Canet de Mar is a coastal town in the Maresme region known for its Mediterranean atmosphere, maritime heritage and strong Modernist architecture. With around 15,000 residents, it offers a practical setting for everyday life, with the beach, shops, services and railway station all within easy reach, while maintaining excellent connections to Barcelona. Discover everything that living in Canet de Mar has to offer.
What is it like to live in Canet de Mar?
Living in Canet de Mar means enjoying a more relaxed pace of life than in a large city without giving up many essential services. The town centre is home to shops, supermarkets, restaurants, banks, schools and municipal facilities, allowing many daily errands to be completed on foot.
In terms of infrastructure, the town has schools, a secondary school, a library, sports facilities and cultural venues. It is also known for its Modernist heritage, reflected in landmarks such as the Lluís Domènech i Montaner House-Museum.
Transport is one of Canet de Mar's key strengths. The Rodalies station on line R1 connects the town with Mataró, Barcelona and other coastal towns and cities. There are also intercity bus services and road access via the N-II and the C-32 motorway.
When it comes to healthcare, the town has primary care facilities, while hospital services are typically accessed in Calella, Mataró or Barcelona. Leisure activities revolve around the beach, the seafront promenade, local food and drink, and walking routes through the surrounding natural areas.
Best areas in Canet de Mar
Although Canet de Mar is a relatively compact town, several distinct areas can be identified depending on housing type, proximity to services and lifestyle preferences.
- Town centre: Living in the centre means having shops, supermarkets, restaurants, schools and municipal services within walking distance. It is a lively area with significant architectural heritage, particularly Modernist buildings, which give the streets a distinctive character.
- Beach area: This is one of the most attractive parts of the municipality for those who prioritise being close to the sea and a Mediterranean lifestyle. Living close to the promenade provides easy access to the beach, restaurants and outdoor activities throughout the year, while also offering convenient access to the railway station.
- Upper area: The higher part of Canet de Mar is ideal for those seeking greater tranquillity, larger homes or views of the sea and mountains. This area is characterised by detached houses, villas and lower-density residential developments.
If you are considering moving to the town, it is worth exploring the properties available in Canet de Mar.
Cost of living in Canet de Mar
The cost of living in Canet de Mar is moderately high for a town of its size, largely due to its location on the Maresme coast and its excellent transport connections with Barcelona. As of May 2026, the average asking price stood at €2,467 per m2.
Public transport allows regular travellers to Mataró and Barcelona to keep commuting costs relatively low. A single Rodalies journey typically costs between €2 and €6, depending on the destination and ticket type.
Food prices are broadly similar to those found elsewhere in the Maresme region. A basic weekly grocery shop for one person may cost between €45 and €70, while a couple might spend approximately €300 to €450 per month at the supermarket, depending on shopping habits and where they shop.
Price comparison: Canet de Mar, Arenys de Mar or Mataró?
Before choosing where to live in the Maresme region, many people compare Canet de Mar with neighbouring towns that also offer rail connections, services and access to the coast.
Living in Canet de Mar or Arenys de Mar
Canet de Mar and Arenys de Mar have relatively similar living costs, as both are coastal towns with strong transport links to Barcelona and high residential demand. In Arenys de Mar, the average asking price reached €2,871 per m2 in July 2026.
Canet de Mar may appeal to those seeking a slightly quieter atmosphere and a local identity closely linked to Modernism, while remaining close to the coast and railway network. Arenys de Mar, by contrast, benefits from a major marina and a broader selection of restaurants and shops.
Living in Canet de Mar or Mataró
Mataró generally offers a much wider range of housing options than Canet de Mar, with a greater variety of neighbourhoods and property types. Prices per square metre vary significantly by area, although the average stands at around €2,448 per m2.
In exchange for potentially higher costs in its most desirable districts, Mataró provides more employment opportunities, retail options, hospitals, educational facilities, leisure activities and transport connections. Canet de Mar is likely to be the better choice for those who value a smaller-scale setting, being close to the sea and a quieter residential lifestyle.
Pros and cons of living in Canet de Mar
Canet de Mar offers several attractions for those looking to live near the Mediterranean while maintaining good connections with Barcelona. Its main advantages include:
- Proximity to the beach and natural surroundings, with opportunities for walking, sport and enjoying the sea for much of the year.
- Rail connections to Barcelona and Mataró, making commuting for work, study or leisure possible without relying entirely on a car.
- Local services and a village atmosphere, with shops, educational facilities, cultural activities and a walkable day-to-day lifestyle.
However, there are also some factors worth considering before choosing Canet de Mar as a place to live:
- Housing costs are relatively high for a town of this size, particularly near the beach, railway station and properties with attractive views.
- Fewer job opportunities and specialised services than in Mataró or Barcelona, which may require regular travel.
