The 10 Best Places to Live in Spain in 2024

Spain is a popular choice for those looking to start a new life abroad. From charming medieval towns to vibrant cities and scenic coastal villages, Spain has a variety of appealing locations.

In this article, we’re diving into the ten best places to live in Spain in 2024, giving you the low down on everything from weather, things to do, and lifestyle.

The 10 Best Places to Live in Spain

1. Madrid – Central Spain

Madrid is one of the best places to live for young adults and expats. From the rich cultural heritage and vibrant nightlife to the welcoming international community. Expats thrive in Spain’s capital city with many locals speaking English.

Madrid offers a range of prestigious universities like Complutense University of Madrid and Polytechnic University of Madrid, making the city one of the best places to live for students and young professionals looking to further their careers.

The food scene in Madrid is diverse, with everything from classic tapas bars to innovative dining. Popular spots like Mercado de San Miguel offer the perfect place to sample Spanish cuisine while getting to know the friendly locals. This, combined with nearly 300 days of sunshine and a buzzing nightlife, Madrid’s outdoor dining and socializing options are endless.

Expats in Madrid find it easy to integrate into the many international communities. Families benefit from the excellent international schools and opportunities to learn from Spain’s beautiful culture. Plus, as the economic hub of Spain, job seekers in Madrid have a world of opportunity.

If you’re looking to become a Spanish resident, the Spain Golden Visa offers foreign nationals a chance to invest in Spain and obtain Spanish residency.

Let’s take a look at the cost of living in Madrid:

2. Barcelona – Eastern Spain

Located on the northeastern coast of Spain, Barcelona is the ideal combination of urban sophistication and Mediterranean beauty. The city is known for its stunning beaches, historic architecture, and vibrant culture, making it one of the best places to live in Spain.

If you’re looking for cultural exploration, Barcelona is the place to be. The blend of cosmopolitan vibes and Catalonian culture make Barcelona a truly unique city. This cultural hub is home to iconic museums like the Museu Picasso and the Fundació Joan Miró, giving expats a chance to explore and learn in their new home.

If beautiful beaches are what you’re looking for, Barcelona’s coastal location offers residents miles of beach bliss, perfect for relaxation and water sports. Imagine strolling along La Rambla, a lively promenade, soaking in the sun and sea.

Expats can explore Barcelona with ease with the city’s efficient transportation system with metro, buses, and trams. For international travel, El Prat Airport offers easy access to global destinations.

Interesting Fact: While 90% of Spain speaks Castilian Spanish, Barcelona embraces Catalan, reflecting its unique identity.

3. Valencia – Eastern Spain

Valencia is always in the top 10 places to live in Spain because it has an amazing healthcare system, low crime rates, and an open-minded community.

Historically and culturally, the city is also a delight. Valencia is filled with century-old monuments and even has its own Valencian language, which is taught in schools alongside Spanish and English.

In Valencia, there are plenty of opportunities to feast on culinary delights. At the central market with cobblestone streets, enjoy the world-famous paella, mouthwatering tapas, fresh produce, sensational seafood, and more local wines than you can drink in a lifetime.

Just like in other Spanish cities, you can expect warm weather throughout the entire year, but bear in mind that in the summer, it can get extremely hot. Thankfully, Valencia is on the Mediterranean coast, offering a variety of stunning beaches, such as Racó de la Mar and L’Ahuir beach in Gandia.

While bigger cities such as Madrid or Barcelona are all about the hustle and bustle, Valencia is great if you’re looking to live at a slower pace in a lovely and walkable city with many cycling lanes.

Compared to other Spanish cities, Valencia still has affordable living costs, lets take a look:

4. Malaga – Southcoast Spain

The gorgeous Malaga, situated on the Costa del Sol in the Andalusia region, is one of the best places to live in Spain since it’s relatively affordable, boasts a laid-back lifestyle, and has a thriving expat community.

Like almost any other Spanish city, Malaga weather is stunning all year long, offering ample chance for outdoor activities.

Malaga is also known for its excellent gastronomy. The city’s bustling markets, like Atarazanas Market, offer fresh produce, local delicacies, and a vibrant atmosphere.

Essentially, Malaga is quite a calm place, making it one of the best places to live in Spain for families. There are plenty of education options, it’s not packed with tourist crowds, and you can always go hiking in the mountains or visit one of the lovely nearby beaches.

The cost of living in Malaga is relatively moderate compared to other major cities in Western Europe. Housing, groceries, and entertainment options are generally affordable, allowing residents to maintain a comfortable lifestyle without straining their finances.

5. Seville – Southern Spain

Considered the most romantic city in Spain, Seville is located right in the heart of Andalusia. Famous for its charm and slow pace of living, Seville’s streets are filled with beauty and the resonating notes of Flamenco songs, ideal for young couples in Spain.

