7 Best Places for Expats to Live in Spain 2024
Moving abroad is an exciting adventure, but choosing the right place to settle can make all the difference. When considering the best places to live in Spain, there are several factors that expats should keep in mind. Here are the top five considerations for relocating:
- Climate: Spain offers a variety of climates, from the sunny beaches of the Costa del Sol to the cooler northern regions. Weather data is provided by national meteorological services and local weather stations.
- Cost of Living: Understanding housing costs is essential, especially when comparing Spain to U.S. cities. Cost of living data in this article comes from Idealista, updated in late 2024.
- Lifestyle: The cultural richness, culinary delights, and activities available in different regions can greatly enhance your experience.
- Job Opportunities: Different cities have varying job markets, with some sectors experiencing significant growth.
- Expat Community: The presence of an established expat community can make the transition smoother and provide a support network.
Here are the best places to live in Spain for expats in 2024:
Madrid
Climate
Madrid enjoys a Mediterranean climate and is one of the sunniest cities in Europe. While summers can get hot, with temperatures reaching up to 40°C (104°F), winters are chilly, dropping to an average of 6°C (43°F). Despite its cool winters, the sun shines for up to 320 days a year in Madrid.
Cost of Living
The average cost per square meter in Madrid is approximately €3,500, which is on par with major American cities like Chicago. In 2024, the average rental cost for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center is around €1,200, while outside the city center, it’s about €800. This means you can enjoy a cosmopolitan lifestyle without breaking the bank, although rents can vary significantly based on the neighborhood.
Lifestyle
As Spain’s capital, Madrid boasts a rich cultural scene. Iconic landmarks such as the Royal Palace and the Prado Museum draw visitors from around the world. The lively Malasaña district is known for its trendy bars and restaurants, making it a go-to spot for nightlife. Whether you’re an art lover or a foodie, Madrid offers a vibrant atmosphere with something for everyone.
Job Opportunity
The job market in Madrid is thriving, particularly in sectors like technology, finance, and tourism. With multinational companies establishing their bases here, expats find numerous opportunities, especially in tech-related fields.
Expat Community
Madrid has a significant expat population of about 6.6 million residents, with around 13% being foreigners. This diverse community includes many Americans, providing a supportive network for newcomers.
Barcelona
Climate
Barcelona’s Mediterranean climate is characterized by hot summers and mild winters. With even more sunny days than Madrid, it’s an ideal city for beach lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Summer temperatures can reach 30°C (86°F), while winter averages hover around 10°C (50°F).
Cost of Living
In Barcelona, the average cost per square meter is approximately €4,000, making it slightly more expensive than Madrid but still affordable compared to cities like San Francisco. The average rental cost for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center is about €1,500, while outside the city center, it’s around €1,000.
Lifestyle
Barcelona is famous for its stunning architecture, including Antoni Gaudí’s Sagrada Familia and Park Güell. The Gothic Quarter offers a maze of narrow streets filled with cafes, shops, and history. The nightlife is vibrant, especially in areas like El Born, where you can find a mix of locals and expats enjoying ‘discotecas’ and tapas bars on every corner.
Job Opportunity
The city is a growing hub for tech startups, tourism, and hospitality. The influx of international companies and events, like Mobile World Congress, has bolstered job opportunities, especially in tech and service sectors.
Expat Community
Barcelona boasts a substantial expat community, with around 17% of its 1.6 million residents coming from abroad. This international atmosphere makes it easier for English speakers (and more) to adapt and find their niche among friends and business partners.
Valencia
Climate
Valencia has a warm Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters, with enough sunshine to power its booming solar industry. Summer temperatures can reach around 30°C (86°F), while winter lows are typically around 5°C (41°F).
Cost of Living
The cost per square meter in Valencia is about €2,500. The average rental cost for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center is approximately €850, while outside the city center, it’s around €600. This lower cost makes it an attractive choice for families and retirees.
