Girona, known as the "city of four rivers," is located north of Barcelona, not far from the French border. It provides both the energy of urban life and scenic countryside just a short trip away, all at a more affordable price and without the stress of a large city. It's also a haven for cyclists and a sporty city overall, with skiing another popular sport thanks to the nearby Pyrenees. It's easy to see why living in Girona is becoming popular with expats, particularly young families and retirees looking for a better quality of life.
Is Girona a good place to live?
Girona is defined by its dramatic Gothic architecture, which actually earned it a spot as a filming location for "Game of Thrones". The cathedral and Arab baths were two historical sites that were featured in the popular TV series.
The local cuisine is of high standard, highlighted by El Celler de Can Roca, a three Michelin-starred and Michelin green star restaurant, among numerous other high-quality restaurants. The city's signature pastry, the xiuxo is a mouthwatering, deep-fried, sugar-coated cylindrical pastry filled with crema catalana that is worth trying.
Girona's population is around 100,000, making it a popular choice for families seeking a more relaxed lifestyle in a smaller place. The city's proximity to Barcelona, just a 40-minute train ride away, puts the cosmopolitan city and all its amenities within easy reach. Plus, you have access to Costa Brava's rugged beaches and pretty fishing towns.
What to do in Girona
To start with, the Temps de Flors festival is certainly a highlight. The annual event covers the city in a carpet of colourful flowers. In October, the Sant Narcis festival brings street parades, fireworks, and live music to the city. Overall, Girona is a culturally active city with plenty on.
Girona is a sports enthusiast's dream, offering a large network of sports clubs and teams. This is partly attributed to the pleasant Mediterranean climate, which provides plenty of sunshine year-round. Football, hiking, mountaineering, kayaking along the river, and rock climbing are just some of the popular sports in the city.
There are also many professional cyclists living in Girona. Mark Cavendish and David Millar are just two who have called Girona their home, drawn to the area because of its endless kilometres of rolling terrain and road quality. Popular routes include the beach loop to Tossa de Mar in Costa Brava. Additionally, the Pyrenees, ideal for skiing or snowboarding, are less than a two-hour drive away.
Where to live in Girona
Girona offers a wide range of neighbourhoods to live in, with accommodation options that include historic townhouses, converted farmhouses with pools, and more modern apartments.
Barri Vell, the old town
Barri Vell features attractive riverfront properties, attracting expats and cyclists for its historic charm and convenience. The area is known for its narrow, picturesque streets.
Migdia
This area is very popular with young couples and families with children due to its less crowded environment. It offers plenty of services and amenities, including schools, and is conveniently close to the university.
Devesa
A more modern neighbourhood characterised by low-rise apartment blocks, Devesa features Devesa Park nearby. It maintains a more authentic feel with fewer expats.
Montilivi
Known for good schools and proximity to the university, Montilivi is a highly rated residential district with sports facilities and ample green spaces. It is home to Girona FC's stadium and offers both apartments and houses.
Palau
Palau provides a more upscale, suburban setting with green spaces and detached houses. While it may lack abundant amenities, it's ideal for those seeking land and parking.
Cost of living in Girona
Girona is not expensive to live in when compared to more touristy areas, especially on the coast. The city offers residents a good balance between expenses and quality of life. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant will set you back about €60 for two people, and you can enjoy a cappuccino at a local café for around €2 and no more than €4. Public transport is both reliable and affordable, at around €2 for a one-way ticket.
Girona real estate is considered good value for the region, especially when compared to larger cities. Properties in the city averaged €2,523 per m2 in March 2025, and apartments for rent typically cost on average €12.3 per m2, which is around €934 per month for an 80 m2 apartment. However, living in the old town is pricier, with property prices at €3,703 per m2.
Living in Girona vs. Barcelona
Comparing Girona to Barcelona, Girona offers a quieter, family-friendly environment with easier access to nature. Property prices and rents are generally lower, with Barcelona’s housing prices averaging €4,804 per m2 in March 2025. Rent prices were nearly twice those found in Girona. This significant price difference makes Girona an appealing choice for those looking to enjoy more space and a better quality of life.
However, Barcelona boasts more extensive job opportunities and cultural diversity, appealing to those looking for a lively city life with everything on their doorstep.
Living in Girona vs. Maresme
When comparing Girona to the Maresme area, each location offers unique advantages. Just north of Barcelona, Maresme Costa offers over 30 km of sandy beaches, several golf courses, and a protected natural park. Renowned international schools like Hamelin Laie and local educational facilities make it a practical choice for expat families. Plus, it is one of Spain's emerging luxury real estate hotspots for foreigners.
Its picturesque coastal towns, such as Vilassar de Mar and Sant Pol de Mar, along with inland areas like Alella, Cabrils, and Teià, have an average property price of over €3,200 per m2, making the area more expensive than Girona on average. Although these locations are closer to Barcelona, they may not offer all the amenities that Girona does. Therefore, the choice depends on whether you prefer Girona's historic charm and mountain proximity or Maresme’s vibrant coastal lifestyle and closeness to Barcelona.
Living in Girona as an expat
Girona is welcoming to expats living here, with a steadily growing international community drawn to its high quality of life, safety, and low crime rate. The city is home to an international school and a Montessori school, as well as concertada schools – semi-private institutions - for diverse education options. You'll find English-speaking meetup groups and some services, including lawyers and medical centres, also catering to foreigners.
While the main language is Catalan, with many also speaking Spanish, language schools and cheap Catalan classes aid cultural integration. Expats in Girona find a culturally rich and supportive community, making it an ideal place to call home if you’re considering relocation.
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