Seville is the soulful heart of southern Spain, offering a mix of Moorish history, lively plazas, and a famously relaxed lifestyle. From the scent of orange blossoms in the spring to the energy of local flamenco, this Andalusian city enchants newcomers with its friendly atmosphere, affordable living, and year-round sunshine. With a population of over 600,000 and growing, living in Seville means embracing a city that celebrates both tradition and modern life, with afternoons spent sitting on terrazas and tucking into tapas.
Is Seville a good place to live?
The city is famous for its historic streets, colourful festivals like Feria de Abril, and delicious tapas scene. Expats and locals appreciate the relaxed pace of life, affordability compared to Spain’s larger cities, and the generally sunny climate. While the summer heat can be intense, Seville’s abundance of outdoor terraces, parks, and river walks make it a special place to enjoy Andalusian life year-round.
Pros and cons of living in Seville
Living in Seville comes with its advantages and disadvantages, like any other city. It's a good idea to weigh these up before making a final decision as to whether you want to call the city your new home.
- Culture and festivals: Seville is bursting with life, from flamenco performances to iconic events like Semana Santa and Feria de Abril, making it easy to immerse yourself in authentic Andalusian traditions.
- Affordable cost of living: compared to cities like Madrid or Barcelona, Seville offers more budget-friendly housing, dining, and daily expenses.
- Warm climate and outdoor lifestyle: with plenty of sunshine throughout the year, Seville’s residents make the most of outdoor cafés, scenic river walks, and beautiful parks.
However, there are negative points to consider as well.
- The heat in summer can be unbearable, with temperatures easily exceeding 40 degrees Celsius.
- Unemployment rates tend to be higher than the national average, so finding work can be a struggle.
Where to live in Seville
Choosing the best place to live in Seville is crucial when deciding to move here. Each neighbourhood offers a different atmosphere, with its own advantages and particularities.
Santa Cruz
The emblematic Barrio de Santa Cruz, with its maze-like streets and historic charm, is perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in the essence of the city.
Triana
Areas such as Triana, known for its flamenco tradition and nightlife, attract those who want a more authentic experience.
Nervión
For families or those who prefer a quieter environment, neighbourhoods such as Nervión offer an excellent quality of life with all amenities close at hand, including shopping centres, parks and good transport links.
Centro
In contrast, Seville's city centre is ideal for urbanites with a wealth of shops, restaurants and cultural activities, although the cost can be higher and space more limited.
Reina Mercedes
Reina Mercedes is ideal for students given its proximity to the University of Seville, which has a great student vibe, is affordable and well located.
Los Bermejales
Los Bermejales is a growing neighbourhood that is becoming a desirable alternative due to its modern style and competitive prices. Although further away from the centre, it has quality amenities and is ideal for those looking for a more relaxed lifestyle without being too far from the city centre.
Cost of living: is Seville expensive?
Calculating the average cost of living in Seville is essential if you're thinking about moving to this charming city. To live in Seville, a single person probably needs around €700 to €800, excluding rent. However, the amount of money you will need to live in Seville can vary greatly depending on your lifestyle and leisure activities.
Property prices in Seville averaged €2,611 per m2 in April 2025, which is considerably lower than in other large Spanish cities. However, this has increased by 13.5% since 2024. Rent in Seville was, on average, €12.3 per m2, making an 80m2 apartment cost around €984 per month.
Eating out at a mid-range restaurant for two can cost anything between €30 and €60, and a beer normally costs around €3. A cup of coffee shouldn't cost more than €2, and you can jump on a bus for around €1.50.
Living in Seville as a student
Seville has some great universities and colleges, making it an exciting place to study and meet students from all over the world. It's also a popular choice for international students and has plenty of clubs, meetups, and events to get involved in. The cost of living in Seville for students tends to be a bit lower than in other cities, as you can get around by bike or on foot, eat cheap tapas, and find reasonably cheap accommodation.
- University campuses are part of the city, providing access to resources and services and promoting a lively learning atmosphere and social life.
- As for accommodation, students can opt for university residences, shared flats or private flats, the latter being a more expensive option.
- Neighbourhoods such as Triana, Alameda and Macarena are very popular with young people because of their buzzing atmosphere and proximity to universities.
- Seville also has a wide range of cultural and leisure activities, from festivals to sporting events, which make the student experience more fun.
Living in Seville vs Madrid
Seville is all about enjoying life at a slower pace, with plenty of sunshine, deep roots in history, and a fun nightlife. Compared to the hustle and bustle of Madrid, living in Seville means soaking up authentic Andalusian culture and modern comforts without the rush. If you’re after character, community, and a taste of southern Spain’s unique vibe, Seville is a great place to look for your next home.
Housing tends to be lower, as property prices in Madrid averaged €5,467 per m2 in April 2025, and renting accommodation in the capital can cost around €1,712 per month for an 80m2 flat.