Record Number of Young People Living with Parents in Spain. 76% of Spaniards aged 20–29 remain living with their parents. Only Korea and Italy have higher rates. Even among students, most stay at home—housing is expensive and dormitory spaces are scarce.
Spain has one of the highest rates in the world of young people living with their parents after the age of 20. According to the latest data, 76% of Spaniards aged 20 to 29 do not leave their parental home. Among OECD countries, this figure is higher only in Korea (82%) and Italy (79%). By comparison, the European average is 54%, while in Denmark and Finland it does not exceed 14%.
The difference in young people’s lifestyles is especially striking: only 14% of Spaniards aged 20–29 live as a couple, half the figure seen in Germany, the US, or the Scandinavian countries. Even fewer rent a home alone or with friends—just 10%. In Germany, this share is three times higher, and in Sweden and Denmark, four times higher.
The trend toward delayed independence is growing. Despite rising household incomes over the past ten years, the share of 25–34-year-olds living with their parents has increased from 35% to 48%. If you count only those who grew up in Spain, more than half still live with their family even at age 30.
The situation among students also stands out in Europe. 61% of Spanish students under 30 study without leaving their parents’ home. Out of 25 European countries, only Malta (77%), Azerbaijan (69%), and Georgia (62%) have higher rates. In Germany, Estonia, Sweden, Norway, and Denmark, this figure does not exceed 30%.
One of the reasons cited is the acute shortage of student dormitories. According to Eurostudent, only 5% of Spanish students live in dormitories—this is the lowest rate in Europe, except for Georgia and Malta. Even in Poland, Portugal, and France, the figure is twice as high, while in Sweden and the Netherlands, more than 30% of students are provided with campus housing.
Another factor is the structure of higher education. In Spain, universities are often located close to where students live, reducing the need to move. This model increases access to education, but at the same time limits the independence of young people.
Economic aspects also play a role: renting housing and living away from home is expensive, and affordable student canteens and infrastructure are scarce. As a result, moving to another city to study is often more costly than participating in international exchange programs.
Authorities and experts are discussing the possibility of expanding the network of student dormitories as one solution to the problem. This step could increase youth mobility and make independent living more accessible. New initiatives are already emerging in the regions: for example, in La Rioja, a medical faculty will open for the first time with free places for first-year students, which, according to experts, could serve as an example for other regions (more about the launch of the new faculty).
For reference: Spain has more than 80 universities, most of which are located in major cities and administrative centers. The average cost of renting accommodation for students in 2026 exceeds 500 euros per month, while the number of dormitory places remains limited. According to experts, expanding the availability of housing for young people could impact not only the labor market and demographics, but also social mobility in the country.
