Thinking of Retiring in Spain?
You’re probably looking at the same places everyone else is. Catalunya gets the headlines, Andalusia gets the crowds, and Valencia gets the hype.
Yet quietly, Spain’s north has been perfecting something more durable: stability.
In one region, healthcare satisfaction is far higher than national levels. In another, rents stay 30–40% below other major cities. And one city delivers both — plus access to world-class wine.
Today, we’ll explore three overlooked regions where quality of life, great healthcare, and decent prices combine to create one of Europe’s best places for expat retirees and remote workers — and why barely anyone outside Spain talks about them.
And we start with a place that might surprise you.
The Basque Country
When talking about the Basque Country, remember there are two of them — one in Spain, and another in France.
Among Spain’s northern regions, the Basque Country stands out for a reason that goes beyond scenery — it runs one of Europe’s most advanced local economies. Curiously, the French Basque Country isn’t as developed as the Spanish one and is not among the best parts of France.
The Basque Country is significantly wealthier than the Spanish average, and it shows. Decades of industrial productivity and steady fiscal management have created a level of development many other regions still try to replicate. Roads are excellent, transport infrastructure is robust, and hospitals consistently rank above national standards for patient satisfaction.
The Basque Country operates under what’s called the foral regime — a fiscal arrangement completely separate from Spain’s central system. Local tax authorities have huge autonomy to collect taxes and decide how to reinvest them within the region.
But autonomy has another side: laws here differ from the rest of Spain. Anyone planning to settle should consult a tax advisor who understands both the Basque system and Spain’s national framework.
High efficiency inevitably carries a higher price tag. Coastal areas like San Sebastián and Bilbao are magnets for local elites and global tourists alike, pushing housing costs well beyond Spain’s averages.
A one-bedroom apartment in prime Bilbao districts can cost 25–40% more than comparable spaces in other major cities like Seville or Málaga. Inland zones, however, are far more affordable and offer a better balance between cost and service quality.
Regarding language, Euskara (the Basque language) holds co-official status with Spanish, appearing side by side on street signs and paperwork. You can manage comfortably in Spanish alone, but Euskara reflects the pride locals feel in their identity.
The Basque Country boasts great economic indicators and an exceptional quality of life — but there’s one trade-off.
The single persistent challenge is climate. Those emerald hills owe their color to an Atlantic pattern of drizzle and overcast skies. From autumn through early spring, expect frequent rain; summers remain mild.
It’s ideal for anyone escaping heatwaves, less ideal for those craving endless blue skies.
So while Bilbao and San Sebastián dominate most travel guides, data show that the region’s best value for expat retirees may lie inland — in its quieter, greener heart.
The Best City in the Basque Country for Expat Retirees
Vitoria-Gasteiz quietly delivers more balance than any coastal rival. Recognized as a European Green Capital in 2012, it didn’t win by building senseless publicity stunts — it won by using natural spaces to improve the quality of life of its residents.
Its signature Green Belt — a continuous ring of parks and ecological corridors — wraps the city like a living boundary, giving nearly every neighborhood walking access to woods, lakes, or trails.
The transport system follows that same thoughtful design. A modern tram network glides through the city core, linking it seamlessly with the outskirts. Because Vitoria-Gasteiz sits on relatively flat terrain, its cycling network isn’t just symbolic — it’s genuinely practical for daily use. Dedicated lanes stretch through nearly all districts, connecting to the outer Green Belt and allowing continuous car-free movement.
For longer trips, RENFE rail lines reach Madrid in under four hours. Highways connect to Bilbao or San Sebastián in a little over one, and the region’s main international airport lies an hour away via motorway.
Where Vitoria-Gasteiz stands out most is its cost–quality ratio. Monthly rents for central three-room apartments hover between €900 and €1,200, often for modern, energy-efficient places over 100 square meters.
Healthcare completes the city’s reputation for reliability. The public network includes well-equipped hospitals and a dense grid of local clinics. Patient satisfaction rates consistently exceed national benchmarks, thanks to efficient referrals and professional staff.
