Moving to Málaga in 2025 might be the smartest move for sun lovers, freelancers, and families alike.
Málaga isn’t just a beach town — it’s one of Spain’s oldest cities that’s quietly reinventing itself. Yes, you get 300 days of sunshine, tapas by the sea, and Picasso’s birthplace charm. But you also get a growing tech hub, modern public transport, and one of the most welcoming expat scenes in southern Europe.
For long-term living? Málaga might be the most underrated gem on the Costa del Sol.
Key Facts About Malaga (Spain)
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Population | ~580,000 (city), ~1 million with metro area |
| Language | Spanish (English widely used in expat/tourist zones) |
| Currency | Euro (EUR) |
| Average Rent | €700–1,200/month (1-bedroom in good neighborhood) |
| Average Net Salary | €1,200–1,800 |
| Digital Nomad Budget | €1,500–3,000/month |
| Health Insurance | Public (Seguridad Social) and private (~€40–80/month) |
| Safety Level | Very safe, peaceful and walkable city |
| Public Transport | Bus, metro, e-scooters (~€40/month pass) |
| Climate | Mediterranean – 300+ sunny days/year, mild winters |
| Residence Permit / Long Stay | Digital Nomad Visa, work, study, investment |
| Education | International schools, University of Malaga (UMA) |
| Grocery Prices | Affordable – supermarkets and fresh markets |
| Access to Nature | Beaches, mountains, hiking trails nearby |
| City Atmosphere | Coastal, laid-back, cosmopolitan, creative |
Renting in Málaga: Sunshine Comes Standard
Málaga’s rental market has grown more competitive, but it’s still far more affordable than Madrid or Barcelona — especially if you look just beyond the city center or near the university zone. Long-term leases are common, and many apartments come fully furnished.
Average monthly rent in 2025:
- Studio near the beach: €700–900
- 1-bedroom in the historic center or El Perchel: €900–1,300
- 2-bedroom with a terrace or sea view: €1,300–1,800
- Utilities: €100–130/month
- Internet: ~€30/month
- Deposit: Typically 1–2 months
Check out what’s available on long-term rentals in Málaga through XMetr.
Visas and Residency: Spain Keeps It Open
Spain continues to be one of the most accessible countries for non-EU residents:
- Digital Nomad Visa – for remote workers with foreign income (~€2,600/month)
- Non-Lucrative Visa – for those with savings or passive income
- Student Visa – with valid enrollment
- EU/EEA citizens – simple registration process
- Golden Visa – with a €500K+ property investment
After 5 years of legal stay, you can apply for permanent residency.
Language and Local Life
Spanish is the main language, but Málaga’s international flavor makes it easy to live without fluency, especially in expat-friendly areas. That said, learning Spanish will improve everything — from bureaucracy to brunch.
Málaga’s rhythm is relaxed. Locals are friendly, mornings start slowly, lunches are long, and the sea is never far. You’ll see pensioners chatting on benches and digital nomads working from rooftop cafés — all in one block.
Where to Live in Málaga
- Centro Histórico – charming, central, walkable, touristy
- El Perchel – well-connected, near the train station, modernizing fast
- Soho – creative quarter, young energy
- Teatinos – newer, residential, near the university
- Pedregalejo – coastal, quieter, great for families
- El Palo – traditional and affordable by the beach
- Torremolinos / Benalmádena – nearby towns with great transport, more space
Pro tip: Being near a Cercanías (local train) or metro stop makes life way easier.
Top 5 Best Neighborhoods in Malaga for Long-Term Living
| Neighborhood | Why It’s Great |
|---|---|
| 1. Centro Histórico | Heart of the city – culture, food, walkability, perfect for city lovers. |
| 2. El Limonar | Upscale, quiet, leafy, close to the sea – ideal for families. |
| 3. Teatinos | Modern, full of students and families – well connected. |
| 4. Pedregalejo | Charming, beachside, full of tapas bars and local vibe. |
| 5. Soho | Artsy, trendy, central – great for creatives and young professionals. |
Cost of Living in Málaga
- Rent: €800–1,500/month
- Utilities: €100/month
- Groceries: €250–300/month
- Dining out:
- Coffee: €1.50
- Tapas lunch: €10–15
- Dinner for two: €35–60
- Public transport pass: €40/month
- Coworking: €100–150/month
- Private insurance: €40–80/month
A comfortable lifestyle: €1,800–2,700/month, depending on location and habits.
Work and Income
Málaga is growing into a remote work hub thanks to infrastructure upgrades and lifestyle appeal. Common sources of income for long-term expats:
- Remote jobs (design, marketing, tech)
- Startups and coworking
- Teaching English or Spanish
- Tourism and hospitality
- Retirement pensions or freelance work
The “Andalucía Hub” initiative has brought in international companies and innovation districts — a good sign for the city’s future.
| Profession | Avg. Gross Salary per Month (EUR) |
|---|---|
| Software Developer | €2,700 |
| IT Project Manager | €3,200 |
| UX/UI Designer | €2,400 |
| Architect | €2,200 |
| Mechanical Engineer | €2,500 |
| General Practitioner (Doctor) | €4,000 |
| Nurse | €2,000 |
| High School Teacher | €1,900 |
| Marketing Specialist | €2,400 |
| Accountant | €2,300 |
☀️ Málaga has grown into a tech and creative hotspot on the Costa del Sol. While salaries are slightly lower than in Madrid or Barcelona, the quality of life—sunshine, sea, and pace—is a major draw for both locals and expats.
Healthcare: Excellent and Accessible
Spain’s healthcare system is among the best in Europe, and Málaga has public and private options.
- Public coverage available for legal residents
- Doctor visit (private): €40–60
- Dental cleaning: ~€50
- Private insurance: €40–90/month
- Hospitals like Vithas and Quirónsalud are expat-friendly
Final Thoughts: Is Málaga Right for You?
If your dream life includes sunset strolls by the sea, reliable Wi-Fi, low-key charm, and affordable tapas — Málaga makes perfect sense. It’s livable, friendly, and modern enough without losing its soul.
You could chase buzzier cities. Or you could settle in Málaga — where the quality of life speaks for itself.
Also check out our article on Moving to Katowice