Madrid and Barcelona tend to dominate conversations about moving to Spain. They have bigger international communities, more direct flights and the sort of name recognition that makes a relocation shortlist feel straightforward.
The 2026 Global Cities Index points in a different direction. Two Atlantic cities in north-west Spain place ahead of both heavyweights for quality of life, suggesting that the best cities to live in Spain are not always the ones with the loudest international profile.
The Spanish cities leading the quality-of-life ranking
The two standouts are A Coruña, ranked 68th globally, and Vigo, in 83rd place. Both are in Galicia, the green, Atlantic-facing region on Spain’s north-west corner.
The ranking puts the pair ahead of Madrid, Barcelona, Bilbao and Palma on Oxford Economics’ quality-of-life measure. The index considers factors that matter well beyond a pleasant long weekend, including housing, living costs, safety, health, environmental conditions and general day-to-day liveability.
Why Galicia may appeal to international residents
Living in Galicia as an expat can suit people who value a city that feels lived-in all year, rather than geared around visitors or a non-stop work calendar.
A Coruña and Vigo have universities, hospitals, shopping areas, cultural venues and busy food scenes, but they remain compact enough for everyday errands to feel manageable.
There is also a practical financial case.
- Numbeo’s cost-of-living estimates put a meal in an inexpensive restaurant at roughly €13–14, while dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant comes in at about €50.
- A beer usually costs €3–4 and a coffee around €2.
- A monthly public-transport pass is about €30, while basic utilities for an 85 m² flat are estimated at around €150 per month.
Those figures vary by neighbourhood, household and season, particularly heating costs in older coastal homes. Still, the broad picture is markedly less punishing than the costs often associated with central Madrid, Barcelona or Palma.
A Coruña quality of life: compact city living by the Atlantic
A Coruña sits on a narrow peninsula surrounded by the Atlantic, so the sea is rarely far away. Its long waterfront promenade, city beaches and walkable centre give it a distinctly coastal rhythm, even on an ordinary Tuesday.
As of August 2026, average property prices in A Coruña stood at €3,239 per m².
- An 80 m² flat at that average would cost around €259,120 before purchase taxes and fees.
- In Ciudad Vieja - Centro, the average rose to €4,406 per m², equating to roughly €352,480 for the same size home.
Average rent prices in A Coruña were €11.3 per m² in August 2026. That puts a typical 80 m² rental at approximately €904 per month, before bills.
Living in Vigo: bigger, hillier and closer to Portugal
Vigo has a more industrial and working-port identity than A Coruña, with a large estuary, shipbuilding history and views across the water towards the Cíes Islands. It is a larger city by population and spreads over steep hills, so the experience is less uniformly walkable.
Living in Vigo can work well for people who prefer a less manicured city with strong everyday life, serious seafood, access to beaches and a direct connection to Portugal. Porto is within reach by road, which adds a handy second airport and another city for weekend breaks.
Housing is cheaper on average than in A Coruña. August 2026 data placed property prices in Vigo at €2,591 per m².
- An 80 m² flat at the city average would cost about €207,280 before taxes and fees.
Average rent prices in Vigo stood at €12.0 per m². An 80 m² flat would therefore come to around €960 per month, before utilities. Purchase prices are lower than in A Coruña, but typical rents per square metre are slightly higher.
The trade-offs behind Galicia’s high quality of life
A strong quality-of-life ranking does not remove the practical snags of a move.
Rain and cooler summers
Galicia’s climate is considerably wetter than much of Spain. Summers are usually more comfortable than the extreme heat of inland cities, though grey, damp spells are part of the deal.
Galician language and local integration
Spanish is used everywhere, but Galician is also an official language and is visible on signs, in schools and in public life.
A smaller employment market
A Coruña and Vigo have local industries and universities, but neither has the sheer number of international corporate roles found in Madrid or Barcelona.
Less direct international connectivity
Both cities have airports, but connections are fewer than in the major Spanish hubs. Vigo’s proximity to Porto can help, while A Coruña residents may also use Santiago de Compostela Airport depending on the route.
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