The Best Spanish Cities for Retirees: Prices, Climate, and Real Estate Insights

Retirement is increasingly seen not as the end of an active life but as an opportunity to change one’s lifestyle. At this stage people often consider moving to a country with a warmer climate or a more relaxed pace of life.

What used to be a luxury has become a widespread trend supported by the very countries that foreign retirees hope to settle in. Such programs exist in Portugal, Greece, Italy, Cyprus, Spain, and several Latin American states.

Spain stands out thanks to its mild climate, high-quality healthcare, and relatively affordable cost of living. Basic consumer expenses are on average 15 to 25 percent lower than in most Northern European countries, and rental properties in Spain are among the most moderate in the EU. The actual cost level, however, varies strongly from one location to another.

For this overview we’ve selected ten Spanish cities that offer the most favorable conditions for retirees who plan to live there permanently.

How a Retiree can Legally Relocate to Spain

Before moving to the list of cities, it is important to understand what Spain offers retirees in terms of residence permits. For EU citizens the rules are straightforward: they may stay in the country for up to 90 days within half a year, and for longer stays they must register at their place of residence.

For non-EU citizens the most common option is the Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV), a residence permit that does not allow employment in Spain and requires income from abroad. This permit is available not only to retirees but to anyone with foreign-sourced income.

To obtain the NLV, an applicant must prove stable income or savings sufficient to live in Spain without working. The usual requirement is at least €28,800 per year for the main applicant plus €7200 per year for each dependent family member. Another mandatory condition is private health insurance covering the entire period of residence and valid throughout Spain.

To renew the permit, one must actually live in the country for most of the year. Staying in Spain for 183 days in a calendar year results in automatic tax residency, which means an obligation to declare worldwide income and pay taxes on it.

Top 10 Affordable Spanish Cities for Retirees

The choice of city has a direct effect on both expenses and quality of life, since regional differences are significant. Property in inland areas can be relatively inexpensive, while coastal regions show record price growth. On the other hand, inland provinces have no access to the sea, which is usually the main attraction for foreign residents.

Palencia (Castile and León)

Palencia is a quiet city in the autonomous community of Castile and León. Rental prices here are noticeably below the Spanish average, often 25 to 30 percent lower than in major coastal provinces. Utility bills and everyday expenses also tend to be below the national level.

The city offers everything needed for older residents: hospitals, primary care centers, and a well-developed public transport network. The climate is moderately continental. Summers are warm without extreme heat, and winters are cooler than on the coast. For those who struggle with high temperatures in Andalusia or Valencia, this is a clear advantage.

Average property prices:

Average cost of living and services in Palencia:

Jaén (Andalusia)

Jaén is located inland in Andalusia and is known for the olive groves covering the surrounding hills and for the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. The city has full-scale infrastructure with hospitals, private medical centers, clinics, and a convenient public transport system. Living here without a car is entirely feasible.

The climate follows the typical Andalusian pattern: mild winters and warm springs, while summer temperatures often rise above comfortable levels, especially during heatwaves. The city has no access to the sea.

Average property prices:

(Здесь вставляем блок с подборкой недвижимости в Андалусии https://realting.com/spain/andalusia )

Average cost of medical services and insurance in Jaén:

Albatera (Alicante Province)

Albatera is a small town in the province of Alicante, located about half an hour from the Costa Blanca coastline. For retirees it serves as an attractive alternative to the more expensive coastal resorts, since both rental and purchase prices are noticeably lower than in nearby locations such as Torrevieja, Alicante, or Benidorm. For example, a three-bedroom house in Albatera can cost around $182,232, while in those coastal areas prices usually start at $250,000.

(Здесь вставляем блок с подборкой недвижимости в Аликанте https://realting.com/spain/alacant-alicante )

Despite its size, Albatera is well integrated into the regional infrastructure. Major medical centers are located nearby, including those in Elche and Alicante, and the town itself has primary care facilities and essential services. Alicante International Airport is about 35–40 minutes away.

The climate in Albatera is dry and warm, with low humidity and many sunny days throughout the year. Summers can be hot, though proximity to the sea helps soften the temperature extremes.

Average property prices:

Cost of living and medical services in Albatera:

Oliva (Valencia Province)

Oliva sits on the border of the provinces of Valencia and Alicante along the coastline, which means immediate access to the sea. Its wide sandy beaches and mild maritime climate make the town a well-balanced option for retirees. Prices remain reasonable: for example, a 282 m² villa in Oliva can be purchased for about $178,939, which is cheaper than in Albatera.

The town appeals to those who want to live by the sea without the premium associated with major resort destinations. The local market offers both apartments and standalone houses in quiet residential areas. Oliva itself has primary medical centers, pharmacies, supermarkets, markets, cafés, and comfortable seaside promenades. Larger hospitals in Gandía or Denia are easy to reach thanks to extensive bus connections. Valencia and Alicante airports are roughly an hour away.

The local climate is among the most comfortable in the Mediterranean. Winters are mild, the shoulder seasons are warm, and the beach period is long. Humidity is lower than in southern Andalusia, and sharp temperature swings are rare. During summer the number of visitors rises, and certain specialized medical services are available only in Gandía or Denia.

Average property prices:

(Здесь вставляем блок с подборкой недвижимости в долгосрочную аренду в Валенсии https://realting.com/spain/valencian-community/property-to-rent )

Cost of living and medical services in Oliva:

La Mata (Alicante Province)

La Mata is located on the northern edge of Torrevieja. It is one of the most affordable coastal areas on the Costa Blanca, where a one-bedroom apartment of 40 m² near the sea can be purchased for about $67,829. This is significantly cheaper than in central Torrevieja or other popular resorts in the region. The market includes many apartments in modern or renovated buildings, and rental prices remain within a range manageable for retirees with a fixed income.

