Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Spain Property Pack
Yes, the analysis of Malaga's property market is included in our pack
Finding a rental in Malaga right now is competitive, and prices have been climbing steadily over the past few years.
In this article, we break down the current rental prices in Malaga, neighborhood by neighborhood, so you know exactly what to expect.
We constantly update this blog post to reflect the latest market conditions, so you always have fresh data.
And if you're planning to buy a property in this place, you may want to download our pack covering the real estate market in Malaga.
Insights
- Malaga rental listings often disappear within days, with about 14% of properties renting in under 24 hours according to marketplace data, making speed essential for tenants.
- Studios in Malaga command a higher price per square meter than larger apartments because tenants pay for a full kitchen and bathroom in a smaller footprint.
- The Teatinos neighborhood near the University of Malaga sees some of the fastest rental turnover in the city due to strong student and young professional demand.
- Malaga rents have grown around 6% year-over-year, which is slower than the double-digit increases seen in early 2024, suggesting the market is cooling slightly.
- Air conditioning is almost non-negotiable for Malaga rentals, and properties without it often sit on the market much longer during summer months.
- Expats in Malaga gravitate toward coastal neighborhoods like La Malagueta, Pedregalejo, and El Limonar, where English-speaking communities are more established.
- The vacancy rate for long-term rentals in Malaga sits around 3%, which is extremely tight by European standards and keeps upward pressure on rents.
- Furnished apartments in Malaga typically command a 10% to 15% premium over unfurnished units, partly because international tenants prefer move-in-ready options.
- Peak rental demand in Malaga hits in September and October when university students return and companies finalize post-summer hiring.
What are typical rents in Malaga as of 2026?
What's the average monthly rent for a studio in Malaga as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the average monthly rent for a studio apartment in Malaga is around €650 (approximately $715 USD), which reflects the city's tight rental market and strong demand for smaller units.
Most studios in Malaga fall within a realistic range of €575 to €800 per month ($630 to $880 USD), depending on where you look and what condition the apartment is in.
The main factors that push studio rents up or down in Malaga are location (with Centro Historico, Soho, and La Malagueta at the top), whether the building has an elevator, and whether air conditioning is included.
What's the average monthly rent for a 1-bedroom in Malaga as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the average monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Malaga is around €850 (approximately $935 USD), which positions Malaga among the pricier rental markets in southern Spain.
Most 1-bedroom apartments in Malaga rent for somewhere between €750 and €1,050 per month ($825 to $1,155 USD), with the spread driven mainly by neighborhood and apartment quality.
For 1-bedroom rentals in Malaga, the cheapest options tend to be in neighborhoods like Puerto de la Torre and Ciudad Jardin, while the most expensive are in Centro, La Malagueta, El Limonar, and Pedregalejo near the coast.
What's the average monthly rent for a 2-bedroom in Malaga as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the average monthly rent for a 2-bedroom apartment in Malaga is around €1,200 (approximately $1,320 USD), which reflects strong demand from families and sharers looking for more space.
Most 2-bedroom apartments in Malaga rent for between €1,050 and €1,500 per month ($1,155 to $1,650 USD), though premium units with sea views or parking can exceed this range.
For 2-bedroom rentals in Malaga, neighborhoods like Churriana and Campanillas tend to offer more affordable options, while Malaga Este, Teatinos, and the coastal zones command the highest rents.
By the way, you will find much more detailed rent ranges in our property pack covering the real estate market in Malaga.
What's the average rent per square meter in Malaga as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the average rent per square meter in Malaga is around €15.70 per month (approximately $17.30 USD or $160 per square meter annually), which puts Malaga near record-high levels.
Across different Malaga neighborhoods, rents per square meter range from about €11 in outer areas like Campanillas to over €18 in prime zones like Centro, Malaga Este, and the new-build towers in Martiricos.
