Where are the best places to live in Spain? Spain boasts a pleasant climate, a friendly society, well-developed infrastructure, relatively low living costs, and a rich and diverse culture. If you live in Spain, you can enjoy a high-quality life and get access to world-class educational resources. Now, let’s check the top 10 best cities to live in Spain!
TOP 10 Best Places to Live in Spain
| Best Places to Live in Spain | |
|---|---|
| 1 | Madrid |
| 2 | Barcelona |
| 3 | Valencia |
| 4 | Málaga |
| 5 | Alicante (Alacant) |
| 6 | Seville |
| 7 | Marbella |
| 8 | Mallorca |
| 9 | Granada |
| 10 | San Sebastian |
1. Madrid
Madrid, the capital of Spain is home to more than 520,000 expats, ranking as the 10th best expat city in the world. This city boasts several prestigious universities that rank among the top globally. The Complutense University of Madrid, for instance, is Spain’s oldest and largest university. With a strong economy, excellent healthcare system, and a vibrant cultural scene, it provides residents with a fulfilling and secure living environment. Besides, the city’s safety index is high. When it comes to Madrid housing, Madrid offers a diverse range of options to suit everyone’s needs.
| Type of accommodation | Rental Price |
|---|---|
| Apartment | € 1,500 |
| Private Room | € 575 |
| Studio | € 990 |
2. Barcelona
Barcelona serves as the hub of Catalan culture. It is also one of Spain’s most cosmopolitan cities. Barcelona is home to prestigious universities: the University of Barcelona (UB) and Universitat Autónoma de Barcelona, both of which rank in the global top 200 of the QS World University Rankings 2024. The city’s healthcare system is renowned for its high standards. This, coupled with Barcelona’s excellent infrastructure and safety record, makes it an attractive destination for families and individuals seeking a high-quality living environment. Renting an apartment in Barcelona, particularly in the city center, can be expensive. However, there are more affordable options available in the outskirts of the city, allowing residents to balance their budget while still enjoying the city’s amenities.
| Type of accommodation | Rental Price |
|---|---|
| Apartment | € 1,550 |
| Private Room | € 633 |
| Studio | € 1,000 |
3. Valencia
Valencia is the urban hub of the Costa Blanca and the third largest city in Spain. It is an UNESCO-listed Old Town showcases magnificent Gothic and Baroque architecture. Notable universities in Valencia including the Universitat Politècnica de València and the University of Valencia, both of which make the top 600 of the QS World University Rankings 2024. Additionally, This city holds a prestigious reputation globally for its culinary culture. Housing in Valencia is generally more reasonable than in Spain’s larger cities, though prices vary depending on location and type of accommodation.
| Type of accommodation | Rental Price |
|---|---|
| Apartment | € 1,400 |
| Private Room | € 375 |
| Studio | € 836 |
4. Málaga
Málaga is the best place to live in Southern Spain. In fact, Málaga was named the 2nd best city for expats by InterNations. For those moving to Spain for the high quality of life, the lower cost of living in Málaga is definitely going to appeal to you. Also, finding a rental in Málaga is very budget-friendly.
| Type of accommodation | Rental Price |
|---|---|
| Apartment | € 780 |
| Private Room | € 340 |
| Studio | € 670 |
5. Alicante (Alacant)
If you’re a Brit or an English speaker, you’ll easily fit in in Alicante. You’ll be exposed to the Spanish way of life without too much of a cultural shock, thanks to the huge expat population of the city. After all, Alicante is the most popular place among Brits. But it’s not just the English; citizens from Germany, Sweden, Italy, etc., also choose Alicante as their new home. Besides, it’s one of the cheapest places to live in Spain.
| Type of accommodation | Rental Price |
|---|---|
| Apartment | € 800 |
| Private Room | € 340 |
| Studio | € 475 |
6. Seville
Seville is a perfect amalgamation of academics, culture, and fun, making it an ideal place for any student to call home. The city bursts with energy and culture, with plenty of opportunities for you to have fun and explore. From flamenco dancing to tapas tastings, you’ll never be bored in Seville. You will find some of Spain’s prestigious universities, such as the University of Seville and the Pablo de Olavide University here. Pack your bags and be ready to move into one of the best places to live in Spain, as it also offers some of the most comfortable Seville student accommodation.
