Spain

Profiled in Barcelona · Western and Southern Europe

8fit /10

Barcelona hands you Mediterranean beaches, wild Gaudi architecture and a long lunch culture, all inside a walkable city that never quite goes to sleep.

CapitalMadrid
LanguageSpanish and Catalan
CurrencyEuro (EUR)
Population48.4M

Cost of living

What a month costs

$2,600Comfortable single
$5,200Family of four
$1,5001-bed, central
$18Casual meal

Rents have climbed hard, but food and transit stay reasonable.

The scores

How it rates for a moving family

Safety7
Infrastructure9
English6
Kids’ schools8
Integration7
Healthcare9
Residency path7
Tax5
Climate9

See and do

Top 10 in Barcelona

  1. Sagrada FamiliaGaudi's still-unfinished basilica and the symbol of the whole city.
  2. Park GuellMosaic terraces and fairytale pavilions with big views over Barcelona.
  3. La RamblaThe famous tree-lined promenade cutting down to the port.
  4. Casa BatlloA shimmering Gaudi facade on Passeig de Gracia that looks almost alive.
  5. La Pedrera (Casa Mila)Wavy stone apartment block with a surreal rooftop of chimney sculptures.
  6. Gothic QuarterA maze of narrow medieval streets, squares and the old cathedral.
  7. MontjuicHilltop parks, museums, a castle and the magic fountain show.
  8. La BoqueriaThe buzzing food market just off La Rambla, piled high with produce.
  9. Barceloneta beachThe city beach and seafood boardwalk, packed on warm days.
  10. Camp NouFC Barcelona's colossal stadium, a pilgrimage for football fans.

Where to go

Weekend escapes

  1. GironaA gorgeous medieval old town and river houses, under 40 minutes by fast train.
  2. SitgesBeach town half an hour south with a relaxed, open-minded seaside feel.
  3. MontserratA dramatic serrated mountain and monastery reached by cable car and rack railway.
  4. Costa BravaRocky coves and clear coves around Cadaques and Tossa de Mar.
  5. TarragonaRoman amphitheatre and ruins right above the sea, about an hour away.

Coffee

Best cafes

  1. Els Quatre GatsHistoric modernista cafe where a young Picasso once hung out.
  2. Cafe de l'OperaOld-school marble and mirrors right on La Rambla.
  3. Nomad CoffeeOne of the pioneers of the city's specialty coffee scene.
  4. SlowMovA calm Gracia roastery loved by serious coffee drinkers.
  5. Satan's Coffee CornerCult local spot for strong espresso and good pastries.

Restaurants

Where to eat

  1. Can CulleretesOne of the oldest restaurants in the city, doing classic Catalan dishes.
  2. Els PescadorsOld-guard seafood house on a quiet Poblenou square.
  3. Cal PepStanding-room tapas bar famous for its parade of small plates.
  4. TicketsThe Adria brothers' playful, hard-to-book tapas theatre.
  5. Bar MutSmall, buzzy spot doing top-quality market tapas and wine.
  6. 7 PortesA grand old dining room known for its paella and history.
  7. DisfrutarWildly creative tasting menu ranked among the world's best.

Morning

Best breakfast

  1. Granja M. ViaderA century-old dairy shop and birthplace of the Cacaolat chocolate drink.
  2. Brunch and CakeBig Instagram-friendly brunches with generous plates.
  3. Federal CafeAustralian-style all-day brunch popular with the laptop crowd.
  4. Milk Bar and BistroCozy Gothic Quarter spot doing full breakfasts and eggs.
  5. CaravelleRaval favorite for pancakes, good coffee and house bread.
  6. La PubillaNeighborhood Gracia kitchen with a beloved market breakfast.
  7. PicnicBrunch classics and Latin touches near the Born.
  8. ChokChocolate and doughnut shop for a sweeter morning treat.
  9. Bar del PlaA tiled classic near the Picasso Museum for morning tapas and tostada.

Residency

Non-EU newcomers usually arrive on a national visa such as the non-lucrative visa for the self-funded or a work or student permit, then get a TIE residence card after landing. After five years of legal residence you can apply for permanent residence.

Tax

Once you spend more than 183 days a year here you are generally a tax resident on worldwide income, with rates that climb steeply and vary by region. Some new arrivals with a qualifying job can use the Beckham regime to be taxed at a flat rate on Spanish income for several years.

Thinking about moving here for real? See the verified Spain residency and citizenship routes →

Curious what you would actually pay? See the Spain tax profile: income, corporate, VAT and exit rules →

Nearby

More of Western and Southern Europe

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Frequently asked

How much does it cost to live in Spain?

About $2,600 a month for one person and $5,200 for a family. A one-bedroom flat rents for around $1,500, and a casual meal costs about $18. Rents have climbed hard, but food and transit stay reasonable.

Is Spain safe, and what is healthcare like?

In our index safety scores 7 out of 10 and healthcare 9 out of 10, where 10 is best.

What language and currency are used in Spain?

Spanish and Catalan. The currency is Euro (EUR).

What is the capital of Spain?

Madrid. This guide profiles Barcelona.

How can a foreigner get residency in Spain?

Non-EU newcomers usually arrive on a national visa such as the non-lucrative visa for the self-funded or a work or student permit, then get a TIE residence card after landing. After five years of legal residence you can apply for permanent residence.

What taxes does Spain charge?

Once you spend more than 183 days a year here you are generally a tax resident on worldwide income, with rates that climb steeply and vary by region. Some new arrivals with a qualifying job can use the Beckham regime to be taxed at a flat rate on Spanish income for several years.