Spain is one of those countries that consistently hold leading positions in the world rankings for quality of life. There are many cities located here that are able to offer the best conditions for living both for the local population and for a variety of foreigners: expats and tourists.
Below we will present 15 cities of the country with the highest standard of living. The rating was formed on the basis of an analysis conducted by the Spanish Consumer Association (OCU).
№ 1: Vigo
This Galician city has the highest quality of life in Spain. It is particularly distinguished by indicators of safety, cleanliness and ecology, having minimal indicators of environmental pollution. It also demonstrates high indicators for the quality of education.
In addition, respondents consider it one of the best cities for families with children, since the range of leisure and entertainment options offered is extremely large. In particular, the availability of sports recreation and cultural pastime is highly appreciated.
Weak indicators of the labor market and the real estate market. Not enough jobs, high housing prices.
№ 2: Saragossa
This Aragonese city is in second place. Its indicators are on average lower than those of Vigo, but at the same time it has generally higher indicators for the labor market and the real estate market. Among the real disadvantages, only the purity indicators.
№ 3: Bilbao
The third place is occupied by Bilbao, a beautiful city, but unfortunately it is being dragged down by a somewhat difficult situation with real estate and the cost of living.
№ 4: Valladolid
Residents of the capital of the autonomous community of Castile and Leon are extremely satisfied with the cost of living, labor markets and real estate. On average, the indicators are lower than those of the top three.
№ 5: Cordova
This Andalusian city stands out primarily for its positive assessment of its medical services. About 62% of Cordova residents said they were satisfied with the quality of medical care. Similarly, its residents appreciate the variety of housing, its abundance and affordable prices.
№ 6: Malaga
At the same time, we have Malaga, which has good indicators in all areas, except healthcare. It was also noted that mobility indicators have significantly improved over the past year.
№ 7: Valencia
Residents of Valencia are mostly satisfied with the real estate market. Other aspects show average results.
№ 8: Gijon
This Asturian city ranks second in the country in terms of security. Locals feel calm here like nowhere else in the country.
№ 9: Alicante
Alicante received ratings below average for the quality of educational services and the cleanliness of the city. But at the same time, mobility indicators have improved over the past year.
№ 10: Seville
In the capital of Andalusia, medical services and public safety received low ratings. The quality of life has suffered especially as a result of the crisis caused by the coronavirus. The city has not yet recovered sufficiently from the pandemic.
№ 11: Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
A city in the Canary Islands, one of the 15 cities with the best quality of life in Spain according to the OCU. According to the citizens, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria has a high quality of life thanks to its facilities for recreation and sports, as well as beaches. However, the big problem is the high cost of living, which has increased since the pandemic.
№ 12: Murcia
In the case of Murcia, according to its residents, the worst thing in the city is mobility indicators.
№ 13: Palma de Mallorca
Palma de Mallorca (Palma) is rated low by residents for the high cost of living, low availability of education and mobility.
№ 14: Barcelona
In the case of Catalan, it is worth highlighting the difficult situation on the labor market as the main culprit of the low assessment of the city.
№ 15: Madrid
The last place is occupied by the capital of Spain. In Madrid, aspects such as medical care, education and the quality of the environment are very poorly evaluated. However, residents of the city are satisfied with the labor market.