Best cities to be a digital nomad in Spain
This guide has been developed to help you find the Spanish city that best suits your lifestyle and professional needs. We will analyze in detail fundamental aspects such as population, climate, infrastructure, cost of living, and much more. After all, choosing the right city can be the difference between just working remotely and truly experiencing the Spanish experience to its fullest.
Why choose Spain for remote work?
Spain has established itself as one of the most sought after destinations for digital nomads in the world, especially after the implementation of digital nomadic visa in Spain. The country offers a unique combination of quality of life, modern infrastructure, and vibrant culture, with an average of more than 300 days of sunshine a year in many regions. Excellent digital connectivity and an efficient public transport system, including one of the best high-speed train networks in Europe, make the country extremely attractive for remote professionals.
Barcelona: the technological hub by the sea
Population: 1.6 million inhabitants (city)/5.7 million (metropolitan region)
Climate: Mild Mediterranean
- Summer: 20°C to 28°C
- Winter: 8°C to 15°C
- Annual rainfall: 620 mm
Barcelona offers a privileged location between the Mediterranean Sea and the Serra de Collserola, allowing you to combine beach and mountain in a single destination. The city has nine urban beaches that stretch over 4.5 km of coastline, and is just a two-hour drive from the Pyrenees, ideal for winter sports.
The public transportation system is extensive and efficient, including:
- 8 subway lines covering 123 km
- Extensive bus network with more than 100 lines
- 6 light rail lines
- Shared bike system with over 400 stations
The @22 innovation district is home to more than 1,500 technology companies and dozens of modern coworking spaces. Rents range between 900€ and 1,400€ for well-located apartments, with a typical monthly budget between 2,000-2,500€ for comfortable living.
Madrid: the cosmopolitan capital that never sleeps
Population: 3.3 million inhabitants (city)/6.7 million (metropolitan region) Climate: Continental Mediterranean
- Summer: 25°C to 35°C
- Winter: 3°C to 12°C
- Annual rainfall: 436mm
Located in the center of the Iberian Peninsula, Madrid is 667 meters above sea level, which influences its climate with wide temperature variations. The city is surrounded by the Serra de Guadarrama, offering excellent hiking and winter sports options less than an hour away.
Madrid's public transport system is considered one of the best in the world:
- 12 subway lines totaling 294 km
- Over 200 bus lines
- Suburban train system with 10 lines
- Direct connection to the airport via metro and train
The city has several districts popular with digital nomads, such as Malasaña (creative hub), Salamanca (premium area) and Lavapiés (multicultural). Rental costs vary between 800€ and 1,300€ in central areas, with a monthly budget similar to that of Barcelona.
Valencia: the perfect balance between quality and cost
Population: 800,000 inhabitants (city)/1.6 million (metropolitan region)
Climate: Typical Mediterranean
- Summer: 23°C to 30°C
- Winter: 7°C to 17°C
- Annual rainfall: 475mm
Valencia offers an ideal location with 19 km of beaches, including the famous Malvarrosa Beach. The old Turia riverbed has been transformed into a 9 km urban park that crosses the city, ideal for outdoor activities. The region also has the Albufera Natural Park, a freshwater coastal lagoon.
The transport system includes:
- 9 subway and light rail lines
- Bus network with full coverage of the city
- 140 km of bike paths
- Public bike sharing system
Modern infrastructure is combined with a preserved historic center. Rentals cost between 600€ and 900€ in central areas, with a monthly budget of 1,500-1,800€ for comfortable living.
Malaga: the new Spanish Silicon Valley
Population: 575,000 inhabitants (city)/1.7 million (metropolitan region)
Climate: Subtropical Mediterranean
- Summer: 23°C to 31°C
- Winter: 8°C to 18°C
- Annual rainfall: 525 mm
Málaga enjoys one of the mildest climates in Europe, with more than 300 days of sunshine a year. The city is located on the Costa del Sol, with several urban beaches and close to the Sierra de Málaga, offering options for outdoor activities all year round.
The public transport system includes:
- 2 subway lines
- Extensive urban bus network
- High-speed rail connection
- International airport with direct flights to major European cities
Málaga TechPark is home to more than 600 technology companies. Rents range between 700€ and 1,000€, with a monthly budget of 1,600-1,900€ for comfortable living.
Alicante: the hidden jewel of the Mediterranean
Population: 350,000 inhabitants (city)/757,000 (metropolitan region)
Climate: Semi-arid Mediterranean
- Summer: 25°C to 32°C
- Winter: 6°C to 17°C
- Annual rainfall: 311 mm
Alicante combines high-quality urban beaches with the nearby Serra de São Julião Natural Park. The city has a privileged microclimate, with mild temperatures all year round and low rainfall.
The transport system includes:
- 5 tramway lines
- Urban bus network
- Rail connections with major cities
- International airport
The cost of living is one of the most competitive, with rents between 500€ and 800€ and a monthly budget of 1,400-1,700€ for a comfortable life.
Be Easy: your path to Spanish life
Choosing the ideal city is just the first step. A Be Easy offers expert support to make your transition to digital nomadic life in Spain smoother and safer. Contact us and discover how we can help you achieve your European dream.
