Co living Spain: Barcelona vs Madrid |
A Comprehensive Comparison

- jorge fernandez salas v8XeGZf8tcs unsplash

Discover the nuances of co living in Spain in two of the country’s most vibrant cities

In the fast-paced rhythm of urban living, the quest for a housing solution that’s not only wallet-friendly but also fosters community and personal growth has led many to the concept of co living in Spain. This innovative housing model, where individuals share living spaces, nurtures community bonds while providing personal space when needed.

Barcelona with its creative pulse and Madrid with its lively tempo are two Spanish cities at the forefront of the coliving trend, each presenting a distinctive coliving culture. Barcelona enchants with its artistic soul, while Madrid captivates with its vibrant energy, offering diverse and enriching environments where residents can flourish both in their personal and professional lives.

This post delves into the coliving experiences of Barcelona and Madrid, contrasting their unique offerings. We’ll discover how these cities facilitate the delicate balance between communal and private living, affordability, and a nurturing ground for creativity and productivity.

Join us on this journey as we explore the realms of coliving in Barcelona and Madrid. And stay tuned as we reveal a unique coliving and coworking retreat set in the tranquil countryside near Barcelona, crafting its own narrative within the coliving world.

1. Thriving Coliving Spaces in Barcelona

Barcelona, with its rich cultural allure, is a burgeoning hub for coliving. The city attracts a blend of digital nomads, young professionals, and creatives, drawn to its vibrant community-centric coliving spaces. The blend of historic charm with modern coliving facilities makes Barcelona a unique setting for communal living experiences.

1.1 Flourishing Benefits of Coliving in Barcelona:

Barcelona has entrenched itself as a haven for coliving, with numerous benefits that cater to a wide array of individuals, particularly young professionals, digital nomads, and students.

Affordability: Coliving in Barcelona presents a cost-effective solution compared to renting a studio apartment. On average, coliving spaces range from 500 to 700 Euros per month, significantly lower than the typical studio apartment prices in the city​.

Community Building: The coliving environments in Barcelona are designed to foster social interactions and strong relationships among residents. Common areas like kitchens, lounges, or outdoor terraces are a staple, encouraging people to socialize and get to know each other​​.

Space and Amenities: Residents often find coliving spaces more spacious and amenity-rich compared to studio apartments. The sense of community is a notable bonus, as many coliving spaces thrive on creating a communal atmosphere​.

co living spain comparison

Ideal for Digital Nomads: Barcelona’s international vibe and a young, dynamic population make it a hotspot for digital nomads. Coliving spaces provide the perfect blend of flexibility, affordability, and a ready-made community, making the transition to the city smooth for digital wanderers​​.

Educational and Professional Opportunities: The city’s standing as a hub for higher education and a thriving job market makes it a suitable choice for students and young professionals. Coliving spaces often come with work and study areas, catering to the needs of this demographic.

Cultural Immersion: Living in a coliving space in Barcelona provides an excellent opportunity to immerse oneself in the rich Catalonian culture. The popular areas for coliving like El Raval and Poblenou are vibrant and well-connected to the rest of the city, offering a plethora of activities, restaurants, and bars to explore.

Creativity and Innovation: Barcelona is a hub of creativity, with coliving spaces often hosting workshops, talks, and community events to foster creativity among residents. Among these, Kalart stands as a notable example of how coliving spaces in Barcelona are integrating creativity into their core ethos. Kalart, a coliving and coworking ecosystem in Barcelona, is a sanctuary for artists, designers, and creatives. It thrives on fostering a culture of creativity and innovation, providing a conducive environment for individuals to explore, experiment, and express their creative pursuits.

2. Madrid’s modern coliving landscape

Madrid, the bustling capital of Spain, has embraced the modern living concept of coliving, creating a blend of affordability, community, and convenience for its residents. The city’s rich historical background, coupled with its dynamic urban lifestyle, makes it a haven for students, young professionals, and expatriates. Let’s delve into the benefits that coliving in Madrid offers.

 
co living spain comparison between madrid and barcelona

2.2 Benefits of Coliving in Madrid:

  1. Community Building: One of the central tenets of coliving is fostering a sense of community. Coliving spaces in Madrid are designed to encourage interaction, collaboration, and the formation of new friendships among residents from diverse backgrounds​.
  2. Amenities: Modern coliving spaces in Madrid are complete with a range of amenities. Residents enjoy furnished bedrooms, inclusive utilities, coworking spaces, and often additional perks like rooftop pools and members-only events, all designed to enhance the living experience​​.
  3. Educational Opportunities: With a plethora of universities and higher education centers, Madrid is a hub of learning and academia. Coliving arrangements provide valuable environments for study and work, catering especially to students and academicians​​.
  4. Work and Study Spaces: Quiet spaces for study and work are essential parts of coliving arrangements in Madrid. These spaces cater to students and young professionals, providing a balanced environment for both collaborative and individual work​​.
  5. Networking Opportunities: Coliving spaces in Madrid serve as networking hubs for young professionals, entrepreneurs, and creatives. The communal living style fosters networking and social interaction, helping residents to build valuable connections in their respective fields​.
  6. Ease of Transition: For those moving to Madrid for work or study, coliving eases the transition by providing a ready-made community and a plethora of amenities ensuring a comfortable living experience​​.
  7.  

