Retirees speak out: discover the best cities to live in Spain

Spain, according to the Global Retirement Report 2026, is the third best country in the world to retire, behind Portugal and Mauritius. According to the study, pensioners see Spain as an ideal country for their retirement for more than evident reasons: culture, good weather, and lifestyle. However, not all cities in Spain offer the same advantages for pensioners.

At Fotocasa Life, we analyze the quality of life, safety, cultural offering, and, of course, housing prices in Spain’s main cities.

Which is the best city in Spain to retire in?

Which are the cities with the best quality of life according to the OCU?

Neither Madrid nor Barcelona. According to the urban quality of life survey by the OCU (Organization of Consumers and Users), the cities leading general well-being are Vigo, Zaragoza, and Bilbao. These destinations stand out for their cleanliness, educational offering, safety, and the good balance between cost and quality of life.

Spain, among the best countries in the world to live in

Why is Vigo the best city to retire in? Quality of life and proximity to the sea

Vigo is the highest-rated city for retirement in Spain. Its mild climate, proximity to the sea, nature, and cultural and leisure offering make it ideal for those seeking a peaceful retirement. The city features neighborhoods accessible on foot and high-quality healthcare services.

According to the Fotocasa Index, the average rental price in Vigo in March 2026 is €12.23 per square meter, meaning a typical 80-square-meter property would cost €978 per month. The value per square meter for sales in Vigo stands at €3,115. Thus, the purchase price of a typical 80 m2 home is approximately €249,242, according to Fotocasa data for March 2026.

Is Zaragoza a good city for retirement? Gastronomy and walkability

Zaragoza is another of the best-rated cities for retirement in Spain, holding a notable second place in the quality of life index by the OCU. It stands out for its balance between services, culture, and an affordable cost of living compared to other Spanish cities. Its central neighborhoods are accessible on foot and offer a wide range of shops, leisure activities, and public transport.

According to the Fotocasa Real Estate Index, the rental price in Zaragoza in March 2026 is 12.99 € per square meter, while the sales price is 2,477 €. With these values, the average rental cost for an 80 m2 apartment is 1,039 € per month and the purchase price is around 195,774 €.

Zaragoza is the ideal destination for retirees seeking a rich cultural environment without sacrificing peace and moderate prices.

How much does it cost to buy a house in Spain? [2026]

Bilbao, in the top 3 best cities to retire: healthcare and urban excellence

Third place in the ranking of the best cities to retire in Spain goes to Bilbao. Bilbao is synonymous with high-quality public services. Its healthcare system is one of the most robust in Spain, which is a fundamental guarantee for the elderly. The city’s urban transformation process has created a modern, accessible environment with a top-tier range of services.

Nevertheless, the Basque Country remains one of the most exclusive areas to buy or rent a property. The average rent in March 2026 is 17.99 €/m² , which raises the cost of an 80-square-meter apartment to 1,439 € per month, according to Fotocasa data. In the sales market, the price stands at 3,978 €/m², meaning a typical 80-square-meter home reaches 318,223 €, according to Fotocasa data for March 2026.

Best places in Spain to retire according to preferences

What if we are looking for safety, the best healthcare, or the widest range of leisure activities? At Fotocasa, we reveal the most interesting Spanish locations for retirement based on pensioners’ preferences.

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Which are the safest cities for retirement?

Galicia, Extremadura, and Asturias are the Autonomous Communities with the lowest crime rates, according to data from the Ministry of Interior in 2025. Furthermore, all these regions offer an exceptional quality of life.  However, before committing to buying or renting a home in an unfamiliar area of Spain, it is advisable to get to know the neighborhood thoroughly before moving. Regarding cities, Pozuelo de Alarcón, San Sebastián, and Tres Cantos record the lowest crime rates.

The Balearic Islands, Catalonia, and Madrid are the communities with the highest crime rates in Spain. However, safety levels vary significantly depending on both the city and even the specific neighborhood.

The 10 safest Spanish cities: cities with the lowest crime rate

Source: Cross-referenced data from the Ministry of Interior crime statistics and the INE for 2025

Safest cities in Spain: The definitive 2026 official ranking

Which Autonomous Communities have the best healthcare in Spain?

If health is your number one priority, the communities of Cantabria, Castilla y León, and the Basque Country continue to lead the healthcare efficiency rankings according to data from the Ministry of Health.

Cantabria has an average service rating score of 7.10 in 2025, according to National Health System data. Castilla y León obtained 6.95 and the Basque Country 6.92, all of them well above the national average (6.42).

To calculate this, we have averaged various evaluations such as the quality of primary care or hospital emergency services.

Andalusia, Melilla, and Ceuta, for their part, are at the lower end of the ranking for healthcare service ratings, with scores of 5.93, 5.85, and 5.57 respectively.

Autonomous Communities with the best healthcare service ratings within the National Health System

Source: Average data extracted from the SNS (National Health System) satisfaction survey by Autonomous Community for 2025.

Which cities offer the best cultural scene for retirees?

Barcelona, Madrid, and Valencia are the Spanish cities with the widest cultural offer, according to a ranking by Holidu, which analyzed the 57 main cities in the country. These are the locations where you will find the most museums, art galleries, cultural events, and exhibitions. However, the housing market in Madrid or Barcelona does not offer properties at prices as affordable as in other Spanish cities.

Source: Data extracted from the study conducted by Holidu in 2019

Cheapest cities to buy and rent property in 2026

According to Fotocasa Real Estate Index data, L’Alcúdia de Crespins (Valencia) ranks as the cheapest municipality to purchase a property, with an average cost of €41,658 for a typical 80 m² home (€521/m²). In the rental market, Baeza, in Jaén, leads national affordability with an average price of €4.78/m², representing a monthly rent of approximately €382 for an 80 m² apartment.

For retirees who prefer to cut expenses and enjoy an affordable cost of living, Extremadura can be a great option. This community offers the lowest prices per square meter for buying and renting: €1,325/m² for sales and €7.53/m² for rentals.

Top 10 cheapest municipalities to BUY

Source: Fotocasa data on the sales market for March 2026

Top 10 cheapest municipalities to RENT

Source: Fotocasa data on the rental market for March 2026

Where can I find the best seaside homes for retirement?

For those retiring and looking for a home near the sea with outdoor spaces, the best destinations will be the Valencian Community, Andalusia, or any municipality along the Mediterranean coast.

If searching for a beach area, it is worth noting that among the most sought-after beaches to buy a property, municipalities such as Lastres (Asturias), El Palmar (Cádiz), or Zapillo (Almería) stand out as the most popular summer spots in 2025, according to a Fotocasa analysis.

What is the best city to retire in 2026?

Choosing the perfect destination to retire in 2026 depends on your priorities. If you are looking for the highest urban quality of life, Vigo and Bilbao are unbeatable. If you seek economic balance without sacrificing services, Zaragoza and Castilla y León are excellent choices.

Before moving, analyze the cost of housing in your area of interest to ensure your budget aligns with the market reality.

Are you thinking about retiring in Spain? Tell us which city attracts you the most.