Anyone Can Find a Place in Sunny, Unique, and Diverse Spain
Thinking about relocating to Spain as a North American expat? You’re not alone!
North Americans form the largest community of expats in Spain and their numbers keep rising. It’s unsurprising: Spain offers a bit of everything for everyone, from digital nomads and seasoned professionals looking for new opportunities to families looking for peace and retirees.
Whichever of these categories you fall into, we have all the details you need to learn before moving to Spain below. Keep reading and learn which areas of Spain are friendliest for North American expats and which Spanish cities make the most sense for you depending on your profession.
Let’s dig in!
The Best Cities in Spain for Digital Nomads
Spain has become a popular destination for digital nomads because it offers a unique blend of city life, active lifestyle, and stunning natural beauty. As individuals seeking to combine work and travel, digital nomads are drawn to cities that provide a high quality of life, a vibrant community, and a supportive infrastructure.
Two cities that stand out as top choices for digital nomads in Spain are Barcelona and Madrid. Not sure which of them is the best Spanish city for digital nomads?
Well, they’re both economic hubs but there is also a world of difference between them
Barcelona: A Coastal Metropolis Loved by Thousands of Digital Nomads
Barcelona, known for its stunning architecture, rich culture, and access to beautiful beaches, is a prime destination for digital nomads.
The city offers a perfect balance between urban life and outdoor activities, making it an ideal choice for those seeking an active lifestyle. With its mild Mediterranean climate, Barcelona provides a comfortable environment for remote workers to thrive throughout the year.
Madrid: A Bustling Capital City
Madrid, the capital of Spain, is another attractive option for digital nomads. The city boasts a very good transportation system, making it easy for remote workers to navigate and explore. Madrid is also an economic hub, offering a wide range of opportunities for networking, collaboration, and professional growth.
The city’s vibrant atmosphere and diverse cultural offerings make it an engaging place to live and work.
Similarities and Differences Between Barcelona and Madrid
- Even though Madrid is the capital city of Spain, Barcelona is the one with higher property prices and more property investment. This happens because Barcelona isn’t just welcoming to digital nomads, but also to more tourists than Madrid.
- Barcelona rental prices are the highest in Spain and definitely much higher than those in Madrid ADD REAL ESTATE LISTINGS BELOW THIS.
- In Barcelona, you also get access to beaches, while Madrid is landlocked.
- While Madrid has a larger population, Barcelona is more densely populated — 16,000 people/km2 (41,000/sq mi) vs 5,300 people/km2 (14,000/sq mi) in Madrid.
- Madrid has an excellent transportation system, which is a major plus if you’re a digital nomad who’s keen on urban exploration.
- Madrid is also safer than Barcelona, precisely because it’s not always cramming with tourists, so there are fewer robberies. However, the crime rate is very low throughout Spain, especially the rate of violent crime. Spain has 0.6 homicides per 100,000 people compared to 6 per 100,000 in the USA.
- Barcelona is warmer than Madrid year-round. Madrid is the highest-altitude capital city in the European Union, which makes the winters quite cold. Barcelona, on the other hand, is the largest city on the Mediterranean Sea, which helps it enjoy warm weather throughout the year. However, both cities are sweltering during summer.
Barcelona vs Madrid for Digital Nomads: How to Make the Final Choice
You can’t go wrong with either of these two cities. In our experience as relocation consultants for North Americans looking to move to Spain, these are the top three questions to ask yourself before you decide:
- Do you prefer lounging by the beach and water sports or urban exploration? → If you answered beach, go with Barcelona.
- Is budget a big constraint for you? → If so, relocate to Madrid, it’s much more affordable.
- Are you looking to get employed locally? → If so, choose Madrid for year-round opportunities and Barcelona if you’re looking for a job in the hospitality industry.
Best Cities in Spain for Families and a Quiet, Peaceful Lifestyle: Benidorm, Alicante, Valencia, and Malaga
Do you prefer a quieter lifestyle, far from the hustle and bustle of the large Spanish cities but still close to modern amenities? Then look no further than Costa Blanca, with its two gem cities, Benidorm and Alicante, or Valencia and Malaga.
All of these cities are on the Mediterranean coast, so you’ll enjoy a warm climate (even very hot during summer), stunning beaches, and excellent food.
Here’s what else you can find as an expat in Benidorm, Alicante, Valencia, and Malaga:
- An appealing micro-climate on Costa Blanca (Benidorm and Alicante), considered one of the healthiest in the world by the World Health Organisation.
- Each of the cities above has its own unique and spectacular flora, so you’ll have plenty to explore.
- Blue-flag beaches, with crystal-clear water and top services.
- An excellent choice of international schools for your children and also the opportunity to easily enroll them in public schools if you want them to integrate into the local community.
- A wide range of activities for children and families, along with large communities of North American expats in Spain that can help speed up your integration.
The Costa Blanca region and Malaga, and Valencia are excellent for expats with children looking to live a peaceful yet fulfilling life in Spain. If you are working remotely, few places in the world can live up to the climate, the infrastructure, and the opportunities in this region.
Looking for help relocating with your family from North America to Spain? Reach out to our experts at Delmar Consulting. We have helped dozens of North American families settle in Spain.
Our services go beyond finding you the ideal rental apartment or home to purchase. We can help you find the right schools for your children, the perfect areas to move into, and even the best yoga studio in your neighborhood.
