Discover the largest cities in Spain in 2025
Have you ever imagined living an experience for study and work in Spain? Spain is a country steeped in history, vibrant culture, and incredible opportunities. According to several international rankings, Spain stands out among the countries with the best quality of life and climate in Europe. In this article, we will explore the four largest Spanish cities and understand why they are such attractive destinations for international students and professionals.
Economic overview and labor market
In 2025, Spain maintains a national minimum wage of €1,184 per month. Wages in major cities vary significantly, being influenced by the concentration of specific industries, local cost of living, demand for qualified professionals, and the presence of multinational companies in each region.
Madrid
Population: 3,255,944 inhabitants (2025)
Climate: Mediterranean with continental characteristics, average annual temperature of 14.35°C
Predominant language: Spanish. It's common to find English-speaking people at restaurants, shops, and services in tourist areas.
Madrid is much more than just the capital of Spain. The city is a true European cultural and financial center. As the country's political and economic hub, Madrid has attracted international companies and talent from various sectors, creating a dynamic environment for professionals from various fields.
Madrid highlights
- Political and economic center of the country
- Business hub with the presence of multinationals
- Rich cultural scene with over 60 museums, including the famous art triangle
- Vibrant nightlife and diverse cuisine
- Excellent public transport system
- Over 300 days of sunshine a year
- Ideal for ambitious professionals and international students who appreciate urban life, sophisticated culture and dynamic business environment.
Featured sectors
- Financial and Business Services
- Information and communication technology
- Pharmaceutical industry
- Tourism and hospitality
- Public administration
Living costs in Madrid
The monthly budget in Madrid, including rent, public transport, food, utilities (water, electricity, gas) and internet/cell phone, is between €1,600-1,800 for a person living in an individual apartment outside the center.
These costs can be reduced to €900-1,100 by opting for shared rooms (shared floors), popular with students and young professionals, or increase to €1,900-2,200 by choosing an individual apartment in a central area.
Barcelona
Population: 1,621,537 inhabitants (2025)
Climate: Mediterranean coastal, average annual temperature of 15.74°C
Predominant language: Spanish and Catalan (both official). High level of English speakers, especially in tourist areas and international companies.
Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia, combines tradition and modernity like few other cities in the world. On the edge of the Mediterranean Sea, the city offers exceptional quality of life, with a perfect mix of culture, beaches and professional opportunities.
Strengths
- Gaudí's unique architecture and preserved historic center
- Main technological hub in southern Europe
- Strong presence of startups and innovation
- Balance between urban life and Mediterranean beaches
- World capital of design and creative center
- Excellent cuisine and cultural life
- Perfect for digital nomads, creatives, and technology professionals seeking quality of life and international environment. The city attracts those who value balance between work and leisure.
Featured sectors
- Technology and startups
- Design and creative industries
- Tourism and hospitality
- Chemical and pharmaceutical industries
- International trade and logistics
Living costs in Barcelona
In Barcelona, the total monthly cost, including rent, transportation, food, basic bills and internet/cell phone, ranges from €1,700-1,900 for a person in an individual apartment in a non-central region.
The option for shared housing can reduce these amounts to €1,000-1,300, while individual apartments in central areas or valued neighborhoods can raise costs to €2,100-2,400 per month.
Valencia
Population: 814,208 inhabitants (2025)
Climate: Mediterranean coastal, average annual temperature of 17.82°C
Predominant language: Spanish and Valencian (Catalan variant, both official). English is less common than in Madrid and Barcelona, but found in tourist areas.
The third largest city in Spain, Valencia offers a perfect balance between tradition and modernity. With an exceptional climate and a more affordable cost of living than Madrid and Barcelona, the city has attracted more and more international students and professionals.
Valencia highlights
- City of Arts and Sciences, an impressive example of futuristic architecture
- Best climate among the major Spanish cities
- Combination of quality beaches and preserved historic center
- Cradle of authentic Spanish paella
- Excellent infrastructure for cyclists
- Traditional Fallas festival, intangible heritage of UNESCO
- Excellent for families and professionals seeking quality of life at an affordable cost. The city offers a more relaxed pace without giving up professional opportunities.
