Where to Live in Spain: City & Town Guides

Spain offers incredible diversity - from Mediterranean coastal towns to vibrant cities, mountain villages to island paradises. This guide helps you choose the best place to live based on lifestyle, budget, climate, and community.

Quick Overview: Top Places to Live in Spain

For Expats & International Residents

1. Barcelona - Cosmopolitan city, startup hub, Mediterranean lifestyle
2. Valencia - Affordable, coastal, excellent quality of life
3. Málaga (Costa del Sol) - Sunny climate, beach living, large expat community
4. Madrid - Capital city, career opportunities, cultural center
5. Alicante - Beach town, low cost of living, international airport
6. Mallorca - Island living, premium property market
7. Granada - Historic city, affordable, stunning architecture
8. Seville - Andalusian culture, warm weather, authentic Spanish life

By Priority

Best for Weather:

• Costa del Sol (320+ days of sunshine)
• Canary Islands (year-round warmth)
• Alicante (mild Mediterranean climate)

Best for English Speakers:

• Barcelona (international hub)
• Madrid (large expat community)
• Costa del Sol (established British community)

Most Affordable:

• Murcia region (avg €1,200/m²)
• Galicia (northern Spain)
• Extremadura (interior)
• Small towns in Andalusia

Best for Jobs:

• Madrid (finance, corporate)
• Barcelona (tech, startups)
• Valencia (growing economy)
• Bilbao (industry, innovation)

Best for Families:

• Valencia (beaches, parks, schools)
• Granada suburbs (safe, affordable)
• Mallorca (island lifestyle)
• Madrid (international schools)

Best Property Investment:

• Barcelona (strong rental demand)
• Madrid (capital appreciation)
• Valencia (value growth)
• Costa del Sol (holiday rentals)

Understanding Spain’s Geography

Spain is divided into 17 Autonomous Communities (regions), each with distinct culture, climate, and characteristics:

Major Regions

Andalusia (South)

• Largest region by population
• Mediterranean coast + Atlantic coast
• Hot summers, mild winters
• Lower cost of living
• Major cities: Seville, Málaga, Granada, Córdoba
• Property avg: €1,500-€2,500/m²

Catalonia (Northeast)

• Barcelona metropolitan area
• Mediterranean coastline
• Cosmopolitan culture
• Higher costs
• Major cities: Barcelona, Girona, Tarragona
• Property avg: €3,000-€4,500/m²

Valencia Region (East Coast)

• Mediterranean beaches
• Paella birthplace
• Growing economy
• Moderate costs
• Major cities: Valencia, Alicante, Castellón
• Property avg: €1,600-€2,200/m²

Madrid Region (Center)

• Capital city region
• Continental climate (hot summers, cold winters)
• Economic center
• Higher costs
• Property avg: €2,800-€3,800/m²

Balearic Islands

• Mallorca, Ibiza, Menorca
• Mediterranean island lifestyle
• Tourism-driven
• Premium property market
• Property avg: €3,500-€5,500/m²

Canary Islands (Atlantic)

• Year-round warm climate
• Volcanic landscapes
• Tourism economy
• Moderate costs
• Major islands: Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote
• Property avg: €1,800-€2,800/m²

Basque Country (North)

• Bilbao, San Sebastián
• Green landscapes
• Rainy climate
• Strong economy
• Unique culture and language
• Property avg: €2,800-€4,200/m²

Galicia (Northwest)

• Atlantic coast
• Rainy, mild climate
• Seafood, Celtic heritage
• Very affordable
• Major city: Santiago de Compostela, A Coruña
• Property avg: €1,400-€1,900/m²

Detailed City Guides

Barcelona

Population: 1.6 million (5.6M metro area) Climate: Mediterranean (mild winters, warm summers) Avg Property Price: €4,200/m²

Pros:

• International, multicultural city
• Beach access + urban amenities
• Strong tech/startup ecosystem
• Excellent public transport (metro, buses)
• Rich culture and architecture (Gaudí, Gothic Quarter)

Cons:

• High cost of living
• Tourist crowds in city center
• Pickpocketing in tourist areas
• Some Catalan independence sentiment

Best For: Young professionals, digital nomads, tech workers Expat Community: Very large (20%+ foreign residents)

Madrid

Population: 3.3 million (6.7M metro area) Climate: Continental (hot summers 35°C+, cold winters) Avg Property Price: €3,500/m²

Pros:

• Spain’s economic and political capital
• Best job opportunities
• World-class museums and culture
• Excellent nightlife
• Lower costs than Barcelona

