Coliving and furnished monthly rentals in Madrid both serve mid-term tenants, but they differ in what they offer and their cost. While a traditional furnished flat provides a private home, coliving blends private sleeping quarters with shared professional and social services. This article compares both options, detailing the current market prices for various home types and the legal requirements of the rental contract (Ley 29/1994, de Arrendamientos Urbanos (LAU), artículo 3).

Monthly Rental Prices in Madrid by Home Type

The cost of a mid-term rental in Madrid varies based on the size of the property and whether utilities are included in the price.

One-Bedroom Flat

The median advertised monthly rent for a one-bedroom flat is 1,900 €, with half of the listings falling between 1,470 € and 2,370 € (Flexsirent observatory, October 2026). There are 119 listings for this home type, and 69% of them include bills in the price.

Flat with Two Bedrooms or More

For flats with two or more bedrooms, the median advertised monthly rent is 2,780 €, with the interquartile range between 2,208 € and 3,589 € (Flexsirent observatory, October 2026). Out of 138 listings, 77% include bills.

Studio

Studios offer a more compact option with a median advertised monthly rent of 1,250 €, and half of the listings priced between 950 € and 1,665 € (Flexsirent observatory, October 2026). There are 81 listings available, and 59% of these include bills.

Room in a Shared Flat

Renting a room in a shared flat is the most affordable option, with a median advertised monthly rent of 625 € and half of the listings between 538 € and 735 € (Flexsirent observatory, October 2026). This category has the highest volume with 375 listings, although only 43% include bills.

What a Coliving Space Includes

A typical coliving space is designed to provide a turnkey living experience. Tenants generally have access to furnished rooms or private studios, while the rest of the property consists of shared common areas such as kitchens, lounges, and coworking spaces.

The monthly cost usually covers essential utilities and internet, removing the need for the tenant to set up individual contracts. Many coliving operators also include housekeeping or maintenance services and organize community events to help residents network. Because the space is managed, the tenant does not own any of the furniture and does not enter into a long-term commitment.

Coliving Versus Furnished Monthly Rental: Key Differences

When choosing between these two mid-term rental options, tenants should consider three main factors:

  1. Included Services: A furnished monthly rental provides a home with the necessary furniture and appliances. A coliving space provides furniture plus a layer of services, such as cleaning, utility management, and community programming.
  2. Flexibility and Commitment: Both options are designed for stays of 1 to 11 months. However, coliving is often structured for higher flexibility, as it functions more like a service than a traditional lease.
  3. Privacy and Community: A furnished flat offers total privacy and autonomy. Coliving prioritizes shared spaces and social interaction, offering a built-in community of other professionals or students.

The Rental Contract for Monthly Rentals in Madrid

A monthly rental in Madrid is signed as a temporada contract, which is a lease for a use other than permanent housing and must state a temporary cause, such as work or studies (Ley 29/1994, de Arrendamientos Urbanos (LAU), artículo 3).

The legal deposit (fianza) for a temporada contract is 2 months' rent, whereas a contract for a permanent home requires only 1 month's rent (Ley 29/1994 (LAU), artículo 36). The deposit must be returned when the tenant leaves. This return is subject to any deductions for damage or unpaid rent.

Registration and Paperwork for Non-Spanish Tenants

Empadronamiento is the registration at the town hall (ayuntamiento) of the municipality where a person lives (Ley 7/1985, Reguladora de las Bases del Régimen Local, artículos 15 y 16). Everyone living in Spain must register; this process requires the rental contract and is necessary to obtain a public health card and complete various administrative procedures.

EU citizens who stay in Spain for more than 3 months must apply to be entered in the Registro Central de Extranjeros to obtain a registration certificate (Real Decreto 240/2007, artículo 7).

Non-EU citizens require a visa based on the reason for their stay, such as studies or work, as determined by the Spanish consulate (Ley Orgánica 4/2000). For those working remotely, a digital nomad visa exists for citizens of non-EU countries who work for companies located outside Spain (Ley 14/2013).

Frequently asked questions

What is a temporada contract and how does it differ from a standard lease?

A temporada contract is a lease for a use other than permanent housing that specifies a temporary cause, such as studies or work (Ley 29/1994 (LAU), artículo 3).

The legal deposit for a temporada contract is 2 months' rent (Ley 29/1994 (LAU), artículo 36).

Do I need to register at the town hall if I rent a flat by the month in Madrid?

Yes, everyone who lives in Spain must complete the empadronamiento, which is the registration at the town hall of the municipality where they live (Ley 7/1985, artículos 15 y 16).

As an EU citizen, do I need any registration in Spain for a stay of several months?

EU citizens staying more than 3 months must register in the Registro Central de Extranjeros to receive a registration certificate (Real Decreto 240/2007, artículo 7).