Choosing the right place to live in Spain can be as exciting as it is challenging. From Mediterranean beach towns to northern cultural hubs, Spain offers an incredible variety of lifestyles, climates, and costs.
To help you make an informed choice, we analyzed verified data from Numbeo.com, comparing ten major Spanish cities across eight key metrics — including cost of living, safety, healthcare quality, pollution, traffic, property affordability, and overall quality of life. The result: a comprehensive ranking of the Top 10 Best Cities to Live in Spain for 2026.
How We Ranked the Cities
Each city was evaluated using eight measurable factors:
- Cost of Living Index: Lower means more affordable.
- Crime Index / Safety Index: Reflect overall security and peace of mind.
- Property Price to Income Ratio: Indicates housing affordability.
- Quality of Life Index: Combines climate, purchasing power, and infrastructure.
- Healthcare Index: Measures service quality and accessibility.
- Pollution Index: Lower is cleaner.
- Traffic Index: Lower means less congestion.
An Overall Score was calculated, inverting values where “lower is better” (cost, crime, pollution, traffic) and adding higher-is-better metrics (safety, healthcare, quality of life). The higher the overall score, the better the city’s livability.
🥇 1. San Sebastian (Donostia) — Spain’s Livability Champion
Overall Score: 650.39
San Sebastian stands out as Spain’s best city to live in 2026. Known for its world-class gastronomy, stunning beaches, and strong Basque identity, it combines exceptional quality of life (203.17) and Spain’s best healthcare score (92.6).
The low pollution level (12.08) and excellent safety (69.6) create a clean, secure, and relaxing environment. Although housing is relatively expensive (ratio 14.7), the city’s livability makes it worth it for those prioritizing well-being over cost.
Read the full San Sebastián Guide!
🥈 2. Alicante — Best Value for Money on the Mediterranean
Overall Score: 610.94
Alicante delivers an unbeatable combination of affordability and lifestyle. It features the lowest housing ratio in Spain (6.2), very affordable living costs (48.4), and great healthcare (83.72).
With low traffic (23.18) and a high quality of life (190.11), it’s ideal for retirees, remote workers, and digital nomads seeking an affordable coastal lifestyle. Year-round sunshine and a strong expat community complete the picture.
🥉 3. Valencia — Balanced, Vibrant, and Affordable
Overall Score: 583
Valencia offers one of Spain’s most balanced urban experiences. It scores 205.8 in quality of life, 82.4 in healthcare, and 21.5 in pollution, making it one of the cleanest major cities.
With a cost of living index of 49.6 and moderate housing ratio (7.4), it’s a smart choice for professionals and families.
Valencia blends beach living with dynamic city life — a favorite among those who want culture without the chaos.
4. Palma de Mallorca — Island Life with World-Class Healthcare
Overall Score: 566.18
Palma combines island charm with modern comforts. Its healthcare index (90.23) is among Spain’s highest, and safety (64.42) remains solid. Though housing (14.19) and living costs (57.4) are higher than average, residents enjoy clean air (39.01) and easy access to beaches and international flights.
Palma appeals especially to digital nomads and professionals seeking Mediterranean calm without sacrificing connectivity.
Read the full Palma de Mallorca guide!
5. Bilbao — Northern Spain’s Cultural Powerhouse
Overall Score: 564.50
Bilbao offers the best of both worlds: cultural richness and practical livability. With top-tier healthcare (86.32), low pollution (28.49), and reasonable housing (10.15), it’s one of northern Spain’s healthiest, cleanest cities.
The city has reinvented itself from industrial roots into a hub of art and innovation, anchored by the Guggenheim Museum and a booming food scene. It’s perfect for those who prefer cooler climates and green surroundings.
6. Seville — Authentic Andalusian Living
Overall Score: 561.71
Seville proves that tradition and modern living can go hand in hand. It’s one of the most affordable large cities (cost index 48.87), with solid healthcare (72) and a quality of life index of 171.86.
Its property price ratio (9.14) makes homeownership attainable, while vibrant festivals, flamenco culture, and sunny winters provide unmatched authenticity. Summer heat is intense — but the charm lasts all year.
7. Marbella — Luxury Meets Lifestyle
Overall Score: 558.73
Marbella offers luxury coastal living with an enviable environment: low pollution (17.4), light traffic (19), and high quality of life (176.23).
Though crime (52.4) and cost of living (57.8) are higher than inland cities, Marbella remains a magnet for those seeking upscale amenities, golf courses, and a cosmopolitan social scene along the Costa del Sol.
8. Madrid — Spain’s Dynamic Capital
Overall Score: 508
Madrid offers the energy and opportunities of a world capital with surprising livability. A quality of life score of 177.7 and strong healthcare (79.9) make it an attractive option for professionals and families.
