Spain is a country that offers a high quality of life in both the personal and professional spheres. According to the United Nations Human Development Index (HDI), Spain ranks 25th out of 189 countries, above the world and European Union average. Factors include its climate, food, culture, history, diversity and security.
Although each country has advantages, data certify certain cities as the "best in quality of life".
According to a recent report by Madrid World Capital of Construction, Engineering and Architecture (MWCC) based on data from Numbeo (a collaborative database on countries and cities around the world), Pamplona is the Spanish city with the best quality of life, with a population of less than 200,000.
The report is based on six variables: standard of living and cost of living, housing affordability, environmental friendliness, public safety, health care and traffic flow.
Pamplona, the city with the best quality of life in Spain
Pamplona is a city that offers a high quality of life, both personally and professionally. According to a report by the University of Oviedo, it is the best city to live in Spain due to its educational level, connections, job opportunities and commuting time. It also has good public services, such as transport, health and education, with the University of Navarra being one of the most internationally renowned.
Pamplona has a Mediterranean climate with an Atlantic influence, which means it has cold winters and warm summers, with moderate rainfall throughout the year. The city is surrounded by nature, with the Arga River Park and the nearby mountains. It also has a rich historical and cultural heritage, with its old quarter, cathedral, citadel and famous Sanfermines festival, attracting thousands of visitors every year.
The Plaza del Castillo, the city's centre and meeting point, is a must-see, where you will find emblematic buildings such as the Palacio de Navarra, the old Casino and the Café Iruña, frequented by Ernest Hemingway.
In short, it is a quiet but lively city with a university and multicultural atmosphere, making it a good option as a comfortable, modern and welcoming city.
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The average house price in Pamplona for sale was €2,660/m2 in September 2023, while the average rent was €10.4/m2.
Madrid, Spain's most sought-after city to live in
Madrid is the capital of Spain and one of the largest and most cosmopolitan cities in Europe. Living there is a unique experience, full of culture, history, art and fun. There are plenty of activities in Madrid, such as visiting some of the world's most prestigious museums, like the Prado Museum, the Reina Sofia Museum and the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum. You can admire masterpieces by painters such as Velázquez, Goya, Picasso and Dalí.
You can also enjoy its culinary delights, as Madrid offers typical dishes such as cocido madrileño, patatas bravas, callos a la madrileña or churros with chocolate. You can also sample international cuisine in the city's countless restaurants and bars.
Madrid has a beautiful, lively historic centre where you can see monuments such as Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor, the Royal Palace or La Almudena Cathedral. Moreover, the capital is famous for its nightlife, which offers options for all interests and ages. You can go to nightclubs, pubs, concert halls, theatres, or for a drink on a rooftop terrace or in a square.
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The average property price in Madrid in September 2023 was €4,037/m2, while the average rent was €17.70/m2.
Malaga ranked among Spanish cities with the best quality of life
Malaga offers many advantages, including a pleasant climate, great food, interesting culture and welcoming people. The city stands out for its mild Mediterranean climate with an average annual temperature of 19ºC and its culture, the fruit of its centuries-old history.
Its cuisine is varied and rich, based on local products such as fish, olive oil, fruit and vegetables. Some typical dishes are ensalada malagueña (oranges, cod, potatoes and boiled egg) and pescaíto frito (fried fish).
Malaga's culture and art reflect a millennium of history of different civilisations. The city has an artistic and architectural heritage of great value, such as the Alcazaba, the Roman Theatre, the Cathedral and the Picasso Museum.
You can also enjoy the urban beaches, which offer a place to enjoy the sea and the sun. Malaga has 15 beaches, including La Malagueta, La Caleta and Baños del Carmen.
Lastly, international connections are another of its advantages thanks to the international airport, the high-speed train and the seaport. Malaga is connected to more than 10 Spanish cities and numerous international destinations.
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The average property price in Malaga in September 2023 was €2,625/m2, while the average rent was €12.80/m2.
Why does Zaragoza deliver quality of life?
Zaragoza is a historic, cultural and modern city. It is the capital of Aragon and the fourth most populated city in Spain. It has a rich artistic and architectural heritage reflecting the different eras and civilisations that passed through it: Romans, Muslims, Jews, and Christians.
Some of its most emblematic monuments are the Basílica del Pilar, the Cathedral of La Seo, the Aljafería Palace and the Roman walls. It is a dynamic and cosmopolitan city that welcomes thousands of visitors and many annual events. Its cultural offer is varied, with museums, theatres, cinemas, festivals and concerts. The Fiestas del Pilar in October, in honour of its patron saint, are particularly noteworthy, filling the streets with joy, music and tradition.
Zaragoza offers a high quality of life to its citizens. It has an extensive public transport network, green areas, health and education services, shops and leisure facilities. Its food is another of its attractions, with typical dishes such as ternasco, migas (fried breadcrumbs), bacalao al ajoarriero (cod with tomato and pepper sauce) or adoquines del Pilar (large "cobblestone" shaped boiled sweets).
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The average property price in Zaragoza was €1,764/m2 as of September 2023, while the average rent is €9.20/m2.
Seville – one of the best places to live in Spain
Seville is a city with a lot of charm and life. Its climate is very pleasant during the spring and autumn but very hot in summer, reaching over 40°C. It has a rich history and culture, with monuments like the Cathedral and the Giralda. It also has a delicious cuisine based on fried fish, Iberian ham, gazpacho and tapas. The April Fair and Easter Week are Seville's most popular festivals.
Some of the most outstanding monuments are:
- The Real Alcázar – a palace of Arab origin, it is one of the oldest in the world. Its architecture and gardens represent the richness and splendour of the different cultures that passed through Seville.
- The Cathedral of Seville – the largest Gothic temple in the world and the site of Christopher Columbus' tomb. From its tower, the Giralda, you can enjoy spectacular city views.
- The Plaza de España – a masterpiece of Andalusian regionalism that combines Renaissance, Mudejar and Baroque elements. It is an ideal place to stroll around, admire its bridges, fountains, and tiles and take a photo with a map of your favourite Spanish province.
In short, living in Seville can be an enjoyable experience if you like cities with history, art and joie de vivre, but you should also be prepared to endure the summer heat without a sea breeze.
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The average property price in Seville in September 2023 was €2,185/m2, while the average rent was €11/m2.