Spain’s best cities to live in: an overview of locations where you should buy property

Barcelona beckons as a dream city – the perfect blend of Mediterranean serenity, rich history and European dynamism. Its world-famous architecture, golden beaches and culinary delights attract millions. However, like any major metropolis, this facade hides its complexities. For those thinking of investing in property or relocating, it is critical not just to see the postcard, but to soberly assess the full picture: how the real pros and cons of living in Barcelona will affect everyday comfort and potential investment success.

Pros and cons of living in Barcelona in terms of geography, climate and infrastructure

Barcelona occupies a strategic point between France and the south of Spain, providing easy access to all European destinations. El Prat International Airport handles more than 50 million passengers a year. The city’s transport network includes metro, trams, trains and cycleways, covering almost all neighbourhoods. A key plus is the dense transport connection between residential areas and the centre. Even without a car, it is possible to reach any point of the city within 30 minutes. This is especially valuable for those considering a move to Barcelona for expats without the desire to purchase a private car.

Weather and climate comfort

Barcelona’s climate is one of the main arguments in favour of living here. Mediterranean mild winters (average +12 °C) and warm summers without extreme temperatures create comfortable conditions all year round. There is little rainfall and about 300 days of sunshine per year. The weather affects not only your well-being, but also your habits. Walks, sports, and evenings on the terraces are part of the daily routine.

Multicultural environments and communication styles: diversity and linguistic adaptation

Barcelona unites residents from more than 160 countries. The neighbourhoods of Eixample, Poble Sec, and Gracia are not just neighbourhoods, but cultural mosaics. The multicultural environment of the capital creates conditions for flexible adaptation, especially with basic knowledge of English.

Spanish and Catalan are the official language instruments. Knowledge of at least one accelerates integration. However, in the central zones, English is actively used in everyday communication. This is important for expats considering a move to Barcelona who do not have a high level of Spanish.

The pros and cons of living in Barcelona: the cost and yield of property

Buying property in Barcelona remains a reliable long-term investment. Despite growing competition, rental yields exceed 4-6% per annum. In the central districts and near the sea, the yield reaches 7-8%, especially in the segment of daily rentals. Investments in property in Spain allow not only to preserve capital, but also to earn on seasonal tourism. Increased demand forms the price growth: over the past 10 years, the price per square metre has increased by an average of 52%.

Rent, mortgage and tax burden

The cost of living in Barcelona for expats depends largely on the rental rate. The average rent for a flat ranges from €1,200 to €2,500 per month, depending on the neighbourhood. Local banks provide mortgages to foreigners with a minimum deposit of 30%. At the same time, the buyer must take into account taxes: 10% VAT when buying a new building, 8-10% transfer tax when buying secondary housing. Plus – annual property commission and rubbish collection fee. Therefore, when making calculations, it is important to consider not only the price of housing, but also the associated costs.

Quality of life and urban rhythm: streets, cuisine, nightlife as part of everyday life

The pros and cons of living in Barcelona become apparent from the first steps through the city. The centre pulsates as a single organism: old buildings are next to office towers, parks alternate with squares, and the beaches fit into the urban structure organically, without any strain. In the morning, the city wakes up not with the sound of traffic, but with the noise of coffee grinders, the light hum of street markets and the smells of freshly baked pastries. Cafés open terraces to serve breakfast – toast with jamon, orange juice and black coffee. Markets like Boqueria offer fruit, seafood, jamon in dozens of varieties.

In the afternoon, Barcelona has a different face – a working face. Business clusters are bustling with activity, but even the offices look designer and often overlook palm trees or cathedrals. At lunchtime, restaurants on Diagonal or Paseo de Gracia streets are filled with people in suits discussing start-ups or municipal projects. Night turns the city into an improvised stage. The streets of the Gothic Quarter and the Barceloneta promenade come alive with music, chefs cooking in front of your eyes, bars and terraces. Nightlife in Barcelona is not just about clubs, but also cinemas, jazz venues, book launches and gastronomic festivals.

Spanish cuisine is revealed not in pathos, but in simplicity: a snack bar serves the best tapas, a fish shop serves freshly caught tuna, a stall near the metro serves bread with anchovies and pimentón. This gastronomic space does not live for tourists, but for citizens, and that is its strength. The architecture of the city turns every walk into an excursion. Gaudi’s mosaics, baroque Gracia, modernist Eixample – all these are not tourist attractions, but part of the everyday environment.

