Best Places to Live in Spain for Families (Expats With Kids)
Ever wondered if you can swap gray skies for sunny plazas and still keep the kids happy? Spain makes it possible. With its laid-back lifestyle, top-notch schools, and family-friendly vibe, it’s a magnet for expats.
However, not every city is the same, and factors like rent, safety, and playgrounds can vary wildly. In this guide, we’ve sized up nine standout spots, balancing living costs, schooling options, and crime rates to help you zero in on the ideal Spanish home base for your family. Ready to explore? Let’s go!
Key Takeaways
Family-focused culture with endless outdoor fun.
Generally lower living costs than much of Western Europe and the US.
Strong schooling options, from public to international.
Top-rated public healthcare plus affordable private plans.
Cities like Valencia, Málaga, and Madrid suit different lifestyles.
Coastal towns boast beaches; inland hubs offer rich history.
Research each city’s vibe to find your perfect match.
Why Spain is a Great Choice for Families
Thinking of moving your family to Spain? You’re onto something! Spain tops the list for family life, thanks to sunny weather, safe towns, tasty food, and fun festivals. From friendly schools to wide-open parks, you’ll find everything you need for happy kids and stress-free days.
Life in Spain for families feels like the best of both worlds: sunny beaches, a vibrant city like Barcelona, and calm beach towns along the Costa Brava.
Family life here is relaxed—kids play in parks, and you can live close to major Spanish cities or explore northern Spain and regions such as Cataluña and the Balearic and Canary Islands.
Many expats find plenty of opportunities to meet new people and soak up Spain’s rich cultural heritage. If you decide to live here, find the best place and your perfect home in Spain, and enjoy all that Spain offers.
Cost of Living Overview
Let’s talk numbers! Moving abroad as a family can be scary. But life in Spain has its perks. Spain is often cheaper than major US cities. You can live in Spain with your family on a reasonable budget.
For a family of four, plan on about €2,300 to €2,500 per month, not counting rent. Add rent for a three-bedroom and you get around €3,300 in smaller towns. In big cities like Barcelona or Madrid, it might hit €4,500. These are still good deals for family life.
Sites like Numbeo collect user data on cities and countries worldwide. They show that even in expensive places, you can often live better than in major US metro areas for about the same cost.
Spain for expats means plenty of options. From the Cataluña peaks to beach towns along the Costa Brava. You can find the best places in Spain, whether you love northern Spain or the Balearic and Canary Islands. Tourism is strong in many regions in Spain, but everyday life here moves at a calm pace.
If you decide to live in a vibrant city or a quiet village, you’ll find your perfect home in Spain. With a rich cultural heritage and friendly locals, Spain offers the best of both worlds.
Education for Expat Children
Education is a top priority when you live in Spain with your family. Spain, for expats and locals alike, offers solid schooling choices throughout the country.
Public schools are free for residents, teaching mainly in Spanish. In regions like Cataluña or Valencia, lessons also include Catalan or Valencian. That gives kids a fast track to bilingual life in Spain.
As an expat, you might be looking for the best, private, and international schools. These are schools that follow British, American, or International Baccalaureate (IB) curricula.
You’ll find these in big cities and beach towns along the coast or northern Spain hotspots. Annual fees range from €6,000 to €18,000. Start researching early to find your perfect home and secure your child’s education.
Healthcare System
Access to quality healthcare is another critical factor. Spain’s healthcare system is highly regarded and ranks well globally.
Public Healthcare (Sistema Nacional de Salud): Provides free or low-cost healthcare to residents contributing to the Spanish social security. This includes most employed or self-employed individuals and their families. Many expats report positive experiences.
Private Health Insurance: A popular and relatively affordable option. The plans range from €40 to €200 monthly per person. Many expats choose it for faster access to specialists or English-speaking doctors, though English-speaking medical professionals can also be found in the public system.
The availability of excellent healthcare contributes significantly to peace of mind. The World Health Organization often highlights Spain’s effective healthcare coverage.
Best Places to Live in Spain for Families: A Quick Comparison
Before diving into the details of each city, here’s a brief overview to help you compare:
Note: Alicante cost is an estimate for a couple. Family costs would be higher, but still generally affordable.
Now, let’s explore each of these fantastic destinations in more detail.
1. Valencia: The Green and Affordable Gem
Valencia blends modern energy with a chill, family-friendly vibe. Often rated among the best places in Spain, it sits along the coast with sunny beaches and green parks. Life here costs less than in Barcelona or Madrid—a family of four spends about €2,456 monthly without rent.