The city has incredible weather, but during the summertime, it gets very hot, and some citizens spend this time outside Seville, exploring the other Spanish cities. However, the stunning summer nights do offer the ideal chance to savor Seville’s delicious cuisine sitting on a traditional terrace overlooking the city.

Seville is absolutely walkable, but for those who want to explore the city’s surroundings, it has a very good transportation system — buses, trams, and even railways connecting Seville to Spain’s major cities.

For digital Nomads, Seville is a fantastic place to live. The city boasts high speed internet, giving you more than enough time to take a mid-morning coffee break and enjoy the stunning surroundings.

Interesting fact: Seville is one of the cheapest major cities to buy property in Spain, with property prices 40% less than in Barcelona.

The cost of living in Seville is low, the rentals are cheap compared to the rest of Spain, and you can find fantastic real estate opportunities.

6. Bilbao- Northern Spain

Bilbao is the largest city in the Biscay province. Not only is it stunningly designed and simple to navigate, but it also boasts great life outside work and school.

The city has plenty of world-class museums, stunning architecture, parks, concerts, festivals, and events. It has a warm climate, but it’s not as hot as other Spanish cities.

Essentially, this port city hits the sweet spot when it comes to size, education, and nightlife, making it one of the best places to live in Spain for young adults.

There are two major universities in Bilbao, the University of Deusto and the University of the Basque Country, and both of them have a long history and a variety of programs to choose from.

If you’re into art, Bilboa is the place to be, the art scene in Bilboa is thriving, inviting aspiring artists to hit the ground running.

When it comes to living costs in Bilbao, bear in mind that this vibrant city has a very high standard of living. The prices of food and rent are on the higher end, but, again, it’s not as expensive, as Madrid.

7. Palma de Mallorca- Eastern Spain

Secluded coves, long stretches of golden sands, and crystal blue waters await in Palma de Mallorca, one of Spain’s Balearic Islands.

Naturally, the weather in Mallorca is warm all year round, and the coldest temperatures are in January when it is around 15.4 °C (60 °F). So, if beach time bliss is what you’re after, Mallorca has it all.

Mallorca is ideal for families and retirees. You will find all elements of Spanish life in Palma de Mallorca, like a slow-paced lifestyle, amazing food, and rich history. However, a bustling city nightlife is not on the cards here, so young adults and students may want to look at the bigger cities.

If soaking up the Spanish sun during your golden years sounds ideal, the Spain Non Lucrative Visa offers non-EU nationals the chance to live in Spain without working.

Mallorca offers culture and history are around every corner. From the cobble stoned streets to stunning ancient architecture, expats will love exploring Mallorca.

If you’re planning to move to Mallorca, renting or buying a car is a must. But no surprises here as this is coastal living at its finest. Personal transport allows you to explore this stunning island like a local.

The cost of living in Mallorca is relatively high, but for good reason. This island offers coastal bliss, meaning tourists flock here throughout the year. As a tourist hotspot, the prices are naturally more expensive.

8. San Sebastian- Northern Spain

Lying on the Bay of Biscay, San Sebastian is a Spanish city with an oceanic climate that’s best known for being one of the best tourist destinations in Spain. On top of that, it’s the place to be if you’re looking to enjoy a rich and dynamic cultural scene, especially when it comes to music and film, with the famous San Sebastián International Film Festival taking place every September.

Unlike other iconic Spanish cities, San Sebastian has plenty of rainy days during the year and the temperatures won’t be as high. The highest temperatures San Sebastian will reach around 25 °C (77 °F).

While exploring San Sebastian, you should definitely pay a visit to La Concha Beach, a stunning area that you may recognize from postcards. Parte Vieja, the old part of the town offers history and mystery, while Monte Igueldo, is ideal for hiking, offering unparalleled views over the bay.

San Sebastian is well known for its local cuisine, ranging from baked spider crab to Basque cheesecake. Dining out in San Sebastian is not just a meal, its an entire experience with some of the top Michelin star restaurants in Spain.

This coastal city is ideal for families and retirees that want a laid-back lifestyle with a high quality of life. Whether you’re a foodie, nature lover, remote worker, or history hunter, San Sebastian offers something for everyone. The easiest way to fit in with the San Sebastian community is to learn Spanish and even Basque (if you have spare time on your hands). The locals adore it when you speak their language.

Fun fact: San Sebastian ranks third for the most Michelin Stars per capital, its truly a foodie’s paradise.

The only downside to San Sebastian is that it’s quite expensive. Food, rent, transport, and leisure activities will cost you more than in other Spanish cities. Let’s take a look:

9. Alicante- Southeast Spain

Located on Spain’s southeastern Costa Blanca, Alicante is a port city well known for its friendly locals and thriving expat communities.

Alicante enjoys a warm Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, sunny winters, making it an ideal year-round destination. Summer in Alicante is very warm, with temperatures going up to 42.0 °C (107.6 °F).