Cons:

• No beach access (4+ hours to coast)
• Very hot summers, cold winters
• Traffic congestion

Best For: Career professionals, students, culture enthusiasts Expat Community: Large (15%+ foreign residents)

Valencia

Population: 800,000 (1.5M metro area) Climate: Mediterranean (mild, 300 days sunshine) Avg Property Price: €1,950/m²

Pros:

• Perfect work-life balance
• Beach city with modern infrastructure
• Lower costs than Barcelona/Madrid
• Growing tech scene
• Family-friendly (parks, schools)
• Excellent paella and cuisine

Cons:

• Smaller job market than Madrid/Barcelona
• Less international than top-tier cities
• Some areas prone to flooding (DANA storms)

Best For: Families, remote workers, lifestyle seekers Expat Community: Growing (10% foreign residents)

Málaga & Costa del Sol

Population: 580,000 (Málaga city) Climate: Mediterranean (320+ days sunshine, mild winters) Avg Property Price: €2,800/m²

Pros:

• Excellent weather year-round
• Large British expat community
• International airport with frequent flights
• Beach lifestyle + golf courses
• Affordable compared to Northern Europe

Cons:

• Very touristy in summer
• Limited career opportunities (tourism-focused)
• Some areas overdeveloped

Best For: Retirees, remote workers, sun seekers Expat Community: Very large (25%+ foreign in some towns)

Costa del Sol Towns:

• Marbella - Luxury, upscale, €3,500-€6,000/m²
• Estepona - Charming, more affordable
• Nerja - Village feel, British community
• Torremolinos - Budget-friendly, lively

Alicante

Population: 330,000 Climate: Mediterranean (hot, dry summers) Avg Property Price: €1,600/m²

Pros:

• Very affordable for coastal city
• International airport
• Beautiful beaches and marina
• Lower cost of living
• Good weather (300+ days sunshine)

Cons:

• Smaller job market
• Very hot in summer (38°C+)
• Limited cultural scene vs. big cities

Best For: Budget-conscious, beach lovers, retirees Expat Community: Moderate (15% foreign residents)

Alicante Property Market Guide →

Granada

Population: 230,000 Climate: Continental Mediterranean (hot summers, cold winters with snow in Sierra Nevada) Avg Property Price: €1,800/m²

Pros:

• Stunning historic city (Alhambra palace)
• Very affordable
• University town (young, vibrant)
• Near ski resorts + beaches
• Authentic Spanish culture

Cons:

• Smaller city, fewer job opportunities
• No beach (1 hour to coast)
• Can be cold in winter

Best For: Students, culture enthusiasts, budget seekers Expat Community: Small but present (students, academics)

Granada Metro Area:

• Alhendín - Suburban town, family homes, growing market

Seville

Population: 690,000 (1.5M metro area) Climate: Hot Mediterranean (40°C+ summers) Avg Property Price: €2,100/m²

Pros:

• Authentic Andalusian culture
• Beautiful historic center
• Flamenco, tapas culture
• Lower costs than Barcelona/Madrid

Cons:

• Extremely hot summers
• Smaller job market
• No beach (1+ hour to coast)

Best For: Culture lovers, Spanish language learners Expat Community: Moderate

Mallorca (Palma)

Population: 410,000 (875,000 on island) Climate: Mediterranean island (mild, sunny) Avg Property Price: €3,800/m²

Pros:

• Island lifestyle
• International community
• Excellent quality of life
• International airport (well-connected)
• Beautiful beaches and mountains

Cons:

• Expensive (premium market)
• Touristy in summer
• Limited career opportunities outside tourism

Best For: Premium buyers, remote workers, lifestyle seekers Expat Community: Very large (20%+ foreign residents)

Mallorca Property Market Guide →

Bilbao

Population: 350,000 (1M metro area) Climate: Oceanic (rainy, mild, green) Avg Property Price: €3,200/m²

Pros:

• Modern, clean city
• Strong economy (industry, tech)
• Excellent cuisine (pintxos)
• Cultural hub (Guggenheim Museum)
• Safe, well-organized

Cons:

• Rainy climate (less sunshine than south)
• Higher costs
• Basque language in some contexts

Best For: Professionals, food lovers, those who prefer green landscapes Expat Community: Moderate