Compared to other major Spanish cities, Malaga's rent per square meter is now higher than Seville and Valencia, though still below Madrid and Barcelona.
In Malaga, properties that command above-average rent per square meter typically have air conditioning, an elevator, outdoor space like a terrace or balcony, and proximity to the beach or the historic center.
How much have rents changed year-over-year in Malaga in 2026?
As of early 2026, rents in Malaga have increased by approximately 6% compared to January 2025, which represents a cooling from the double-digit growth rates seen in previous years.
The main factors driving rent increases in Malaga this year are limited housing supply, continued migration to the Costa del Sol, and strong demand from remote workers and international residents.
This 6% annual growth in Malaga is notably slower than the 10% or higher jumps recorded in 2023 and early 2024, suggesting the market is stabilizing somewhat even as demand remains strong.
What's the outlook for rent growth in Malaga in 2026?
As of early 2026, we expect rents in Malaga to grow by 4% to 7% over the coming year, with premium coastal and central neighborhoods likely to see growth at the higher end of that range.
The key factors likely to influence Malaga rent growth in 2026 include Spain's overall economic performance, continued international migration to the Costa del Sol, and the ongoing shortage of rental housing supply.
Neighborhoods in Malaga expected to see the strongest rent growth include Teatinos (due to university demand), Malaga Este (coastal lifestyle appeal), and Centro Historico (walkability and tourism spillover).
Risks that could cause Malaga rent growth to differ from projections include potential new housing regulations, economic slowdowns affecting tourism, or a significant increase in new construction coming to market.
We have made this infographic to give you a quick and clear snapshot of the property market in Spain. It highlights key facts like rental prices, yields, and property costs both in city centers and outside, so you can easily compare opportunities. We’ve done some research and also included useful insights about the country’s economy, like GDP, population, and interest rates, to help you understand the bigger picture.
Which neighborhoods rent best in Malaga as of 2026?
Which neighborhoods have the highest rents in Malaga as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the three neighborhoods with the highest average rents in Malaga are Martiricos-La Roca (due to new-build towers), Malaga Este (coastal premium), and Centro (lifestyle and walkability), where rents can exceed €16 to €18 per square meter (approximately $17.60 to $19.80 USD).
These Malaga neighborhoods command premium rents because they offer a combination of modern or renovated housing stock, proximity to the beach or historic attractions, excellent restaurants and cafes, and easy access to public transport.
The typical tenant profile in these high-rent Malaga neighborhoods includes well-paid professionals, international executives, expats seeking quality of life, and couples without children who prioritize location over space.
By the way, we've written a blog article detailing what are the current best areas to invest in property in Malaga.
Where do young professionals prefer to rent in Malaga right now?
The top three neighborhoods where young professionals prefer to rent in Malaga are Soho (creative vibe and nightlife), Centro Historico (walkable and car-free lifestyle), and Huelin-Pacifico (beach access with more affordable rents).
Young professionals in Malaga typically pay between €750 and €1,100 per month ($825 to $1,210 USD) for a 1-bedroom apartment in these neighborhoods, depending on the specific street and apartment condition.
These Malaga neighborhoods attract young professionals because they offer a mix of trendy cafes and coworking spaces, easy access to public transport, vibrant social scenes, and the ability to live without a car.
By the way, you will find a detailed tenant analysis in our property pack covering the real estate market in Malaga.
Where do families prefer to rent in Malaga right now?
The top three neighborhoods where families prefer to rent in Malaga are Teatinos (newer apartments and good schools), El Palo-Pedregalejo (coastal village atmosphere), and Puerto de la Torre (more space and easier parking).
Families in Malaga typically pay between €1,000 and €1,400 per month ($1,100 to $1,540 USD) for a 2 to 3 bedroom apartment in these neighborhoods, which is more affordable than the city center for the space you get.
These Malaga neighborhoods attract families because they offer larger apartments, green spaces and parks, safer streets for children, and a more residential feel compared to the tourist-heavy center.
