Best Cities to Live in Spain

Speaking generally, it’s easier to relocate to, integrate, and thrive in the regions of Spain where Spanish is the single official language. These areas offer a more cohesive cultural environment, especially when compared with the regions of Catalonia, the Balearic Islands, and the Basque Country. The population in these areas tend to have strong regional identities with distinct languages (Catalan and Basque, respectively) and cultural differences that might present a steeper adaptation curve for newcomers.

Galicia, like Asturias and Cantabria, offers a more cohesive cultural environment, however, the distinct Galician language and cultural identity might require additional effort from newcomers to fully integrate compared to regions solely dominated by Spanish. That said, the people are very welcoming, and the cities in Galicia generally offer fewer challenges than those in Cataluña, or Basque Country.

The city of Vigo, is perhaps the most cosmopolitan of the region, and (don’t let the secret out) offers one of the best climates for Spain’s Northern cities. If you are looking to relocate to a city in the North of Spain, then Vigo and Oviedo should be at the top of your list. Vigo, like Pontevedra, offers a spectacular coastline and a gorgeous, vibrant urban centre, and did we mention, the coastline is spectacular.

Did you know that the inland cities of Ourense and Lugo offer the most affordable city living in all of Spain? They have bustling urban centres and are surrounded by stunning nature.

A Coruña is the largest city in Galicia, and deserves its own page entirely. It’s a port city with a thriving economy, popular universities, and a lovely historical centre.

It must be mentioned that Burgos and Leon offer an exceptional quality of life, and like Orense and Lugo in Galicia offer very affordable city living in Spain. They are known for their clean streets, green spaces, and quiet neighbourhoods, providing a balanced, peaceful environment for families, couples, and retirees.
They both offer a culturally rich experience, a welcoming population, excellent access to outdoor activities such as hiking and skiing, a rich gastronomy, and are well-connected with many transport options available.
The land of castles with 8 world heritage sites offers one of the best quality of life versus living cost ratios in all of Spain, and deserves your attention.

Madrid, despite being a bustling metropolis, retains a distinctive charm that resonates with residents and visitors alike. My wife and I were genuinely surprised the first time we visited Madrid (and the very many times after) with the friendliness and helpfulness of the Madrileños. Whether it’s asking for directions, seeking recommendations, or engaging in everyday interactions, locals often display a friendly demeanour and willingness to assist, making it easier for newcomers to feel at home.

Additionally, Madrid offers a remarkably relaxed pace of life when compared to most of Europe’s large cities. The city’s rhythm embraces the concept of enjoying life, strolling in its many large and small green areas and parks, savouring long meals at local eateries and celebrating its rich cultural heritage without the constant rush often associated with major capitals.
While it still has the frustrations of living in any big city, the balance between work and leisure is a lot more harmonious than in other cities.
We are big fans.

In Madrid, you encounter the influence of key transportation networks and logistical hubs that serve as critical connections between Spain and the broader European economic framework. The regions witness a higher concentration of financial institutions, technological innovation, services, and business activities, fostering a more robust and diverse economic environment.

The city offers a dynamic environment for entrepreneurs, with co-working spaces, accelerators, and government-backed initiatives supporting tech innovation. Madrid’s cosmopolitan atmosphere, along with its economic and cultural vibrancy, appeals to a range of professionals seeking tech opportunities.

Madrid attracts expats from around the world, and this presence of an international community can offer a support network, making the transition to life in Spain a lot smoother. Expats often engage in social gatherings, language exchanges, and community activities, facilitating integration into the local lifestyle.

Dining and entertainment costs tend to be higher in the cities due to the urban lifestyle and demand, however, there are still affordable options in the residential areas outside Madrid’s city centre.

Best places to live in Madrid? The areas around the huge Parque de El Retiro (the green lungs of the city) – Retiro, Ibiza, Salamanca, and Pacifico. From these residential areas, you can walk or cycle to and from the city centre, passing through or around Retiro park. Madrid’s historical centre is safe, always vibrant, and offers a wealth of entertainment options.

Which city offers easier integration and therefore a better long-term lifestyle, Madrid or Barcelona? Madrid.
Best places to buy property in Madrid? Pacifico is an excellent area to invest, where property prices are lower than in surrounding areas. It’s near the main train station, Atocha, and also near Retiro Park and the city centre. If you are looking for a home or an investment, then these areas offer year-round occupancy.

Granada, Córdoba, and Seville encapsulate the essence of what many perceive as quintessentially Spanish. However, they transcend mere historical sites; they are living testaments of Spain’s diverse history; a cultural tapestry, and warm hospitality all in one.

Choosing to live in these cities can offer an exceptional quality of life. The slower pace, particularly in comparison to larger metropolitan areas, allows for a more relaxed and laid-back lifestyle, while the abundance of cultural heritage and modern amenities means you won’t lack entertainment or activities. You’ll have the chance to embrace local traditions, participate in cultural events, and enjoy each city’s festivals, music, dance, and culinary traditions.

