The number of Americans renting in Spain continues to grow each year, as more U.S. citizens choose Spain for long-term stays, digital nomad opportunities, or retirement abroad. But which provinces attract the most U.S. renters? Thanks to recent data on international rental demand, we can now see where Americans are focusing their housing searches in Spain.
Where Are Americans Renting the Most in Spain?
Based on 2025 rental market data, American interest in renting is particularly strong in Valencia, Granada, Cádiz, Madrid, and Seville, among other destinations. While Europeans dominate in coastal hotspots like Alicante, Málaga, and the Balearic Islands, Americans stand out in several urban and cultural centers.
1. Valencia (17% foreign demand, 14% American share)
Valencia is currently the top province for Americans renting in Spain. In fact, U.S. visitors account for 14% of all international rental searches in the province, higher than in any other major Spanish city. Its mix of Mediterranean lifestyle, growing expat scene, and lower costs compared to Madrid and Barcelona make Valencia a favorite among American renters.
Read Spainguru’s full Valencia Guide.
2. Granada (14.5% foreign demand, 13% American share)
Granada attracts a significant number of American renters thanks to its vibrant student population, Andalusian charm, and relatively affordable housing. 13% of international rental searches in Granada come from the U.S., placing it among the top destinations for Americans who want cultural immersion and proximity to the Sierra Nevada mountains.
Read Spainguru’s full Granada Guide.
3. Cádiz (13.7% foreign demand, 13% American share)
The southern province of Cádiz, with its stunning coastline and relaxed lifestyle, is another popular choice for Americans. 13% of foreign rental demand here originates from the U.S., often driven by retirees and digital nomads seeking a slower pace of life near the sea.
Read Spainguru’s full Jerez de la Frontera Guide.
4. Madrid (9.1% foreign demand, 13% American share)
Spain’s capital remains a central hub for American renters. Despite higher housing costs, 13% of Madrid’s foreign rental interest comes from the U.S. Its cosmopolitan appeal, career opportunities, and international schools make it especially attractive to American professionals and families.
Read Spainguru’s full Madrid Guide.
5. Seville (8.1% foreign demand, 14% American share)
In Seville, the U.S. leads among international searches, representing 14% of foreign rental demand. This highlights Seville’s growing popularity with Americans who value history, culture, and a warm Andalusian lifestyle, often at more affordable rental prices compared to Madrid or Barcelona.
Read Spainguru’s full Seville Guide.
Chart: U.S. Share of International Rental Demand in Spain’s Top Provinces
The chart below shows the five provinces where Americans rent the most in Spain. Each bar represents the total share of foreign rental demand in that province, while the blue segment highlights the percentage of Americans within that demand. For example, in Valencia, 17% of all rental demand comes from abroad, and 14% of that international interest comes from U.S. citizens, making it the leading hotspot for Americans. Similar patterns can be seen in Seville, Madrid, Granada, and Cádiz, where Americans consistently rank among the top foreign nationalities searching for rental housing.
Charts: American Rental Demand Across Spanish Provinces (2025)
The bar chart and map highlight the Spanish provinces with the highest percentage of U.S. citizens among foreign renters. Provinces like Guipúzcoa (19%), La Rioja (16%), Vizcaya (16%), and Asturias (16%) stand out as unexpected hotspots, while Valencia (14%), Seville (14%), and Cádiz (14%) confirm their popularity among Americans looking for housing. The map reinforces these findings by visually placing the American rental demand across Spain, showing how U.S. interest is spread beyond traditional expat destinations to include regions in the north, south, and interior of the country.
Conclusion
The data clearly shows that Americans renting in Spain gravitate toward a mix of cultural hubs (Madrid, Seville, Granada) and Mediterranean cities (Valencia, Cádiz). While coastal provinces attract Europeans in higher numbers, U.S. citizens tend to favor regions that balance lifestyle, affordability, and cultural richness. For Americans considering a move to Spain in 2025, these provinces represent the most active rental hotspots.
FAQs
1. Do Americans prefer big cities or smaller provinces in Spain?
Both. Americans are drawn to cultural cities like Madrid and Seville, but also to smaller, more affordable areas like Granada and Cádiz.
2. Is Valencia the most popular city for Americans renting in Spain?
Yes. With 14% of foreign rental demand from the U.S., Valencia is the leading province for American renters in 2025.
3. Why are Americans renting instead of buying property in Spain?
Renting offers flexibility for work contracts, studies, or testing life in Spain before committing to buying.
4. Which coastal provinces attract more Americans?
Valencia and Cádiz top the list for Americans, while Málaga and Alicante attract more Europeans.
5. Are Americans using the Spain Digital Nomad Visa to rent in these areas?
Yes, many renters from the U.S. are digital nomads who take advantage of the new visa to live and work in Spain.
