Are you thinking about moving to Spain from the U.S.? In 2024, just over 40,000 Americans were registered as living in Spain. With all that the country has to offer—affordable living, rich culture, a vibrant expat community, and much more—it’s no surprise that the number keeps rising.
Here at Remitly, we’ve put together this guide to the best cities in Spain for American expats. We cover factors like climate, lifestyle, cost of living, and employment options to help you choose the city that suits your needs.
Table of contents
Top cities for expats in Spain
Madrid: cosmopolitan, lively, and cultural
Spain’s capital and largest city is a bustling metropolis that offers the big-city experience but with a relaxed Spanish vibe.
PROS:
- Vibrant food and art scenes and top-notch nightlife.
- It’s a central location in Spain, with excellent links all around the country.
- A thriving job market, especially in tech, finance, and education.
- Excellent international schools and universities.
CONS:
- Higher real estate prices, particularly in the city center.
- The fast-paced city life might not suit everyone.
- Very hot summers, and it’s far from a beach.
Madrid is the clear choice for Americans seeking a vibrant city with an incredible art scene, top education, a diverse food and cafe culture, and much more.
Barcelona: dynamic, international, and artistic
Americans often feel at home in this Catalan city because of its openness to global influences and thriving expat network.
PROS:
- The public transportation system is excellent.
- A large English-speaking community.
- A vibrant cultural life.
CONS:
- A higher cost of living than other parts of Spain.
- Can be crowded—there are lots of tourists year-round.
- High levels of pickpocketing in the city.
If you want culture, food, incredible job opportunities, beaches, and an international feel, Barcelona might just have it all.
Valencia: sunny, innovative, and green
Known for its year-round sunshine and generally warm climate, the home of the paella is becoming increasingly popular with digital nomads.
PROS:
- Growing opportunities in tourism and remote work.
- Plenty of green space and initiatives; the city was named European Green Capital 2024.
- A relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere.
CONS:
- Has become much more crowded with tourists.
- Real estate prices are rising.
- Summers are extremely hot and humid.
Valencia offers expats the infrastructure of a city but with a more laid-back lifestyle and plenty of green spaces.
Bilbao: industrial, cultural, and innovative
The biggest city in the Basque country is known for the famous Guggenheim Museum. It’s also very close to the foodie paradise of San Sebastián.
PROS:
- Unique Basque culture with amazing food.
- Offers a less touristy, more genuine Spanish experience.
- A strong job market in design, engineering, and gastronomy.
CONS:
- A higher cost of living than other northern Spanish cities.
- The wetter weather might not appeal to everyone.
- A smaller English-speaking community.
Bilbao offers an intriguing contrast between historic and modern culture, along with its sensational food and milder climate.
Málaga: Mediterranean, relaxed, and up-and-coming
Málaga, on the Costa del Sol in southern Spain, offers a slower pace and outdoor living.
PROS:
- Relaxed, sunny coastal lifestyle with stunning beaches.
- A growing cultural scene.
- Warm climate year-round.
CONS:
- Limited job opportunities outside tourism and hospitality.
- Summers can be very hot.
Málaga’s revived art scene offers a strong sense of culture. The beautiful city of Granada is only an hour and a half away by car; it’s home to the world-famous Moorish palace and UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Alhambra.
Seville: historic, festive, and charming
Seville,the birthplace of flamenco, lies in the southern province of Andalusia (Andalucía) and offers a more authentic Spanish experience.
PROS:
- Rich history and traditional Spanish lifestyle, with a lively old town.
- An excellent tapas culture.
- Warm, friendly locals.
CONS:
- Limited job market outside tourism and teaching English.
- Very hot summers.
The warm climate, welcoming atmosphere, and fascinating history make Seville an excellent option for relocation.
Palma de Mallorca: elegant, picturesque, and relaxed
Palma is the capital city of the beautiful Balearic island of Mallorca. It offers a high quality of life as well as outdoor living.
PROS:
- A laid-back island lifestyle.
- Beautiful beaches and stunning landscapes.
- A vibrant international lifestyle.
CONS:
- A higher cost of living than other parts of Spain.
- Some find island life more isolating.
Palma and the wider island of Mallorca offer luxury living options and an easy-going pace that will appeal to many American expats.