Luxury Lifestyle for Expats in Spain: Marbella and Estepona on Costa del Sol
You’ve probably heard about Ibiza as the epitome of luxury in Spain. Well, that’s not quite right: Ibiza is great if you’re into clubbing but the real luxury lifestyle in Spain happens on Costa del Sol.
Situated in Southern Spain, this region is ideal for North American expats looking to indulge in the finer things in life. While Marbella and Estepona are part of the same region as Malaga, you will find life here much more different.
- The cost of living is high due to the access to premium assets and goods.
- Tennis and golfing are the top activities that reunite North American expats in Marbella and Estepona.
- High-end restaurants, some of them boasting Michelin stars are the norm in this area. You will be hard-pressed to find better food elsewhere!
- The real estate market is very dynamic. This is the perfect time to invest in a property in Marbella or Estepona, as the area is still developing and it is set to become a hub of Spanish luxury.
As an expat in Spain, you will find Costa del Sol the perfect combination of excellent weather, urban exploration, a vast array of bars and restaurants to spend endless lazy summer evenings at, and incredible opportunities in real estate and more.
North American Looking to Retire in Spain? We’ve Got the Perfect Place for You!
Retiring in Spain beckons with its promise of sunshine, culture, and a relaxed pace of life. For North Americans eyeing a new chapter in these Mediterranean shores, Costa Blanca, Malaga, and Valencia stand out as prime destinations.
Beyond the tourist attractions, let’s delve into what really matters for retirees: access to healthcare, cost of living, and real estate investment opportunities.
Healthcare for North American Expats and Retirees in Spain
Spain boasts a renowned healthcare system, offering accessible and affordable medical services to residents, including retirees.
Expats are often pleasantly surprised by the quality of care provided under Spain’s universal healthcare system. Whether it’s routine check-ups, specialist consultations, or emergency treatment, retirees can rest assured knowing they have access to top-notch medical facilities and professionals.
Cost of Living for Retirees in Spain
Compared to North America, the cost of living in Spain is generally more affordable, making it an attractive option for retirees seeking to stretch their retirement savings.
From everyday expenses like groceries and dining out to housing and transportation costs, retirees often find that their budget goes further in Spain, allowing them to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle without breaking the bank.
Real Estate Investment in Costa Blanca or Valencia
Investing in real estate in Spain can be a savvy move for North American retirees looking to establish roots in their new home country. Whether it’s a cozy apartment overlooking the Mediterranean in Costa Blanca, a charming townhouse in the historic center of Malaga, or a modern condo in Valencia’s bustling neighborhoods, there’s a diverse range of property options to suit every taste and budget.
With favorable market conditions and relatively low property taxes, investing in real estate in Spain can provide retirees with a comfortable retirement home and a sound financial investment.
Retiring in Spain allows North Americans to embrace a new way of life, rich in culture, adventure, and relaxation. Beyond the tourist hotspots, Costa Blanca, Malaga, and Valencia provide retirees with access to excellent healthcare, a reasonable cost of living, and promising real estate investment opportunities.
Whether you’re drawn to the sun-soaked beaches of the Costa Blanca, the cultural delights of Malaga, or the cosmopolitan charm of Valencia, Spain welcomes you with open arms to embark on this exciting new chapter of retirement living.
Bilbao, Spain: The Ideal Place for Families and Young Professionals
Bilbao is one of those hidden gems of Spain — hidden in plain sight, I mean. While most people flock to Costa Del Sol, Barcelona, or Madrid, savvy North American expats know that this is the real haven for young professionals and young families.
Why?
Because it offers a blend of amenities that cater to diverse lifestyles.
Numerous residential parks and green spaces dot the cityscape, providing ample outdoor recreation and relaxation opportunities. From expansive parks like Parque Dona Casilda Iturrizar to smaller neighborhood green spaces, Bilbao offers residents fresh air amidst urban life.
The city boasts an efficient public transport system, making commuting a breeze for families and professionals alike. With a network of buses, trams, and the iconic Bilbao Metro, getting around the city and beyond is convenient and hassle-free.
For families seeking to nurture their children’s talents and interests, Bilbao boasts many sports facilities, music schools, and art academies. From soccer fields and swimming pools to music conservatories and art studios, young residents can access top-notch facilities and programs to pursue their passions.
Moreover, Bilbao’s vibrant cultural scene adds to its appeal for families and young professionals. The city hosts various cultural events, from music festivals and art exhibitions to theater performances and film screenings, ensuring there’s always something exciting to explore and enjoy.
In addition to its amenities, Bilbao offers a high quality of life with affordable housing options, excellent healthcare services, and a strong sense of community.
The Best Spanish Cities for North American Expats
Whatever kind of lifestyle you are looking for, there is a Spanish city (or several) that can offer it to you. Spain still has a relatively low cost of living compared to North America and most European countries.
However, the real benefits of living in Spain as a North American go beyond that: free or affordable healthcare, excellent weather, stunning beaches, art, urban exploration, incredible nature, and hard-to-beat real investment opportunities are just a few of the perks that come to mind.
If you have ever considered moving to Spain from North America, you are in the right place. At Delmar Consulting, we have helped hundreds of North Americans move here. With boots on the ground, we know the ins and outs of living in Spain and we can advise you on anything, from schools to business opportunities and the best tapas in your cities.
Get in touch with our consultants!
