11 Best Cities In Spain

Spain is known to be one of the most beautiful places to live and has several cities that may be a dreamy destination to visit and an ideal location for your new home! There are several aspects that one might consider before relocating in terms of living costs, educational institutions, living standards, job opportunities etc. In most cities, you may find several amazing job opportunities and living standards, while others may be more feasible in terms of living costs. Cities like the Canary Islands are also known to have excellent public transport. This article takes a look at 10 of the best cities in Spain in terms of affordability, living standards, educational institutions and job opportunities as well as various other aspects. 

Best Cities To Live In Spain

Here are some of the best cities in Spain that act as all rounders:

Barcelona

Barcelona is known to be one of the best places to live in Spain. Not only is it surprisingly affordable with the average cost of a meal being between €7 to €20. The city is also breathtakingly gorgeous and has a number of sites to see, activities and events to indulge in and excellent living standards. Barcelona may be seen to thrive in terms of the quality of life it offers its residents between the sea and the city. The city also has a number of sterling educational institutions including international schools. An amalgamation of an urban jungle and a sandy beach, Barcelona has a lot to offer while being one of the safest cities in the world with amazing weather. Furthermore, not only does Barcelona have amazing weather but also offers scrumptious Catalan cuisine to its inhabitants. The city also has a beaming nightlife, a number of museums and various outdoor spaces to work out. In terms of internationality, the city is home to several Germans, Americans and British nationals and inhabits over 179 nationalities. However Barcelona may be known as one of the most expensive cities in Spain with the cost of living being comparatively higher than other cities. An apartment in Barcelona may be rented for an average of €1.300, while a private room may cost €497 and a studio may cost €858. However, it may be cheaper compared to various major cities in the UK. The city also has some of the best architecture and has most of Gaudi’s madcap modernist buildings. Some of these enchanting structures include the Sagrada Família and Park Guell. This fascinating architecture attracts millions around the world. Barcelona being the capital city and the capital of Catalonia has its own official language Catalan which inhabitants must know to some extent to be able to get by easily.

Valencia  

Amongst large capitals lies a smaller quieter city that serves to make all of your wonders and dreams come true in a much smaller budget. Not only is this city much smaller but also much more beautiful. The fact that it’s smaller makes it much easier to get around on foot and through public transport. Valencia also serves the best cuisine to its visitors and inhabitants and is a culinary hub. The city hosts more than 1500 british immigrants and their families and also provides its residents with great living standards and great quality education. In Valencia you can enjoy the perks of living in a big city without significantly increasing your expenditure. An apartment in valencia on average costs €856, while a private room and studio cost €325 and €671 respectively. The city also has a safety index of 74.52 and falls just under Malaga when it comes to safety and security. The city not only acts as a gateway to the coast but is also extremely vibrant and dynamic. With fascinating architectural structures, various cultural events and festivities, endless entertainment and a thriving nightlife, this city has a lot to offer! Furthermore the city is also known for the welcoming nature of its inhabitants who love to socialize and enjoy their evenings outdoors. The city also has a great transport network with an extensive underground rail network and also has some of the most famous museums such as the City of Arts and Science. The city also hosts the most famous festivities such as the Tomatina and the Las Fallas and has frequent displays of fireworks as well as artwork. 

Seville

Seville is known for its cultural history and is the home for Moorish architecture. This small village embraces a rather slow and calm lifestyle and does not see many visitors in the year. Seville, like various other Spanish cities, has both beaches and mountains to offer. The village with its small alleys, cafes and shops is perfect for a stroll. The inhabitants of this city enjoy pleasant weather due to the city being at the south shore. In terms of expenses the city is relatively cheap and can be compared to Malaga and Alicante. Seville is known to be the 4th largest city in Spain and is the official capital of Andalusia. The city also has a major airport and two bus depots that make transport fairly easy in this compact city. The city is also an hour’s drive away from the beaches in Huelva as well as the mountains in Sierra Norte or Cadiz. In terms of living costs, properties in Central Seville may be slightly more costly while those towards the outer regions may be slightly cheaper. It may even take some time for new inhabitants to adjust to the cultural ways of the city, however they may soon find themselves indulging in the many beautiful moments that the city has to offer. 

Best Places to live in Spain for Families

Madrid

Madrid is known to be inclined more towards culture and traditions. With an amazing nightlife, the city also has more job opportunities and career growth opportunities than barcelona. Madrid is also known to be a tourist attraction for its several architectural and historical sites. It is a blatant display of the country’s art, fashion, history and cuisine and its essence too. Not only is the city known for its priceless Spanish and Latin American art collections but also has some of the best museums and galleries such as the Reina Sofia, and the Prado. In terms of living cost, Madrid is known to be one the cheapest capitals in Europe and may be the ideal location for someone on a budget. The country also holds some of the best living standards. Madrid has also been named as the 10th best city in the world for immigrants and their families. In terms of living costs Madrid may be considerably cheaper than most capitals such as London and Paris. The average cost for an apartment is known to be €1.261 while a private room costs €495 and a studio costs €800. The safety index for the city falls just above 70.34 therefore making it one of the safest capitals in the world. The city is also known to be the best option for immigrants looking to settle with their families and thus includes neighborhoods such as Chambery and Retiro that are not only very close to the center however are surprisingly quiet and private. Such neighborhoods are not only easy to access but also have several services and amenities available readily. Properties in Madrid however have limited space and no private gardens and are therefore comparatively smaller. However they tend to get more spacious as you move away from the center. Madrid also has over 44 international schools to ensure that residents can easily educate their children. The city also has an excellent system of public transport and some of the most well connected residential areas. 