Main sectors
- Tourism and hospitality
- Agroindustry and food
- Chemical and pharmaceutical industry
- Port logistics
- Technology and innovation
Living costs in Valencia
In Valencia, the monthly budget, including rent, transportation, food, utilities and internet/cell phone, is between €1,400-1,600 for a person in an individual apartment outside the center.
Shared housing can reduce expenses to €800-1,000, while individual apartments in central regions can raise costs to €1,700-1,900 per month.
Seville
Population: 703,206 inhabitants (2025)
Climate: Mediterranean with hot summer, average annual temperature of 18.57°C
Predominant language: Spanish. Among the four cities, it is where English is less common in everyday life, although it is found in tourist areas.
Capital of Andalusia, Seville is a cultural treasure in southern Spain. With over 2000 years of history, the city combines tradition, impressive architecture and the authentic Andalusian lifestyle.
Key Features
- Impressive historic center with Seville Cathedral and Alcázar
- Cradle of Flamenco and bullfighting
- Famous Holy Week and April Fair
- Most affordable cost of living among the four major cities
- Warmer climate in mainland Spain
- More relaxed and welcoming pace of life
- Ideal for students, culture lovers and professionals who value tradition and quality of life. The city has a strong appeal for those who appreciate history, gastronomy and art.
Main economic sectors
- Cultural tourism
- Specialized manufacturing
- Port logistics
- Aerospace
- Agriculture and olive oil production
Living costs in Seville
The monthly cost in Seville, including rent, transportation, food, basic bills and internet/cell phone, ranges from €1,200-1,400 for a person in an individual apartment outside the central region.
The strong shared housing culture allows these costs to be reduced to €700-900, while individual apartments in central areas raise the budget to €1,500-1,700 per month.
Comparative analysis of the largest Spanish cities
Each of the largest Spanish cities has unique characteristics:
Madrid It is the political and economic center, leader in financial services and technology, with a high cost of living, ideal for ambitious professionals and students seeking opportunities in large companies.
Barcelona stands out in design, technology and creative industries, offering exceptional quality of life by the sea, attracting digital nomads and professionals who value the balance between career and lifestyle.
Valencia It combines perfect climate and more affordable cost, is strong in tourism and agro-industry, perfect for those seeking quality of life without the high prices of the largest metropolises.
Seville preserves authentic Andalusian culture, has a strong cultural tourism sector and lower costs, and is welcoming to students and lovers of Spanish history and traditions.
When choosing your city in Spain, consider which one best aligns with your professional, academic, and desired lifestyle goals.
Important factors for choosing your city in Spain
When choosing a Spanish city, first consider the opportunities in your professional area and the relationship between the cost of living and salaries, which vary significantly between regions. The climate also deserves special attention, as there are notable differences between Madrid's more continental interior and coastal cities.
The cultural and gastronomic offer is rich in every major city, but each one has distinctive features that may align more with your lifestyle. The presence of international communities and the level of use of English also vary, with Barcelona being the most international city of the four.
Important cost considerations
- Values are estimates for 2025
- Costs can vary significantly depending on neighborhood and lifestyle
- Not included: leisure, clothing and health insurance
- For formal work, there is a contribution to social security
- It is recommended to have a reserve of 20% above the basic values for extra expenses
- Initial deposit for rent is generally 1-2 months' security deposit, plus first month in advance
Be Easy
Ready to embark on this adventure? A Be Easy Exchange is here to help you fulfill the dream of study and work in Spain. With our experience, we can help you choose the ideal city for your profile and objectives. We also offer support for digital nomadic visa in Spain, perfect for professionals who want to work remotely while enjoying the Spanish quality of life.
Contact us and discover how we can make your dream of living in Spain a reality!
