Temporary Living on Ibiza: A Complete Guide

Why People Choose Temporary Living on Ibiza

Every year, thousands of people move to Ibiza for a season or a few months. Whether you are working in hospitality, running a summer business, doing remote work, or simply looking for a change of scenery, temporary living on Ibiza offers a unique lifestyle that is hard to find elsewhere. The island attracts seasonal workers, digital nomads, creatives, and entrepreneurs from all over Europe and beyond.

However, finding the right accommodation and managing your budget on a popular island can be challenging. Rental prices fluctuate dramatically between seasons, availability is limited during peak months, and knowing which areas suit your needs makes all the difference. This guide covers everything you need to know about temporary living on Ibiza, from rental prices and popular areas to practical tips for finding housing and planning your budget.

If you are considering a permanent move, check out our complete checklist for moving to Ibiza for all the administrative steps you need to take.

Rental Prices by Season

The rental market on Ibiza is highly seasonal. Prices can double or even triple during the summer months compared to winter. Understanding these fluctuations is essential for planning your stay and budget.

Low Season (November - March)

This is the most affordable time to rent on Ibiza. Many property owners are happy to have reliable tenants during the quiet months, and long-term winter rentals are common.

Studio or 1-bedroom apartment: 600 - 900 euros per month
2-bedroom apartment: 800 - 1,200 euros per month
Small house or finca: 1,000 - 1,800 euros per month
Shared accommodation (room): 350 - 600 euros per month

Mid Season (April - May, October)

Prices start rising as the island prepares for summer. Many seasonal workers arrive in April and May, which increases demand.

Studio or 1-bedroom apartment: 900 - 1,400 euros per month
2-bedroom apartment: 1,200 - 1,800 euros per month
Small house or finca: 1,500 - 2,500 euros per month
Shared accommodation (room): 500 - 800 euros per month

High Season (June - September)

Summer is the most expensive and competitive time. Properties are often booked months in advance, and landlords can charge premium rates. Many long-term tenants are asked to leave so properties can be rented weekly to tourists at much higher rates.

Studio or 1-bedroom apartment: 1,400 - 2,500 euros per month
2-bedroom apartment: 1,800 - 3,500 euros per month
Small house or finca: 2,500 - 5,000+ euros per month
Shared accommodation (room): 700 - 1,200 euros per month

Note: These are indicative prices for 2026. Actual prices depend on location, condition, and amenities. Furnished properties with utilities included are typically at the higher end of these ranges.

Popular Areas for Temporary Living

Ibiza has distinct areas, each with their own character, price range, and advantages for temporary residents. Choosing the right area depends on your work location, budget, and lifestyle preferences.

Ibiza Town (Eivissa)

The capital is the best option if you work in hospitality, retail, or need to be close to the port and administrative offices. Eivissa offers the most year-round infrastructure, including supermarkets, pharmacies, hospitals, and public transport connections. The old town (Dalt Vila) is charming but expensive. The newer areas like Figueretas and Playa d'en Bossa offer more affordable options while staying close to the action.

San Antonio (Sant Antoni)

The second-largest town on the island is popular among seasonal workers in the nightlife and hospitality industry. San Antonio has a wide range of rental options, from budget-friendly apartments to beachfront properties. The town has its own supermarkets, bars, restaurants, and a lively social scene. It is more affordable than Ibiza Town, especially outside the tourist center.

Santa Eulalia (Santa Eularia)

A quieter, family-friendly town on the east coast. Santa Eulalia is ideal for remote workers and those who prefer a calmer pace of life. It has a beautiful promenade, good restaurants, and a Wednesday market (hippy market at Punta Arabi). Rental prices are moderate, and the expat community is well-established. The town is also close to several beautiful beaches.

San Jose (Sant Josep)

A more rural municipality in the southwest, San Jose is perfect for those who want a quieter lifestyle close to some of the island's best beaches (Cala Conta, Cala Bassa, Cala Tarida). It is popular among creative professionals, yoga instructors, and wellness workers. Properties tend to be more spread out, and having your own transport is essential.

San Juan (Sant Joan)

The northernmost municipality is the most rural and peaceful part of Ibiza. San Juan attracts people looking for a back-to-nature experience with finca-style living. Rental prices can be lower than other areas, but options are limited and a car is essential. The Sunday market in San Juan village is a social highlight.

Jesus and Talamanca

These areas just outside Ibiza Town offer a good balance of proximity to the capital and slightly lower rental prices. Jesus has its own village feel with shops and restaurants, while Talamanca offers a beach neighborhood close to the marina. Both are popular with seasonal workers who want to walk or cycle to Ibiza Town.

Tips for Finding Housing

Finding accommodation on Ibiza can be competitive, especially during the summer season. Here are practical strategies that actually work.

Start early: For summer season, start searching in February or March. The best properties are taken quickly, and waiting until May or June means limited options at higher prices. For winter rentals, September and October are good times to look.
Use local platforms: Check Ibiza Marketplace for local listings, as well as Facebook groups like "Housing in Ibiza", "Ibiza Workers", and "Pisos en Ibiza". Many landlords post directly in these groups.
Network in person: Once on the island, word of mouth is powerful. Tell everyone you are looking for a place. Cafes, coworking spaces, and local shops often have notice boards with rental ads. Some of the best deals never appear online.
Consider sharing: Renting a room in a shared house or apartment significantly reduces costs and is the most common arrangement for seasonal workers. It also helps you build a social network quickly.
Be cautious with deposits: Never send money before seeing the property in person or at least having a video call. Rental scams exist, especially targeting people searching from abroad. Read our safe trading tips for more guidance.
Negotiate for longer stays: Landlords prefer stable tenants. If you can commit to six months or more, you can often negotiate a lower monthly rate, especially during winter.
Check contracts carefully: Make sure the rental contract specifies the duration, deposit amount, what is included (utilities, internet, furniture), and the notice period. Ask about the summer clause - some landlords require tenants to vacate during July and August so they can rent to tourists.
Use a temporary base: Book a hostel, Airbnb, or short-term rental for your first two weeks. This gives you time to search in person and view properties before committing to a longer-term lease.