Valencia is recognized as a European Green Capital for its commitment to sustainability. It offers top schooling options, from public and bilingual to the well-known Valencia Montessori School. You can explore colorful markets and the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences.
What makes Valencia great for families?
Turia Gardens: This is a beautiful park that stretches nine kilometers. It has playgrounds, bike paths, and the unique Gulliver Park.
Beaches: You can get easy access to beautiful beaches like Malvarrosa.
City of Arts and Sciences: Offers educational and entertaining experiences.
Safety: Valencia is considered a very safe city. An estimated 97% of its residents live within 300 meters of green urban areas. This makes Valencia one of the best places for your family.
2. Malaga: Sunshine, Culture, and Expat Hub
Sun-kissed Málaga, the beating heart of the Costa del Sol, serves up sunshine, sea breezes, and rich cultural heritage all year.
This lively city is one of Spain’s best. It blends medieval landmarks, modern art, and top-notch tourism. A family of four can live on around €2,375 a month (excluding rent). Málaga and nearby coastal towns have many international schools. Sunny View School is one example. This is a big benefit, especially for expat families..
Family life in Málaga offers:
Beaches: There are numerous beaches in the city. These include beaches like La Malagueta and Raven Rock Beach.
Parks: Parks like Parque de Málaga provide green oases.
Culture: You can visit the Picasso Museum, where Picasso was born. Then explore the Alcazaba fortress.
Málaga is consistently ranked as one of Spain’s safest cities. El Limonar and Teatinos are family-friendly neighborhoods. Many expats choose these areas for their safety. Málaga is a strong contender for the best place to live.
3. Madrid: The Vibrant Capital with Family Perks
Among the best places in Spain for families, Madrid pulses with energy, art, and business. It’s one of the major Spanish cities that feels big yet stays welcoming. Madrid offers a mix of modern life, culture, and safe streets for kids.
A family of four might budget €2,808 monthly, apart from rent. Top international and bilingual schools like the International School of Madrid. With many expats in this area, it’s easy to meet new people.
Madrid’s family highlights include:
Retiro Park: A vast urban oasis with a boating lake and puppet shows.
Casa de Campo: Houses a zoo and an amusement park.
Museums: World-class museums like the Prado often have family programs.
Public Transport: An efficient system makes getting around easy.
Madrid is generally considered a safe city. For families, neighborhoods like Chamartín and Salamanca are highly recommended. Madrid offers a dynamic environment for a family in Spain.
4. Barcelona: Cosmopolitan City by the Sea
Barcelona, the capital city of Cataluña! This vibrant city wows with Gaudí’s skyline, buzzing arts, and sun-soaked beaches. It’s a top pick for tourism and big-city charm. Plus, you’ll meet new people from around the globe.
Heads-up: living here isn’t cheap. A family of four needs about €2,900 a month (excluding rent). On the bright side, the city offers a ton of international schools. This includes the Benjamin Franklin International School! Ready to find your perfect home? Look no further.
Why families love Barcelona:
Beaches: You can get easy access to beaches in the city. These include Sant Sebastià, Bogatell, and Barceloneta.
Parks: Access to Park Güell and Parc de la Ciutadella (home to the zoo).
Attractions: You can enjoy the tourist attractions. Some of these include the Sagrada Familia and the Magic Fountain of Montjuïc.
Barcelona is mostly safe. But watch out for petty thieves in busy tourist spots. Families often choose to live in Sarrià-Sant Gervasi and Gràcia. These areas are almost always very safe.
5. Seville: Andalusian Charm and Rich History
Seville, Andalusia’s lively capital, immerses you in flamenco nights and dazzling Moorish palaces. This city has a rich culture that dates back centuries. It moves at a relaxed pace and costs less than Madrid.
Families benefit from a growing selection of international schools, including The British School of Seville. Ranked among the best places in Spain for its charm and affordability, Seville makes it easy to choose where to live.
Seville’s charm for families:
Historic Sites: The Alcázar of Seville is a magnificent palace. The Plaza de España is also a stunning historic square.
Parks: Parks like the María Luisa Park is full of soft green grass. You can spread out a picnic blanket there. There’s also plenty of room for kids to run and play.
Festivals: Festivals are unique cultural experiences in Seville. For example, the Feria de Abril.
