Beyond Madrid and Barcelona: the ultimate guide to choosing where to live in Spain as a foreigner

Moving to Spain is a major decision, and the vast diversity of choices can feel overwhelming if you do not know where to start looking.

At Fotocasa, we explain in detail how the Spanish real estate market works so you can find your perfect destination based on your personal preferences.

In this guide, we analyze property prices, safety, and services in the most sought-after locations by the international community.

Which city in Spain to live in depending on whether you prefer the sea or the mountains?

Which are the best beach cities to live in Spain as a foreigner if you are looking for a cosmopolitan lifestyle and job opportunities?

The best options for living in Spain in cosmopolitan cities that also have a beach are Malaga, Valencia, and Barcelona, as they perfectly balance a dynamic job market with access to the sea. These capitals concentrate most of the investment in technology and infrastructure along the Mediterranean arc.

Living in Malaga: the technological and cultural engine of the south

Aerial view of Malaga – Getty Images

Malaga has transformed into a cultural benchmark and the main tech hub for foreign professionals, thanks to the arrival of major multinational corporations. It offers a dynamic environment ideal for digital profiles, combined with the essence of the Costa del Sol.

In Malaga, the average purchase price for a property stands at €4,280/m², which equates to an investment of €342,389 for a standard 80 m² home, according to updated May 2026 data from Fotocasa.

Living in Valencia: the perfect balance between quality of life and services

Valencia – Getty Images

Valencia stands out globally for offering excellent pedestrian mobility, the great green lung of the Turia Gardens, and top-tier public services. The city combines the convenience of a large metropolis with wide urban beaches and highly valued Mediterranean cuisine (it is the birthplace of the famous paella). In Valencia, you will find all the services of cities like Barcelona or Madrid, but with a more relaxed pace of life.

Purchasing a property in Valencia has an average cost of €3,644/m², placing the value of an 80 m² apartment at €291,554, according to updated May 2026 data from Fotocasa.

Living in Barcelona: cosmopolitan innovation and international reach

Barcelona – Getty Images

Barcelona remains an undisputed magnet for startups and the design sectors. Barcelona offers the charm of a cosmopolitan European city bathed by Mediterranean beaches. Its modernist architecture and multicultural character make it a unique destination.

Barcelona records an average home purchase price of €5,377/m², which raises the cost of an 80 m² property to €430,150, according to updated May 2026 data from Fotocasa.

Which are the best cities in Spain to retire in?

The best cities to retire in Spain are Vigo, Zaragoza, and Bilbao, according to the OCU’s urban quality of life survey. These destinations stand out significantly for their cleanliness, educational offerings, safety, and the great balance between cost and quality of life.

For international profiles who prioritize constant sunshine, the favorite choice remains Alicante and the Costa Blanca, where the foreign-born population accounts for 42.91% of property sales transactions, according to data from the Association of Registrars. In the municipality of Alicante, the average purchase price stands at €2,973/m², setting the cost of an 80 m² apartment at €237,872, according to updated May 2026 data from Fotocasa.

How much does it cost for a foreigner to buy a home in Spain’s best retirement cities?

Source: Fotocasa Real Estate Index, May 2026.

Which are the best areas to live in Spain if you are looking for nature and tranquility?

If you are looking for peace, nature, and a slow-paced lifestyle, we recommend moving to the north of Spain, choosing cities with an Atlantic climate such as Pamplona, Oviedo, Santander, Vigo, or Santiago de Compostela. These provincial capitals lead national rankings in environmental conservation, public safety, and low tourism overcrowding.

Living in Pamplona: the leader in quality of life and purchasing power

Pamplona is much more than the San Fermín festival: it is the city with the best quality of life in Spain according to the MWCC report, standing out for its high purchasing power, cleanliness, and low pollution. It is an ideal green environment for independent families.

Buying an 80 m² property costs an average of €257,228 (around €3,215/m²), according to updated May 2026 data from Fotocasa.

Living in Oviedo: the affordable option with excellent healthcare

Oviedo stands out nationwide for the economic affordability of its properties and high satisfaction with its healthcare services. Its environment combines traditional Asturian culture with an extremely peaceful pace of life.

Acquiring an 80 m² apartment sits at an average of €207,074 (around €2,588/m²), according to updated May 2026 data from Fotocasa.

Living in Santander: safety, monumental beaches, and green walkways

Santander offers a monumental and peaceful coastal environment, renowned for its high level of safety and natural beauty. Its extensive green areas contribute to a relaxed lifestyle, far removed from urban stress.

An average 80 m² apartment requires an investment of €246,802 (around €3,085/m²), according to updated May 2026 data from Fotocasa.

Living in Vigo: environmental care and a maritime setting

Vigo stands out for the cleanliness of its streets, its mild Atlantic climate, and its proximity to unique natural landscapes such as the Cíes Islands. Vigo has a strong maritime identity and a very balanced leisure offering. Additionally, it is world-famous for its Christmas lights (the City Council spares no expense), a spectacle truly worth seeing.

The average cost to acquire an 80 m² apartment is €249,212 (around €3,114/m²), according to updated May 2026 data from Fotocasa.

