10 Best Places to Live in Spain for Expats
Warm, always-sunny Spain is a dream of a country. With its affordable cost of living, tight-knit communities, friendly locals, advanced healthcare, and endless work opportunities, Spain attracts expats from all around the world.
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What are the most popular cities and which one is best for you? Is health insurance recommended in Spain? Here, Pacific Prime has compiled the top 10 best locations for expats to live in Spain, so you can decide which place is the most compatible with your lifestyle.
The Best Places to Live in Spain
Spain has plenty to offer, whether you are with family, a professional, or a retiree. From laidback coastal towns to bustling metropolitans, its diversity accommodates every lifestyle need. Ready to choose your new home?
Here’s an overview of why Spain is one of the best places to live in Europe:
- Art and culture
- Work opportunities
- Food haven
- English is widely spoken
- Massive expat community
- Low cost of living
- Warm climate
- Well-developed transportation system
Barcelona – Start-up City
Barcelona, the second biggest city in Spain, is brimming with gorgeous architecture like the Sagrada Família. It is also a massive hub in Europe for budding entrepreneurs. Are you more of a city dweller or do you prefer to relax by the coast? The city offers expats the perfect mix of both.
What is Barcelona Known For?
- Expat communities: Newcomers rejoice! The expat communities here are huge and thriving. English is widely spoken across the city, so it’s easy to reach out on social media platforms to find like-minded individuals.
- Nightlife: Transportation is fabulous with trains, metro, and buses running late into the night. Traveling between cities is not only safe but also a breeze.
- Work opportunities: Co-working spaces are a dime a dozen in Barcelona. Expats and digital nomads will be pleased to find that there are plenty of work opportunities in the city, especially for startups.
- Location and Lifestyle: Barcelona has its own beaches, unlike Madrid which is just as popular among expats. There is also a wide range of outdoor sports opportunities, including hiking, stand-up paddle, and swimming. This means you can always switch things up anytime.
Madrid – The Art and Culture Capital
The sunny Capital of Spain has something for everybody, whether you’re an art enthusiast, an expat with a family, or a working professional. Similar to Barcelona, Madrid is big on culture and boasts a massive expat population.
What is Madrid Known For?
- Lifestyle: You will never be short on entertainment and food options. Nightlife in Madrid is characterized by a bustling entertainment district offering a wide variety of shows and concerts. Bars and restaurants are also open late into the night.
- Art and Culture: Madrid is home to three of Spain’s most renowned art museums, which provide free entry every night of the week to historical art pieces, sculptures, and more.
- Family-friendliness: Families will fall in love with this city and its plethora of beautiful parks and gardens. Compared to other Spanish cities, both Madrid and Barcelona have a higher cost of living. Nonetheless, housing is affordable the further you move away from the city center.
- Transportation System: The constantly improving and heavily funded public transportation makes it easy for expats and families to traverse the city. What’s more, visiting satellite cities is incredibly convenient so go ahead and add weekend trips to your list!
Valencia – Beautiful Mediterranean Beaches
Valencia is a coastal city perfect for expat families with everything the bigger cities offer and a remarkably lower cost of living. Located in the Mediterranean, it is famous for its beautiful beaches and a more relaxed vibe.
What is Valencia Known For?
- Family-friendliness: The expanding real estate market, coupled with a lower cost of living makes Valencia an ideal place to purchase your new home compared to cosmopolitans like Madrid and Barcelona.
- Growth: Valencia is a dynamic city that has grown in popularity among digital nomads and expats in the last few years. The expat community will only increase in size from here.
- Lifestyle: From a vibrant nightlife and cultural gems to a robust healthcare system, this coastal city is characterized by friendly and welcoming people without being overrun by too many tourists.
- Art and Culture: Valencia is home to the renowned Museum of Las Artes y las Ciencias, and the Tomatina Festival, which are the proud original creators of paella.
- Location: The city’s proximity to mountains and beaches lends itself well to picturesque hikes in the summer and snowboarding in the winter.
- Walkable City: Valencia is extremely walkable and most places are within walking distance. The ever-expanding underground rail network ensures that expats and families will have no problem going places, whether it’s the popular pop-up parks or their offices.
Granada – Social Hub
Smaller in size but no less charming, Granada is an affordable hidden gem of a city. It is home to a spectacular UNESCO heritage site, the Alhambra. This city also makes for a solid base for expats and digital nomads looking to travel to other southern regions of Spain.
What is Granada Known For?
- Location and lifestyle: Moving to Granada means that you’ll be optimally located to enjoy all types of outdoor activities, with mountains to the north and beaches to the south.
- Community: With friendly locals and a tight-knit expat community, there are socials happening every day of the week in Granada. Join in on the fun as people chat away at bars and restaurants on gorgeous cobbled streets. Granada is also popular with students and is an incredibly walkable city.
Seville – A Laidback Lifestyle
Seville is your answer if you’re in love with the small-town feel but also enjoy the fast pace of a metropolis. The capital of Andalucia is a city where expats can soak in the romantic traditions of Moorish architecture, flamenco shows, and horse-drawn carriages. It is also great for families.
