Living in Girona
Catalonia’s medieval jewel — color-washed houses over the Onyar river, an iconic Jewish quarter, Game of Thrones filming locations, and 38 minutes by AVE to Barcelona.
See Cost of Living Best NeighborhoodsWhy Move to Girona?
Girona offers the best of Catalonia in a calmer, more affordable package than Barcelona. The 38-minute AVE makes it a real Barcelona alternative for those who want a beautiful walkable city without metropolitan intensity.
It’s also a foodie pilgrimage site: El Celler de Can Roca has been ranked the world’s #1 restaurant. The Costa Brava starts 30 minutes away, the Pyrenees an hour.
Pros & Cons of Living in Girona
Pros
- Stunning medieval old town
- 38 min by AVE to Barcelona
- Costa Brava + Pyrenees within reach
- Affordable vs Barcelona
- World-class restaurants
- Walkable + bike-friendly
Cons
- Catalan dominates daily life
- Smaller job market than Barcelona
- Tourist crowds in old town summer
- Cool, wet winters
- Limited direct flights (Girona airport mostly low-cost)
- Few international schools
Weather & Climate
Girona has a Mediterranean climate but cooler and wetter than the coast. Tramontana winds can be strong. Winters mild but rainy; summers warm without extreme heat.
Cost of Living in 2026
Girona is more affordable than Barcelona but pricier than inland Catalonia. A single person budgets €1,500–€2,000/month; a couple €2,300–€3,000.
Popular Neighborhoods for Expats
Each Girona area has a personality of its own — here’s how to pick the right one for you.
Barri Vell (Old Quarter)Historic
The medieval heart with the cathedral, Jewish Quarter, and color-washed Onyar houses. Walkable, beautiful, tourist-heavy.
Mercadal & EixampleVibrant
Across the river — Girona’s commercial heart with shopping, restaurants, and most amenities.
Sant NarcísFamily
Quiet residential district with parks and family-friendly streets. Good schools nearby.
Sant DanielQuiet
Greenest neighborhood, with the Devesa park and the river. Lovely for walks.
Pont MajorAuthentic
Traditional working-class barrio across the Ter river. Lower rents, real Catalan feel.
Vista AlegreModern
Newer hillside district with modern apartments and city views.
Work & Career
Girona’s economy combines tourism, services, agribusiness, and a growing IT sector. The University of Girona drives R&D in agriculture and tourism. Many residents commute to Barcelona via AVE.
Remote work is increasingly common — Girona’s quality of life draws Barcelona-priced-out professionals.
Healthcare
Hospital Universitari Doctor Josep Trueta is the regional flagship. Catalan public healthcare (CatSalut) covers residents.
Private options: Clínica Girona, Quirónsalud Girona. English-speaking doctors are more common than in smaller Catalan towns.
Find vetted health insurance & healthcare for your moveSchools & Education
International school options are limited locally — Bell-lloc del Pla offers bilingual education; the Liceu Politècnic is a strong concertado. Most international families look toward Barcelona.
Public schools teach in Catalan. Universitat de Girona is a respected regional university.
Transportation
Compact, walkable + bike-friendly. Local buses cover the broader area. The AVE high-speed station puts Barcelona 38 min away, Figueres 15 min, French border 1h.
Girona-Costa Brava Airport (GRO) serves mostly low-cost airlines (Ryanair). Most international travel uses Barcelona El Prat (1h drive).
Internet, Coworking & Remote Work
Fiber 600 Mbps–1 Gbps from €28/month. ISPs: Movistar, Orange, Vodafone, Digi.
Coworking: Coworking Girona, La Caixa Fórum, Espai 26. Day passes €12–€20; hot desks €120–€200.
Culture & Lifestyle
Temps de Flors (May) covers the city in floral installations — a Girona must. The Girona Cathedral (the world’s widest Gothic nave) and the Arab Baths anchor sightseeing.
Food culture punches well above the city’s weight — El Celler de Can Roca is the cathedral. Black truffle, Empordà wines, and the freshest seafood from the Costa Brava.
Discover the Best of Girona
From skip-the-line tickets to the most iconic sights to authentic tours and experiences, book the top attractions right here.
Browse Top-Rated Girona ToursBest Day Trips from Girona
Frequently Asked Questions
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