Near these family-friendly Malaga neighborhoods, you will find well-regarded public and private schools including Colegio El Limonar, several bilingual public schools in Teatinos, and international school options accessible from Pedregalejo.
Which areas near transit or universities rent faster in Malaga in 2026?
As of early 2026, the three areas in Malaga that rent fastest due to transit or university proximity are Teatinos (near the University of Malaga), Cruz de Humilladero-Perchel (near Maria Zambrano train station), and Carretera de Cadiz (strong metro and bus links).
Properties in these high-demand Malaga areas typically stay listed for only 5 to 10 days, and well-priced units often receive multiple inquiries within the first 24 hours of being posted.
The rent premium for being within walking distance of Malaga's metro stations or the University of Malaga is typically €50 to €100 per month ($55 to $110 USD) compared to similar properties further away.
Which neighborhoods are most popular with expats in Malaga right now?
The top three neighborhoods most popular with expats in Malaga are La Malagueta (beach and city center access), Pedregalejo (relaxed coastal village feel), and El Limonar (upscale residential with good amenities).
Expats in Malaga typically pay between €900 and €1,500 per month ($990 to $1,650 USD) for a quality apartment in these neighborhoods, with sea views or terraces pushing rents toward the higher end.
These Malaga neighborhoods attract expats because they offer a high quality of life, walkable streets, English-friendly services, proximity to international schools, and easy access to the airport and train station.
The most represented expat communities in these Malaga neighborhoods include British, German, Scandinavian, and increasingly American residents, many of whom are remote workers, retirees, or professionals working in tech and consulting.
And if you are also an expat, you may want to read our exhaustive guide for expats in Malaga.
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Who rents, and what do tenants want in Malaga right now?
What tenant profiles dominate rentals in Malaga?
The top three tenant profiles that dominate the Malaga rental market are young professionals (often in tech, tourism, or services), university students (especially around the UMA campus), and international expats or remote workers seeking lifestyle relocations.
Young professionals and expats together represent an estimated 50% to 60% of Malaga's rental demand, while students account for roughly 20% to 25%, and families make up most of the remainder.
Young professionals in Malaga typically seek 1-bedroom apartments in walkable neighborhoods, students look for studios or shared flats near Teatinos, and families search for 2 to 3 bedroom apartments with parking in residential areas.
If you want to optimize your cashflow, you can read our complete guide on how to buy and rent out in Malaga.
Do tenants prefer furnished or unfurnished in Malaga?
In Malaga, roughly 55% to 60% of tenants prefer furnished apartments, which is higher than the Spanish average because of the city's large population of international renters and students who need move-in-ready homes.
Furnished apartments in Malaga typically command a rent premium of €75 to €150 per month ($80 to $165 USD) compared to unfurnished units of similar size and location.
The tenant profiles that prefer furnished rentals in Malaga include international expats, remote workers on medium-term stays, students, and young professionals relocating for work who do not want the hassle of buying furniture.
Which amenities increase rent the most in Malaga?
The top five amenities that increase rent the most in Malaga are air conditioning (essential for summer), elevator access (especially in older buildings), private parking (scarce in central areas), outdoor space like a terrace or balcony, and sea views or beach proximity.
In Malaga, air conditioning can add €30 to €50 per month ($33 to $55 USD), parking adds €50 to €100 per month ($55 to $110 USD), and sea views can push rents up by €100 to €200 per month ($110 to $220 USD) depending on the neighborhood.
In our property pack covering the real estate market in Malaga, we cover what are the best investments a landlord can make.
What renovations get the best ROI for rentals in Malaga?
The top five renovations that get the best ROI for rental properties in Malaga are installing air conditioning, updating the kitchen with modern appliances, refreshing the bathroom, improving lighting and paint, and adding better windows for insulation.