Beaches are a separate part of city life. The sandy line stretches along the entire city. In summer, tourists fill Barceloneta en masse, but the inhabitants go north to Mar Bella, Nova Icaria, or even further north to Badalona and Castelldefels. There is less noise, cleaner water, more space for recreation, sport and privacy. It is this layering that creates a rich, flexible and stylish quality of life – dynamic but not tiring.

Pitfalls and risks – tourism, bureaucracy and market overheating

In the context of sorting out the pros and cons of living in Barcelona, it’s impossible to ignore the other side of the coin. The city is not perfect – and the longer you stay, the more the difficulties become apparent.

Tourism

Barcelona is one of the most popular cities in Europe. More than 20 million tourists come here every year. In the summer months, the centre turns into a dense flow of excursions, suitcases and photo shoots. The districts of Gotico, Raval, Barceloneta lose the appearance of residential neighbourhoods and resemble scenery. Crowds increase the noise level, lengthen queues in cafes, provoke price increases. Even basic services, such as taxis, dry cleaning, and bicycle hire, are 15-20% more expensive in season. Infrastructure is overloaded, especially in areas with tourist accommodation.

Bureaucracy

The Spanish administration is characterised by high inertia. Registration of a residence permit, registration of a lease, approval of reconstruction, obtaining a tax number – each of these processes requires several steps, paperwork, personal visits and waits. Even with a lawyer and an interpreter, the deadlines are often beyond common sense: 6 weeks to connect electricity, 2 months to register a lease, up to six months to obtain a renovation permit.
Even a simple bank transaction can be delayed due to internal regulations and lack of automation in the system.

Overheated market

The Barcelona property market has already reached a price ceiling in some areas. We are talking about the areas of Eixample, Gracia, Gotico, Barceloneta. Here the cost per square metre has increased by 85-120% over the last 8 years, and now ranges from 5,500-7,500 euros.
At the same time, the level of income remains moderate, and the demand for purchase is formed mainly by foreigners, which makes the market vulnerable to external fluctuations.

For the investor, this means increased risks:

• limited appreciation potential;
• stiff competition in rentals;
• high probability of price adjustments in case of a drop in tourist traffic or new restrictions.

The way out is to seek a balance between attractive areas and undervalued locations: Sants, Poble-Sec, Sainte-Andreu, part of Les Corts. These areas offer more flexible prices and a steady demand for long-term rentals. Overall, the pitfalls do not outweigh the advantages, but require preparation, calculation and the right choice of strategy. The pros and cons of living in Barcelona are interrelated: comfort here is born from the ability to adapt.

Weigh the pros and cons of living in Barcelona to make the right decision

The pros and cons of living in Barcelona form a contradictory but colourful picture. The city is suitable for those who appreciate freedom, sunshine and culture, and are willing to put up with bureaucracy for the sake of a high quality of life and sustainable rental income. Buying property in the capital requires calculation, analysing the neighbourhoods and understanding the local rhythm.

Sunny Spain with its cosy coastlines, temperamental culture and high quality of life is ideal for relocation. The opportunity to live by the sea and enjoy the mild climate attracts thousands of people every year. But realising this dream is not easy: you need to understand the legal nuances, research the cost of living and choose the best way to relocate. To understand how to move to Spain for permanent residence, it is important to prepare a clear plan, take into account all aspects and comply with the legal requirements of the country.

Moving to Spain: how to choose the best way to move to Spain

It is important to choose the appropriate way to obtain residency status. The government offers several legalisation options, each with its own advantages and limitations. The answer to the question of how to move to Spain for permanent residence depends on the applicant’s goals, income level and life circumstances.

The main ways of obtaining a residence permit:

1. Work visa. This option is suitable for those who have received an offer of employment from a Spanish company. It is important that the employer makes the appropriate application to the migration authorities. It is also possible to travel independently through starting a business.
2. Investment visa (golden visa). Investment in the Spanish economy entitles you to a residence permit. The minimum investment amount is 500,000 euros, e.g. in the purchase of property.
3. Family reunification. If relatives are already legally residing in the country, it is possible to apply for reunification. This requires proof of financial independence and availability of accommodation.
4. Study residence permit. Students receive a temporary residence permit for the period of their studies. This status allows you to work up to 20 hours per week, and after completing your studies you can apply for a work visa.
5. Retirement IOU. Pensioners with sufficient means of living and health insurance can also obtain a residence permit.

How to get a residence permit in Spain: steps and documents

Obtaining permanent residence is the final stage, which requires fulfilment of several mandatory conditions. In order to understand how to move to Spain for permanent residence, it is necessary to take into account that the process takes at least five years and involves the fulfilment of a number of formalities:

1. Residence in Spain for at least five years. During this period, it is necessary to maintain residency status and comply with migration regulations.
2. Document preparation. The list includes income certificates, tax returns, health insurance and proof of stable financial situation.
3. Language proficiency. A B2 or higher Spanish language proficiency certificate is required for application.
4. Integration. Demonstrating social engagement, participation in local activities and knowledge of the country’s culture will help to get a favourable decision.

