The Global Expat Hub
Spain
Best quality of life in the survey: climate, food, public healthcare and a social calendar that never stops.
Your plan for Spain checklist · timeline · cost breakdown
Estimates for one adult before ongoing rent and living costs; couples and families scale up. Tap a plan for the full breakdown.
Top cities for expats in Spain
Costs and character vary significantly within Spain. Here are the cities our readers compare most.
World-class city with beach, architecture and Catalonian culture
The capital — business hub with great nightlife and central location
Best value major Spanish city — beach, sun and culture at lower cost
Flamenco, tapas and Andalusian architecture at very affordable prices
Spain by the numbers editorial estimates in US dollars
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🌤️ Climate
Mediterranean on the coasts, continental inland, Atlantic in the north. Hot dry summers, mild winters.
Mean temperatures for Madrid.
🌧️ Rain & snow
Rainfall about 640 mm (25 in) a year.
Snow Mountains and central plateau in winter.
⚖️ The law
Official legislationBoletín Oficial del Estado ↗
OverviewLaw of Spain on Wikipedia ↗
Driving On the right. Licence rules →
🏛️ Taxes
Property tax IBI 0.4–1.1% of cadastral value.
Local & regional income tax Regional income tax ~half of the total 19–47% bill; wealth tax in most regions.
🎓 University
Near-free for EU residents ($1–2.5k/yr); non-EU $4–12k/yr.
📱 Phone & eSIM
Carriers Movistar, Vodafone, Orange, Digi.
Average cost Local SIM or eSIM with generous data about $20/month; a 30-day travel eSIM (Airalo, Holafly, Saily and similar) around $15 for 10 GB.
Sponsored
🎁 Schemes to attract expats
- Digital Nomad visa with 24% flat tax for up to 6 years
- Non-Lucrative visa on passive income
- Golden Visa closed to property in 2025; other routes remain
- Andalucía and Madrid have scrapped wealth tax
Figures are national averages for planning, not quotes; big cities run higher. Tax schemes change often and carry conditions. Verify before you rely on them.
Official sources for Spain embassies, warnings, law and reference
Government, intergovernmental and reference sites only; no reviews or opinion. Links open in a new tab.
Ratings & warnings independent
Follows your Mid-range tier partner listings match your budget
Services & daily life one labelled partner per page
Life in Spain faith, wellbeing, shopping and play
Holidays & festivalsNational holidays, closures and the festivals worth planning aroundSearch for jobs for free, or post a job — free.
Roles open to foreigners in Spain: remote work you can do from Madrid, and in-person jobs with employers who hire from abroad. Searching for and posting expat jobs is always free, for job seekers and employers alike. Every listing stays live for 60 days.
Latest listings. Example listings shown until the first real posts go live.
See all jobs in Spain and post a job →
In the meantime, search these trusted remote job boards
Free to use. These are independent sites we like; opening in a new tab. Come back to post your own role here — posting is always free.
Frequently asked questions
Is Spain safe for expats?
Spain scores 74 out of 100 for safety on The Global Expat Hub. It is generally very safe with low rates of violent crime. Petty theft in tourist areas is the most common concern.
How much does it cost to live in Spain?
An affordable lifestyle in Spain costs around $1,500 to $2,200 per month. Barcelona and Madrid are more expensive while Valencia, Seville and smaller cities offer significantly lower costs.
Does Spain have a digital nomad visa for Americans?
Yes. Spain launched a digital nomad visa in 2023 requiring proof of remote employment or freelance income, typically a minimum of around $2,300 per month, and allows a stay of up to 5 years.
What is the best city in Spain for American expats?
Barcelona, Madrid and Valencia are the most popular. Valencia offers the best combination of lifestyle, climate and affordability. Barcelona has the largest expat community.