When it comes to finding the best place to move in Spain, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Every city and region has its own vibe, advantages, and challenges. So, I’ve broken it down into categories based on weather, job opportunities, renting vs buying, affordability, and more. Whether you’re chasing the sun, looking for work, or just want a place that feels a bit like home (but with more tapas), this list should give you a solid idea of where to focus your search.
Here's a clickable shortcut list:
The Warmest Place to Move in Spain: Andalucía
(This is where we're moving to) If you’re an Aussie who loves the heat (and let’s be real, we’re used to it), Andalucía is hands down the warmest region in Spain. The southern coast, particularly Málaga, Seville, and Almería, enjoys year-round sunshine with summer temperatures regularly hitting over 30°C. Málaga’s coastal vibe is laid back, with beaches, a lively city centre, and great seafood. Seville, while inland, is known for its scorching summers, beautiful architecture, and rich cultural heritage.
Pros:
Year-round sunshine and warm weather.
Beautiful beaches and vibrant cities.
Rich cultural history, especially in Seville.
Cons:
Summers can get uncomfortably hot, particularly in Seville.
Andalucía’s economy isn’t as strong as other regions, so job opportunities may be limited.
Large tourist influx during peak seasons.
The Coldest Place to Move in Spain: Galicia
On the flip side, if you’re longing for cooler weather, Galicia in the northwest is one of the coldest places in Spain. Cities like Santiago de Compostela and A Coruña are lush, green, and experience plenty of rain, especially in winter. It’s much more reminiscent of Ireland or the UK than the hot, dry Spain you might imagine.
Pros:
Cooler, more temperate climate.
Lush, green landscapes with stunning scenery.
Less touristy and more peaceful.
Cons:
Cold winters and lots of rain.
Fewer expats, so it might be harder to connect with other English speakers.
Less job availability outside of agriculture and tourism.
Best Place to Move for Jobs in Spain: Madrid
When it comes to job hunting, Madrid takes the crown. As Spain’s capital, it’s the centre of the country’s economy, and there’s a broad range of job opportunities across industries. Tech, finance, marketing, education—you name it, Madrid’s got it.
Pros:
Plenty of job opportunities across multiple industries.
Great public transport and connectivity.
Vibrant nightlife, cultural events, and expat community.
Cons:
High cost of living, especially when renting.
Can feel crowded, busy, and fast-paced.
Summers are hot, while winters can be cold.
Best Place for Home Buyers to Move in Spain: Valencia
If you’re looking to buy a home, Valencia is a top contender. Property prices are significantly lower than in Madrid or Barcelona, and the city offers a fantastic quality of life. With beautiful beaches, a rich cultural scene, and a rapidly developing tech sector, Valencia strikes the perfect balance between affordability and modern living.
Pros:
Affordable property prices and good value for money.
A laid-back lifestyle with beaches and cultural activities.
Good mix of locals and expats.
Cons:
Slightly fewer job opportunities compared to Madrid or Barcelona.
Can get crowded with tourists during the summer.
Expats sometimes report it’s harder to integrate with locals.
Best Place for Renters to Move in Spain: Barcelona
For renters, Barcelona offers a bit of everything. Sure, it’s not the cheapest, but its vibrant energy, strong expat community, and cultural offerings are second to none. The city’s job market and startup scene are booming, making it ideal for digital nomads or freelancers.
Pros:
Strong job market and booming startup scene.
Vibrant cultural and nightlife scene.
Beautiful city with beaches and great weather.
Cons:
High rent prices, especially in popular areas.
Overrun with tourists, particularly in the summer.
Pickpocketing and petty crime can be an issue in tourist-heavy areas.
Cheapest Place to Move in Spain: Extremadura
For those seeking the cheapest option, Extremadura is the way to go. This lesser-known region offers incredibly affordable living, both in terms of rent and home prices. While it’s not the most bustling area, it’s rich in nature, history, and culture.
Pros:
Extremely affordable for both renters and home buyers.
Currently offering €15000 to move there.
Beautiful rural landscapes and rich history.
Quiet, relaxed lifestyle.
Cons:
Limited job opportunities unless you work remotely.
Hot and dry summers.
Less vibrant city life, so it might not be ideal for everyone.
Best Place to Move, to Make Friends in Spain: Valencia
If you’re hoping to make friends quickly, Valencia might be your best bet. The city is known for its welcoming community, and with a growing expat population, it’s easier to find like-minded people who are also starting fresh in a new country.
Pros:
Friendly and welcoming community.
Growing expat scene.
Affordable living with a laid-back vibe.
Cons:
Slightly smaller job market than Madrid or Barcelona.
Can be harder to integrate with locals compared to other regions.
Best Place to Move, to Where They Speak the Most English in Spain: Barcelona & Madrid
For those who haven’t quite mastered Spanish yet, Madrid and Barcelona are the top choices. Both cities have large international communities and a good number of locals who speak English.
Pros:
Plenty of English speakers and expat communities.
More services and businesses cater to English speakers.
Easier to get by without fluent Spanish.
Cons:
More expensive compared to other regions.
These cities don’t offer as much of the “authentic” Spanish lifestyle as smaller towns do.
Best Place to Move That’s the Most Similar to Australia: Alicante
For a place that feels the most like home, Alicante hits the mark. With its sunny weather, coastal lifestyle, and relaxed atmosphere, Alicante feels quite similar to some of Australia’s beach towns.
Pros:
Similar climate and coastal lifestyle to Australian beach towns.
Strong expat community.
Affordable compared to bigger cities like Madrid or Barcelona.
Cons:
Fewer job opportunities outside of tourism and hospitality.
Can get crowded with tourists during peak seasons.
Best Place to Integrate into Genuine Spanish Culture: Seville
If you’re keen to really immerse yourself in Spanish culture, Seville is where it’s at. Andalusia’s capital is steeped in tradition, from Flamenco to bullfighting. The slower pace of life, stunning architecture, and genuine warmth of the locals make Seville the best place to move in Spain to soak up authentic Spanish culture.
Pros:
Rich, authentic Spanish culture and traditions.
Beautiful architecture and historic sites.
Warm and welcoming local community.
Cons:
Summers can be unbearably hot.
Fewer English speakers, so you’ll need to brush up on your Spanish.
Fewer job opportunities compared to Madrid or Barcelona.
Best Overall Place to Move to in Spain: Valencia
The best overall place to move in Spain is Valencia. It offers the perfect blend of affordability, lifestyle, job opportunities, and community. You get the best of both worlds—beaches and city life—without the hefty price tag of Madrid or Barcelona.
Pros:
Great balance between affordability and quality of life.
Beaches, culture, and a growing job market.
Vibrant community of locals and expats.
Cons:
Slightly smaller job market compared to Madrid or Barcelona.
Can get crowded with tourists during summer.
Now, if you're wondering why we didn't take our own advice? You can read all about it in our "Why Montefrío" post below.
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