What is Seville Known For?
- Family-friendliness: Seville is perfect for expats and their families. The cost of living is reasonable here, hence the seizable expat population. In terms of education options, Seville is home to two universities and several German, English, and American schools.
- Lifestyle: With that being said, it might take you some time to adjust to the relaxed, in-the-moment lifestyle of southern Spain. You will find that it’s normal for locals to nap in the afternoon and have drinks before dinner in the warmest city in Europe.
- Transportation: Seville has its own airport and two bus depots, as well as train stations linking to various parts of the country. Adding to that, its proximity to beaches and mountains makes Seville attractive to expats looking to travel. It also boasts a stunningly bike-friendly city.
Bilbao – Alternative Urban Hub
Looking for a quiet alternative to the frantic hubs of Madrid and Barcelona? Bilbao is your city. Located in northern Spain along the Atlantic Ocean, Bilbao is rich in culture. Professionals, retirees, and families will enjoy its endless food and shopping options.
What is Bilbao Known For?
- Art and Culture: Expats can experience Spain’s cultural diversity in Bilbao, the Capital of the Basque country. The riverside city’s industrial past is apparent with shipyards and old factories found side by side with beautifully modern architecture, such as the Guggenheim Museum.
- Food and Wine: Are you a foodie? If so, you’ll love exploring the world’s biggest covered market with a spectrum of produce on offer here in Bilbao. Besides delicious cuisine and a thriving coffee shop scene, Navarro, a local region, is also known for its growing Rosé wine industry.
- Peace and Quiet: Bilbao is located in Northern Spain, where days aren’t always sunny and warm. That’s why tourists tend to shy away. It is also one of the most expensive cities in Spain, which means Bilbao appeals to a considerably smaller number of expats.
Malaga – Lively Port City
Malaga is the very picture of a stereotypical Mediterranean coastal city. Full of hotels and resorts, this populous city is where expats from all over the globe get their fill of sunshine and adventures. Malaga has a great range of neighborhoods to accommodate different expat needs.
The city attracts many tourists, professional expats, and retirees keen to get their share of sunshine and an exciting Mediterranean lifestyle.
What is Malaga Known For?
- Liveliness: Cruise ships and droves of tourists are a mainstay of the capital of Costa de Sol. Malaga is lively with a magnificent coast that stretches across the city. You’ll find tourists eager to explore the old city everywhere you look and events around every corner.
- Food and Wine: A spectrum of top-notch cuisines befitting of an international city is always available to tourists and expats alike in Malaga. So, indulge away, food and wine lovers!
- Weather: Malaga is famous for its ever-lasting sunshine and warm climate. It’s a dream for professionals, retirees, and families who dread the cold.
- Neighborhoods: Malaga accommodates the housing needs of all expats spectacularly. Go for Cerrado de Calderon or Limonar if you prefer a quiet, suburban area. If you have kids, La Malagueta is a favorite for its great schools and proximity to various amenities.
- Cost of living: Pensioners will be pleased to learn that living in Malaga is a lot cheaper than in cosmopolitans like Barcelona and Madrid. In addition, the standards of living remain high, which makes Malaga an attractive retirement location.
Alicante – Old Town Vibe
A charming port city on Spain’s Costa Blanca, Alicante offers a perfect blend of history and modernity. Known for its beautiful beaches, iconic Santa Barbara Castle, and vibrant Old Town, it attracts expats with its pleasant climate and welcoming atmosphere.
The city’s active international community and relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle make it an ideal destination for newcomers.
What is Alicante Known For?
- Beautiful coastline: The Costa Blanca offers a variety of coastal experiences, from bustling city shores to secluded coves, perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and water sports. The promenade is ideal for leisurely walks and cycling, with numerous cafes and restaurants offering sea views.
- Castle of Santa Barbara: A historic fortress perched atop Mount Benacantil, offering panoramic views of the city and Mediterranean. Dating back to the 9th century, this well-preserved castle has witnessed various civilizations and now serves as a museum and cultural center.
- Active expat community: Large international population, making it easier for newcomers to integrate. Alicante hosts numerous expat clubs, language exchange groups, and international schools.
- Mediterranean climate: Warm summers and mild winters, with over 300 days of sunshine per year. This favorable weather allows for year-round outdoor activities and contributes to the relaxed lifestyle Alicante is known for.
- Old Town (El Barrio): Charming narrow streets, colorful houses, and lively nightlife. This historic district is a maze of winding alleys lined with traditional architecture, boutique shops, and tapas bars.
Palma de Mallorca – Yacht Paradise
Palma de Mallorca combines island living with urban sophistication. Its stunning Gothic cathedral dominates the skyline, while the surrounding old town exudes historic charm. With world-class marinas, beautiful beaches, and a thriving cultural scene, Palma offers a high quality of life.
The city’s excellent cuisine and year-round pleasant weather make it a favorite among expats and digital nomads.
What is Palma de Mallorca Known For?