In Malaga, installing air conditioning costs around €1,000 to €2,500 ($1,100 to $2,750 USD) and can increase rent by €30 to €50 per month, while a kitchen refresh at €3,000 to €6,000 ($3,300 to $6,600 USD) can add €50 to €100 per month to your asking rent.
Renovations that tend to have poor ROI for Malaga landlords include luxury finishes that exceed neighborhood standards, swimming pool installations in apartment buildings, and complete structural changes that do not add rentable space.
We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in Spain versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you’re planning to invest there.
How strong is rental demand in Malaga as of 2026?
What's the vacancy rate for rentals in Malaga as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the estimated vacancy rate for long-term rental properties in Malaga is around 3%, which is extremely tight and indicates strong competition among tenants for available units.
Across different Malaga neighborhoods, vacancy rates range from under 2% in high-demand areas like Centro and Teatinos to around 4% to 5% in outer neighborhoods like Campanillas or Puerto de la Torre.
The current vacancy rate in Malaga is lower than the historical average of around 5% to 6%, reflecting the sustained supply shortage and growing demand that has characterized the market since 2022.
Finally please note that you will have all the indicators you need in our property pack covering the real estate market in Malaga.
How many days do rentals stay listed in Malaga as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the average rental property in Malaga stays listed for approximately 12 days before being rented, though well-priced units in popular areas often go within a week.
Across different property types and Malaga neighborhoods, days on market range from under 5 days in Teatinos and Centro to 3 to 6 weeks for overpriced or poorly located units in less central areas.
The current days-on-market figure in Malaga is roughly similar to one year ago, as the market remains tight despite a slight cooling in the pace of rent increases.
Which months have peak tenant demand in Malaga?
The peak months for tenant demand in Malaga are September and October, when university students return and companies finalize post-summer hiring, followed by a secondary peak in May through July for relocations before the summer break.
The specific factors driving seasonal demand in Malaga include the University of Malaga academic calendar, the city's large tourism and hospitality sector hiring cycles, and the general Spanish preference to move during temperate weather.
The months with the lowest tenant demand in Malaga are typically December, January (after the initial New Year moves), and August when many potential tenants are on vacation and the market slows considerably.
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What will my monthly costs be in Malaga as of 2026?
What property taxes should landlords expect in Malaga as of 2026?
As of early 2026, landlords in Malaga should expect to pay annual property tax (IBI) of around €300 to €500 ($330 to $550 USD) for a typical apartment, plus a waste fee (tasa de basuras) of approximately €120 to €170 per year ($130 to $185 USD).
Across Malaga, annual property taxes range from about €200 for smaller flats with low cadastral values to €800 or more ($220 to $880 USD) for larger or more centrally located properties.
Property taxes in Malaga are calculated by applying the city's IBI rate of 0.451% to your property's cadastral value (valor catastral), which is an official valuation typically lower than market value and set by the regional land registry.
Please note that, in our property pack covering the real estate market in Malaga, we cover what exemptions or deductions may be available to reduce property taxes for landlords.
What utilities do landlords often pay in Malaga right now?
The utilities that Malaga landlords most commonly pay on behalf of tenants are community fees (gastos de comunidad), building insurance, and sometimes the waste fee, while tenants typically pay electricity, water, gas, and internet directly.
Community fees in Malaga typically cost landlords between €60 and €180 per month ($65 to $200 USD), depending on whether the building has an elevator, porter service, pool, or other shared amenities.
The common practice in Malaga long-term rentals is for tenants to put utilities (electricity, water, internet) in their own name and pay them directly, while the landlord continues to pay IBI, community fees, and building insurance as part of ownership costs.
How is rental income taxed in Malaga as of 2026?
As of early 2026, rental income in Malaga for Spanish tax residents is taxed as part of your general income (IRPF), with marginal rates ranging from 19% to 47% depending on total income, though a significant reduction applies when renting as primary residence.
