Best Places for Expats to Live in Spain: 2025 Guide

Spain continues to pull expats from around the world — and it’s not hard to see why. Whether it’s the endless sunshine, the low cost of living, the slower pace of life, or just the sheer beauty of the place, Spain offers an irresistible pull. But not every city suits every kind of expat. Whether you're moving for work, retirement, lifestyle, or a fresh start, picking the right destination is everything. Here's a true guide, based on real life, to help you find the best place to live in Spain in 2025 and beyond.

Valencia: City Life Without the Chaos

Picture a morning cycling through the Turia Gardens — a massive green belt where a river once ran — before grabbing a fresh horchata in one of the sunny plazas. That's Valencia daily life. It's big enough to be exciting but small enough to feel manageable. Rent for a good one-bedroom apartment? Around €750, with utilities adding about €120 more. There's a thriving coworking scene for remote workers and a surprisingly affordable food scene. Downsides? Bureaucracy can be a nightmare for newcomers, and the summer humidity makes you feel like you're swimming in the air. But for a balance of beach, city, affordability, and energy, Valencia is the real deal.

Malaga: More Than Just a Beach Town

Malaga’s been having a glow-up for years, and by 2025, it’s booming. You can work in a startup hub in the morning, grab espetos (grilled sardines) for lunch by the beach, and hit an art gallery in the evening. Apartments here go for around €850–€1,000 in central areas. Malaga’s airport, the busiest on the Costa del Sol, keeps you connected. Downsides? August gets insane with tourists, and housing prices are climbing fast. But if you want nearly 320 sunny days a year and a modern Mediterranean vibe, it’s hard to beat.

Alicante: Affordable Seaside Living

Want beachside living without Barcelona or Marbella prices? Alicante is calling. Rent hovers around €600–€750 for a good spot. The old town buzzes with cafes and local markets, and expats are woven into the community without dominating it. Alicante’s airport makes it a perfect travel hub, and the healthcare system here is solid. Downsides? Winters can be quieter, and job opportunities are fewer unless you’re remote. Still, for retirees, freelancers, and sunseekers, Alicante is a no-brainer.

Barcelona: Beauty Comes at a Price

Living in Barcelona is like stepping into a dream of twisting alleyways, Gothic cathedrals, tapas bars, and endless beach days. But dream living doesn’t come cheap: €1,100–€1,400 for a one-bedroom flat in decent areas. Expats love the vibrant startup scene, the festivals, and the creative energy. The downside? Catalan nationalism is strong; learning basic Catalan goes a long way. Plus, tourist crowds can wear you down in peak seasons. Still, if you want nonstop culture, Barcelona delivers like nowhere else.

Madrid: The Heartbeat of Spain

Madrid is a true 24-hour city: from business breakfasts to midnight tapas. If you're career-focused, this is your spot. Rents are pricey but not crazy: €900–€1,200 for a decent one-bedroom. Public transport is world-class, and salaries here tend to be better than elsewhere in Spain. Downsides? It’s landlocked, and summers are brutal (expect weeks over 35°C). If you want true Spanish city life — with museums, concerts, football, and job opportunities — Madrid is the beating heart.

Marbella: Luxury, Sunshine, and Golf

If your version of Spain includes beachfront brunches, golf courses, and international schools, Marbella ticks all the boxes. Rents for a quality one-bedroom hover around €1,300–€1,700. Life here feels like an endless holiday — but be ready for the price tag. Healthcare is excellent, and English is widely spoken, but the summer season brings tourist surges. If you’re financially comfortable and want an upscale Mediterranean lifestyle, Marbella feels like a permanent upgrade to your quality of life.

Granada: Old-World Spain at Its Finest

Imagine sipping a free tapa with your beer while staring up at the snow-capped Sierra Nevada. Granada still feels like a secret — even after all these years. Rents can be absurdly low: €450–€650 for a beautiful central apartment. Culture oozes from every stone, and student energy keeps the city vibrant. Downsides? If you need big-city job markets, look elsewhere unless you're remote. But for authentic, affordable Spanish life, Granada is unmatched.

Palma de Mallorca: Island Life, Big City Energy

Palma offers something rare: real city living on a stunning Mediterranean island. Expect €1,000–€1,300 for a one-bedroom flat downtown. Beaches are 20 minutes away, cafes and coworking spaces are everywhere, and the old town is a maze of charming alleys. Downsides? It's an island: goods are more expensive, and it can feel small if you're used to sprawling metros. But if you want island beauty without losing urban comforts, Palma is the jackpot.

Tenerife: Spain’s Year-Round Summer

Dream of living where it’s 22°C in January? Tenerife could be your paradise. Rentals are still cheap compared to the mainland: €500–€700 for something solid. Remote workers are discovering the island fast, meaning coworking spaces and nomad communities are growing. Downsides? It's quieter outside the major hubs like Santa Cruz or Costa Adeje, and local wages are much lower. But for endless hiking trails, cheap groceries, and laid-back living, Tenerife is hard to top.

Seville: Tradition, Color, and Scorching Summers

Seville is a fever dream of flamenco, tapas, and ancient Moorish architecture. It's more traditional than Madrid or Barcelona, and that’s exactly its charm. You’ll pay about €650–€850 for a one-bedroom apartment near the center. Downsides? Summer temperatures over 40°C are brutal. Jobs in English are fewer unless you teach. But if you want deep Spanish culture and a slower pace, Seville grabs your soul and never lets go.

Conclusion: Choosing Your New Home in Spain

Spain isn’t just one country — it’s a collection of worlds. From the buzzing cosmopolitan life of Madrid and Barcelona to the slow sun-drenched rhythms of Alicante and Tenerife, there’s a Spain for every dream. Your perfect place depends on your priorities: career, climate, culture, or cost of living. What’s guaranteed? Wherever you land, you’ll find yourself living a life most people only daydream about. \u00a1Bienvenido a Espa\u00f1a!

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Sources:

International Living Spain Guide

Numbeo Cost of Living in Spain