| Type of accommodation | Rental Price |
|---|---|
| Apartment | € 400 |
| Private Room | € 190 |
| Studio | € 205 |
7. Marbella
If you decide to move to Marbella, you will have easy access to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Along with providing bliss, Marbella is also known for its vibrant nightlife, with plenty of bars, clubs and restaurants. This means you’ll meet people from all over the world, which will allow you to learn about different cultures and make friends for a lifetime.
| Type of accommodation | Rental Price |
|---|---|
| Apartment | € 750 |
| Private Room | € 380 |
| Studio | € 600 |
8. Mallorca
Mallorca is known for its affordable cost of living compared to other European cities, which means this can be one of the best places to live in Spain if you are looking for affordable student accommodation. Mallorca has several universities and colleges that offer excellent academic programs in various fields of study. This city is surrounded by stunning beaches, mountains, and picturesque towns, making it attractive for students who want to explore and experience new things. And it also has a lively nightlife and a very happening social scene.
| Type of accommodation | Rental Price |
|---|---|
| Apartment | € 850 |
| Private Room | € 300 |
| Studio | € 500 |
9. Granada
This city is located in the foothills of the Sierra mountain range, which means you can enjoy the blissful beauty of nature anytime you want. No wonder this city is one of the best areas to live in Spain. As a student, you can enjoy lower living costs which makes it a great option for those on a budget. Granada is home to one of the oldest universities in Europe, the University of Granada, which is renowned for its academic excellence, especially in the field of humanities. Living in Granada is a good choice.
| Type of accommodation | Rental Price |
|---|---|
| Apartment | € 500 |
| Private Room | € 150 |
| Studio | € 380 |
10. San Sebastian
San Sebastián may be known as the jewel of the Basque Country. With a population of just over 188,000, it’s only the 41st largest city in Spain. Formerly the summer residence of the Spanish royal family, it remains a stylish resort. Everyone moves at a slower pace, and there is very much a philosophy of working to live rather than living to work. That’s why people come to find residency in San Sebastian.
| Type of accommodation | Rental Price |
|---|---|
| Apartment | € 900 |
| Private Room | € 400 |
| Studio | € 700 |
How to decide the best places to live in Spain
When choosing universities and best places to live in Spain, it is crucial to consider various factors such as university ranking, quality of life, cost of living, and historical and cultural links. These factors play a significant role in shaping your overall experience, both academically and personally, during your stay in Spain.
- University Ranking: Reflects academic reputation & quality of education, influencing learning experience & career prospects.
- Quality of Life: Encompasses safety, healthcare, transportation, & leisure, enhancing overall well-being & satisfaction.
- Cost of Living: Varies by location, impacting affordability & budget planning.
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.
What is the safest area to live in Spain?
Cities like San Sebastián, located in the Basque Country, are often cited for their safety, low crime rates, and high quality of life. Other cities such as Pamplona, located in the Navarre region, or smaller towns like Oviedo in Asturias, are also known for their safety and high living standards.
Where is the most affordable place to live in Spain?
Lugo is a city in Galicia, northwest Spain. It is the province capital of the same name and has a population of around 98,000 inhabitants. It is famous for its Roman wall, which surrounds the historic centre and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Conclusion
We’ve just taken a journey through the best places to live in Spain for international students. Each city has its own charm. Trust that with a little research and some heartfelt exploration, you’ll stumble upon that cozy nest that feels just right for you. Contact us for more information. We will help you find ideal residency in Spain.
FAQ
How to decide where to live in Spain?
First, let’s look at some things to consider when deciding where to live in Spain as an expat.
For example: Proximity to Amenities and Services; Expat community atmosphere; Employment and Education Opportunities……
Where is the best place to live in Spain to raise a family?
Many families choose to live on the Costas of the south and east of Spain, where property inland is much cheaper than on the coast. Alternatively, you may decide to live in the cooler north of Spain or a city such as Madrid or Barcelona.
What towns in Spain pay you to live there?
The Spanish village of Rubia in Galicia also recently announced it would pay expats up to €150 a month to live there. The scheme was aimed particularly at families with the hope of increasing student numbers at local schools.
What is a good salary to live comfortably in Spain?
What’s a good salary for a comfortable life in Spain? Considering the average cost of living in Spain, a good monthly net salary for a comfortable life in Spain is €2,700 for a single person or €4,000 for someone supporting their family.
Where is the best coastal town to live in Spain?
Marbella: The epitome of luxury living, Marbella boasts glamorous beaches, upscale resorts, and a vibrant nightlife scene. Sitges: Known for its picturesque beaches, cultural festivals, and LGBTQ-friendly atmosphere, Sitges offers a unique coastal experience.