The main deductions Malaga landlords can claim against rental income include mortgage interest, property taxes (IBI), community fees, repairs and maintenance, insurance, and depreciation of the property at 3% of the building value per year.
A common tax mistake specific to Malaga landlords is confusing long-term residential rental rules with tourist rental (VFT) rules, which have different tax treatments and registration requirements that can lead to penalties if mixed up.
We cover these mistakes, among others, in our list of risks and pitfalls people face when buying property in Malaga.
We made this infographic to show you how property prices in Spain compare to other big cities across the region. It breaks down the average price per square meter in city centers, so you can see how cities stack up. It’s an easy way to spot where you might get the best value for your money. We hope you like it.
What sources have we used to write this blog article?
Whether it's in our blog articles or the market analyses included in our property pack about Malaga, we always rely on the strongest methodology we can … and we don't throw out numbers at random.
We also aim to be fully transparent, so below we've listed the authoritative sources we used, and explained how we used them and the methods behind our estimates.
| Source | Why it's authoritative | How we used it |
|---|---|---|
| idealista Malaga Rent Index | idealista is Spain's largest property portal with a long-running, transparent price index based on actual listings. | We used it as our primary source for Malaga rent per square meter and neighborhood-level pricing. We tracked historical data to calculate year-over-year changes. |
| Fotocasa Malaga Capital Index | Fotocasa is another major Spanish property marketplace with an established independent price index. | We used it to cross-check idealista's figures and confirm price trends were consistent across platforms. We verified directional movements matched our primary source. |
| SERPAVI (Ministry of Housing) | SERPAVI is the Spanish government's official rental reference system built from administrative data. | We used it to sanity-check market rents against official benchmarks. We treated government figures as an anchor when portal prices looked unusually high. |
| Banco de España Rental Market Analysis | Spain's central bank provides deep, referenced analysis of rental market dynamics and supply-demand factors. | We used it to understand structural reasons behind Malaga's rental pressure. We drew on their analysis to support our 2026 outlook and tenant profile estimates. |
| idealista "Alquiler Expres" Report | This is direct marketplace data showing how quickly rentals are taken, based on actual transaction timing. | We used it to estimate days on market and vacancy tightness in Malaga. We cited their finding that 14% of rentals go within 24 hours. |
| Ayuntamiento de Malaga IBI Ordinance | This is the city's official tax ordinance text with the legally binding property tax rate. | We used it to pull the exact IBI rate of 0.451% for urban properties in Malaga. We calculated typical tax amounts based on representative cadastral values. |
| AEAT Rental Income Tax Guide | AEAT is Spain's tax authority and this is their official guidance on how rental income is taxed. | We used it to explain IRPF treatment of rental income and available deductions. We ensured our tax section reflects current rules for 2024/2025 tax years. |
| AEAT Primary Residence Rental Reduction | This is AEAT's official step-by-step guide on rental income reductions for primary residence leases. | We used it to clarify when landlords qualify for tax reductions on long-term rentals. We distinguished these rules from tourist rental taxation. |
| AEAT Non-Resident Tax Rules | This is the authoritative source for how non-resident landlords are taxed on Spanish rental income. | We used it to explain IRNR taxation for the many non-resident property owners in Malaga. We ensured our guidance applies to both resident and non-resident landlords. |
| BOE Spain Housing Law (Ley 12/2023) | BOE is the official record for Spanish national laws, and this is the key housing regulation text. | We used it to reference how "tensioned areas" and rent-update rules work in Spain. We ensured our regulatory statements are legally accurate. |
| BBVA Research Housing Observatory | BBVA Research provides credible macroeconomic forecasts used by investors and institutions. | We used their economic outlook to inform our rent growth projections for Malaga in 2026. We factored in their employment and migration assumptions. |
| Ministry of Finance Municipal Tax Database | This is the national government's compilation of municipal tax data across Spain. | We used it to verify Malaga's IBI rate against the local ordinance. We treat it as a backup source if local documents change format. |
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