Which best cities to live in Spain for expats

Spain is a welcoming country for expats with a warm climate, great work opportunities, delicious cuisine, and a vibrant culture. It's also a top choice for living in Europe due to its affordable cost of living. When choosing a city to live in Spain, it's worth comparing the options for those who love culture, city life, or coastal living.

Which are the best places to live in Spain for expats? Where do most expats live in Spain? Let's check it out!

#1. Barcelona

This sunny city with gorgeous architecture attracts people from all over the world. There are plenty of coworking spaces, cafés and restaurants, great cultural life, and a nightlife scene. Barcelona offers excellent urban lifestyle conditions combined with marvelous beaches.

Barcelona is one of the most famous European start-up hubs, so if you want to launch one, this city has a lot to offer. As for employees, it also provides a lot of possibilities.

Cost of living, according to Numbeo.com:

• Family of four estimated monthly costs: 2,635.6€ without rent.
• A single person estimated monthly costs: 756.7€ without rent.
• Rent a 1-bedroom apartment in/outside city Centre: 1,077.44 €/847.36 €  
• Rent a 3-bedroom apartment in/outside city Centre: 1,774.74 €/1,328.15 €

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People like it here:

✅ Culture and Architecture
✅ Food
✅ Public transportation
✅ Climate and Beaches 
✅ Multicultural community

What can disturb:

❌ Cost of living
❌ Noisy nights and crowds of tourists
❌ Pickpocketing
❌ Air pollution
❌ Catalan language, which is different from Spanish

#2. Madrid

Madrid is the capital of Spain with all its features. It is also the geographical centre of Spain, so you can easily reach any part of the country and spend there a few fascinating days.

This city has fascinating cultural life with a myriad of shows, festivals and concerts, great museums and historical places.

Madrid is a crowded city, but only you leave the city center you'll discover private and quiet residential areas which are great for families. With social services, parks, and educational opportunities, this city is a perfect option to move here with children.
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Cost of living, according to Numbeo.com:

• Family of four estimated monthly costs: 2,533.8€ without rent.
• A single person estimated monthly costs: 795.4€ without rent.
• Rent a 1-bedroom apartment in/outside city Centre: 1,014.88 €/754.57 €  
• Rent a 3-bedroom apartment in/outside city Centre: 1,731.10 €/1,238.17 €

People like it here:

✅ Cultural heritage and nightlife
✅ Job opportunities
✅ Sports culture
✅ Family-friendly
✅ Central location

What can disturb:

❌ Hot summers
❌ Crowded public transport
❌ Noisy Centre
❌ Lack of beaches 
❌ Air and pollen pollution

#3. Valencia

One can choose this city only for being the home of the famous Spanish dish Paella and certainly other gastronomic miracles. Though it’s quite a large city, Mediterranean breeze fills Valencia with a relaxed and welcoming attitude to life.

It’s one of the most transforming cities in Spain, which now provides almost big capital’s quality of life. The growing real estate market offers an excellent opportunity for those who seek an investment visa.

Cost of living, according to Numbeo.com:

• Family of four estimated monthly costs: 2,314.5€ without rent.
• A single person estimated monthly costs: 662.7€ without rent.
• Rent 1-bedroom apartment in/outside city Centre: 821.6 €/591.72 €       
• Rent 3-bedroom apartment in/outside city Centre: 1,385.94 €/893.12 € 

People like it here:

✅ Mild climate
✅ Affordable cost of living
✅ Green spaces
✅ Gastronomy
✅ Investment opportunities

What can disturb:

❌ English is not widely spoken
❌ Limited job opportunities
❌ Slow pace of life
❌ High humidity 
❌ Poor schooling

#4. Malaga

Magnificent beaches stretch across this coastal southern city. It was always popular among tourists, but over the last few years, it also attracted many expats. Ever-lasting sunshine, warm climate, top-notch restaurants, and cafés turn life here into an endless vacation.

Affordable cost of living attracts retired people, while the developed tourism industry creates opportunities for professional expats. And when a digital nomad seeks relaxed life, Malaga has a lot to offer.

‍Cost of living, according to Numbeo.com:

• Family of four estimated monthly costs: 2,288.9€ without rent.
• A single person estimated monthly costs: 660.4€ without rent.
• Rent a 1-bedroom apartment in/outside city Centre: 792.21 €/619.41 €     
• Rent a 3-bedroom apartment in/outside city Centre: 1,328.57 €/1,011.76 €

People like it here:

✅ Warm climate and gorgeous beaches
✅ Affordable cost of living
✅ Growing international community
✅ Gastronomy
✅ Cultural heritage

What can disturb:

❌ English is not widely spoken
❌ Limited job opportunities
❌ Slow pace of life
❌ High humidity 
❌ Tourist crowds

#5. Seville

It’s a big city that maintains its look as an old small Spanish town. Seville attracts expats from all over the world with its architecture, romantic traditions, and affordable housing prices.

With vivid city life full of flamenco shows, music festivals and gastronomic markets happening throughout the year, Seville also offers a comfortable life for a family with international schools and two universities.

Cost of living, according to Numbeo.com:

• Family of four estimated monthly costs: 2,302.2€ without rent.
• A single person estimated monthly costs: 658.2€ without rent.
• Rent a 1-bedroom apartment in/outside city Centre: 652.93 €/466.89 €     
• Rent a 3-bedroom apartment in/outside city Centre: 1,033.33 €/767.5 €

People like it here:

✅ Family-friendly
✅ Affordable cost of living
✅ Great nature
✅ Festivals and Events
✅ Good cycling infrastructure

What can disturb:

❌ English is not widely spoken
❌ Limited job opportunities
❌ Hot summers
❌ Slow pace of life
❌ Tourist crowds

_{Photo: Kristijan Arsov, Josefina Di Battista, Jonas Denil, Eugene Chystiakov, Joan Oger}