Find your place in Girona with a local home finder

Girona is a compact, walkable city in the heart of Catalonia, situated at the confluence of four rivers — the Ter, Onyar, Galligants, and Güell — just north of Barcelona and close to the French border. It combines a remarkably well-preserved medieval centre with modern urban amenities, making it an appealing destination for expatriates.

• Quality of life: Girona consistently ranks among Spain's most liveable mid-sized cities, offering low commute times, clean streets, and a strong sense of community.
• Gastronomy: The city is home to world-renowned restaurants, including El Celler de Can Roca, a three-Michelin-star institution that has repeatedly topped global restaurant rankings.
• Cycling culture: Girona has become one of Europe's premier cycling destinations, attracting professional cyclists and enthusiasts from around the world. A thriving ecosystem of bike shops, training routes, and cycling-focused businesses has developed around this community.
• Education and healthcare: The Universitat de Girona provides a strong academic environment, while the Hospital Universitari de Girona Doctor Josep Trueta offers high-quality public healthcare.
• Connectivity: High-speed rail links Girona to Barcelona in approximately 38 minutes and to the French border in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for cross-border commuters and frequent travellers.
• Nature and outdoor life: The Costa Brava coastline, the Pyrenees foothills, and the Gavarres natural park are all within easy reach, offering year-round outdoor recreation.

Girona's long-term rental market has experienced sustained demand growth in recent years, driven by the city's expanding university population (University of Girona), a growing expat community, and an influx of cycling professionals attracted by the city's lifestyle. Despite this demand, Girona remains considerably more affordable than Barcelona, located just 38 minutes away by high-speed train.

According to Idealista data from April 2025, the average asking rent in Girona city stands at approximately 12.3 EUR per square metre per month. The most sought-after areas — particularly Barri Vell and Eixample — see faster turnover and higher competition for available units. More peripheral neighbourhoods such as Pont Major and Pedret-Campdorà offer lower rents and more availability.

Girona is designated as a zona tensionada under Spain's 2023 Housing Law, meaning that rent regulation mechanisms apply. Landlords classified as grands tenedors (large holders) must comply with the official rent reference index (IRAV). The rental market is active year-round, with a notable peak in demand at the start of each academic year (September–October) when university students compete with other tenants for available flats.

Girona offers a competitive long-term rental market compared to other Catalan cities. The city is classified as a zona tensionada (stressed rental zone) under Spain's 2023 Housing Law (Ley de Vivienda), which means rent increases for new contracts may be subject to regulatory caps depending on the landlord's status. Tenants should verify the applicable rent reference index (Índice de Referencia del Alquiler de Vivienda, IRAV) before signing any lease.

On top of the monthly rent, tenants should budget for additional upfront costs: a security deposit of one month's rent (mandatory under Article 36 of the LAU), plus a possible additional guarantee of up to two months' rent requested by some landlords. Agency fees, where applicable, are typically equivalent to one month's rent. Utility bills (electricity, water, gas, internet) are generally not included in the rent and add an estimated 100 EUR to 200 EUR per month depending on usage and season.

Rental prices in Girona remain significantly more affordable than Barcelona, making the city an attractive option for long-term tenants. According to Idealista data from April 2025, the average asking rent in Girona city stands at approximately 12.3 EUR per square metre per month, which translates to roughly 934 EUR/month for a standard 80 m² apartment.

Budget ranges vary considerably by neighbourhood and property type:

• Studio or small flat (up to 40 m²): typically from 550 EUR/month to 750 EUR/month in residential areas
• 1-bedroom apartment (50–65 m²): generally between 700 EUR/month and 950 EUR/month
• 2-bedroom apartment (70–90 m²): commonly between 900 EUR/month and 1,300 EUR/month
• 3-bedroom apartment or house: from 1,100 EUR/month upwards, depending on location and condition

Premium properties in Barri Vell (the Old Town) command higher rents due to their historic character and central location. More affordable options are found in Pont Major, Pedret, and Campdorà, where per-square-metre prices are among the lowest in the city (Indomio, 2025).

When searching for a long-term rental in Girona, tenants — especially newcomers and expats — should be aware of the following common pitfalls:

• Signing a short-term or seasonal contract (less than 12 months) when intending to use the property as a primary residence. Contracts under 11 months may be classified as seasonal leases and do not carry the full tenant protections of the LAU (Urban Leases Law).
• Not verifying the landlord's status (large holder vs. individual landlord), which affects whether rent caps under the Ley de Vivienda 2023 apply to the property.
• Failing to obtain a NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) before starting the search. While you can sign a contract with a passport, landlords and agencies will require a NIE for the formal lease. Delays in obtaining this document can slow down the process.
• Not documenting the property's condition at move-in. Taking dated photographs of any pre-existing damage protects tenants from unjustified deposit deductions at the end of the tenancy.
• Underestimating upfront costs. Beyond the first month's rent, tenants should anticipate a security deposit (one month's rent, mandatory under LAU Article 36), a possible additional guarantee, and agency fees where applicable.
• Overlooking the rental reference scale. In regulated zones, landlords are required to disclose the Ministry of Housing's rent reference range. Tenants should check whether the asking rent falls within this range.
• Searching only on major portals. Some landlords in Girona list properties through local agencies or community boards. Broadening the search to local Catalan agencies and neighbourhood networks can uncover better-value options.