Best places to live in Spain

Spain attracts the attention of expats, and no wonder, because it has all the conditions for a comfortable life. A warm Mediterranean climate, many sunny days a year, a rich heritage of architectural monuments and natural beauties, the hospitality of locals and affordable living costs make Spain an attractive destination. Based on Prian.ru's long-standing statistics, we have highlighted five places that Russian-speaking expats most often choose to buyreal estate. Let's take a look at the employment opportunities, cultural entertainment, cost of living and housing in each of them.

Barcelona

Barcelona is one of the most attractive cities to live in Spain. This city has more than 5.5 million inhabitants and is located on the Mediterranean coast. Despite its small area of 101 square kilometers, Barcelona has a dense population.

Employment opportunities in Barcelona are comparable to other Spanish cities. Salaries are usually lower than in Madrid and range from €1,400 to €4,000 per month. Emigrants may face some restrictions, but knowledge of Spanish is considered a plus, especially for jobs in international companies and in the IT sector. Also, there are always vacancies in the hospitality and services sector, especially in the tourism sector.

The cost of living in Barcelona is more expensive than in other parts of Spain, but cheaper than in some other European cities. Rent is about the same as in Madrid, but slightly higher. A one-bedroom apartment can be rented for €750-€950 and a two-bedroom apartment for €1,300. The cost of utilities and public transportation is also higher compared to Madrid.

The average cost of a square meter of housing in Barcelona is €3.93 thousand, but in the surrounding smaller cities you can find more affordable options. For example, in Calafa a square meter costs €770, and in Artes - €827.

If you're looking for alternatives, smaller coastal towns near Barcelona may have more affordable housing costs. In Mataro, for example, prices are lower, with a square meter at €1,975, but in Cijes they are comparable to Barcelona at €3,845 per square meter.

Valencia

Valencia, is becoming an increasingly attractive destination for expats, and no wonder - after all, it is the third largest city in Spain. It has gained popularity in recent years due to its nice feature of being conveniently walkable. The city is divided by a long river that leads to the sea, either side of which are parks with walking and cycling paths, sculptures and playgrounds. The area is also home to the impressive and modern Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias, a museum and city of arts and sciences.

Valencia exudes a young and active atmosphere, thanks to the large number of students. The nightlife here is intense and there are many cultural and language exchange groups for newcomers. The difference between Valencia and Barcelona and Madrid is also that it offers a more relaxed lifestyle for those who don't crave the hustle and bustle of the city, but want to enjoy the occasional activity.

Valencia has an area of about 135 square kilometers, but the entire metropolitan area extends over almost 630 square kilometers. The city itself is home to about 834,000 people, while the region is home to almost 2 million people, a number that continues to grow.

The labor market in Valencia has recovered rapidly since the financial crisis of the late 2000s. This is due to the city's diverse economy, which depends not only on tourism but also on various industrial markets. The average salary in the city is around €3 thousand. The most sought-after fields are chemical engineering, textiles, automotive and building materials.

The cost of living in Valencia is significantly lower than in Madrid and Barcelona. Renting an apartment is available at reasonable prices. For example, a one-bedroom apartment will cost around €500-€700 per month, while a two-bedroom apartment will cost €750-€1,150. Utility bills are also lower, and public transportation costs €1.5 per trip and about €35 for a monthly pass.

The cost of housing in Valencia is also more affordable than in Madrid and Barcelona, with an average cost of €1,840 per square meter. Even more affordable options can be found in nearby provincial towns. For example, in Navarresa, just an hour's drive from Valencia, the average cost per square meter is €413, making it a very attractive area to buyreal estate.

Other popular cities in the region, such as Alicante and Torrevieja, also offer more affordable home prices, making the Valencian community an attractive destination for expats.

Málaga

Málaga is a port city that has long attracted foreigners. Despite its small size, Málaga has many interesting places and activities, but it is worth considering that in season there can be too many tourists, especially those arriving on cruise ships, which can make quiet walks less relaxing.

The immigrant community in Málaga is smaller than in major Spanish cities such as Barcelona, Madrid or Valencia, but it is welcoming and supportive.

Málaga is also famous for its pleasant climate, warm and sunny most of the year. The city is known for its beautiful architecture and natural areas. Although the nightlife in Málaga is not as active as in Madrid, there are plenty of restaurants and entertainment venues.

Málaga has an area of less than 400 square kilometers and the region has an area of 827 square kilometers. The city has just under 600,000 inhabitants and the region is home to about 1.1 million people.

The job market in Málaga is diverse and includes sectors such as technology, tourism, transportation, logistics and construction. The Technological Park of Andalusia (PTA) specializes in high technology, science and industry and provides many jobs. The average salary in the city is around €2,000 per month.

Knowledge of Spanish is a great advantage when looking for a job in Málaga, as in many other regions of Spain. Real estate can be a promising field for immigrants, especially if they speak several languages, as Málaga is a popular place to move to and requires specialists in this field.

The cost of living in Málaga is relatively affordable. Renting a one-bedroom apartment near the city center will cost about €850-€900 per month, and a studio can be found for €550.