Budget Planning for Temporary Residents

Living on Ibiza does not have to be as expensive as people think, but it requires careful planning. Beyond rent, you need to account for daily living costs, transport, and some island-specific expenses.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Single Person)

Rent (shared room, low season): 400 - 600 euros
Rent (own apartment, low season): 700 - 1,000 euros
Groceries: 200 - 350 euros (supermarkets like Mercadona and Lidl are cheapest; avoid tourist shops)
Eating out: 100 - 300 euros (menu del dia is 10-15 euros at local restaurants)
Transport: 50 - 150 euros (bus pass is around 20 euros per month; scooter rental 150-250 euros per month; fuel for car around 80-120 euros)
Utilities (if not included): 50 - 100 euros (electricity, water, internet)
Phone and internet: 15 - 30 euros (Spanish prepaid SIM from providers like Lycamobile, Orange, or Vodafone)
Entertainment and social: 100 - 300 euros

Total Monthly Estimates

Budget lifestyle (shared room, careful spending): 900 - 1,300 euros per month
Comfortable lifestyle (own apartment, moderate spending): 1,400 - 2,200 euros per month
Summer season (everything is more expensive): Add 30 to 50 percent to the above figures

Money-Saving Tips

Shop at Mercadona, Lidl, or Eroski for groceries instead of small tourist shops. The price difference can be 30 to 50 percent.
Cook at home most of the time. Eating out adds up quickly on Ibiza, especially in tourist areas.
Use the public bus system. It covers most of the island and is much cheaper than renting a car or scooter.
Buy secondhand furniture and household items on Ibiza Marketplace instead of buying everything new. People leaving the island at the end of season often sell items at bargain prices.
Look for rentals that include utilities. This avoids surprise electricity bills, which can be high in summer due to air conditioning.

What You Should Know Before Arriving

Registration (empadronamiento): If you stay longer than three months, register at the town hall (ayuntamiento) of your municipality. This gives you access to public healthcare, and some landlords require it. Bring your rental contract, passport, and NIE if you have one.
Health insurance: EU citizens can use the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for temporary stays. For longer stays, consider Spanish public healthcare (via social security if employed) or private insurance. Popular providers include Sanitas, Adeslas, and Asisa.
Transport: Public buses run between major towns but schedules can be infrequent, especially in winter. A scooter or car is recommended if you live outside the main towns. Driving licenses from EU countries are valid; non-EU licenses may need an International Driving Permit.
Internet and coworking: Most rentals include WiFi, but check the speed if you work remotely. Coworking spaces are available in Ibiza Town and Santa Eulalia, with monthly passes typically ranging from 150 to 300 euros.
Banking: For longer stays, opening a Spanish bank account is useful for paying rent and utilities. Most banks require your NIE, passport, and proof of address. Online banks like N26 or Revolut are popular alternatives among temporary residents.
Language: While many people speak English, especially in tourist areas, learning basic Spanish (and some Catalan or Ibizenco) will help enormously with finding housing, dealing with bureaucracy, and integrating into local life.

Seasonal Work Opportunities

Many temporary residents come to Ibiza for seasonal employment. The island's economy revolves around tourism, which creates thousands of jobs from April through October.

Hospitality: Hotels, restaurants, beach clubs, and bars are the largest employers. Positions include waitstaff, bartenders, chefs, hotel reception, and housekeeping. Many employers provide staff accommodation, which solves both housing and employment at once.
Nightlife and events: Clubs like Pacha, Amnesia, and Ushuaia hire seasonal staff including promoters, security, bar staff, and DJs. The event industry also needs production crew, photographers, and marketing support.
Boat and water sports: Yacht crew, diving instructors, jet ski operators, and boat charter companies hire throughout the season.
Retail and services: Shops, markets, massage therapists, hairdressers, and wellness practitioners see increased demand during summer.
Remote work: Digital nomads and remote workers increasingly choose Ibiza for its lifestyle, coworking spaces, and reliable internet. If you work remotely, winter is the best time to enjoy lower rents and fewer crowds.

Final Checklist for Temporary Residents

Before you arrive on Ibiza for your temporary stay, make sure you have the following covered:

Valid passport or EU ID card (check expiry date)
European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or travel insurance
Budget of at least 2,000 to 3,000 euros for initial costs (first month rent, deposit, travel, and settling-in expenses)
Short-term accommodation booked for first 1 to 2 weeks
Job offer or sufficient savings for your planned stay
Digital copies of all important documents stored in cloud
Spanish SIM card or eSIM arranged for arrival

For a detailed walkthrough of all the administrative steps, including the NIE process and empadronamiento, see our complete moving to Ibiza checklist. And when you are ready to find furniture, electronics, or other essentials for your new place, browse Ibiza Marketplace to buy from other island residents at great prices.