The province of Malaga province now demands the highest rental effort in all of Spain: 59% of net household income, well ahead of the Balearic Islands (46%) or Madrid (38%).
Nationally, the average rental effort holds steady at 39% of household income, nine points above the effort needed to buy, which rises one point to 30%. idealista calculates the first figure by dividing the annual rent of a typical two-bedroom home by average net household income (INE data); the second uses the annual payment on a typical mortgage, based on the market's usual term and interest rate.
Málaga, the province where renting weighs heaviest on household budgets
The province-wide figure (59%) is anchored by its capital, Málaga city, which also ranks second among Spanish cities: 41% of household income, just behind Palma (44%) and ahead of Madrid and Valencia (39% each). Nine provincial capitals now exceed the 30% threshold experts consider reasonable without straining the rest of a household's budget.
| City | Rental effort | Purchase effort |
|---|---|---|
| Palma | 44% | 50% |
| Malaga | 41% | 36% |
| Madrid | 39% | 38% |
| Valencia | 39% | 28% |
| Alicante | 38% | 28% |
| Barcelona | 34% | 33% |
Buying costs less than renting, but it's close to the limit in Málaga too
Paying a typical mortgage in Málaga city takes 36% of household income, the second-highest share in Spain alongside San Sebastián, behind only Palma (50%). At provincial level, Málaga again ranks second with 46%, after the Balearic Islands (49%). Five provincial capitals now exceed 30% in purchase effort: Palma, Madrid, San Sebastián, Málaga and Barcelona.
The comparison offers a clear takeaway for anyone planning to settle in the Costa del Sol for several years: in Málaga, renting (41%) still costs more than buying (36%), unlike in Palma, where the mortgage (50%) already exceeds the rent (44%). As long as that gap holds, buying remains, in terms of monthly effort, the more reasonable medium-term option for those who can access financing.
What this means for buying or investing in the Costa del Sol
For investors, such a high rental effort is, paradoxically, good short-term news: it reflects rental demand that shows no sign of easing, something our municipality-by-municipality analysis of rental yields in Málaga already captured. For those buying to live in, the takeaway is that waiting rarely lowers the effort: prices keep rising on both the rental and sales side because of scarce supply.
Conclusion
idealista's report confirms what the Costa del Sol market has been showing for months: pressure on rents isn't easing, and buying, while also demanding a high effort, remains the more contained option in Málaga. If you're considering buying, selling or investing in the area, EVS Property can help you understand what these figures mean for your specific case.
Frequently asked questions
¿Qué es el “esfuerzo para alquilar” que mide idealista?
It's the share of a household's average net income spent on the annual rent of a typical two-bedroom home, using idealista's price data and INE income data.
Why does Málaga have Spain's highest rental effort?
The report doesn't detail causes, but the combination of high demand (tourist, residential and international) with a limited housing supply in the province explains the price rises driving up this share.
Is it better to buy or rent in Málaga in 2026?
According to this data, buying requires less monthly effort (36%) than renting (41%) in Málaga city, although the decision also depends on each buyer's prior savings, expected length of stay and access to financing.
How does idealista calculate the effort to buy?
It takes the annual payment of a typical mortgage - with the market's usual term and interest rate, updated with ECB data - and divides it by the household's average net annual income.
Where can I see updated Costa del Sol prices and yields?
In our Costa del Sol real estate market report, updated monthly with median prices and €/m² by municipality.
What next? The most useful thing after reading is to look at the real market: browse properties by city or tell us on WhatsApp what you are looking for — area, budget, timing — and we will prepare a tailored selection, with no obligation.
You may also find useful: sell your property invest on the Costa del Sol free valuation monthly price report
