Thinking of moving to Spain? Many expats and digital nomads decide to live in Spain and it’s easy to understand why.
With abundant sunshine, a laid-back lifestyle, and tasty cuisine, Spain is a dreamy country to live and work for many expats and digital nomads.
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For years, Spain has been a popular choice for expats, mainly the British, looking for warmer weather and better quality of life.
These days, you can find digital nomad communities in many parts of the country.
What’s more, with 17 regions and 44 cities, there is something for everyone in Spain, whether you prefer vibrant cities, chilled beach towns, or peaceful countryside.
So, if you’re moving to Spain permanently or just spending a few months there, here are the seven best places to live in Spain for expats and digital nomads.
Barcelona
Catalonia’s beachfront city, Barcelona, has everything from stunning architecture to a pristine coastline to lively nightlife.
So, it’s no surprise that Barcelona is often rated as one of the best cities to live in Spain, with over 333,000 foreigners residing there. That said, it’s also one of the best cities to live in Europe.
The official language of Barcelona is Catalan; however, pretty much all locals in Barcelona speak Spanish, too.
There is always something to do in Barcelona, whether it’s exploring one of the many museums, wandering through the magnificent Ciutadella Park, or shopping on La Rambla.
For this reason, Barcelona is usually full of tourists, particularly in the summer. However, this doesn’t mean the city loses its appeal.
On the contrary, you’ll find some splendid neighborhoods in Barcelona with a more peaceful and local vibe, like Gracia.
Many expats opt for Barcelona over Madrid due to its urban and beach lifestyle blend.
The climate here is more pleasant than in Madrid, too, with warmer winters and milder summers. Read more about Barcelona in winter.
However, it’s certainly not the cheapest place to live in Spain, with rent costs in line with the capital city.
Madrid
As the capital, Madrid is popular with expats and nomads living in Spain and is desirable because it’s both a business and cultural hub.
Although Spain generally has low job opportunities, Madrid would be your best bet if you’re to find work anywhere in the country.
If you do move here for work, you’ll be thrilled to learn that there is so much more to Madrid than just office buildings. Madrid is one of the best places to live in Spain if you’re looking for a vibrant culture.
Along with plenty of historical and architectural sites, the city showcases some of the best history, art, cuisine, and of course, fashion in the country.
Let’s not forget about Madrid’s renowned nightlife too, as this city certainly knows how to party.
You can argue that Madrid doesn’t come alive until after dark, as evidenced by the nighttime traffic jams along Gran Via.
That being said, if you’re looking for a more peaceful lifestyle and aren’t a fan of crowds, Madrid may not be for you. Likewise, winters are cold in Madrid, and summers can feel humid and sticky.
While you can indeed find much cheaper places to live in Spain, Madrid is pretty affordable compared to other European capital cities like London and Paris.
In addition, the neighborhoods in Madrid all offer unique qualities, ranging from upmarket to LGBTQ+ friendly to artsy.
Finally, Madrid might be far from the coast, but it did make it to our Spain bucket list.
Seville
Sevilla, the capital of Andalusia, is a favored city among students, expats, and remote workers.
It boasts excellent weather and architecture, and there is plenty of beautiful nature in the region.
It’s also the cheapest place to live in Spain, compared to other cities of its size. In fact, house rent in Seville is around 70% lower than in London!
Seville has a historic and picturesque look with a vibrant and modern feel. What’s more, despite being one of the country’s major cities, it has managed to retain its small-town feel.
So, it is an excellent choice for those who don’t like being in the hustle and bustle.
There are also a tonne of natural parks and nature reserves within the province, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Doñana National Park, which is a 45-minute drive away.
Seville’s biggest drawback is its inland location, meaning there’s no beach. For this reason, some expats will overlook this fabulous city.
However, several beautiful beaches are within 1 to 2 hours away, and many are accessible by train.