Alicante: sunny, affordable, and mellow
Alicante’s beautiful sunny beaches and lower cost of living make it an ideal choice if you don’t want to break the bank.
PROS:
- Higher level of affordability compared to bigger cities.
- A strong English-speaking community—Brits love Alicante and the surrounding area.
- Well-connected by airport and rail.
- Mild Mediterranean climate.
CONS:
- A high concentration of tourists during peak season.
- Job opportunities are generally limited to tourism.
Americans who love the beach life and are looking for a relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle will love the natural beauty of Alicante.
Tenerife: diverse, volcanic, and adventurous
Tenerife is not a city, but a whole island! Its largest city is Santa Cruz de Tenerife, located on the north-east coast of the biggest of the Canary Islands.
PROS:
- Small-town feel.
- Incredibly varied landscapes, including beautiful beaches, a rugged Atlantic coast, and an active volcano.
- Year-round mild temperatures.
CONS:
- Lower average salaries than mainland Spain.
- More remote areas may have fewer specialized healthcare services.
If you’re looking for an outdoor, active lifestyle and diverse landscapes, Tenerife could just be the perfect choice.
Tips for Americans moving to Spain
There’s a lot to consider when you’re moving to a new country. Here are our top tips for Americans considering a new life in Spain:
- Visa requirements: If you plan to stay in Spain for longer than 90 days, you’ll need a visa. A non-lucrative visa could be an option, or you might qualify for the digital nomad visa.
- Healthcare: Spain has an excellent public health system, but as an American citizen, you cannot access it unless you’re working and making social security contributions. Private health insurance is generally required for visa applications, connecting you to a wide network of healthcare facilities.
- Language: Learning some Spanish can go a long way, and language apps can be a good way to start. You could also go to language exchanges (intercambios) at local bars to practice your Spanish.
- Daily schedule: Many businesses close in the middle of the day for lunch and an afternoon rest (siesta). Lunch is typically at 2 p.m., and dinner is often later than you might be used to, at around 9 p.m.
- Tipping: Tipping is minimal compared to the U.S. In a restaurant, tipping is not expected but is always appreciated.
- Groceries: Mercadona is the largest supermarket chain in Spain, with over 1600 stores nationwide. Other chains like Carrefour and Lidl also have a strong presence. Many towns and cities have fresh produce markets, where you’ll find a range of local products.
- Settling in: Use platforms like Meetup, InterNations, and Facebook groups to connect with expat communities. Glovo and JustEat are common food delivery apps, and Wallapop is a popular marketplace for second-hand goods.
- Driving: You can use your American driver’s license for the first six months after gaining residency. After that, you must follow the full process to get a Spanish license, including taking the tests.
- Public holidays: Spain has many local holidays (festivos). Some are national, others are regional, and even more are specific to towns, so be sure to check the calendar of the town or city you move to. It’s common to take a long weekend—known as a puente or bridge—when a public holiday falls on a Thursday or Tuesday.
Time to make the move
Have these ideas given you the final push to give your European adventure a go? Spain has so much to offer Americans looking to soak up a new culture and find a new way of life. Whatever your priorities and preferences, we’re sure one of these Spanish cities can give you what you’re looking for.
FAQs
Americans live throughout Spain, but the largest expat community is located in the capital city, Madrid. Other major cities like Barcelona and Valencia are also popular, as are smaller cities and towns.
Many Americans enjoy living in Spain due to its quality of life, rich culture, and beautiful landscapes. Spain is also considered one of the best countries in the world for food. Moving to Spain involves some important adjustments, but the potential benefits are high.
Spain offers diverse cities and regions that cater to different lifestyles, making it an attractive destination for American expatriates. The best places to live depend on personal preferences and budgeting concerns.
American retirees choose locations all over Spain as their new home. Many opt for places with a warm climate, access to healthcare, and a strong expat community. The Mediterranean coast is ideal for this—areas like the Costa del Sol and the Costa Blanca are popular. Cities like Madrid, Valencia, and Granada attract retirees seeking culture.
In general, Portugal is cheaper than Spain. However, depending on the location, Spain offers some excellent budget-friendly options.
The largest American expat community can be found in Mexico. Aside from Spain, popular countries within Europe include the U.K., Germany, Italy, and France.
