So many things to do in Spai, it`s no wonder expats rank them so highly | Shutterstock
A global 2024 survey on the financial satisfaction of foreigners living abroad revealed that expats find three cities in Spain rank among the 10 cheapest in the world. The same study ranked two more Spanish towns among the top 30.
Euro Weekly News is sure everybody is curious and extremely eager to know the names of five cities expats say are the cheapest, but first, some context.
Internations, the largest global community for people living abroad, recently released their findings. Expats rate three different factors:
- General cost of living.
- Satisfaction with their financial situation.
- Is their disposable household income enough for a comfortable life.
Additionally, it is highly critical that for a city to be included in the ranking, at least 50 expats from that location need to respond to the survey.
- Valencia topped the list of 53 cities in the 2024 Expat City Ranking. Not only that, but it also took the number one position in the Personal Finance Index. Seventy-seven per cent of the expats in Valencia are satisfied with their financial situation. The global average is 54 per cent. Three-quarters of Valencian expats also rated the cost of living positively compared to the global average of 40 per cent. Sixty-one per cent of expats said their disposable household income is more than plenty to enjoy life comfortably. The global average is 41 per cent.
- Panama City ranked second. Just like Valencia’s expats, with over three-quarters saying they were satisfied with their financial situation. Disposable income in Panama is exceptional for expats. Nine out of 10 said they had more than enough for a plush life.
- Malaga ranked third, and not simply because it’s an amazing beachfront city with 300 or so days of lovely Mediterranean sun per year, but because, according to 72 per cent of them rated the cost of living favourably.
The other decently ranked cities. Yes, you guessed it. Alicante came in sixth after the aforementioned cities, plus Mexico City (4th) and Bangkok (5th).
Key reasons people love Valencia
One of the key reasons why people relocate to Valencia is, again, its affordable cost of living. Compared to other major cities, expenses their remain quite budget-friendly. A different survey ranked Valencia as one of the best places to live in Spain in 2025 because of its affordability, rich culture and excellet climate.
- Depending on lifestyle and housing preferences, the estimated cost of living hover under the 1,000 euro level.
- Public transportation and other essential services are cost-efficient and boast great infrastructure.
- Housing prices are lower than in Madrid and Barcelona. For this reason, Valencia draws to it many retirees and expats to it, looking for more bang for their “duro” (euro).
Valencia | Shutterstock
Malaga is a coastal city with a fantastic history and culture. This place is great for visiting and living as well. It is a busy port city with tons of bars, clubs, and restaurants. And despite what you may believe, it is pretty affordable.
Malaga | Shutterstock
Alicante’s charm and beauty are far beyond just its Mediterranean sandy shores. Alicante has a busy airport. Based on local figures, the cost of living is less than 1,000 euros, meaning you can indulge in coastal life while not worrying over your finances.
