Spain is one of the most popular destinations for expats, digital nomads, and retirees, thanks to its affordable cost of living, Mediterranean climate, and rich cultural heritage. From bustling cities to charming coastal towns and peaceful countryside retreats, Spain offers diverse options to fit different lifestyles.
Digital nomads flock to Barcelona and Madrid for their thriving startup scenes, while retirees prefer the sunny Costa del Sol and Alicante for their relaxed atmosphere and excellent healthcare. Smaller cities like Valencia and Seville offer a perfect balance of affordability, culture, and modern amenities, while regions like the Canary Islands and Granada attract nature lovers and remote workers.
How to Be a Digital Nomad, Expat, or Retire in Spain
1. Visa Options
- Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV): Perfect for retirees or those with passive income (e.g., pensions, investments). Allows stays longer than six months, renewable annually, and can lead to residency. Requirements:
- Monthly Income: €2,400 EUR ($2,550 USD) for a single applicant, plus €600 EUR ($635 USD) per dependent, proven over the last three months.
- Savings: €28,800 EUR ($30,550 USD) in a bank account (equivalent to 12 months of the minimum income).
- Digital Nomad Visa: For remote workers employed by a non-Spanish company. Valid for 1 year (extendable up to 5 years with residency). Requirements:
- Monthly Income: €2,646 EUR ($2,805 USD), roughly double the Spanish minimum wage, sustained for at least three months.
- Proof of remote employment or freelance contracts with non-Spanish clients.
- Golden Visa: For investors seeking residency. Minimum investment options:
- Real estate: €500,000 EUR (~$530,000 USD) in property.
- Capital transfer or business investment: €1 million EUR (~$1.06 million USD).
- Note: Policies may evolve, so check current thresholds.
- Tourist Visa (Schengen): U.S., Canadian, and most Western country citizens can stay in Spain visa-free for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Not suitable for work or long-term residence.
Note: Income and savings requirements may vary slightly by consulate and exchange rates.
2. Cost of Living
Spain offers a moderate cost of living for Western Europe. A couple can live comfortably on €2,000–€3,500 EUR (~$2,120–$3,710 USD) per month, depending on location. Cities like Madrid and Barcelona are more expensive, while rural areas and smaller towns like Valencia or Granada are cheaper.
- Rent: €800–€1,600 EUR (~$850–$1,700 USD) for a one-bedroom apartment in cities; lower in rural areas.
- Groceries: €250–€450 EUR (~$265–$477 USD) monthly for two.
- Dining Out: €12–€25 EUR (~$13–$27 USD) per meal in casual restaurants.
3. Healthcare
Spain’s healthcare system is world-class and accessible to expats:
- SNS (Sistema Nacional de Salud): Public healthcare available to legal residents. Free or low-cost after registration; non-EU citizens may pay a small annual fee (€60–€150 EUR/$64–$159 USD) until fully integrated.
- Private Healthcare: High-quality private insurance costs €50–€150 EUR (~$53–$159 USD) monthly. Private clinics are widely available, especially in expat areas.
4. Internet & Work Infrastructure
Spain is well-equipped for remote work:
- Internet Speeds: Average 100–500 Mbps in urban areas; fiber-optic is standard in most cities.
- Workspaces: Barcelona, Madrid, and Málaga offer coworking spaces (€150–€300 EUR/~$159–$318 USD monthly). Cafes with strong Wi-Fi are common in digital nomad hubs.
5. Best Places to Live
- For Digital Nomads: Barcelona (cosmopolitan, tech-friendly), Madrid (central, vibrant), Málaga (coastal, affordable).
- For Expats/Retirees: Costa del Sol (sunny, expat-heavy), Valencia (affordable, cultural), Alicante (coastal, relaxed), San Sebastián (scenic, upscale).
6. Things to Keep in Mind
- Learn basic Spanish—regional languages (e.g., Catalan, Basque) may also be useful depending on location.