Seville is a safe city. It keeps a good safety record each year. Los Remedios shines as a residential spot. Many families and expats love living there.
6. Alicante: Coastal Living on the Costa Blanca
Alicante shines on the Costa Blanca. Sunny skies all year, fine beaches, and the mighty Santa Bárbara Castle make it a truly fun beach town with top tourism perks.
Its airport links you fast to Madrid and Barcelona. Monthly costs (excluding rent) hover around €1,260 for couples, so families will find it friendly on the wallet. You’ll find the best place to settle for your kid’s education.
It has various international schools with options like King’s College nearby. It’s a deal if you are looking for a family property in Alicante.
Family attractions in Alicante:
Beaches: Postiguet Beach sits right in the city. Just a short trip away is the wide, sandy San Juan Beach.
Promenade: Promenade along the Explanada de España. It’s perfect for a family stroll.
Nearby Theme Parks: There are two theme parks near Benidorm, Alicante. These parks include Terra Mítica and Aqualandia.
Many families feel safe living in Alicante. It feels peaceful and cared for. If you want the real Spanish beach lifestyle, it is a perfect place to live.
7. Granada: Historic Beauty and Outdoor Access
Granada sits at the foot of the Sierra Nevada in Andalusia—a vibrant city with a rich cultural heritage. This city has the Alhambra Palace, a shining treasure. Tourists flock here, and budget expats call it one of Spain’s best places to live if you’re on a budget.
Living here is cheap. Cozy tapas bars and friendly locals are everywhere. You can find both bilingual and international schools throughout the city. Granada packs history and everyday ease into one affordable package.
What families can enjoy in Granada:
The Alhambra: The Alhambra is a stunning palace. The gardens there offer a magical experience.
Parque de las Ciencias: This is a top interactive science museum. It offers hands-on exhibits that make learning fun and easy for kids and adults alike.
Sierra Nevada: You can explore skiing on the Sierra Nevada slopes in winter. In summer, its trails are perfect for hiking.
8. Palma de Mallorca: Island Life with Urban Comforts
Palma de Mallorca is one of Spain’s big cities. It mixes history, modern fun, and sunny beaches.
It ranks among the top for tourism and life for many expats. But housing costs are quite higher than mainland prices. Spain offers great schools like Agora Portals International.
Palma’s appeal for families:
Beaches: Playa de Palma is a long beach. It is also perfect for children.
Attractions: Palma Aquarium brings families together with colorful fish and hands-on exhibits. Katmandu Park also offers rides and live shows that welcome every age.
Outdoor Activities: Sailing and cycling are very popular in Palma.
9. San Sebastián (Donostia): Culinary Capital with Stunning Beaches
San Sebastián sits in northern Spain’s Basque Country. It also ranks among the best places in Spain. This lively city has world-class food and beautiful urban beaches like La Concha. It also offers excellent schools. Thanks to booming tourism and strong education options, it’s ideal for families and expats.
Why San Sebastián is special for families:
Beaches: The iconic La Concha beach is perfect for families, with calm waters.
Monte Igueldo: A funicular railway takes you up to an old-fashioned amusement park.
Aquarium: A popular family attraction.
Making Your Decision
Choosing the right city when moving to Spain is a big decision. What works for one family might not be the best fit for another. It’s all about matching a city’s characteristics with your family’s unique priorities.
Here are a few steps to guide you:
1. Define Your Priorities: What’s most important? Consider:
Proximity to a specific type of international school.
Need for a major airport for work travel.
Lifestyle preference (coastal vs. inland, bustling vs. quiet).
Access to the countryside or specific activities.
Budget: The cost of living varies significantly. If you plan to buy a home, research property markets.
2. Visit Before You Move: If possible, spend time in your shortlisted cities. Experiencing the atmosphere and exploring neighborhoods is invaluable. This “try before you buy” approach can save stress.
3. Connect with Other Expats: Online forums, social media groups, and local expat organizations are great resources. People often share insights on schools, daily life, and navigating bureaucracy.
The U.S. Embassy & Consulate in Spain and Andorra can also be a starting point for general advice. These connections can be incredibly helpful.
Conclusion
Spain presents a wealth of appealing options for families seeking a new home and a high standard of living. From the green, affordable streets of Valencia to the sun-drenched shores of Málaga or the cultural richness of Madrid, each destination offers unique advantages.
By considering costs, education, and lifestyle, expat families can find their perfect Spanish haven.