Madrid’s coliving scene is a reflection of the city’s progressive approach to modern living, aligning with the global shift towards more flexible, community-oriented living arrangements. The next section will spotlight the emerging coliving projects that are contributing to this growing trend in Madrid.

2.2 Well-Established Coliving Havens in Madrid

Spain’s dynamic capital isn’t just steeped in tradition; it’s a forerunner in the coliving revolution, catering to a mosaic of needs from the educational to the entrepreneurial. The bustling metropolis of Madrid, with its confluence of history and modernity, has become a magnet for a diverse demographic, from digital nomads and students to young professionals and creatives, all seeking a sense of community in urban settings.

The coliving spaces here are as varied as the city’s own neighborhoods, each offering unique experiences and amenities that resonate with different lifestyles. Below, we present a curated selection of coliving spaces that exemplify Madrid’s multifaceted coliving scene:

  1. International House of Character: This coliving offers a warm, international atmosphere for young professionals, with 16 rooms, large shared spaces, inclusive of utilities, Wi-Fi, Netflix, housekeeping, and monthly breakfast deliveries. It’s a hub for social events, promoting a green, community-oriented lifestyle.
  2. Santiago Bernabeu Vibrant Residence: Near the iconic stadium, this residence features 17 bedrooms with modern comforts like air conditioning, coworking spaces, and social lounges. The community enjoys regular activities and classes, fostering a dynamic living experience.
  3. Chinchilla Street Elegant Complex: A short walk from the metro, this property offers aesthetic rooms, a coworking area, and a commitment to cultural and scientific engagement within its community. Utilities and cleaning services are included, perfect for those seeking a blend of comfort and culture.
  4. Arturo Soria Modern Styled Chalet: Catering to creative and ambitious residents, this chalet provides private rooms, coworking space, a gym, and community gardens. With all-inclusive services, it’s designed for both personal growth and community bonding.

Besides providing stylish living spaces, these coliving projects in Madrid create a community of like-minded individuals fostering networking and social interactions. They offer a flexible and cost-effective living solution, well-suited for digital nomads, students, and young professionals seeking a balance between work, social life, and leisure activities in the heart of Spain​​.

3. Barcelona versus Madrid: A Coliving Comparison

When it comes to coliving in Spain, both Barcelona and Madrid emerge as favorable destinations, each with its unique flavor of community living. However, the experiences they offer diverge in certain aspects, painting a distinct picture of coliving in each city. Here’s a comparative look at coliving in Barcelona and Madrid:

Comparison Aspects Barcelona Madrid
Emerging Trends Established hotspot for coliving, especially among creatives. Growing trend with new coliving projects emerging.
Community and Networking Attracts a creative and innovative crowd, fostering networking and collaboration. Emphasizes social living, strong sense of community among residents.
Amenities and Locations Range of modern amenities, with spaces like Kalart nestled in natural surroundings. Modern amenities, urban-centric locations.
Educational and Professional Opportunities Rich creative scene and entrepreneurial ecosystem. Thriving educational institutions and job market.
Flexibility Flexible living arrangements catering to different needs. Flexibility with terms of stay catering to a transient population.
Cost of Living Known for affordability in coliving arrangements. Cost-effective living solutions with a different cost structure.
Cultural Immersion Deep dive into Catalonian culture. Immersion in traditional Spanish culture.

4. Conclusion

The cities of Barcelona and Madrid, each with its unique allure, present a compelling narrative of coliving in the heart of Spain. The distinct coliving cultures in these cities mirror the vibrancy and diversity of experiences Spain has to offer. Madrid, with its emerging coliving scene, provides a glimpse into the traditional Spanish culture intertwined with modern living arrangements. On the flip side, Barcelona, already a well-established haven for coliving, beckons the creative and entrepreneurial spirits, offering a blend of community, innovation, and a touch of nature, especially at places like Kalart.

Whether you are enticed by the bustling urban life and social living in Madrid or the creative, entrepreneurial ecosystem and serene surroundings in Barcelona, the coliving scene in both cities is poised to enrich your living experience. Each city, with its unique coliving offerings, invites you to not only embrace communal living but also to explore the multifaceted cultural, educational, and professional landscapes that Spain proudly presents.

As coliving continues to gain traction across the globe, the stories of Barcelona and Madrid serve as a testament to the evolution of communal living in urban settings. They collectively underline the essence of community, flexibility, and opportunities for personal and professional growth inherent in the coliving model. So, whether you are a digital nomad, a student, an entrepreneur, or someone looking to immerse in a new culture, the coliving spaces in Barcelona and Madrid are ready to welcome you into a world of shared experiences and growth.

Do you want discover another way of living?

Explore Kalart: Your Gateway to Balanced Coliving