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Spain

7.9/ 10 average score
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About Spain

Spain offers a vibrant culture, excellent weather, and a relaxed lifestyle. From the bustling cities of Madrid and Barcelona to the peaceful coastal towns, there's something for everyone.

Quality of Life Ratings (Hover to see details)

EconomyEconomy 7.5
HealthHealth 8.3
SafetySafety 8.2
EntertainmentEntertainment 9.1
Cost of LivingCost of Living 7.8
FreedomFreedom 8.4
InfrastructureInfrastructure 8.0
ClimateClimate 8.7
Internet SpeedInternet Speed 7.8
English SpeakingEnglish Speaking 6.2
Housing AffordabilityHousing Affordability 8.3
Job MarketJob Market 7.7
Residency PathwayResidency Pathway 8.2
Tax FriendlinessTax Friendliness 5.5
Expat CommunityExpat Community 8.7
Public TransportPublic Transport 8.1

Sources: Numbeo, World Bank, OECD, Country To Live editors

Last updated: July 10, 2026

Is Spain Right for You?

A good fit if you...

  • Qualify for digital nomad or non-lucrative visa with remote or passive income
  • Want Mediterranean lifestyle with strong healthcare and safety scores
  • Prefer Valencia or smaller cities over Madrid rent pressure
  • Value entertainment and social life (8.5/10) with EU Schengen access
  • Can navigate Spanish bureaucracy with patience and a local gestor

Think twice if you...

  • Need a high local salary (tourism and teaching pay less than Madrid corporate roles)
  • Want paperwork-light residency without NIE and bank account steps
  • Expect English everywhere outside coasts and central Madrid
  • Are counting on a fresh golden visa (new property route is largely closed)
  • Need top job market scores without Spanish language (local hiring is competitive)

Use our Cost of Living Calculator and compare Spain with Portugal before you commit.

Quick answers

  • Is Spain expensive to live in?

    Spain sits in the middle: not the cheapest, not the worst. Rent in the biggest cities is usually what makes a budget feel tight or fine. Madrid and Barcelona rent more like northern capitals than small inland towns.

  • Can you live in Spain with only English?

    English works in larger cities and expat areas. Banks, landlords, and government offices are where a few local phrases, or a helper, save stress. Coasts and central Madrid forgive English; small towns expect Spanish.

  • Is Spain good for expats?

    Spain works if you put in time: communities exist, but you still sort language, admin, and social life yourself, or pay for relocation help. Barcelona and Valencia mix Latin American, EU, and English remote workers.

  • What income do you need to live well in Spain?

    Aim near local median in Spain, or a bit above, for cushion after rent and bills. Partner income, bonuses, and school fees move the number more than food does. Use our Cost of Living Calculator to tie the figures to your neighborhood and visa situation. Tourism and English-teaching pay less than corporate Madrid or Barcelona tech roles.

  • Is housing difficult in Spain?

    Housing in Spain is usually easier than in many global hotspots. Decent rentals exist without endless queues if you stay flexible on area or building age. Landlords usually want NIE and a Spanish bank account first.

  • Is Spain safe to live in?

    Most people find Spain feels safe day to day. Serious crime is rare in typical expat areas. Still guard bags and phones in crowds and busy nightlife, same as any big city. Daily life is usually safe, but pickpocketing is common in major tourist areas.

Local signals for planning a move

Built for Spain using our country score model and route coverage. Use this as a planning brief before checking neighborhoods, visas, and monthly budget details.

Budget reality

Generally affordable if you avoid premium neighborhoods. Spain scores 7.8/10 on cost; model Madrid rent first.

Climate profile

Mostly warm conditions with heat management in peak months. Climate rating: 8.7/10.

Language fit

English access is moderate (6.2/10). Local language still helps with contracts and admin.

Safety baseline

High safety baseline in most daily routines. Safety score: 8.2/10.

Tax pressure

Tax impact is moderate and depends on residency setup. Tax friendliness: 5.5/10.

Visa and residency

Digital nomad and non-lucrative routes are common first checks.

Focus cities: Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia. Local reality: In Madrid, public transport is practical, while housing tends to be manageable outside premium districts.

Quick Stats

Economy7.5
Health8.3
Safety8.2
Cost of Living7.8
Climate8.7

Should You Move Here?

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Top 5 Cities

1

Madrid

3.3M

Capital with world-class museums, parks, and vibrant nightlife

2

Barcelona

1.6M

Catalan capital with Gaudi architecture and Mediterranean charm

3

Valencia

789K

Coastal city with futuristic architecture and paella

4

Seville

688K

Andalusian city with flamenco, tapas, and historic center

5

Bilbao

346K

Industrial city transformed by Guggenheim Museum

Highlights

✓Excellent Healthcare
✓Very Safe
✓Great Climate

Residence pathways

Visa and residency options tied to Spain in our pathway library. Always verify rules with official sources before planning.

Browse all residence pathways →

Guides & updates

A blog post or visa update connected to Spain.

Visa updateJul 1, 2026

France allows some remote work on long-stay visitor visa

France did not create a new nomad visa. Visitor visa holders may work remotely for foreign bosses if the job has no link to France, the government said in June 2026.

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