It’s not only the cuisine, sunshine, fun leisure activities, ease of settling in, and high quality of life, that attracts most expats. Those living in the city can take advantage of the well-connected public transport system and also the nearby international airport that offers easy connections to most European capitals. In addition, its picturesque parks, beaches, and outdoor spaces are ideal for those looking to keep fit and healthy.
That said, Málaga isn’t perfect for everyone. The local job market can be somewhat limited. It’s not an ideal environment for those seeking traditional employment or careers, and definitely more suited to entrepreneurs, business owners, remote workers, and digital nomads. The growing expat network, means that more coworking spaces are gaining traction, and these offer an excellent opportunity to network with fellow entrepreneurs. Spain’s new digital nomad visa is also attracting thousands of digital nomads, and Málaga is quietly but quickly becoming a hub for many remote workers and freelancers.
Families and retirees are also attracted to the city’s excellent climate, relatively low cost of living, and access to both public and private healthcare. There are also several choices of International schools and bilingual programs for families.
Generally speaking, the Andalusia region offers excellent value for money. Average living expenses in Malaga are lower than most other large cities in Spain, and a fraction of the price of most popular Western European cities. It is becoming an increasingly attractive alternative for remote worker who are right now living in Europe’s more expensive hubs.
Interestingly, Málaga wasn’t the only city from Spain listed in the TOP 10 cities to live in the world. Alicante and Valencia were numbers 2 and 3 respectively! Alicante ranked high for its cultural offerings, friendly atmosphere, and excellent air quality. Valencia scored high for public transport, healthcare, and work-life balance, and offers a more metropolitan feel when compared with the top 2.
Do you think Málaga can work for you? If you’re seeking a career and need a competitive job market, it may be a less dynamic option than Valencia or Madrid. Let us know in the comments below what you think of Malaga?