Lifestyle
Valencia is known for its beautiful beaches and rich history, including the UNESCO-listed City of Arts and Sciences. The Ruzafa district is a popular area for dining and nightlife, featuring a mix of trendy bars and traditional tapas spots.
Job Opportunity
Valencia’s economy is growing, particularly in the technology and renewable energy sectors. With startups and tech incubators on the rise, opportunities for employment are increasing.
Expat Community
Valencia has a friendly expat community, with approximately 800,000 residents and around 10% foreign nationals. Valencia is a welcoming atmosphere for Americans, Brits, Chinese, Ukrainians, and more expats from across the globe.
Malaga
Climate
Malaga enjoys a warm Mediterranean climate, with over 320 sunny days a year. Summers can be hot, reaching up to 35°C (95°F), while winters are mild, averaging around 10°C (50°F).
Cost of Living
The average cost per square meter in Malaga is around €2,000. The average rental cost for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center is about €800, while outside the city center, it’s around €600. This lower cost of living, combined with its beautiful beaches, makes it an attractive option for retirees and families.
Lifestyle
Famous for its beaches and rich history, Malaga is home to the Picasso Museum and the historic Alcazaba Fortress. The city offers a laid-back lifestyle, with the popular La Malagueta beach being a favorite spot for locals and expats alike.
Job Opportunity
The job market in Malaga is expanding, particularly in tourism and hospitality, given its status as a popular tourist destination. Knowing multiple languages is a big plus in the job market but, with so many English-speaking tourists, it isn’t hard for English speakers to integrate quickly.
Expat Community
Malaga has a significant expat population, with around 600,000 residents and approximately 12% being foreigners. Many British and American retirees choose to settle here, contributing to a thriving international community.
Alicante
Climate
Alicante boasts a warm climate with approximately 300 sunny days a year. Summers can be quite hot, averaging around 32°C (90°F), while winters are mild, with temperatures rarely falling below 8°C (46°F).
Cost of Living
The average cost per square meter in Alicante is about €1,800. The average rental cost for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center is approximately €700, while outside the city center, it’s around €500.
Lifestyle
Alicante offers beautiful beaches and a rich culinary scene, including famous dishes like paella. The Explanada de España is a lively promenade lined with cafes and shops, perfect for a leisurely stroll.
Job Opportunity
While tourism is the dominant sector, the growing tech industry in nearby cities like Elche has been steadily creating more job opportunities.
Expat Community
Alicante has a large expat community, especially among British and American retirees. Approximately 14% of its 340,000 residents are foreign nationals, making it easy for newcomers to find support and friendship.
San Sebastián
Climate
San Sebastián experiences a northern oceanic climate, with milder temperatures than many southern Spanish cities. Summers are comfortable, averaging around 25°C (77°F), while winters can be cooler, with temperatures dipping to about 6°C (43°F). Expect fewer sunny days and brilliant atmospheric sunsets.
Cost of Living
The average cost per square meter in San Sebastián is approximately €4,000 (a second San Francisco). The average rental cost for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center is around €1,200, while outside the city center, it’s about €900.
Lifestyle
Known for its breathtaking beaches and renowned culinary scene, San Sebastián is famous for pintxos—tapas unique to the Basque Country. The Parte Vieja district is a must-visit for food lovers, offering an array of bars and restaurants.
Job Opportunity
San Sebastián has a growing job market, particularly in the tourism, hospitality, and technology sectors. The city is becoming increasingly popular for startups and innovative businesses.
Expat Community
San Sebastián has a smaller expat community compared to larger cities, with about 190,000 residents and around 8% foreigners. While it still attracts many Americans and other internationals because of its high quality of life and rich culture, the community here is more close-knit.
Where to Next?
Whether you’re looking for a sunny beachside residence or a metropolitan hub with activities and amenities for the whole family, navigating the bureaucratic details of relocating can be challenging. Relying on professionals who do this daily is invaluable. Atlex’s experienced immigration lawyers have successfully relocated hundreds of expats and we’re ready to help you, too! If you have any questions about moving to Spain or visas in general, please send us an inquiry.