Bilbao

Bilbao is known to be moving towards more exotic areas which makes the city one of the best places to live in. Being on the northern shore facing the Atlantic, the city enjoys a beautiful climate and occasional sunlight. The city is also visited by far fewer tourists compared to other cities. The city depicts an entirely different Spanish culture and is the essence of diversity and variety. The city has seen a significant increase in immigrants considering that it has much to offer. However, the city falls under the more expensive living options and may not be the best option for immigrants on a lower budget. Being Spain’s 5th largest city, Bilbao is vibrant, happening and lively. The city holds some of the most ancient industries as well as the most wonderous architectural structures such as the titanium-clad Guggenheim museum.The city is also home to a prosperous Rosé wine business and the best rock music. The city also has various medieval towns, cathedrals, shrines and convents that date several eras back and thus is an architectural wonder. 

Cheapest places to live in Spain

Malaga

Malaga is known to be one of the cheapest cities to live in Spain. It may also be considered one of the best places to work and retire. Malaga is not only preferred for its pleasant temperature, but also its extravagant lifestyle and amazing cuisine. Malaga airport is also known for its sandy beaches and the best quality public transit. The average rental price for Malaga falls 195% below that of London’s and thus provides inhabitants with access to great living conditions for a much reduced cost. Costa del Sol is also known to be a renowned tourist attraction near Malaga lined with excellent beacher and a beautiful climate throughout the year. Malaga was also named the second best city for immigrants by InterNations in 2021 and thus attracts students, pensioners and families alike. The city is also well connected and has access to some of the best beaches, museums and transport. Malaga however, attracts a significant number of students and pensioners who turn to this city due to the welcoming and warm nature of its locals and its calm and quiet. The city is now home to over 90,000 immigrants. Along with the buzzing nightlife, the city is also extremely budget friendly and has a fairly low living cost with an apartment costing €780, a private room costing €340 and a studio €670 on average. Malaga also falls ahead of Barfcelona and Madrid on the safety index with an index of 72.72 and thus may be one of the best places for families to settle.

Alicante

Alicante is known as one of the most popular places to relocate and is rather inexpensive when it comes to living expenses. The city also has an amazing climate all year round and is the home for absolutely serene palm trees, beaming commercial avenues and boulevards as well as gorgeous sandy white beaches and stunning historical monuments. Narrow alleys and houses painted in vibrant colors, Alicante is a sight to see. The city also has golden beaches and the most scrumptious Mediterranean cuisine. The city also offers high quality living standards. The city is home to several British nationals, Canadians, Germans and Swedish nationals and various others from across the world. Alicante is relatively cheaper compared to Barcelona and other major cities with an apartment costing €573, a private room for €340 and a studio for €475 on average. The city has a safety index of 72.60 and is as safe and secure as Malaga which is significantly more than that of London. Alicante is the capital of Costa Blanca and is well connected with an international airport, train station and a growing community. The city also has some of the best international schools, dentists, english-speaking doctors and is the perfect place for families. 

San Sebastian

San Sebastian is another renowned city that enjoys a comparatively warmer climate and provides an exceptional quality of life. The city is also frequently compared to Paris in terms of beauty and architecture. San Sebastian not only has a vivid cultural history but also has some of the most stunning architectural wonders. 

Granada

Granada is the home of several historical wonders such as the Alhambra, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and is also a depiction of the remains of the Arab civilization. The city offers both mountains to the north and beaches to the south and thus is known to be one of the best cities to live in Spain. It is also surprisingly inexpensive and vibrant which attracts a large number of students. 

Most Expensive Places To Live In Spain

Marbella

Marbella is the hub for glitz and glamor, the city attracts the most famous and rich people from across the world through its serene beaches and stunning architecture. The city is bright and vibrant and is a sight for sore eyes. From small cafes to Michelin starred restaurants, the city has a lot to offer when it comes to cuisine. The city also offers extensive child care, education systems and anything parents might need to look after or entertain their children. The city also has various international schools as well as excellent Spanish institutions which are not only free but also offer the best quality education. The best nightlife offered by the Golden Mile and beaming nightclubs, the city ensures that its inhabitants stay entertained throughout the night as it offers various luxury coastal estates and extremely expensive yachts. La Zagaleta, which is a 20km drive from Marbella also offers some of the most luxurious surroundings and 

Sotogrande

Sotogrande is another exclusive location at the southernmost part of the Costa del Sol, in Cadez province near Gibraltar. The city hosts the most expensive property and is home to some of the most rich and powerful Spanish families. Sotogrande also offers various activities such as golf, polo and yachting and has the best golf courses and polo clubs including the Santa Maria Polo Club. The city is also known for its world famous Trocadero Sotogrande Restaurant and Beach Club that serve the most marvelous Mediterranean cuisine in absolutely stunning surroundings.  

Conclusion 

Spain has a lot to offer in terms of diversity, culture and scenic beauty. It has some of the safest and most beautiful cities which may make it hard for one to choose while relocating. There may be several places that may tempt you and thus choosing between them may not be easy which means that you may have to visit several places before you pick one. Your decision may however be based on various aspects including cost, entertainment, living standards etc. and thus preferences may differ between people. However, wherever you settle, you will be able to enjoy absolutely stunning scenery and an amazing nightlife as well as cuisine.