So, you may not be able to wind down at the beach after work each day, but there’s no reason you cannot get some sea and sand time on the weekends.
Valencia
If you’re looking for a safe place to live in Spain with a low cost of living and high quality of life, then Valencia is it. Many people claim Valencia to be the safest place to live in Spain as violence and crime are rare.
Because of this, it’s extremely popular with expats with children. Plus, the schools here also happen to be some of the best in the country.
Life is pretty chilled in Costa Blanca, and the locals are warm and welcoming. It also has excellent infrastructure such as a super-efficient transport system.
Furthermore, it’s far less touristy than Madrid and Barcelona, along with other parts of Costa Blanca.
Valencia gets long sunny days in the summer, which locals make the most of, spending most of their time outdoors. As a result, expect to find a tonne of outdoor and water activities.
Winters are mild here, and as the city is close to a large mountainous area, you’ll find some ski resorts within driving distance, too.
Valencia is one of the most beautiful cities on the Spanish Coast. We can easily understand why!
Alicante
Alicante is one of the most well-known beach cities in Costa Blanca and Spain. It has been an expat hotspot for many years due to its pleasant weather and white, sandy beaches.
The small city is most known for its palm-tree-lined boulevards and shopping avenues.
While the city has built up with high-rise apartments and hotels over the years, there are still many historical monuments, including the iconic mountaintop castle.
Alicante is also a much cheaper option than Madrid and Barcelona and boasts a more relaxed way of life, too.
You’re much more likely to find locals honoring the ‘siesta’ tradition here than in the bigger cities.
Therefore, it’s naturally one of the best places to live in Spain for beach-loving digital nomads who like to go with the flow.
Because of its large expat community, English is spoken all over the city, so you’ll get by just fine without speaking Spanish.
It’s a delightful place with an all-year-round holiday vibe and always plenty of things to do.
Mallorca
Along with Spain’s vast mainland, the country has many gorgeous islands adored by tourists and expats alike.
Mallorca is the largest one, and its capital city, Palma, has recently become a digital nomad hub for Europeans looking to work by the beach.
Along with a Mediterranean climate and crystal clear waters, Mallorca is an adventurer’s paradise with coves, mountains, architectural ruins, and citrus groves dotted around.
Its natural landscape is ideal for expats in Spain who want to be surrounded by mother nature rather than high-rises.
In addition, the promenades, bohemian shops, and trendy cafes offer a relaxed yet modern lifestyle, and the international community creates a welcoming and inclusive vibe.
That said, you’ll also find lots of tourists traveling to Mallorca because it’s one of the best destinations during wintertime in Europe.
Discover how to travel in Mallorca on a budget here.
Granada
Granada is another Andalusian city worth considering if you’re moving to Spain. The town itself is very historic and still has a strong Moorish influence, setting it apart from other Spanish cities.
It also has an incredible mountain backdrop, making it one of the most picturesque parts of the country.
Because of its location on the foot of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, locals tend to go skiing in the winter.
Plus, as it’s only one hour drive from the Mediterranean coast, you’ll be able to have many beach days during the warm summer.
Granada’s unique climate makes it an excellent choice for nature and outdoor sports lovers.
Granada is not very touristic, and there’s not a large expat community compared to other cities on this list. As a result, you’ll need to speak Spanish if you choose to live in Granada.
While not an obvious choice for remote workers and digital nomads, Granada is safe, inexpensive, and will give you a taste of local life and authentic Spanish culture.
Final Thoughts On The Best Cities To Live In Spain
No matter your tastes and preferences, you’ll undoubtedly find your dream Spanish future in one of these seven best places to live in Spain.
No matter the destination you choose, I’m sure all digital nomads and expats living in Spain will agree that this European country offers something for everyone.
These Spanish cities make a pleasant, friendly, and sunny place to base yourself, whether for a few months or a few years.
Not sure if Spain is the right destination for you? Take a look at the following expat guides in Europe:
