search two to three months before your arrival, understanding your rights as a tenant under the LAU, and knowing which neighbourhoods offer the best value are all essential steps for a successful move to Bilbao.
Bilbao, the capital of Bizkaia in Spain's Basque Country, is a dynamic university city that attracts thousands of international students each year. The two main higher education institutions are the University of Deusto — a private Jesuit university with around 12,000 students including 2,500 international students — and the University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), a public university with over 45,000 students across three Basque campuses. The most popular student neighbourhoods include Deusto, Abando, and Indautxu, all well connected by metro and bus. Monthly rents for a room in a shared flat range from approximately 320 EUR/month to 500 EUR/month, while student residences such as Resa Blas de Otero or micampus San Mamés offer all-inclusive options from 570 EUR/month to 815 EUR/month. Under Spain's Ley por el Derecho a la Vivienda (Law 12/2023), agency fees for long-term residential rentals must be paid by the landlord, and the legal security deposit (fianza) is set at one month's rent under the Urban Leases Act (LAU).
Finding long-term student accommodation in Bilbao requires a good understanding of the local rental market, the city's neighbourhoods, and Spanish tenancy law. Whether you are enrolling at the University of Deusto in the Deusto neighbourhood or at a faculty of the University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU) in Basurto or Leioa, choosing the right area and the right type of rental contract will have a significant impact on your experience and your budget. Bilbao's rental market is competitive, particularly at the start of the academic year, and average asking rents have been rising — Idealista data from early 2025 placed Bilbao sixth among the most expensive cities to rent in Spain, at approximately 14.9 EUR/m²/month. Starting your accommodation search two to three months before your arrival, understanding your rights as a tenant under the LAU, and knowing which neighbourhoods offer the best value are all essential steps for a successful move to Bilbao.
Bilbao is considered a moderately priced city by Spanish standards, though rental costs have been rising steadily. According to Idealista data cited in early 2025, Bilbao ranked sixth among the most expensive cities to rent in Spain, with an average asking price of approximately 14.9 EUR/m²/month. For a student, the most cost-effective strategy is to opt for a room in a shared flat (piso compartido) in well-connected neighbourhoods such as Deusto, Uribarri, or Basurto, where rooms can be found from 320 EUR/month to 450 EUR/month. Fully furnished rooms in managed student buildings or residences — such as Resa Blas de Otero (from 570 EUR/month) or General Concha 24 (from 445 EUR/month) — offer greater convenience at a higher price point (source: Uniscopio, 2025–2026). Planning your budget early and starting your search at least two to three months before your arrival date is strongly recommended, as demand for student accommodation in Bilbao is high, particularly at the start of the academic year.
One of the most common mistakes made by international students searching for accommodation in Bilbao is agreeing to pay agency fees directly. Under Spain's Ley por el Derecho a la Vivienda (Law 12/2023, in force since 26 May 2023), agency fees for long-term residential rentals must be paid by the landlord, not the tenant. Despite this, some landlords or agents still attempt to pass these costs on to tenants, particularly in a tight rental market. Students should be aware of this right and refuse such charges.
A second frequent error is signing a short-term contract of 11 months or less without understanding the implications. While some landlords offer these to avoid obligations under the Urban Leases Act (LAU), a contract of 11 months or more provides stronger tenant protections, including automatic renewal rights. Students planning to stay for a full academic year should seek a standard long-term lease.
Finally, many students underestimate move-in costs: the legal fianza (one month's rent) plus a possible additional guarantee of up to two months' rent can represent a significant upfront payment that must be budgeted for before arrival.
Fantastic, nothing to add. Mathilde managed to find us an apartment that met all our criteria. Thank you so much for your help and professionalism.
Gaëlle provided excellent service. We finally found accommodation that suited us. At first, I was a little pessimistic, but in the end, everything went well.
Justine was an invaluable help. She quickly found us a rental that perfectly matched our requirements. Her availability, kindness, and responsiveness are undeniable. I highly recommend her services!
Thank you to Aude for her availability, follow-up, and smile! A room was found for my daughter very quickly. Thank you for all the information, answering our many questions, and for your support right up to the key handover! I highly recommend her.
Deusto, around the main campus of the University of Deusto, then Abando and Indautxu, all well served by metro and bus. Basurto and San Mamés, near the UPV/EHU School of Engineering, offer good value for money.
The metro also reaches the Leioa campus: a room further out but close to a station is often cheaper. A Home Finder based locally can view rooms on your behalf and prepare your application.
In Bilbao, what the landlord can require on top of the one-month fianza is an additional guarantee of up to two months' rent. They may also ask for other guarantees, such as a guarantor: check this before you apply.
Prepare a complete application with an ID document and proof of funds, as the student market is very competitive. The Home Finder helps you put this application together, supports it with the landlord and reviews the tenancy agreement before you sign.
A flatshare is the cheapest: around 320 to 500 EUR a month for a room, depending on the neighbourhood. Managed student halls cost more but are furnished and all-inclusive: General Concha 24 from 445 EUR, Resa Blas de Otero or micampus San Mamés from 570 to 815 EUR a month.
A studio or small flat usually rents for between 700 and 1,100 EUR a month. The universities also take part in the 20-75 programme, which offers low-cost rooms in the homes of older residents.
At least two to three months before the academic year begins. Demand is high in Bilbao, especially in September, and the best rooms in Deusto, Abando and Indautxu go quickly.
Contact your university's housing service as early as possible and aim for a tenancy of 11 months or more if you are staying the whole year: the LAU protects you better. The Home Finder can start the search and view rooms before you arrive.
Allow 320 to 900 EUR a month depending on the option: around 320 to 500 EUR for a room in a flatshare, more in a student hall or a studio. If bills are not included, add 80 to 150 EUR a month.
When you move in, plan for the fianza of one month's rent, plus a possible additional guarantee of up to two months. Since Law 12/2023, letting agent fees on a long-term let are paid by the landlord: refuse to pay them.
First contact:Your home finder offers a free call to understand your needs.
I am applying
