This guide helps British people moving to Spain decide where to live by comparing regions, cities and islands. It explores lifestyle, climate, cost of living, healthcare, employment and integration factors to help you make a more informed choice before relocating.
Choosing where to live in Spain is obviously one of the most important decisions you will make when relocating from the UK. Spain offers enormous regional variety in climate, cost of living, lifestyle, language and administration. What suits one person perfectly may feel completely wrong for another.
This guide is designed to help you think through the practical and lifestyle factors that matter most when deciding where to settle in Spain, whether you are moving for work, retirement, family reasons or a broader lifestyle change.
This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal, tax or financial advice. Regional rules and personal circumstances vary, and you should seek professional advice before making decisions.
Before comparing cities or regions, it is worth being clear about why you are moving to Spain. Your priorities will shape every other decision.
For example, someone retiring may prioritise healthcare access, climate and cost of living, while a working professional may need employment opportunities, transport links and international schools.
Families often focus on schooling, community and long-term stability, while lifestyle movers may place greater value on culture, outdoor living and pace of life.
Being honest about your motivations helps narrow down options early and avoids costly changes later.
Spain is highly decentralised, with autonomous communities that manage aspects of healthcare, education and taxation. Cultural identity, language use and administration can vary significantly between regions.
Living in Madrid feels very different from life in Andalusia, Catalonia or Valencia. Some regions operate largely in Spanish, while others use regional languages alongside it. Understanding these differences can make integration easier and help set realistic expectations.
Climate is often a key driver for people moving to Spain, but conditions vary widely.
Southern and coastal regions generally offer warmer winters and hotter summers, while northern Spain has a milder, greener climate with more rainfall. Inland areas can experience extreme heat in summer and cold winters.
Think beyond average sunshine and consider humidity, wind, seasonal extremes and how climate affects daily life.
The cost of living in Spain varies considerably by region and city. While everyday expenses such as food and eating out can be lower than in the UK, housing costs differ sharply.
Major cities and popular coastal areas tend to be more expensive, particularly for rentals. Inland towns and less tourist-driven regions may offer better value but fewer English-speaking services.
When budgeting, factor in not just rent or purchase prices but also utilities, community fees, healthcare insurance, transport and local taxes.
Access to healthcare should play a central role in your decision.
Healthcare quality is high across Spain, but administration and access can vary by region. Residency status affects whether you can access public healthcare, and some areas have better availability of specialists or hospitals than others.
If you rely on private healthcare or specific treatments, research local provision carefully before choosing where to live.
If you plan to work in Spain, location matters.
Major cities offer more employment opportunities, while remote or freelance workers may prioritise internet infrastructure, coworking spaces and time-zone compatibility. Business culture and salary levels can vary significantly.
If your income comes from abroad, consider how currency movements, banking access and tax residency may be affected by where you live.
In some areas, especially popular expat destinations, it is possible to get by with limited Spanish. However, learning the language opens up social opportunities, simplifies administration and improves access to services.
One very common mistake is believing that all Spanish people speak English, but once you step away from major cities, English is not as commonly spoken if at all.
Some regions also use a regional language alongside Spanish, which may influence your choice depending on your comfort level.
Spanish people are also very accommodating for people who show willing to learn and try to speak Spanish, especially with local dialects. If you are considering moving to Spain, learning Spanish should be high on your list as it will make your life more fulfilling.
Think about how easy it is to travel both locally and internationally.
Good transport links can be important for visiting family in the UK, commuting, or accessing healthcare and services.
Proximity to airports, rail networks and major roads may matter more than you expect once you are living there.
Spain has an extremely well respected rail network, with high speed trains connecting major cities, although access to smaller villages can be difficult if you are solely reliant on public transport.
Spain offers state, private and international schools, with availability varying by region. Consider language of instruction, curriculum, catchment areas and long-term educational pathways.
Community feel, safety and access to outdoor space can also influence where families feel most comfortable.
Spain’s regions differ significantly in lifestyle, cost, climate and administration. Below is a high-level overview to help you compare options before narrowing your search.
Popular with British movers, Andalusia offers warm weather, a relaxed pace of life and relatively good value outside prime coastal hotspots. Cities such as Málaga and Seville provide culture and connectivity, while inland towns offer lower living costs. Summers can be extremely hot, particularly away from the coast.
The Valencian Community combines beaches, cities and good infrastructure. Areas around Alicante and Valencia attract a mix of retirees, families and remote workers. Living costs are moderate by Spanish standards, and healthcare access is generally strong.
Madrid offers employment opportunities, international schools and excellent transport links. It suits working professionals and families but comes with a higher cost of living and a faster pace. Summers are hot and winters can be surprisngly cold.
Barcelona and its surrounding areas appeal to professionals and lifestyle movers, with strong transport links and a vibrant cultural scene. Catalonia has its own language and distinct administration, which can affect integration and paperwork. Housing costs are higher in and around Barcelona.
Regions such as Galicia, Asturias and Cantabria offer greener landscapes, cooler temperatures and a quieter lifestyle.
These areas are less international and require stronger Spanish language skills, but appeal to those seeking a slower pace and lower property prices.
Murcia offers a warm climate and generally lower living costs than neighbouring regions. It is less tourist-driven than parts of Andalusia or Valencia but still has established expat communities in certain areas.
Mallorca, Ibiza and Menorca offer an attractive island lifestyle with good healthcare and infrastructure. However, housing is expensive, rental supply can be limited and seasonal pressure is high. These islands suit those with flexible budgets or location-independent income.
The Canaries offer year-round mild weather and a lower cost of living in some areas. Tax treatment differs slightly from mainland Spain, and the islands appeal to retirees and remote workers seeking climate stability. Distance from mainland Europe is an important consideration.
Spending time in a place before committing is essential, and requires more than just visiting as a tourist or on holiday.
Try visiting outside peak holiday seasons to experience everyday life. Explore neighbourhoods, use local services, speak to residents and test practicalities such as transport and healthcare access.
What feels perfect on a short holiday may feel very different as a permanent home.
Some common pitfalls include:
Taking a measured, informed approach reduces the risk of regret.