Cost of Living Comparison

City	1-Bed Rent (Center)	Monthly Expenses (Single)	Property Price/m²
Madrid	€1,200-€1,500	€1,800-€2,200	€3,500
Barcelona	€1,300-€1,700	€1,900-€2,300	€4,200
Valencia	€800-€1,000	€1,400-€1,700	€1,950
Málaga	€900-€1,200	€1,500-€1,800	€2,800
Alicante	€700-€900	€1,300-€1,600	€1,600
Seville	€750-€950	€1,350-€1,650	€2,100
Granada	€600-€800	€1,200-€1,500	€1,800
Bilbao	€1,000-€1,300	€1,700-€2,000	€3,200
Mallorca	€1,100-€1,400	€1,800-€2,100	€3,800

Source: Numbeo, Idealista (2025 data)

Complete Cost of Living Guide →

Climate Comparison

Mediterranean Coast (Barcelona, Valencia, Málaga, Alicante)

• Hot, dry summers (25-35°C)
• Mild winters (10-18°C)
• 280-320 days of sunshine
• Low rainfall

Interior (Madrid, Granada)

• Very hot summers (35-40°C)
• Cold winters (0-10°C, occasional snow)
• 250-280 days of sunshine
• Low rainfall

Atlantic Coast (Bilbao, Galicia)

• Mild summers (20-25°C)
• Mild winters (8-14°C)
• 150-180 days of sunshine
• High rainfall year-round

Canary Islands

• Year-round warmth (18-28°C)
• Minimal seasonal variation
• 300+ days of sunshine
• “Eternal spring” climate

Balearic Islands

• Hot summers (28-32°C)
• Mild winters (10-16°C)
• 300 days of sunshine
• Sea breeze moderation

Infrastructure & Connectivity

International Airports

Major Hubs:

• Madrid-Barajas (MAD) - Largest, most connections
• Barcelona El Prat (BCN) - Major international hub
• Málaga-Costa del Sol (AGP) - UK/Northern Europe flights
• Palma de Mallorca (PMI) - Island gateway
• Alicante-Elche (ALC) - Budget airline hub

Regional Airports:

• Valencia (VLC)
• Seville (SVQ)
• Bilbao (BIO)
• Santiago de Compostela (SCQ)
• Canary Islands (TFS, TFN, LPA, ACE)

High-Speed Rail (AVE)

Spain’s AVE trains connect major cities at 300+ km/h:

• Madrid ↔ Barcelona: 2h 30min
• Madrid ↔ Seville: 2h 30min
• Madrid ↔ Valencia: 1h 40min
• Madrid ↔ Málaga: 2h 45min

Metro Systems

Cities with Metro/Light Rail:

• Madrid (13 lines, 300+ stations)
• Barcelona (12 lines)
• Valencia (9 lines)
• Seville (1 line)
• Bilbao (3 lines)
• Málaga (2 lines)
• Alicante (Tram system)
• Granada (Metro in planning/construction)

Demographics & Expat Communities

Cities with Largest Foreign-Born Population

1. Barcelona - 21.2% foreign-born (360,000 people)
2. Madrid - 16.8% foreign-born (560,000 people)
3. Valencia - 10.4% foreign-born (82,000 people)
4. Alicante - 15.3% foreign-born
5. Málaga - 12.8% foreign-born

Common Nationalities

Barcelona: Romanian, Pakistani, Italian, Chinese, Moroccan Madrid: Romanian, Moroccan, Colombian, Venezuelan, Chinese Costa del Sol: British, German, French Balearic Islands: German, British, Italian Canary Islands: German, British, Italian

Job Markets by City

Best Cities for Employment

Madrid

• Finance, banking, insurance
• Government, public sector
• Corporate headquarters
• Tech startups
• Unemployment: 10.2%

Barcelona

• Tech and startups
• Tourism and hospitality
• Design and creative
• International business
• Unemployment: 9.8%

Valencia

• Manufacturing
• Port/logistics
• Tourism
• Growing tech scene
• Unemployment: 11.5%

Bilbao

• Industry and engineering
• Renewable energy
• Finance
• Unemployment: 8.9%

Málaga

• Tourism and hospitality
• Tech hub (Google campus)
• English teaching
• Unemployment: 13.2%

Jobs in Spain for English Speakers →

Healthcare Access

All major cities have excellent healthcare:

Public Healthcare:

• Free/low-cost for residents and workers
• Modern hospitals in all cities
• Ranked 7th best globally (WHO)

Private Healthcare:

• €50-€150/month insurance
• No waiting times
• English-speaking doctors in expat areas

Best Hospitals:

