Best places to live in Spain in 2026

Year after year, Spain holds the top position in rankings of the best countries for relocation for digital nomads and retirees. Spanish universities attract students from all around the world with their exchange programmes and language courses, and in 2026, Spain’s healthcare system was ranked 10th in the world according to the Health Care Index by Country.

Top cities for digital nomads

Spain was frequently considered the best country for relocation among remote workers from large companies. The Digital Nomad Visa programme attracted many specialists from the IT sector, digital marketing, design, and online education.

Most digital expats choose major cities that offer stable high-speed internet, easy social integration within local communities, and a comfortable coastal climate. According to the Nomads.com portal, the most popular cities for relocation among digital nomads are Barcelona, Valencia, and Alicante. All three cities are located close to the coast, are characterised as high-tech hubs, and provide a vibrant cultural life that facilitates social integration.

Madrid, the business and economic centre of the country and one of Europe’s largest international transport hubs, is noteworthy. Spain’s capital is chosen by those who prefer a fast-paced lifestyle with frequent business trips and constant movement.

Additionally, the Extremadura region offered financial incentives to digital nomads to relocate and contribute to the local economy.

According to Numbeo.com, the cost of living in Barcelona for one person without rent is €802 per month, with one-bedroom apartment rentals in the city centre starting from €1,385. In Valencia, the cost of living for one person without rent is €694 per month, and one-bedroom apartments in the centre start at €1,127. In Alicante, the cost of living for one person without rent is €702 per month, with one-bedroom rentals in the centre starting from €855.

Best cities for students

Exchange programmes, language courses, and undergraduate and graduate studies are popular ways to relocate to Spain, especially for residents of Latin America and Eastern Europe. Students most often live in university-provided dormitories or rent small studios in major regional centres close to their places of study.

The most popular universities are located in Madrid (Autonomous University of Madrid, Complutense University of Madrid, Carlos III University of Madrid, Polytechnic University of Madrid), Barcelona (University of Barcelona, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Pompeu Fabra University), and Valencia (Polytechnic University of Valencia).

Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia are ideal for student life, thanks to their large libraries, extensive public transportation networks, and availability of small rental housing.

According to Numbeo.com, the cost of living in Madrid for one person without rent is €818 per month, with one-bedroom apartment rentals in the city centre starting from €1,339 and from €980 outside the centre.

Best cities in Spain for families with children

Among expats with children, smaller coastal cities or the suburbs of Barcelona and Madrid are the most popular places to live. These areas offer apartments with convenient layouts at a lower cost per square metre, as well as nearby kindergartens and schools.

Popular places for families include Badalona, Castelldefels, Valencia, Lloret de Mar, Alicante, and towns along the Costa Blanca. These cities offer suitable infrastructure for primary education and national parks, water parks, and playgrounds nearby. Finding an apartment with multiple bedrooms and parking is easier in these locations compared to central Madrid or Barcelona: there are fewer tenants competing for properties, landlords require fewer documents, and some apartments can be rented without a six-month deposit.

According to Numbeo.com, three-bedroom apartment rentals in the centre of Badalona or Lloret de Mar start from €2,000. A private kindergarten costs around €300 per month, while a year at an international school costs approximately €6,000.

Popular regions in Spain for retirees

Most retirees who purchase property in Spain for living in their later years choose coastal regions in the eastern part of the country. This choice is motivated by the relaxed pace of life in small communities, proximity to the sea, a friendly atmosphere, and developed infrastructure, including public and private medical centres that match the quality of those in large cities.

The most popular cities along the Costa Blanca and Costa Brava include Alicante, Villajoyosa, Torrevieja, and Lloret de Mar.

With a registered address and Spanish residence permit, any resident has the right to free public healthcare, including tests, examinations, hospitalisation, and planned surgeries.

According to Numbeo.com, one-bedroom apartment rentals in the centre of Torrevieja start from €654 and from €548 outside the centre.

Best climate for living in Spain

Spain is known for its hot and dry Mediterranean climate, with warm winters along the coast and rare frosts in the mountainous central regions. Despite the generally hot and sunny weather, some regions stand out from others.

For instance, the Basque Country in the north is known for its humid oceanic climate, lush greenery, and milder heat compared to the eastern coast. Cities like Bilbao, San Sebastián, and La Coruña are ideal for those who do not tolerate high summer temperatures.

The southern region of Andalusia, on the other hand, is perfect for those who appreciate an extended swimming season, which lasts almost year-round. Warm air flows from Africa keep the coastal temperature pleasant throughout the seasons.

According to Numbeo.com, the cost of living in Bilbao for one person without rent is €751 per month, with one-bedroom apartment rentals in the city centre starting from €1,000 and from €820 outside the centre. The cost of living in Málaga for one person without rent is €704 per month, with one-bedroom rentals in the centre starting from €1,139 and from €857 outside the centre.

Top locations for winter sports enthusiasts

In winter, the peaks of the Pyrenees are covered with snow, and numerous ski resorts in Spain open their doors. Living near the mountains allows for regular winter sports activities during the colder months and hiking in the summer. The closest major Spanish cities to the ski resorts are Barcelona and regional towns along the Costa Brava, Zaragoza, Pamplona, and San Sebastián.

According to Numbeo.com, one-bedroom apartment rentals in the centre of Zaragoza start from €708 and from €662 outside the centre.

Most affordable cities to live in Spain

Based on rental prices, grocery costs, and transportation expenses, the most affordable coastal cities with developed infrastructure include Tarragona, Alicante, Torrevieja, Punta Prima, Castellón de la Plana, Cartagena, and Manilva.

Most of these cities are somewhat remote from regional centres and do not have their own airports, making residents more dependent on public transport. At the same time, supermarket and local market prices can be noticeably lower.

According to Numbeo.com, one-bedroom apartment rentals in the centre of Tarragona start from €792 and from €703 outside the centre. In Cartagena, one-bedroom rentals in the centre start from €643 and from €437 outside the centre.

Tranio specialists can help you choose a property based on your personal needs and provide consultation for preparation and relocation to Spain.

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