Best Places to Live in Spain

Spain is an adventurous country with multiple beautiful cities to spend your life in and enjoy its cultural heritage. As a prospective resident of Spain, it is best if you try to look up which cities will meet your preferences. Although Barcelona and Madrid are world-famous cities, there are plenty of others to explore in the country. People love Spain because of its beautiful countryside, enjoyable beaches, delicious food, and diversity.

Besides these benefits, Spanish students have a great time in the country. With a laid-back atmosphere and high quality of life, the county is ideal for students who might feel stressed about their coursework. Furthermore, you will find lots of international students in Spain, so that you won’t be the only one in the same boat. Before moving to Spain, there are many things to consider, including the typical living costs and things to do in your free time. The choice is yours: a coastal town, a cosmopolitan city, a party island, or a peaceful mountain village.

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Here is a table that portrays the best places to live at a glance:

CityKnown for
MadridCareer opportunities
MarbellaFamily Life
BarcelonaCulture
San SebastianFood and Drinks
ToledoAffordable Housing
AlicanteGood Weather

Madrid

Madrid’s metropolitan area is one of the largest in Europe, making it a popular destination for students looking for a new job. Although the city’s job market is competitive, students have a better chance of getting a well-paying job here than in other areas of Spain. A Madrid resident makes an average salary of €45,000 per year, although this varies from job to job since the economy depends on services. Approximately 88% of the city’s gross domestic product comes from repairing and maintaining equipment, training employees, and consulting.

On the other hand, you can expect to find some of the best art collections, museums, and galleries in the city. If you want to move to Spain, Madrid might not be the most expensive city. The cost of living in other cities, such as Barcelona or Sebastian, is comparable or even higher. Even though Madrid is not always the cheapest option, it offers a good quality of life.

Marbella

Marbella is best known for its family-friendly side. Marbella is one of the top destinations on the Costa del Sol and a popular destination for visitors and students looking for a place to call home in the sun. Its beaches, nightclubs, and luxury venues are famous across the world. Living in Marbella is an appealing choice for anybody looking to relocate to Spain. Despite being a town, it has all of the facilities of a metropolis and takes place on the coast near beautiful beaches.

As a result of the international diversity, the community is rich in like-minded people and enjoys a high standard of living. The hills surrounding Marbella are stunning and will offer you some fantastic walks. There are two beautiful national parks nearby as well. The cost of living in Marbella depends on your lifestyle. However, with a diverse range of housing, dining alternatives, and low grocery expenses, students can live happily in Marbella with €2,000 per month. In comparison with other Spanish cities, Marbella is 6% less expensive than Madrid and 7% less expensive than Barcelona.

Barcelona

As the second-largest city in Spain, Barcelona attracts students from all over the world with its cultural entertainment. In other words, Barcelona is a dream city for everyone who likes to immerse themselves in cultural heritage. Barcelona’s climate is also fantastic. Since the city is close to the Mediterranean sea, its winters are warmer and summers slightly fresher than in Madrid. Gaudi’s architecture, the Picasso museum, the Barcelona Jazz Festival, and many other aspects of the city will propel you to relocate to this fantastic city. 

Barcelona is more costly than other Spanish cities like Seville and Valencia. In total, you will need around €700 per month only for living expenses. For a single-living student, the rent will cost from €750 to €900. This city will never become boring because there are always things to do around. On the events calendar of Barcelona, you may find out when and where historical parades, performances, street markets, and outdoor festivals will take place.

San Sebastian

San Sebastian is the official name, but people all over the world like to call it “a top-quality food city.” A student will want to stay in San Sebastian for weeks or permanently relocate to this city simply because of the wide range of delicious Basque cuisine. It has nearly a dozen restaurants with Michelin stars, a beautiful Pintxo bar scene, and many local markets with seasonal fruits and vegetables, fresh fish, and local meats. Living in this Basque city has several benefits, like being perfectly close to France’s borders.

As a city with lots to offer in terms of services and cultural events, San Sebastián is undoubtedly the most incredible place to start a family. You will find many beaches in this tiny, secure city and reach most of the local attractions by foot. Although San Sebastián is pricey, it also boasts one of the highest average salaries in Spain, giving its residents a good standard of living. The average monthly rent for a furnished one-bedroom apartment ranges from €685 to €960. However, you always have the option of paying about €400 for your own room while living in an apartment with other people.

Toledo

There are many cheaper places in Spain compared to other European nations, but Toledo stands out when it comes to inexpensive estate. With homeowners asking for about €300 on average per square meter, this municipality has the lowest property prices overall. Although it may be a more economical place to live, that doesn’t necessarily mean it lacks exciting things to do. You may spend your days hiking through the mountains, getting to know the close-knit locals, or traveling into Toledo city for a more energetic atmosphere.

Toledo stands out in a number of ways. Of course, the location comes first. The city is on top of a mountain, and the Tajo River surrounds it on three sides. It rises over the nearby area when you look from a distance or the train station. Once in Toledo, you’ll discover a city whose medieval-era historic heart is still a maze of narrow streets. It’s like traveling through history to navigate Toledo’s back streets. For someone who spends €900 on living expenses every month, an average wage of €1,100 will have you live a satisfying life in Toledo.

Alicante

The town and neighborhood of Alicante are among the most sought-after locations to relocate in the south of Spain. Two of the main reasons why students pick this place are that it is more affordable and has pleasant weather all year long. The city is well-known for its lovely palm trees, busy boulevards, stunning sandy beaches, and historical landmarks. The large number of students who choose to continue their lives after graduation proves that Alicante is a particularly attractive place for relocation.

What makes Alicante truly unique is the low level of pollution, sunny days, the sea air, and the scent of orange blossoms in the streets. The average cost of living in Alicante is around €900 per month, which is close to the average cost of living in Spain. Most of the city’s points of interest are within easy walking distance, which is a plus. Buses and trams are two options for public transportation that can take you anywhere in the city. One-way tickets often cost less than €1.50.