Life in Spain
Compare cities, explore the job market, and plan your budget. Everything you need to choose your perfect Spanish home.
Expat City Guide
Four cities, four different flavors of Spanish life.
Valencia
Startups, lifestyle & Mediterranean living
Avg. Rent (1BR)
€850/mo
Climate
Mild Mediterranean
- Growing startup ecosystem
- Affordable cost of living
- Beaches & Turia Gardens
Malaga
Europe's next tech hub
Avg. Rent (1BR)
€900/mo
Climate
Warm coastal
- Malaga TechPark & IMEC
- Digital nomad community
- Year-round sunshine
Madrid
Finance, fintech & global access
Avg. Rent (1BR)
€1100/mo
Climate
Continental
- Fintech capital of Spain
- International business hub
- World-class culture
Barcelona
AI, design & digital nomad center
Avg. Rent (1BR)
€1200/mo
Climate
Mediterranean
- AI & tech innovation hub
- Design & creative industries
- Beach meets city lifestyle
Cost of Living Comparison
Compare monthly expenses side by side. All figures are estimates for a single person.
Valencia Monthly Total
€1,390
Madrid Monthly Total
€1,745
Valencia is €355/month cheaper than Madrid
2026 Job Market
High-demand sectors for international professionals in Spain.
| Sector | Growth | Avg. Salary | Hot Cities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Renewable Energy | Very High | €35k–€55k | Madrid, Valencia, Bilbao |
| Cybersecurity | Very High | €40k–€65k | Madrid, Barcelona, Malaga |
| AI / Data Science | High | €38k–€60k | Barcelona, Madrid |
| Fintech | High | €35k–€55k | Madrid, Barcelona |
| Healthcare / Biotech | Moderate | €30k–€50k | Barcelona, Madrid, Valencia |
Healthcare: Public vs. Private
Essential comparison for choosing your healthcare coverage in Spain.
| Feature | Public Healthcare | Private Healthcare |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free (with Social Security) | €50–€200/month |
| Wait Times | Weeks to months for specialists | Days to 1-2 weeks |
| English-Speaking | Limited | Widely available |
| Coverage | Comprehensive | Varies by plan |
| NLV Requirement | Not initially eligible | Required (no copay) |
| Quality | Very good | Excellent |
Important for NLV applicants: Non-Lucrative Visa holders must have private health insurance with full coverage and no copayments. This is a strict visa requirement, not optional.
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