- Adjust to the Spanish schedule: late meals (lunch at 2–3 PM, dinner at 9–10 PM) and siesta culture in some areas.
- Visit before committing—coastal areas can be tourist-heavy in summer.
- Research local safety and cost differences; pickpocketing is a concern in big cities.
This list highlights the top 10 best places to live in Spain based on lifestyle, affordability, and expat-friendly communities.
1. Barcelona – Best for Digital Nomads
🌟 Why? Cosmopolitan city with co-working spaces, fast internet, and a vibrant startup culture.
💰 Cost of Living: High compared to other Spanish cities but cheaper than most European capitals.
🌊 Lifestyle: Beaches, nightlife, rich culture, and international community.
2. Madrid – Best for City Lovers & Job Seekers
🌟 Why? Spain’s capital offers career opportunities, cultural diversity, and a fantastic food scene.
💰 Cost of Living: High but with diverse housing options.
🏙️ Lifestyle: Lively, cosmopolitan, with top museums, parks, and a buzzing social scene.
3. Valencia – Best for Balance of Affordability & Quality of Life
🌟 Why? More affordable than Madrid or Barcelona, with beaches and a great local food scene.
💰 Cost of Living: Moderate, with lower rent than major cities.
🍊 Lifestyle: Relaxed pace, warm weather, and famous for paella.
4. Málaga (Costa del Sol) – Best for Retirees & Beach Lovers
🌟 Why? Year-round sunshine, affordable living, and top-notch healthcare.
💰 Cost of Living: Lower than Madrid or Barcelona, with many expat-friendly communities.
🏖️ Lifestyle: Beachside living, golf courses, and a large international community.
5. Alicante – Best for Affordable Coastal Living
🌟 Why? One of the most budget-friendly beach towns with a laid-back lifestyle.
💰 Cost of Living: Low, with great value for housing.
🚤 Lifestyle: Mediterranean living, great seafood, and a relaxed pace.
6. Seville – Best for Culture & Authentic Spanish Living
🌟 Why? A historic city with stunning architecture, flamenco, and a strong Spanish identity.
💰 Cost of Living: Affordable, especially for renting.
🎭 Lifestyle: Traditional charm, vibrant festivals, and excellent tapas culture.
7. Granada – Best for Affordable Living & Scenic Views
🌟 Why? Home to the Alhambra, low living costs, and a thriving student community.
💰 Cost of Living: Very low, making it ideal for budget-conscious expats.
⛰️ Lifestyle: Surrounded by mountains, free tapas culture, and rich Moorish history.
8. San Sebastián – Best for Food Lovers & High Quality of Life
🌟 Why? Known for its Michelin-starred cuisine, beautiful coastline, and high safety.
💰 Cost of Living: Higher than most Spanish cities but worth it for the lifestyle.
🍷 Lifestyle: Top-tier gastronomy, surf culture, and lush landscapes.
9. The Canary Islands – Best for Remote Workers & Year-Round Warmth
🌟 Why? Low cost of living, tax incentives, and a fast-growing remote worker community.
💰 Cost of Living: Moderate, with affordable housing options.
🌴 Lifestyle: Endless beaches, hiking, and great climate all year.
10. Bilbao – Best for Green Spaces & Modern Living
🌟 Why? A blend of modern architecture, a strong economy, and a relaxed atmosphere.
💰 Cost of Living: Mid-range, cheaper than Madrid or Barcelona.
🌿 Lifestyle: Less touristy, excellent public transport, and surrounded by nature.
Summary
Spain is an expat paradise, offering a mix of bustling cities, coastal retreats, and cultural gems. Barcelona and Madrid cater to digital nomads, Valencia and Seville provide a balance of affordability and culture, while Málaga and Alicante are perfect for retirees seeking beachside living. Nature lovers and remote workers will love the Canary Islands and Granada, while San Sebastián and Bilbao offer modern amenities with scenic surroundings. No matter your lifestyle, Spain has the perfect place for you to call home.