The stunning city of Alicante is known for its gorgeous golden sand beaches, lively atmosphere, and rich history, all adding to the fantastic quality of life for Spain expats. Whether you’re moving to Spain with family, as a retiree, or as a digital nomad, Alicante is not short on amazing things to do.

Luckily, Alicante is very well-connected with its airport, railway station, different trams inside the city, and ferries leading to the Balearic Islands and Algeria. If you’re looking to explore Spain and the surrounding areas while working remotely, the Spain Digital Nomad Visa may be the ideal option.

Additionally, Alicante is one of the most affordable cities in Spain. When comparing rent, groceries, and utilities the cost of living in Alicante to the rest of Spain is quite cheap. You can have a decent standard of living even with a salary that’s on the lower side.

10. Grenada- Southern Spain

Deep in Andalusia is the city of Granada. Lying beneath the Sierra Nevada, Granada is known for its safety, incredible beauty, and warm climate, which you can bask in throughout the year.

Similar to Alicante, you don’t need a large monthly budget to enjoy Granada, as it’s one of the cheapest cities in Spain for expats.

Plus, it’s an incredibly safe Spanish region, making it a top choice for families moving to Spain. There are a variety of schooling options for children, and adults can even access five education centers if they want to learn a new skill a grow their career in a different direction.

Since Grenada has a number of parks, like Campo del Príncipe Gardens and Gardens of the Triumph, nature lovers will adore exploring Granada. For summer beach days Grand Anse Beach and Morne Rouge Beach are calling.

Granada is also known for being a student city, with many foreign students residing here. Therefore, the city has a vibrant nightlife, plenty of leisure options, and its budget friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Places to Live in Spain

What are the best places to live in Spain for families?

The best places to live in Spain for families include Valencia and Malaga. Valencia offers safety, abundant nature, and an affordable cost of living. Malaga is ideal for families looking to soak up the sunshine in a laid-back environment with fantastic schools and plenty of outdoor space.

What are the best places to live in Spain by the sea?

Two of the best places to live in Spain by the sea include Barcelona and Marbella. Barcelona is ideal for those looking for world-class amenities and a mix of urban and coastal living. Marbella on the Costa del Sol is pure luxury, with a glamorous seaside town and upscale amenities.

What are the best places to live in Spain for foreigners in 2024?

The best places for foreigners to live in Spain in 2024 include Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Malaga, and Alicante. Each area has its own benefits, but they are all extremely welcoming to expats and offer fantastic opportunities for foreigners in Spain.

How can I get a Spanish passport?

Obtaining a Spanish passport as an expatriate can be achieved through various means, one of which is the Spain Golden Visa program. This program requires an investment in Spain’s economy, and upon fulfilling certain conditions, you can obtain a passport. 

Where is the best place for English speakers in Spain?

For English speakers, Spanish cities with large international communities like Barcelona and Madrid are ideal. These cities offer extensive cultural offerings and are well-connected by high-speed train, making day trips to other destinations like the Roman ruins in Castilla La Mancha or the snow-capped mountains in the north easily accessible.

What are some must-visit places in Spain?

Spain is home to many must-visit destinations. Barcelona is celebrated for its stunning architecture and vibrant arts scene. Seville is renowned for its rich history and flamenco traditions, while Malaga offers beautiful beaches and a laid-back atmosphere.

What are the best places to live in Spain for young adults?

Young adults often prefer cities with lively cultural scenes like Madrid, Barcelona, and San Sebastian. Madrid, with its bustling Plaza Mayor, is a hub for modern art and nightlife. Barcelona’s Guggenheim Museum and vibrant cultural offerings make it a youth-friendly city. San Sebastian is renowned for its food scene and beautiful beaches, perfect for younger crowds.

What is the safest place to live in Spain?

Spain, in general, is quite safe. However, cities like Oviedo, Vitoria-Gasteiz, and Zamora often rank high in safety due to their low crime rates.

Where do most foreigners live in Spain?

Foreigners often gravitate towards areas like the Costa del Sol and the Costa Blanca, known for their pleasant climates and many expat communities. Cities like Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia also have significant foreign populations due to their economic opportunities and cosmopolitan lifestyles.

Which Spanish city has the best economy?

Madrid and Barcelona are the economic powerhouses of Spain, offering the most job opportunities and highest salaries. These cities host numerous national and international businesses, making them economic hubs.

What is the happiest city in Spain?

Happiness can be subjective, but cities like Malaga and Las Palmas de Gran Canaria often rate highly in happiness surveys due to their sunny weather, relaxed lifestyle, and friendly communities.

What are the most affordable places to live in Spain?

Some of the most affordable places to live in Spain include Valencia, Alicante, and Granada. These cities offer lower housing costs, a good quality of life, and access to amenities, making them attractive options for those seeking budget-friendly living in Spain.