5 best places for expats to live in Spain

We’ve selected five Spanish cities that expats are most likely to choose in 2026. Each has its own advantages. Learn more about them

Spain remains one of the most popular countries in Europe for relocation. According to the Spanish National Institute of Statistics (INE), more than 6.3 million foreigners live in the country, and their numbers are growing every year. The mild Mediterranean climate, affordable healthcare, well-developed infrastructure, and large international communities make settling in much easier.

In this article, we’ll tell you about the five Spanish cities that expats are most likely to choose in 2026 for living, working, and doing business.

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The Visit World immigration guide contains visa requirements current as of 2026, a step-by-step process for legalization, and a list of required documents for each category of applicants.

Valencia: The Optimal Balance of Cost of Living and Quality of Life

Valencia consistently ranks at the top of expat rankings thanks to its combination of affordable living costs, advanced healthcare, and urban comfort without the hustle and bustle of Madrid or Barcelona. The city offers international schools, coworking spaces, good public transportation, and over 300 sunny days a year. Rent here is significantly lower than in the country’s two largest cities.

Valencia is a good fit for families, remote workers, and retirees. Among the downsides are a limited local job market for those seeking employment with Spanish companies, and humid, hot summer months.

By the way, Spain is tightening its immigration laws.

Madrid: A Career Hub and the Largest Expat Community

Madrid is home to the largest expat community in Spain—about 750,000 people. The capital offers the country’s strongest job market, a well-developed startup ecosystem, world-class cultural institutions, and one of the most favorable regional tax regimes. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in central neighborhoods ranges from 1,300 to 1,900 euros per month.

Madrid has a continental climate: hot summers (over 35°C) and cool winters (around 5°C). The most popular neighborhoods among foreigners are Chamberí, Salamanca, Malasaña, La Latina, and Chueca.

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Barcelona: An International Hub for Digital Nomads

Barcelona has traditionally attracted tech professionals, entrepreneurs, and holders of Digital Nomad visas. The city boasts a well-developed coworking infrastructure, particularly in the 22@ tech cluster in the Poblenou neighborhood, as well as access to the Mediterranean Sea, international schools, and a multicultural environment. The Catalan capital offers a balance between a major European city and a seaside resort.

The budget for a comfortable life as a single expat ranges from 2,000 to 2,500 euros per month.

The rental market is very competitive: Barcelona was the first city in Spain to implement rent caps under the Ley de Vivienda. Popular neighborhoods include Eixample, Gràcia, Poblenou, and Sarrià.

About basic living costs in Spain in 2026 — read more at the link.

Málaga: The Main Hub of the Costa del Sol

Málaga has become one of Spain’s fastest-growing expat destinations. The city combines Andalusia’s sunny climate, a major international airport with direct flights to European capitals, a high-quality healthcare system, and a large English-speaking community. Malaga attracts retirees, young professionals, and remote workers who appreciate access to the beaches of the Costa del Sol.

Key advantages of the city for expats:

• mild winters and over 300 sunny days a year;
• a lower cost of living compared to Madrid and Barcelona;
• direct flights to most European capitals;
• a well-developed rental market for foreigners;
• a vibrant cultural scene and a thriving restaurant scene.

About taxes in Spain in 2026 — read here.

Alicante: The Most Affordable City to Move To

Alicante offers one of the best balances between cost of living and infrastructure quality among Spain’s major cities. According to Numbeo, the city has the country’s lowest housing-to-income ratio (6.2), an affordable cost of living, and high-quality healthcare. This makes it attractive to retirees and holders of Non-Lucrative visas.

Alicante is located in the Costa Blanca region, which features a mild climate, a thriving English-speaking community, and a convenient airport. The city is ideal for those planning to live off passive income or work remotely without being tied to a specific employer in Spain.

Read also: Spain’s Golden Visa has been abolished. What legalization options are available in 2026?

Order the Visit World immigration guide to Spain!

The Visit World portal has prepared a detailed immigration guide to Spain with step-by-step instructions on applying for a visa, choosing a region, obtaining legal residency, renting an apartment, getting an NIE, and enrolling in the healthcare system. The guide is updated in accordance with current 2026 legislation and takes into account the specific features of each autonomous community.

Order the Visit World immigration guide to Spain and get a ready-made relocation plan without unnecessary risks or wasted time.

Reminder! In our previous article, we discussed labor market trends in Spain.

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