Today we would like to tell you about those cities in Spain that expats from all over the world choose for their work, including remote work.
Traditionally, Valencia, Alicante, Malaga, Madrid and Barcelona are very popular with foreigners.
InterNations, an online community of international workers, pointed out this trend in its annual survey by The Expat Insider, which offers a ranking of the best cities in the world where expats can successfully and organically combine work and life.
From this point of view, Spain looks quite attractive for expats, judge for yourself.
The results of research conducted by the Expat City Ranking 2020-2021 were the following:
- Málaga (2th) 2021.
- Madrid (10th) 2021.
- Barcelona (29th) 2021.
- Valencia (1th) 2020.
- Alicante (2th) 2020.
The 5 Best Places To Live In Spain For Expats: Valencia
Valencia took the first place, and then followed Alicante among the best cities of the world for expats to live in, according to the version of the Expat City Ranking 2020. In total, this list compiled by «InterNations» includes 66 cities.
Adding to two above mentioned cities, Portuguese Lisbon entered the top-3. Also, there were two more Spanish cities – Malaga (6th place) and Madrid (9th) in the top-10. The remaining positions were taken by Panama (4th), Singapore (5th), Buenos Aires (7th), Kuala Lumpur (8th) and Abu Dhabi (10th).
The Expat Insider 2020 survey involved more than 15,000 people of 173 nationalities from 181 countries around the planet. They answered questions about the quality of life in the cities they chose for immigration. Among other things, the following categories were considered: Quality of Urban Life, Leisure and Climate, Health and Ecology, Transport, Security and Politics. Expats living in Valencia noted the availability and quality of medicine, a large selection of entertainment and a good climate. Two-thirds of respondents noted that the residents of Valencia are very friendly, and it is easy to make friends here. 84% of respondents said that they had no problems adapting to the local culture and society. In addition, most expats living in Valencia were happy with their financial situation.
The 5 Best Places To Live In Spain For Expats: Alicante
As for Alicante, the authors of the study call it a «paradise for pensioners». By the way, about 40% of expats living here belong to this category. In addition, 83% of respondents said that they feel at home in Alicante. Respondents, as in Valencia, pointed out the availability and quality of the healthcare system and excellent climate. In addition, it is easy to find inexpensive and high-quality housing in Alicante. Most expats living in Alicante are satisfied with their financial situation.
The 5 Best Places To Live In Spain For Expats: Malaga
In 2021, the Expat City Ranking already had other favorites among Spanish cities.
Malaga – this city is the second place ranking.
The capital of the Spanish coastal, the Costa del Sol, has proved to be the best in the Getting Settled index (2nd), and the palm is here belongs to Alicante. Malaga was the first in the subcategories of Friends & Socialization and Feeling Welcomed, with 87% of those who voted who said they felt at home there (against 64% overall). In addition, 77% of respondents were satisfied with their social life in Malaga (compared to 59% in the world).
The city also showed good results in local Cost of Living indices (3rd) and Finance & Housing (9th). Almost nine out of ten foreigners (88%) were satisfied with the local Cost of Living (against 46% in the world), and 79% were also happy with their own financial position (against 61% in the world).
In addition, more than half of expats (54%) described housing in Malaga as affordable (compared to 41% in the world). Malaga also entered the top-15 ranking in Quality of Urban Living (14th).
The 5 Best Places To Live In Spain For Expats: Madrid
Located in 9th place out of 66 of the Expat City Rankings 2021, Madrid became the last Spanish city, which had been successful in gaining entry to the top-10.
The Spanish capital had a good position in the Quality of Urban Living (6th place), taking 8th place in the subcategory of Leisure and Climate: nine out of ten emigrants (92%) were satisfied with their leisure activities (against 71% in the world), which puts Madrid in first place in the world in this sector.
It should be noted that in the category of Quality of Urban Living, in terms of daily expenses, Madrid had its weak spot. The capital ranks 34th in the index Finance & Housing and just 47th place in the finance subcategory. In fact, 30% of respondents complained that their family income is not enough to cover all desirable expenses (compared to 21% overall).
The 5 Best Places To Live In Spain For Expats: Barcelona
No doubt – Barcelona is a lovely place to live in Spain.
Business life meets wonderful beaches here – what could be better than combining the incongruous?
Barcelona offers a safe and secure environment as well as sunny weather, fine Mediterranean cuisine, a lot of cultural programs, a bright nightlife, outdoor activities, and a prosperous expat community.
Barcelona is also one of the best places for businesspersons and digital nomads in the EU and it brings together two important factors: high technologies and talented people.
Young specialist from the UK, Germany and the USA come to this city to enjoy the top quality of life and its relaxed atmosphere. Barcelona hosts over 179 nationalities and actively invites creative and ambitious expats. Thus, it took the 29th place among the best city for expats in 2021. Those who have the desire to move to this forward-looking place: can be certain that there’re many friendly expat communities ready to bring you into the professional fold.
And what city of Spain would you prefer, being an expat? Madrid with its hectic lifestyle? Socially advantaged Valencia? Cozy and inexpensive Alicante? Sociable and friendly Malaga? Advanced and picturesque Barcelona? The choice depends only on you, and we look forward to advising, supporting and informing you regarding to documents needed for different types of residence permits, how much it costs to buy property in one city or another, etc.