- Island lifestyle: The perfect balance of laid-back island living and urban conveniences, with beautiful beaches just minutes from bustling city streets. Residents enjoy a high quality of life, with access to modern healthcare, international schools, and a range of cultural activities.
- Gothic architecture: The stunning Palma Cathedral (La Seu) dominates the skyline. This masterpiece of Gothic architecture, built over three centuries, features one of the world’s largest rose windows.
- Yachting and water sports: World-class marina and excellent conditions for sailing, windsurfing, and diving. Palma’s large natural harbor is a haven for boating enthusiasts, hosting international regattas and offering top-notch facilities for yacht owners.
- Beaches: Beautiful nearby beaches like Playa de Palma and Cala Major. These urban beaches offer golden sands and crystal-clear waters, complemented by excellent facilities and beachfront promenades.
- Cultural scene: Numerous art galleries, museums, and the Es Baluard Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art. Palma’s rich cultural offerings reflect its diverse history, with influences from Roman, Moorish, and Spanish periods.
San Sebastián – Food Heaven
Nestled in Spain’s Basque Country, San Sebastián is a gastronomic paradise and coastal gem. Renowned for its pintxos bars and Michelin-starred restaurants, it’s a food lover’s dream. The city’s beautiful La Concha beach, Belle Époque architecture, and strong Basque identity create a unique atmosphere.
With its rich culture, excellent surfing, and picturesque views, San Sebastián offers a distinctive living experience.
What is San Sebastián Known For?
- Renowned gastronomy: San Sebastián boasts one of the highest concentrations of Michelin stars per square meter in the world. The city’s culinary prowess extends beyond fine dining to its pintxos culture, where bars serve exquisite bite-sized creations that showcase local ingredients and innovative techniques.
- Basque culture: Strong regional identity with unique language and traditions. The city proudly preserves its Basque heritage through language, music, and sports like pelota. Annual events such as the Tamborrada Drum Festival and the Film Festival attract visitors from around the world, showcasing the region’s rich cultural offerings.
- Surfing: Zurriola Beach offers consistent waves year-round, attracting both local and international surf enthusiasts. Surf schools and equipment rental shops line the beachfront, making it easy for beginners to try their hand at riding the waves of the Bay of Biscay.
- Belle Époque architecture: San Sebastián’s architectural beauty is a result of its popularity as a resort town for European royalty in the early 20th century. The city’s well-preserved buildings, featuring ornate facades and wrought-iron balconies, create a sophisticated ambiance that transports visitors to a bygone era.
Conclusion
Now that we’ve gone through the top 10 best places to live in Spain for expats, here’s how you can get there. Securing an international health insurance plan is one of the best decisions you can make for yourself and your loved ones.
Getting comprehensive health insurance coverage in Spain is crucial as it opens up the gateway for expats to access top-notch private healthcare. It ensures that you’ll be well-protected whenever unexpected illnesses strike.
Talk to our team of experienced advisors today for a free quote and impartial advice!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Where do most expats live in Spain?
Madrid and Barcelona are the cities most loved by expats in Spain. Thousands of expats and digital nomads find their home here every year. There are plenty of work opportunities in Madrid and Barcelona for those looking to relocate to Spain.
Where is the safest city to live in Spain?
Serville, the capital of Andalusian, is considered to be the safest city in Spain with its relaxed, coastal lifestyle. Granada comes in a close second.
Where do British expats live in Spain?
While British expats can be found in multiple cities across Spain, they are especially drawn to Costa de Sol, Barcelona, Madrid, and Serville.
What are the most popular cities for expats in Spain?
Many people across the world love Madrid. Thousands of expats visit Madrid every year for its attractive employment opportunities, culture, nightlife, and accessibility to other cities in Spain and other parts of Europe.
Which city has the friendliest people in Spain?
Spain is an expat-friendly country with its international universities and multi-national companies. Bilbao, Cordoba, Salamanca, and Toledo have some of the friendliest people in Spain.
Serena earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of British Columbia, Canada. As such, she is an avid advocate of mental health and is fascinated by all things psychology (especially if it’s cognitive psychology!).
Her previous work experience includes teaching toddlers to read, writing for a travel/wellness online magazine, and then a business news blog. These combined experiences give her the skills and insights she needs to explain complex ideas in a succinct way. Being the daughter of an immigrant and a traveler herself, she is passionate about educating expats and digital nomads on travel and international health insurance.
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For expats moving to Spain with children, what are the childcare options available in cities like Valencia or Madrid, especially for bilingual or international families?
In major Spanish cities like Valencia and Madrid, expat families have access to a wide range of childcare options, including nurseries, international preschools, and bilingual daycare centers. Many international and bilingual schools in these cities offer early childhood programs that cater specifically to English-speaking or multilingual families, providing children with a supportive learning environment in both Spanish and English. Typical costs for childcare vary, but private nurseries and international preschools can range from €300 to €1,000+ per month, depending on the institution and the age group.
For further guidance on relocating to Spain and securing health insurance for your family, feel free to reach out to our advisors for personalized support through our contact page.
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