Best Cities for Comfortable Living in Spain

Warm seas, a favorable climate, and a welcoming attitude towards foreigners are the main advantages of Spain. Spain can surprise even seasoned travelers, and here, everyone can find exactly what they need—whether it's a peaceful village in the mountains or a bustling metropolis full of nightlife.

1.Barcelona

This sunny city with magnificent architecture attracts people from all over the world. It boasts numerous coworking spaces, cafes, and restaurants, as well as a vibrant cultural and nightlife scene. Barcelona offers excellent urban living conditions combined with beautiful beaches. It is one of the most famous European startup hubs, so if you're looking to launch a business, this city has much to offer. For employees, it also provides plenty of opportunities. Approximate cost of living:

1. Monthly expenses for a family of four: €2,635.6 (excluding rent).
2. Monthly expenses for one person: €756.7 (excluding rent).
3. Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in/outside the city center: €1,077.44 / €847.36
4. Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in/outside the city center: €1,774.74 / €1,328.15

Pros: ✅ Culture and architecture ✅ Food ✅ Public transport ✅ Climate and beaches ✅ Multicultural community. Concerns: ❌ Cost of living ❌ Noisy nights and tourist crowds ❌ Pickpocketing ❌ Air pollution ❌ Catalan language, different from Spanish

2.Madrid

Madrid, the capital of Spain, offers all the features you'd expect from a major city. It is also the geographical center of Spain, so it's easy to travel to any part of the country and spend a few exciting days there. The city has a lively cultural life with numerous shows, festivals, concerts, and amazing museums and historic sites. Madrid is a bustling city, but once you leave the city center, you'll find quiet residential areas that are great for family living. With its social services, parks, and educational opportunities, Madrid is an ideal city for families. Approximate cost of living:

1. Monthly expenses for a family of four: €2,533.8 (excluding rent).
2. Monthly expenses for one person: €795.4 (excluding rent).
3. Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in/outside the city center: €1,014.88 / €754.57
4. Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in/outside the city center: €1,731.10 / €1,238.17

Pros: ✅ Cultural heritage and nightlife ✅ Job opportunities ✅ Sports culture ✅ Great for families ✅ Central location. Concerns: ❌ Hot summers ❌ Overcrowded public transport ❌ Noisy city center ❌ Lack of beaches ❌ Air pollution and pollen

3.Valencia

This city could be chosen solely for its famous Spanish dish, Paella, and of course, other culinary wonders. Despite being a fairly large city, the Mediterranean breeze gives Valencia a laid-back and welcoming atmosphere. It is one of the most transforming cities in Spain, now offering a quality of life similar to that of a large capital. The growing real estate market offers great opportunities for those looking for an investment visa. Approximate cost of living:

1. Monthly expenses for a family of four: €2,314.5 (excluding rent).
2. Monthly expenses for one person: €662.7 (excluding rent).
3. Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in/outside the city center: €821.6 / €591.72
4. Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in/outside the city center: €1,385.94 / €893.12

Pros: ✅ Mild climate ✅ Affordable cost of living ✅ Green spaces ✅ Gastronomy ✅ Investment opportunities. Concerns: ❌ Few English speakers ❌ Limited job opportunities ❌ Slow pace of life ❌ High humidity ❌ Valencian, a Catalan dialect, is the second official language alongside Spanish

4.Malaga

Stunning beaches stretch across this southern coastal city. It has always been popular among tourists, but in recent years, it has also attracted many expats. The constant sunshine, warm climate, top-notch restaurants, and cafes make life here feel like an endless vacation. The affordable cost of living draws retirees, while the developed tourism industry creates opportunities for professional expats. When digital nomads are looking for a quiet life, Malaga has much to offer. Approximate cost of living:

1. Monthly expenses for a family of four: €2,288.9 (excluding rent).
2. Monthly expenses for one person: €660.4 (excluding rent).
3. Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in/outside the city center: €792.21 / €619.41
4. Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in/outside the city center: €1,328.57 / €1,011.76

Pros: ✅ Warm climate and beautiful beaches ✅ Affordable cost of living ✅ Growing international community ✅ Gastronomy ✅ Cultural heritage. Concerns: ❌ Few English speakers ❌ Limited job opportunities ❌ Slow pace of life ❌ High humidity ❌ Tourist crowds

5.Seville

This large city maintains the charm of an old, small Spanish town. Seville attracts expats from all over the world with its architecture, romantic traditions, and affordable housing prices. The vibrant city life, full of flamenco shows, music festivals, and food markets throughout the year, also offers a comfortable lifestyle for families with international schools and two universities. Approximate cost of living:

1. Monthly expenses for a family of four: €2,302.2 (excluding rent).
2. Monthly expenses for one person: €658.2 (excluding rent).
3. Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in/outside the city center: €652.93 / €466.89
4. Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in/outside the city center: €1,033.33 / €767.5

Pros: ✅ Great for family living ✅ Affordable cost of living ✅ Beautiful nature ✅ Festivals and events ✅ Good cycling infrastructure. Concerns: ❌ Few English speakers ❌ Limited job opportunities ❌ Hot summers ❌ Slow pace of life ❌ Old housing stock