While housing and costs are higher, Madrid’s connectivity, culture, and extensive transport network balance the trade-offs. Expect vibrant neighborhoods, world-class museums, and a thriving international community.
9. Malaga — Sunshine and Growth on the Costa del Sol
Overall Score: 503.64
Malaga has evolved into one of Spain’s most dynamic medium-sized cities. It offers excellent safety (69), strong quality of life (168.4), and moderate costs (51.1).
Its international airport, tech hub development, and growing expat community make Malaga ideal for those wanting sunshine, accessibility, and opportunity without big-city intensity.
10. Barcelona — Global Hub with Urban Challenges
Overall Score: 405.40
Barcelona remains one of the most iconic and cosmopolitan cities in Europe.
However, higher crime (51.9), pollution (63), and traffic (99) lower its ranking despite its incredible culture and global appeal.
With strong healthcare (76.7) and a quality of life score of 145.3, Barcelona continues to attract professionals, creatives, and entrepreneurs who thrive on city energy and innovation.
Read the full Barcelona guide!
Summary: Spain’s Top 10 Cities Ranked
| Rank | City | Overall Score | Key Strengths |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1️⃣ | San Sebastian | 650.39 | Top healthcare, low pollution, safe |
| 2️⃣ | Alicante | 610.94 | Best value, affordable housing, sunny |
| 3️⃣ | Valencia | 583 | Balanced lifestyle, clean, cultural hub |
| 4️⃣ | Palma de Mallorca | 566.18 | World-class healthcare, island life |
| 5️⃣ | Bilbao | 564.50 | Clean, cultural, green northern city |
| 6️⃣ | Seville | 561.71 | Affordable, traditional, charming |
| 7️⃣ | Marbella | 558.73 | Luxury lifestyle, low pollution |
| 8️⃣ | Madrid | 508 | Career hub, excellent transport |
| 9️⃣ | Malaga | 503.64 | Safe, sunny, tech-friendly |
| 🔟 | Barcelona | 405.40 | Global, artistic, energetic |
Making Your Choice
When deciding where to live in Spain, consider:
- Budget: Alicante, Seville, and Valencia offer the best affordability.
- Healthcare: San Sebastian, Palma, and Bilbao rank highest.
- Safety: San Sebastian, Malaga, and Alicante are top choices.
- Lifestyle: Marbella and Palma for luxury; Seville for culture; Valencia for balance.
- Career: Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia lead in opportunities.
- Climate: Mediterranean cities guarantee sunshine, northern ones provide cooler weather.
Plan Your Move with Confidence
Choosing where to live in Spain is easier when you have clear, data-backed insights.
Whether you value affordability, healthcare, culture, or sunshine, Spain has a city that perfectly fits your lifestyle.
Check our full Move to Spain checklist here!
Explore the full dataset and compare metrics in detail:
Frequently Asked Questions about the Best Cities to Live in Spain
Which city has the best overall quality of life in this ranking?
According to the data-driven comparison, San Sebastian (Donostia) offers the best overall quality of life. It combines a very high Quality of Life Index, excellent healthcare, low pollution, and strong safety scores, making it the top-ranked city in Spain for 2026.
What is the most affordable city to live in among the top 10?
Based on the Cost of Living Index and especially the Property Price to Income Ratio, Alicante stands out as the most affordable option. It has the lowest housing ratio in the ranking and one of the lowest overall cost of living scores, while still offering good healthcare and quality of life.
Which Spanish cities are best for digital nomads and remote workers?
For digital nomads and remote workers, cities that combine good infrastructure, reasonable costs, and a pleasant lifestyle work best. In this ranking, Alicante, Valencia, Palma de Mallorca, and Malaga stand out. They offer a strong quality of life, good healthcare, access to international communities, and better value than Madrid or Barcelona.
Which cities in the ranking have the best healthcare?
Healthcare is a key factor for many expats, especially retirees and families. In the data, San Sebastian, Palma de Mallorca, Bilbao, Alicante, and Valencia achieve the highest healthcare scores. These cities are ideal for anyone who wants excellent medical services as part of their daily life in Spain.
Why is Barcelona ranked 10th if it is such a popular city?
Barcelona is one of Europe’s most attractive and cosmopolitan cities, but in this strictly data-based comparison, it ranks 10th mainly due to higher crime levels, more pollution, and heavier traffic compared to the other cities. Despite these factors, it still offers good healthcare, solid overall quality of life, and excellent career and cultural opportunities, which makes it a great choice for those who prioritise a vibrant, global urban lifestyle.