The district is close to Torrevieja, home to one of the largest and most modern hospitals on the Costa Blanca. La Mata itself has primary medical centers, pharmacies, and essential everyday services. Alicante International Airport is roughly 35–40 minutes away.

The climate is among the most stable on the Mediterranean coast. Winters are mild and warm, the shoulder seasons are long, summers are dry, and there are many sunny days. One notable feature is the presence of two salt lakes nearby. In combination with the sea breeze, they create a distinctive microclimate considered beneficial for respiratory health.

Average property prices:

Cost of living and medical services in La Mata:

Lugo (Galicia)

Lugo is one of the most affordable and tranquil cities in northwestern Spain. It consistently ranks among the cheapest municipalities in the country. For example, a two-bedroom apartment of 64 m² in Abadín costs around $134,782. Rental prices are well below the Spanish average, and property purchases are among the most accessible in the region.

(Здесь вставляем блок с подборкой недвижимости в Галисии https://realting.com/spain/galicia )

Despite its compact size, Lugo has a well-developed infrastructure. The city offers hospitals, private clinics, primary care centers, and a transport network that makes it easy to move both around the city and within the region.

Lugo lies about 60 km from the ocean, which shapes its climate: mild winters, cool summers, and generally stable temperatures without extreme heat. For those who struggle with high temperatures and the dryness of southern regions, Galicia provides a comfortable alternative.

Average property prices:

Cost of living and medical services in Lugo:

Castellón de la Plana (Valencian Community)

Castellón de la Plana is the largest city in the Valencian region. Rental prices here are lower than in Valencia or Alicante, and a three-bedroom apartment of 80 m² can be purchased for about $123,850.

The city is well equipped with large hospitals, specialized departments, and numerous primary care services. It has direct rail connections to Valencia and Barcelona, a developed public transport system, and convenient access to Castellón Airport. The seafront and beach area are located slightly away from the city center.

The climate is typically Mediterranean: mild winters, long sunny shoulder seasons, and moderately hot summers. Compared to southern Spain, summer temperatures here are softer and humidity levels are lower. The beach zone is separate from the central districts, so reaching it usually requires transportation.

Average property prices:

(Здесь вставляем блок с подборкой недвижимости в Валенсии https://realting.com/spain/valencia )

Cost of living and medical services in Castellón de la Plana:

Almería (Andalusia)

Almería is a large coastal city in southeastern Spain and the capital of the province of the same name. Property prices here are lower than in the more popular Andalusian hubs. For example, a one-bedroom apartment of 51 m² costs about $126,822.

The city has major hospitals, private clinics, diagnostic centers, a convenient bus network, a seafront promenade, parks, and a wide range of everyday services. Almería also has an international airport.

The climate is one of the main reasons the city is favored by retirees. Winters are extremely mild, and summers are dry, which reduces discomfort for people sensitive to humidity. Rainfall is scarce, and the number of sunny days is among the highest in Spain.

Average property prices:

Cost of living and medical services in Almería:

Huelva (Andalusia)

Huelva is located not on the Mediterranean but on the Atlantic coast, close to the Portuguese border. Unlike the heavily touristed Mediterranean resorts, Huelva is oriented more toward year-round living in its residential districts. Property prices, however, are relatively high. A seafront apartment can cost around $225,053.

The city has a full medical infrastructure that includes large hospitals, specialized centers, private clinics, and well-organized primary healthcare services. The transport network offers rail connections to Seville and Lisbon, bus routes, and convenient access to Seville Airport, which is about one to one and a half hours away depending on the district.

The climate is Atlantic: mild winters, moderate summers, and relatively low humidity. The ocean helps prevent extreme heat, which is more common in central and eastern Andalusia. A notable drawback is the limited beach infrastructure, especially when compared with the Mediterranean coast.

Average property prices:

Cost of living and medical services in Huelva:

Badajoz (Extremadura)

Badajoz is a major city in western Spain located near the Portuguese border. It consistently ranks among the most affordable cities in the country in terms of both rent and property prices. Even a one-bedroom apartment of 42 m² can be purchased for about $92,478. Everyday expenses are also below the national average, including groceries, transportation, services, and utilities.

(Здесь вставляем блок с подборкой недвижимости в Эстремадуре https://realting.com/spain/extremadura )

The city provides everything needed for comfortable living: large hospitals, diagnostic centers, specialized facilities, and university clinics. Urban transport is convenient, and both Madrid and Seville can be reached by bus or train.

The climate is continental with mild sunny winters and hot dry summers without excessive humidity. Summer temperatures, however, can rise above the national average. There is no coastline, and reaching the nearest beach requires several hours of travel.

Average property prices:

Cost of living and medical services in Badajoz:

Summary

Spain offers many regions suitable for a comfortable and financially accessible retirement. The variation in housing prices and living expenses across cities makes it possible to find a location that fits individual needs.

Inland cities such as Palencia, Jaén, Lugo, or Badajoz suit those looking for a peaceful lifestyle with minimal financial burden. Oliva, La Mata, Castellón, Almería, and Huelva are coastal options that provide the opportunity to live by the sea without the high resort premium.

Choosing a specific city should depend on climate preferences, budget, proximity to the sea, and access to healthcare. Spain offers enough diversity for every retiree to find a place that feels right.