Living in Santiago de Compostela: pure air and tranquility in Galicia

Santiago de Compostela, world-renowned as the final destination of the Camino de Santiago, is a city with a safe, green environment and plenty of charm for “digital nomads” escaping the extreme heat. The region of Galicia records an average cost of €2,226/m² (€178,081 for 80 m²), solidifying its position as a highly competitive option.

How much it costs to buy a home in the main cities of northern Spain

Source: Fotocasa Real Estate Index, May 2026.

Where to buy a house in Northern Spain? The best areas and prices to live in 2026

Which are the best areas in Spain for foreigners looking for exclusivity and luxury?

The best areas in Spain to establish a high-end residence and enjoy maximum luxury are the island of Ibiza, Marbella on the Costa del Sol, and the most exclusive districts of Madrid capital. These premium locations guarantee total privacy, 24-hour security, and the most select construction materials on the market.

Living in Ibiza: paradisiacal coves and the most valued square meter

In the Balearic Islands, the municipality of Santa Eulària des Riu records the highest purchase cost on the coast at €8,639/m² (€691,133 for 80 m²), followed by Sant Antoni de Portmany at €8,460/m² (€676,821 for 80 m²), according to updated May 2026 data from Fotocasa.

Living in Marbella: exclusive villas and premium leisure on the Costa del Sol

Marbella, Spain – Getty Images

Marbella remains the ultimate international benchmark for high-end villas, golf courses, and top-tier leisure facilities. The average purchase price in the municipality stands at €5,730/m², which equates to €458,422 for an 80 m² home, according to May 2026 data from Fotocasa.

Buying Property in the Costa del Sol: Estepona or Marbella?

Living in Madrid: urban exclusivity and major networking hubs

Madrid is the ideal destination if you are looking to join a high-level corporate and business environment. Exclusive residential areas such as La Finca or the Salamanca neighborhood guarantee a top-tier cosmopolitan lifestyle. The province records an average cost of €5,429/m², bringing the price of an 80 m² apartment to €434,330, according to May 2026 data from Fotocasa.

Which are the best areas to live in Spain as an expat if you are looking for tradition and lower living costs?

The best areas to live in Spain if you want to immerse yourself in the most traditional Andalusian culture while maintaining moderate costs are the cities of Granada and Seville. Both locations allow you to enjoy immense historical wealth without suffering the price pressure of large metropolitan areas.

Living in Granada: history, Moorish charm, and university life at unbeatable prices

Granada combines a vibrant culture and a unique historical heritage with a residential cost that ranks among the lowest in the country, making it ideal for students and remote workers. The region of Andalusia features a general average price of €2,969/m² (€237,543 for an 80 m² apartment).

Living in Seville: hospitality, flamenco art, and high-speed rail

Seville embodies the traditional spirit with all the advantages of a major Andalusian capital. It features excellent connectivity via the AVE high-speed train network, which links it to the rest of the peninsula in just a few hours.

Which are the best cities in Spain to buy a house on the coast at affordable prices?

To live on the coast with competitive prices and enjoy the sea, the best locations are found along the Coast of Valencia and the Costa Blanca, with Castellón de la Plana, Cartagena, Gandía, and Oliva standing out.

Living in Castellón de la Plana: the most affordable Mediterranean climate

Castellón de la Plana offers an excellent coastal climate, quiet beaches, and green spaces for an average price of €154,745 for an 80 m² apartment (around €1,934/m²), according to updated May 2026 data from Fotocasa.

Living in Cartagena: beaches and history with excellent healthcare

Cartagena, Spain – Getty Images

Cartagena stands out in the MWCC ranking for its high-quality healthcare services and moderate cost of living. Purchasing an average 80 m² home requires an outlay of €158,436 (around €1,980/m²), according to data from Fotocasa.

Living in Gandía and Oliva: family relaxation on the Coast of Valencia

In the south of the province of Valencia, Gandía and Oliva allow you to acquire family residences next to fine sand beaches for an average of €145,295 (€1,816/m²) and €148,429 (€1,855/m²) respectively, being perfectly connected to Valencia capital via the commuter rail network (Cercanías).

Which are the cheapest areas to live in Spain for expats looking for affordable homes?

Toledo, Castilla-La Mancha – Getty Images

The most economical provinces to buy a property are located in the mainland interior, mainly in autonomous communities such as Extremadura and Castilla-La Mancha.

Living in the mainland interior: tranquility at reduced prices

If your budget for buying a home in Spain is tight, the interior offers the most competitive choices in the country. Extremadura is the most economical community to buy a house in Spain, with an average of €1,338/m² (€107,032 for 80 m²), followed by Castilla-La Mancha at €1,398/m² (€111,826 for 80 m²), according to April 2026 data from Fotocasa.

International interest in buying a home in Spain continues to show tremendous strength, accounting for 13.52% of total transactions and solidifying coastal regions as the favorites for foreign investment

If your goal is to join a major multinational company or you need an extensive corporate networking hub, although Madrid and Barcelona continue to lead employment rates, cities like Malaga or Valencia are becoming highly attractive alternatives due to their more relaxed lifestyles.

If you work remotely, are retired, or are looking for a place to unwind, the Mediterranean arc and the northern part of mainland Spain will allow you to optimize your savings in safe environments with excellent transport connections.

Are you thinking about buying a home in Spain? Read our article “How to buy a house in Spain as a non-resident foreigner”.