Malaga — The Best City for Expats!

Málaga: The Main City of the Costa del Sol and the Top Choice for Expats

The idea for this article was inspired by a recent survey of 12,000 expats from around the world, conducted by the InterNations community. In 2023, Málaga ranked first in the global Expat City Ranking — and today, we'll explore why!  

A Brief Historical Overview

Málaga is one of the oldest cities in Europe, founded by the Phoenicians in the 8th century BC. Over the centuries, it has been ruled by the Roman Empire, the Visigoths, the Byzantine Empire, the Moors, and the Castilians. Each conqueror left a mark on the city’s history — from the ruins of a Roman theatre to stunning examples of Moorish architecture like the Alcazaba, a palace-fortress towering over the city, and the Gibralfaro Castle, one of the largest Arab fortresses in Andalusia.

About the Region

Málaga is located on the southern coast of Spain, which means the Andalusian region is, on average, 2–3 degrees warmer than Catalonia. The climate here is hot, and summer stretches into late October. One of the best ways to cope with the summer heat in Málaga is a dip in the sea, which usually has a pleasant temperature of around 22°C. Nearby, you'll find Marbella — a favorite among the wealthy elite. Due to its relatively flat terrain, Andalusia excels in wind energy production, whereas Catalonia leans more on solar power.

Another Important Fact — Málaga Is the Informal Capital of IT Specialists

Many European companies have chosen Málaga as their headquarters, and the city’s tech park is often dubbed “Spain’s Silicon Valley.” The government continues to invest in business travel infrastructure, making the city ever more attractive for tech companies. Over 200 high-level conferences are held annually at the Trade Fairs and Congress Center of Málaga, including the European Robotics Forum, Green Cities, and the Gamepolis video game festival.

Andalucía Is One of Spain’s Poorest Regions

Surprisingly, despite its appeal, average salaries in Andalusia are about 11% lower than the national average. The average monthly salary is around €1,460, while IT specialists earn between €2,200 and €3,200 per month. Consequently, rental prices are lower too — a three-bedroom apartment with a living room, two bathrooms, a pool, and parking in a good neighborhood can be rented long-term for €1,000–1,300 a month. Smaller, simpler flats range from €400 to €800. However, without a local work contract, finding housing can be tricky — paying six months upfront often helps.

So Why Is Málaga the Best City for Expats?

According to respondents, Málaga ranked first worldwide for local friendliness: 89% said the locals are especially welcoming to foreigners (compared to a global average of 65%). It’s no surprise the city also placed second for ease of making friends. The Quality of Life Index (2nd place) is another strong point for Málaga. It almost takes first place thanks to its highly-rated climate and weather (1st) and natural environment (8th). The city also ranks 2nd for leisure options. Additionally, Málaga scores high in the subcategories of "Travel & Transit" (8th) and "Healthcare" (10th). The lowest — though still above average — ranking is in the "Work" category, where Málaga stands at 13th. Still, it leads the “Work & Leisure” subcategory, ranking first in work-life balance. In the Expat Essentials Index (7th), expats are especially satisfied with housing (6th overall): housing is not only easy to find (11th) but also very affordable (5th). Indeed, the city is a great choice for expats on a budget. It ranks first in the Personal Finance Index, including overall cost of living (1st place). In total, 88% of expats are satisfied with their life in Málaga, compared to 72% globally. A contradictory region, isn’t it? Just like everywhere else, it has both pros and cons.