The application is accompanied by a thorough review of all documents submitted. After successful completion of the stages, the applicant is given the opportunity to reside legally on the peninsula on a permanent basis.

Cost of living in Spain: what to consider when moving to Spain

Financial preparation plays an important role in the relocation process:

1. Housing. Renting a flat in the centre of Barcelona or Madrid will cost an average of 1000-1500 euros per month. More affordable options can be found in Valencia (700-900 euros). Buying real estate is also popular among those moving: the average price per square metre in the capital is about 4000 euros.
2. Nutrition. Products in Spain are relatively inexpensive. The cost of a set of meat, vegetables, bread and milk is about 120-150 euros per person. Outside the house, prices are much higher: lunch in a restaurant costs 15-30 euros.
3. Transport. Metro and bus fares cost 1.5-2 euros. For motorists, petrol costs approximately €1.5 per litre, and parking in city centres reaches €2 per hour.
4. Health care. Public clinics provide services on the basis of insurance, the payment for which depends on income. Private policies cost between 50 and 150 euros per month and offer a wider range of services.

Taxes in Spain: what is important to know before you move to live in Spain

The state’s financial system is based on progressive taxation, which applies to both local residents and foreign nationals living in the country for more than 183 days a year. For those planning to move to Spain for permanent residence, it is important to understand the structure of taxes, their rates and ways to optimise expenses.

Personal income tax

The IRPF rate ranges from 19% to 47% depending on the level of earnings. For example:

1. Income up to €12,450 is taxed at a rate of 19%.
2. Income between 20,200-35,200 euros – 30 per cent.
3. For high incomes over €60,000, the rate reaches 47 per cent.

Foreigners with an investment visa or temporary residence permit who do not spend more than six months on the peninsula can benefit from non-resident tax status and pay a flat rate of 24%.

Property tax

Homeowners pay an annual IBI (Impuesto sobre Bienes Inmuebles) tax. Its rate is 0.4-1.1% of the cadastral value of the property. For landlords, there is an additional commission on rental income.

VAT and capital taxes

Spain applies a standard VAT of 21%, with reduced rates (10% and 4%) for certain goods and services. Capital gains tax (IRNR) is levied on the sale of real estate and ranges from 19% to 23%.

The best regions in Spain: where to move for permanent residence

The choice of where to live plays a key role in adaptation and quality of life. The country offers a variety of locations, each with its own characteristics, climatic conditions and costs:

1. Barcelona. A cosmopolitan metropolis with developed infrastructure, international schools and many cultural events. The average cost of renting a home is 1200-1500 euros, and buying a flat will cost around 4000 euros per square metre. Barcelona is suitable for those who appreciate the urban rhythm of life and proximity to the sea.
2. Madrid. The capital of Spain is the business and cultural centre of the country. The best universities and offices of the largest companies are located here. The average rent is 1000-1400 euros per month. Madrid is chosen by those looking for career opportunities and a high level of comfort.
3. Valencia. A city on the Mediterranean coast with more affordable prices. Renting a flat costs 700-900 euros, and property prices are lower than in Barcelona or Madrid. Valencia attracts with its warm climate, developed infrastructure and moderate rhythm of life.
4. Andalucía. A southern region with a mild climate, historical sites and affordable housing. Seville and Malaga are popular destinations for those who appreciate traditional Spanish culture and low costs.

The challenges of moving: what to consider

To understand how to move to Spain for permanent residence, it is important to consider the following aspects:

1. Spanish bureaucracy is known for its slowness. It can take several months to apply for a visa, residence permit or permanent residence permit. Planning and utilising the services of immigration specialists can help to shorten the timeframe.
2. Knowledge of Spanish plays a key role in integration. In big cities you can find an English-speaking community, but in smaller communities it will be difficult without this skill.
3. High housing costs and taxes can be a barrier for many. Financial planning and searching for more affordable regions can help optimise costs.
4. Moving to another country is accompanied by the need to adapt to the local culture and way of life. The Spanish value family values, siesta and a relaxed attitude to work, which may surprise new residents.

Results

How to move to Spain for permanent residence? It is necessary to choose the best way to obtain a residence permit, prepare documents, calculate the budget and decide on the region. The country offers a lot of opportunities for a quality life, but success depends on careful preparation and adaptation to local conditions.