In recent years, Spain’s capital has been losing young residents faster than any other region in the country. Last year alone, more than 31,000 people aged 25 to 34 chose to leave Madrid. By comparison, in Catalonia this number is almost half as much. The main reasons are the unaffordability of independent housing and unstable job prospects.
The experiences of those who have moved speak for themselves. After fifteen years in the capital, Alejandro De la Rosa (Alejandro De la Rosa) returned to his hometown of Ponferrada (Ponferrada) to escape constant uncertainty and high living costs. In Madrid, he worked as a writer and ran a food blog, but now he is a bookseller at a small shop. His decision was motivated not only by the desire to be closer to his family but also by the inability to afford rent and maintain a decent standard of living.
According to the data, only about 15% of young people in this age group can afford to live independently. The average rent for an apartment in Madrid exceeds 1,000 euros per month, absorbing nearly all of their income. As a result, many are forced to share apartments or move back in with their parents.
Carlos Muñoz (Carlos Muñoz) faced a similar situation after recently relocating to Galicia (Galicia). In Madrid, he paid 500 euros for a room, but now, together with his partner, he has bought an apartment, and their mortgage costs the same amount. The move allowed him to change jobs, improve his quality of life, and spend less time commuting.
Surveys show that two-thirds of the capital’s residents are open to relocating to another region. Young people are increasingly valuing proximity to work, the opportunity to build a local community, and access to quality healthcare. The growth of remote work and digital technologies is making it possible to live outside a major city without sacrificing professional prospects.
However, not everyone leaves by choice. Real estate market pressure is forcing many to look for housing in the suburbs or even in other cities. Last year, more than 114,000 people changed their registration, leaving Madrid in search of a more affordable life.
Experts believe that this trend could be an opportunity for small towns and rural areas, which are seeing an influx of young professionals. This can help reduce pressure on the capital’s housing market and revitalize regional economies.
For many, like Noelia Hernando Vieites, moving became a chance to finally live independently and not spend most of their salary on rent. She works as a designer and now spends less time and money on commuting and housing, with most of her work done remotely.
As a result, Madrid is gradually changing: the number of local young residents is decreasing, while the proportion of foreigners is rising. The city is becoming increasingly inaccessible to those just starting their adult lives.