For expats who prefer private coverage or faster access to specialists, a range of private hospitals and insurance plans integrate smoothly with the system.
Culturally, the city focuses on balance rather than spectacle. It’s active enough to keep you engaged, without the overwhelm of larger metropolises.
Beyond city limits, Vitoria-Gasteiz lies close to the Rioja wine route and the northern coast — both under an hour away.
The weather, however, is far from the Spanish stereotype. It has fewer sunshine hours, frequent rain, and a generally damp climate.
A local described Vitoria this way:
“It’s a pretty green city, full of bikes, walkable and not lacking any services. Great, famous wine regions and villages nearby. Definitely much quieter than neighboring Bilbao or Donostia. But the weather is rough, especially in winter.”
The Basque Country delivers safety, cleanliness, and infrastructure with remarkable efficiency — and Vitoria does all that at lower prices.
And that pattern continues just across the regional border.
PS: I have some really good news: FREE FOR A LIMITED TIME: Grab your Expat Wealth & Lifestyle Compass ($108 value) today! Includes our 74-page guide of Affordable European Cities, our Zero-Tax countries report, and our expat checklist. http://patreon.com/The_Expat Join us here before this offer ends.
Navarre
Navarre is a landlocked autonomous community grounded in self-governance. It operates under the same foral fiscal autonomy as its northern neighbor, collecting its own taxes and deciding how to spend them.
That results in an administration much closer to local needs — leading to investments that directly improve daily life.
The region might not grab travel headlines, but its precision-driven governance gives retirees what glossy resorts rarely can: predictability.
Navarre’s healthcare system is considered the best in Spain — only the Basque Country comes close — strengthened by the presence of the University of Navarra in Pamplona. For retirees, that means confidence in managing chronic conditions and access to leading-edge treatment without leaving the region.
Education and professional training follow the same high standards, producing qualified professionals and a strong service culture. Quality of life rankings regularly place Navarre near the top among Spanish regions, proving that autonomy here turns into tangible results, not bureaucracy.
Geographically, Navarre’s climate differs sharply from Spain’s southern coast. Winters bring frost and occasional snow, while summer afternoons can rise to 32°C or more. The Bay of Biscay is only 60–90 minutes away, allowing easy seaside weekends.
For day-to-day life, retirees exchange mild coastal air for clear seasonal variety — sunny harvest months, crisp winter mornings, and cool evenings.
Because there are fewer expat enclaves, English isn’t widely spoken outside professional settings, but integration comes naturally. Retirees often find that joining local associations or cultural events builds lasting friendships.
Pamplona, the regional capital, is also well-connected. Highways link it efficiently to Zaragoza, San Sebastián, and Madrid, while regional rail covers most intercity travel. The airport offers limited direct routes, mostly domestic, so international flights usually connect via Madrid or Bilbao.
Navarre’s pace reflects its character — measured and deliberate. For retirees who value governance that works and systems they can trust, it offers security, clarity, and calm.
The Best City in Navarre for Expats
If you’re looking for a balance between practicality and comfort, Pamplona stands out clearly.
Compact and surrounded by green parks, Pamplona remains walkable and calm, with low-stress mobility instead of urban overload.
Healthcare is one of its main strengths. The public Hospital Universitario de Navarra and private Clínica Universidad de Navarra sit just minutes apart, forming one of Spain’s densest clusters of medical excellence. Patient satisfaction ranges from staff kindness to treatment quality.
Pamplona’s climate defines much of its personality. Summers reach the low 30s°C, winters bring frost and occasional snow, and spring and autumn arrive with crisp, sunny skies.
This kind of variety suits retirees who enjoy change — coffee terraces in June, drives through snowy hills in January, long walks under golden leaves in October.
Pamplona might not be the cheapest city in Spain, but its costs remain balanced for the level of infrastructure and healthcare you get. Rents for one-bedroom apartments range between €800 and €1,000, while three-bedroom units average €1,250 to €1,400. Utilities typically cost between €95 and €180 per month.