The people in southern Spain, and especially Andalusia, are known for their warmth and friendliness. This openness often makes integration into daily life, social circles, and community events a lot easier. It’s ultimately the opportunities to build lasting relationships with both the locals and the large International community that will help cement your feeling of belonging.
Adding to their allure, these 3 cities offer vibrant and lively nightlife experiences. Seville’s lively tapas bars and flamenco clubs, Granada’s bustling student scene with tapas culture, and Córdoba’s charming taverns and outdoor terraces create an electrifying atmosphere, inviting locals and visitors to indulge in unforgettable evenings filled with music, dance, and culinary delights.

You will also find a family-friendly environment, good educational facilities, and an abundance of recreational activities, creating an environment conducive to raising children.
NOTE: In July and August these cities can experience extreme heat! Most foreigners and locals who can afford it relocate to the coast of Spain or to the cooler climates of Northern Europe.

One of our favourite Spanish cities, and certainly one of the most underrated Spanish city centres that holds immense appeal. Everything is conveniently within reach, and located right by the sea.

You have a spectacular climate, one of the best outdoor lifestyles in all of Europe, good infrastructure including its airport and high-speed train link with Madrid and Barcelona, professional services, fantastic amenities, vibrant nightlife and cultural events, beautiful beaches, charming squares, and historical landmarks, and surprisingly affordable real estate.
So to summarize, Alicante city offers a communications and services infrastructure that can compete with Central and Northern European cities, offers a privileged lifestyle on the Mediterranean, and yet has some of the most affordable city centre properties in all of Europe!

For those considering property investment in Spain, Alicante City emerges as a top choice. Apartments in need of refurbishment in the Historical Centre or townhouses in the charming Barrio de Santa Cruz present excellent investment prospects due to their potential for renovation and the city’s overall appeal.
In essence, Alicante City, especially its Historical Centre, encapsulates a blend of convenience, a privileged Mediterranean lifestyle, modern infrastructure, affordable real estate, and investment potential. Its underrated status belies the wealth of opportunities it offers, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a vibrant yet affordable city living experience in Europe.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Spanish coastal cities, towns, and villages tend to have their faces to the sea and their behinds to the interior. They tend to look a lot more impressive from the sea or ocean than when driving in from the interior. You will find the industrial zones and ‘ugliest’ buildings in the parts furthest from the sea, which is usually the parts closest to the access roads. The ‘prettiest’ areas and historical centres tend to be ‘hidden’ from these access roads and situated closer to the sea.
When first arriving in Spain, we often made the mistake of dismissing some towns due to their rather rugged inland appearance. Luckily, we later explored a bit deeper to reveal their true charms.

Valencia City, like Alicante, is a coastal Spanish city that offers a privileged Mediterranean lifestyle and a property market that is arguably undervalued when compared with other coastal European cities. Its magnificent historical centre is rivalled only by Barcelona, Madrid, and Seville. The city is internationally famous for its remarkable cuisine and vibrant culture. There is a strong international community consisting of expats, students, international nomads, and remote workers.
The transport infrastructure is excellent and includes high-speed trains to Madrid and Barcelona.

Valencia city, and in particular the historical centre, offers a lively nightlife scene, with a wide range of bars, clubs, and entertainment options, while the many towns and villages nearby offer their own exciting festivals.
The coastal areas around Valencia are a particular hotspot with tourists and inland city-slickers alike who take any possible opportunity to flock to the cooler coastal climates during the hot summer months.

While Valencian is still an official language in combination with Spanish, it is not as widely spoken in social situations as the other main regional languages are, for example in Basque, Baleares, or Cataluña.
You will not be excluded if you do not speak Valencian, and the people are a lot more inclusive.

To be clear, Valencian is still compulsory in schools throughout the region, which is something you may want to investigate if you have children of school age.
It should also be noted that some of the finest international schools in Spain can be found in and around Valencia, and the Northern Costa Blanca (Benidorm, Altea, Javea).

In terms of volume of real estate transactions, Valencia is the region where foreigners buy the most homes. More than 33% of all foreign homes in Spain are bought here. The majority of these transactions happen in Valencia city, Alicante province, and in particular the Northern and Southern Costa Blanca. It is followed by Andalusia (21%), Catalonia (15%), the Canary Islands (8%), Madrid (7%), the Balearic Islands (6%) and Murcia (5.6%).

Valencia, when compared with other cities in Spain, benefits from enhanced trade opportunities and logistics networks that link Spain to various European markets. Industries like logistics, shipping, manufacturing, and international trade flourish in the region, bolstering the overall economic strength.

Valencia has been actively nurturing a vibrant startup ecosystem by supporting entrepreneurship and innovation. The city hosts various tech events, accelerators, and co-working spaces that facilitate collaboration and growth for tech startups. Moreover, Valencia’s commitment to technological innovation is visible in its smart city initiatives, utilizing technology to enhance urban infrastructure, sustainability, and citizen services.

Like Madrid, Valencia has a strong international community. This is particularly important for people relocating to Spain, as it helps with integration and a feeling of belonging.