Located in western Spain, sharing a long border with Portugal, Extremadura is one of the country's best-kept secrets. It’s a vast region that often flies under the radar, making it a real find for anyone looking for an authentic slice of Spanish life, far from the packed beaches and tourist hubs. Its landscape is a patchwork of sweeping dehesas— oak-dotted pastures where black Iberian pigs roam — rugged mountains, and huge reservoirs that shimmer under the sun. For anyone considering living in Extremadura, it offers a tranquil, unhurried pace of life, deeply connected to the land and its seasons.
Is Extremadura a nice place to live?
Extremadura is a place where you can genuinely disconnect and enjoy a simpler way of living. Communities are close-knit, and there's a real emphasis on tradition, especially when it comes to food. This is the heartland of Spain's culinary treasures, from the world-famous jamón ibérico de bellota to the rich, paprika-laced Torta del Casar cheese. The region is an explorer's dream, with vast, protected natural parks and countless sleepy villages. It suits people who are self-sufficient, love the outdoors, and want to immerse themselves in a very traditional Spanish culture. If you're searching for a life with less stress and more space, you'll likely find it here.
Pros and cons of living in Extremadura
Every place has its upsides and its challenges, and it’s important to see both sides of the coin.
The good bits include:
- Affordability: both property prices and the general cost of living are significantly lower than in Spain's big cities or coastal areas.
- Authenticity: you won't find many expat bubbles. Life in Extremadura offers a chance for deep cultural immersion, to learn Spanish and live a lifestyle that feels genuinely local.
- Peace and space: the region is one of the most sparsely populated in Spain. This means no crowds, no traffic jams, and a profound sense of peace and quiet.
- Safety: crime rates are very low, and the region feels incredibly safe.
Like all places, Extremadura has its challenges:
- The summer heat: temperatures frequently soar above 40°C, and the heat is dry and relentless.
- Job market: outside of agriculture, public services, and tourism, the job market can be limited.
- It’s landlocked: if you're someone who needs the sea, this could be a deal-breaker. The nearest coast is a good few hours' drive away in Portugal.
What is the winter weather like in Extremadura?
While summers are famously hot, winters tell a different story. They are generally mild compared to northern Europe, with daytime temperatures that can be quite pleasant and sunny. However, it's not all sunshine. It can get surprisingly cold, especially at night when temperatures can drop close to freezing. The region also gets a fair amount of rain in the winter, and the humidity can make it feel quite damp and chilly indoors.
Cost of living in Extremadura
The cost of living in Extremadura is noticeably lower than in most other areas, so living comfortably in Spain can become a reality here. This is most evident when it comes to housing. The average price to buy a property in the region is the second lowest in the country. As of June 2025, property prices in Extremadura averaged €985 per m², with the province of Cáceres being the priciest area. To put that into perspective, it's a world away from its southern neighbour, Andalusia, where property prices averaged a much higher €2,518 per m².
The rental market tells a similar story. Rent prices in Extremadura averaged about €7.3 per m², which, despite being a 7.9% increase on 2024, means an 80m² apartment would typically cost just €584 per month. Compare that again to Andalusia, where rental prices averaged €12.7 per m², and you can really see how your budget can stretch so much further in Extremadura.
Day-to-day expenses are also very manageable. Eating out is a pleasure that doesn’t break the bank; you can easily find a cheap at a local restaurant for between €12 and €15. For a more substantial evening meal for two at a mid-range spot, you’d be looking at around €40 to €50. Enjoying a small beer (caña) or a glass of local wine is a daily ritual for many, and it will rarely set you back more than €3, while a morning coffee is usually under €2.
When it comes to household expenses, you’ll need to budget for utilities. For a standard flat, bills for electricity, water, and gas might come to around €150 a month, though this can climb higher during the summer months when the air conditioning is working overtime.
Best places to live in Extremadura
Finding your corner of Extremadura is all about choosing between its two great provinces: Cáceres in the north and Badajoz in the south. Each is anchored by historic towns that serve as lively hubs for the vast, beautiful countryside surrounding them.
Cáceres
If you dream of living within the pages of a history book, Cáceres is the place. The wider province of Cáceres is incredibly diverse, home to the stunning mountain gorges of the Sierra de Gredos, the famous cherry blossoms of the Jerte Valley, and the wild landscapes of Monfragüe National Park.
The city's old town, the Ciudad Monumental, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the best-preserved in Spain. It comprises a maze of cobbled streets, stone palaces, and ancient watchtowers. The atmosphere is quiet and cultural.
Badajoz
As the largest city in the region, living in Badajoz offers a more energetic experience. The province of Badajoz itself is characterised by its rolling dehesas, the iconic pastureland for Iberian pigs, and shares a strong cultural and economic connection with neighbouring Portugal along its western edge.
Situated right on the border with Portugal, the city has a lively commercial feel and a youthful energy, thanks in part to its university. The city is watched over by the enormous Moorish Alcazaba, one of the largest in Spain, which offers great views over the Guadiana River. While it may not have the picture-perfect preservation of Cáceres, it makes up for it with more shops, a busier social scene, and the unique advantage of having another country just a short drive away for weekend trips.
Mérida
As the region's capital, Mérida is a city where ancient history is part of the daily backdrop. The municipality boasts a vast agricultural heartland known for its endless plains, enormous reservoirs, and the fertile Guadiana river valley that defines its landscape.
The city holds some of Spain's most impressive Roman monuments, including a magnificent theatre that still hosts performances, an amphitheatre, and several aqueducts. While it's smaller than Badajoz or Cáceres, its status as the capital means it has good services and a clean, organised feel.
Extremadura’s digital nomad scheme
In a forward-thinking move to repopulate the region, Extremadura is actively encouraging remote workers to make the region their home by offering generous grants. Recognising that its affordable cost of living and peaceful lifestyle are a great fit for digital nomads, the government has put initiatives in place to attract young professionals.
Move to Extremadura
Deciding to move to Extremadura is choosing a path less travelled, and that’s a huge part of its appeal. English isn't widely spoken outside of a few tourist spots, so learning Spanish is essential for everything from navigating bureaucracy to simply having a chat with your neighbours. The upside is that you'll learn quickly and form genuine connections, avoiding the expat ‘bubble’ that can be common in other parts of Spain. You'll also have to get a NIE number to move to Spain.
A car is also pretty much essential for making the most of the region. While the main cities are connected, having your own transport opens up the stunning countryside, the tiny white villages, and the freedom to explore at your own pace.
Before you make any big decisions, a great starting point is to connect with those who have already made the move. There are online forums and Facebook groups where you can find a small but helpful community of expats. And finally, opt for renting a place first so you have time to dip your toes and suss out which area is best for you.
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