Pamplona’s bus network, Villavesas, covers all neighborhoods efficiently. The city’s compact size makes errands walkable, and cycling is common thanks to dedicated paths and mostly flat terrain.
Rail links reach Zaragoza, Madrid, San Sebastián, and Vitoria, while highways quickly connect to the Basque coast and Aragón.
The Old Town blends history with daily life — cafés, markets, and quiet plazas where locals linger well past sunset. Parks like the Citadel gardens and the Arga River trails ensure green space is never far.
A resident described life there:
“The weather is quite similar to English weather — grey and cold — but when the sun shines, it’s glorious, and the surrounding mountains are great to explore. The city is tiny; you can walk across it in about 30–40 minutes.”
La Rioja
La Rioja shows what happens when affordability meets authenticity. Everyone knows its wine, but few realize the region behind the label offers one of Spain’s best quality-to-cost lifestyles.
It’s compact, grounded, and easy to navigate — an approachable alternative to the Basque Country or Navarre.
Unlike its northern neighbors, La Rioja operates under Spain’s national framework, meaning the same administrative rules you’ll find elsewhere in the country. What sets it apart isn’t special tax status — it’s the excellent outcomes achieved within a modest structure.
Affordability defines much of its appeal. Rental prices sit roughly 25–35% below Basque levels, with central one-bedroom apartments between €550 and €700 per month.
Safety reinforces that comfort. La Rioja records some of Spain’s lowest crime numbers and ranks among the safest regions in Europe.
Its towns are compact, most only 20–40 minutes apart, creating a relaxed pace of life with plenty of nature and walking paths — plus outstanding wine.
The region has around 350,000 residents, so expat networks remain small and flight options limited. The nearest major airports are Bilbao and Zaragoza, both around 1.5 hours away.
English is not always guaranteed, though medical professionals and staff in larger towns increasingly accommodate foreign residents.
La Rioja is also a paradise for gastronomy. Over 500 bodegas operate across the region, and nearly every town hosts harvest fairs or food festivals celebrating local produce.
The Camino de Santiago passes through towns like Logroño and Santo Domingo de la Calzada, adding an extra cultural touch.
Summers are warm, often reaching the low 30s°C, but humidity stays low. Winters cool to around 10°C during the day, and there are far fewer overcast days than in the Basque Country.
La Rioja’s communities function smoothly, its costs remain predictable, and its pleasures — food, wine, and conversation — come naturally.
The Best City in La Rioja
Among all the cities in La Rioja, Logroño offers the best example of how the region’s strengths play out in daily life.
Life centers around a walkable core with an unhurried rhythm. At the heart of it all are Calle Laurel and Calle San Juan — narrow streets lined with tapas bars serving world-famous Rioja wine.
These pedestrian-friendly lanes are places where café conversations and casual encounters naturally blend newcomers with locals.
Logroño combines the essentials of an urban center — banks, hospitals, and services — without the stress of a big city.
Rents for one-bedroom apartments typically range between €550 and €700 per month, while three-bedroom apartments can cost less than €1,300.
That efficiency extends to everyday life. The city’s compactness keeps costs down and promotes sociability — neighbors meet in local bars for coffee at midday and again for wine in the evening.
Rail connections to Zaragoza and Madrid maintain easy travel, and highways make Burgos, Pamplona, and Vitoria reachable in under two hours.
Crime rates are extremely low — some years, the entire region records no homicides at all.
Retirement comfort in Logroño doesn’t require luxury or scale. Like Vitoria-Gasteiz and Pamplona, it blends strong infrastructure, natural rhythm, and affordability — offering a simple yet exceptional lifestyle.
Now you know more about these 3 Spanish regions, but what if I told you that there is another autonomous community in Spain that might PAY you to live there?
I am not kidding – rural Spain might pay you $16,000 to move to Extremadura.
Levi Borba is the founder of expatriateconsultancy.com, creator of the channel The Expat, and best-selling author. You can find him on X here. Some of the links above might be affiliated links, meaning the author earns a small commission if you make a purchase.
