Why Move to San Sebastián?

San Sebastián offers a quality of life that few places can match. It is a city of stunning natural beauty, framed by the iconic shell-shaped La Concha bay and rolling green hills. But its real fame lies in its food. This is a city that lives and breathes gastronomy, from the countless pintxos bars in the Old Town to having one of the highest concentrations of Michelin-starred restaurants in the world. Expats choose San Sebastián for its sophisticated, safe, and clean environment, its connection to both the sea and mountains, and its deep-rooted Basque culture.

Pros and Cons of Living in San Sebastián

Weather: The Verdant Green North

San Sebastián’s weather is a defining feature of life here and very different from the rest of Spain. The climate is Oceanic, characterized by mild temperatures year-round and abundant rainfall. Summers are warm and pleasant, rarely becoming uncomfortably hot, which is perfect for enjoying the outdoors. Winters are cool and damp. Expect grey, overcast skies to be a common sight, which keeps the surrounding landscape exceptionally lush and green. For detailed trends, see WeatherSpark.

Cost of Living

Elegance comes at a price. San Sebastián consistently ranks as one of the most expensive cities in Spain. The cost of housing, whether renting or buying, is exceptionally high and on par with Madrid and Barcelona, but for a much smaller city. Dining out and groceries are also above the national average. A single person should budget for €2,300–€3,200+ per month to live comfortably. See the latest data on Numbeo.

Popular Neighborhoods for Expats

• Centro: The elegant heart of the city, located between La Concha beach and the Old Town. Known for its beautiful 19th-century architecture, pedestrianized shopping streets, and sophisticated atmosphere.
• Parte Vieja (Old Town): The historic, atmospheric core of the city. A dense network of narrow streets that is home to the world’s greatest concentration of pintxos bars. It’s lively and central, but can be noisy.
• Gros: Located across the Urumea River, Gros is the city’s surf hub and has a younger, more bohemian vibe. It’s home to Zurriola beach, trendy cafes, and a vibrant cultural scene.
• Antiguo: The oldest neighborhood in the city, located at the western end of La Concha bay. It has a more relaxed, village-like feel, its own shops and market, and is popular with families.

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A Global Culinary Capital

Living in San Sebastián is a pilgrimage for food lovers. The city’s social life revolves around gastronomy. The most famous tradition is the **pintxos crawl**, where locals and visitors alike hop from bar to bar in the Parte Vieja, sampling miniature culinary masterpieces. Beyond this, the city is a titan of haute cuisine, boasting a staggering number of Michelin-starred restaurants, including several with the coveted three-star rating. This culinary excellence is supported by incredible local markets like La Bretxa, filled with the best produce from the sea and the surrounding countryside.

Work and Career

The job market in San Sebastián is small and specialized. Key sectors include high-end tourism and hospitality, scientific research and technology (supported by several research centers and a technology park), and professional services. The city is not a primary destination for job seekers but is a top choice for established professionals, entrepreneurs, and remote workers who can afford the high cost of living in exchange for the exceptional quality of life.

Getting Around

San Sebastián is a wonderfully compact and walkable city. Most daily errands and leisure activities can be done on foot. The city is also very bike-friendly, with an extensive network of dedicated bike lanes (*bidegorris*). For longer distances, the local bus system, D-Bus, is modern, clean, and highly efficient, covering all neighborhoods thoroughly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is San Sebastián unaffordable?

It is one of Spain’s most expensive cities, particularly for rent, which can be a shock to many. While daily costs for groceries and transport are manageable, the price of housing is the biggest barrier for newcomers. It requires a significant and stable income to live comfortably in the city center.

How do residents deal with the rain?

Locals are well-adapted to the weather. Life does not stop for rain. People own good raincoats and umbrellas and continue with their daily routines. The social life, centered indoors in pintxos bars and restaurants, thrives year-round regardless of the weather.

Is it an international city?

While it hosts a world-famous film festival and attracts sophisticated tourists, San Sebastián is less internationally diverse than Barcelona or Málaga. It has a strong, unique Basque identity. The expat community is smaller and tends to be made up of professionals, food lovers, and those who have actively chosen the specific lifestyle the city offers.

Explore Other Destinations

Spain is a country of diverse regions and lifestyles. If you’re still exploring your options, browse our other destination guides to find your perfect match.