• Madrid: Hospital La Paz, Hospital 12 de Octubre
• Barcelona: Hospital Clínic, Hospital Vall d’Hebron
• Valencia: Hospital La Fe
• Málaga: Hospital Regional Universitario

Education & International Schools

Cities with Most International Schools

1. Madrid - 50+ international schools (British, American, French, German)
2. Barcelona - 40+ international schools
3. Valencia - 15+ international schools
4. Málaga/Costa del Sol - 20+ (many British curriculum)
5. Alicante - 10+ international schools
6. Mallorca - 12+ international schools

Tuition: €5,000-€20,000/year depending on school and grade

Property Market Overview

Price Trends by Region (2024-2025)

Fastest Growing:

• Balearic Islands: +12.3% year-on-year
• Andalusia (metro areas): +8-10%
• Valencia: +7.5%
• Madrid: +6.8%
• Barcelona: +5.2%

Most Affordable:

• Extremadura: €950/m²
• Castilla-La Mancha: €1,050/m²
• Galicia: €1,400/m²
• Murcia: €1,200/m²

Most Expensive:

• Balearic Islands: €3,800/m²
• Basque Country: €3,200/m²
• Madrid: €3,500/m²
• Barcelona: €4,200/m²
• Catalonia coast: €3,000/m²

Source: Instituto Nacional de Estadística (INE) Q3 2024

Complete Property Buying Guide →

Finding the Right Area for You

Decision Framework

Step 1: Define Your Priorities

• Climate preference (hot/mild/rainy)
• Lifestyle (urban/coastal/rural)
• Budget (property + living costs)
• Employment needs
• Family/school requirements
• Language comfort (English-speaking areas vs. immersion)

Step 2: Research Regions

• Read detailed city guides (see above)
• Compare costs and property markets
• Check expat community size
• Review climate data
• Assess job opportunities

Step 3: Visit Before Committing

• Spend time in shortlisted areas
• Visit in different seasons
• Explore neighborhoods
• Talk to local expats
• Test commutes and amenities

Step 4: Consider Long-Term

• Visa and residency requirements
• Property investment potential
• School availability (if children)
• Healthcare access
• Integration into community

Town & Neighborhood Guides

Granada Metropolitan Area

Available Guides:

• Alhendín - Suburban town with detailed property market analysis, demographics, and growth trends

Coming Soon:

• Armilla - Shopping hub, metro access
• Ogíjares - Close to Granada, family-friendly
• La Zubia - Mountain views, residential
• Las Gabias - Affordable suburbs

Get Expert Help

Find Local Services by City

Immigration Lawyers Essential for visa applications, residency, and legal matters. Immigration Lawyer Directory →

Relocation Agents Full-service support for moving to Spain, finding housing, registration. Relocation Agent Directory →

Property Finders Local experts to help find and purchase property. Property Finder Directory →

International Schools Search schools by city and curriculum. School Finder Directory →

Language Schools Spanish classes for all levels. Language School Directory →

Related Guides

• Complete Visa Guide → (Golden Visa, Non-Lucrative, Digital Nomad)
• Buying Property in Spain →
• Cost of Living Guide →
• Jobs in Spain →
• Moving to Spain Checklist →
• Spanish Healthcare Guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best city in Spain for expats? Barcelona and Valencia are most popular for internationals. Barcelona offers the most cosmopolitan environment, while Valencia provides better value with excellent quality of life.

Where is the cheapest place to live in Spain? Inland regions like Extremadura and Castilla-La Mancha offer the lowest costs. On the coast, Murcia and smaller Andalusian towns are most affordable.

Which Spanish city has the best weather? Málaga and the Costa del Sol enjoy 320+ days of sunshine annually with mild winters. The Canary Islands have year-round warmth.

Where do most British expats live in Spain? Costa del Sol (Málaga province), Alicante region, Balearic Islands, and Canary Islands have the largest British communities.

Is it better to live in Madrid or Barcelona? Madrid offers more job opportunities and lower costs. Barcelona provides beach access and a more international atmosphere. Both are excellent choices depending on priorities.

What is the safest city in Spain? San Sebastián, Valencia, Madrid, and Barcelona all rank very safe. Spain overall has low crime rates compared to other European countries.

Data Sources

Population and demographic data from Instituto Nacional de Estadística (INE) 2024 census. Property prices from Idealista, Fotocasa, and INE Q3 2024 reports. Cost of living from Numbeo and Expatistan 2025 data. Climate information from Agencia Estatal de Meteorología (AEMET).