Published in Lifestyle
Spain tops global rankings for expat living
Discover why Valencia, Málaga and Alicante rank as the world’s best cities for expats combining lifestyle, affordability and investment appeal in Spain
Spain has secured an enviable hat-trick. In the latest Expat Insider survey by InterNations, three Spanish cities - Valencia, Málaga and Alicante - claimed the top three positions worldwide for expat living. The study, based on the views of more than 12,000 international residents, assessed nearly 50 cities on quality of life, ease of settling in, personal finance and everyday essentials. The results underline what residents and visitors already feel: Spain offers a rare balance of lifestyle, affordability and welcome.
Valencia: The complete package
At number one is Valencia, a city that manages to balance heritage with a forward-looking outlook. Expats praise its affordable and efficient public transport, with 96% rating the cost positively. Safety is another major factor, alongside a lively cultural calendar that spans food markets, galleries and the long, sandy beaches that frame the city.
Financially, Valencia is also compelling. More than three-quarters of respondents say they are satisfied with their financial situation, helped by the city’s relatively accessible housing market compared to other European hubs. For many, it is a place that combines a Mediterranean rhythm with the practicality of a well-run city.
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Málaga: A warm welcome
In second place, Málaga is celebrated for the ease with which newcomers settle in. The survey ranks it first worldwide for ease of integration, and expats consistently highlight the friendliness of locals and how quickly casual encounters turn into friendships.
The city itself is undergoing a cultural renaissance. Alongside the Picasso Museum and the Carmen Thyssen, new galleries and a thriving food scene continue to add layers to its appeal. Yet Málaga retains an easy-going character, helped by its seafront setting and strong sense of community. For international arrivals, it feels less like a transition and more like a homecoming.
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Alicante: Practical and liveable
In third place, Alicante impresses with its straightforward charm and quality of life. Expats highlight the relative affordability of housing, with almost 70% saying it’s easy to find a home, a rarity in many European cities. Digital infrastructure is strong, making remote work seamless, and the essentials of daily life are simple and accessible.
Beyond the practicalities, Alicante offers a relaxed coastal charm: palm-lined promenades, bustling plazas and year-round sunshine. It is this mix of accessibility and atmosphere that makes it such a compelling choice for those seeking an uncomplicated start abroad.
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Spain’s broader success
Spain’s achievement goes beyond these three cities. Madrid also secured a top-ten position, showing that the country’s appeal is not limited to the Mediterranean coast. Whether through the capital’s cultural weight or the coastal cities’ blend of sunshine and affordability, Spain continues to attract international residents in search of a better balance.
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The takeaway
Spain’s dominance in the InterNations survey confirms a story long told by expats themselves: the country’s cities offer not just places to live, but places to thrive. Valencia, Málaga and Alicante provide three distinct flavours of Spanish life — cultural, communal and practical — each underpinned by affordability and welcome. For those considering relocation, Spain today stands not only as a destination, but as the destination.
