City · Andalucía · All places
A desert-edged port city with a Moorish fortress, free tapas and the continent's vegetable garden next door.
Almería is a port city on a bay in the far south-east of Spain, framed by dry hills and a desert. It is the driest and one of the sunniest cities in Europe, with a long seafront promenade, a large Moorish fortress above the old town and, a short drive away, the beaches and volcanic coves of Cabo de Gata.
It is a calm provincial capital of mid size, cheap, isolated, and not part of the main tourist circuit. For people who live here, it is a place with low costs, a strong sense of local identity and spectacular, empty landscapes close by, in return for few jobs and a long distance from the rest of Spain.
The city has 205,468 residents (2025). Residents born abroad make up 15.6% (2025).
Data as of · the latest figures cover Jun 2026
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What the data says
Almería is weaker on connectivity and healthcare. A typical 70 m² rental costs about €474 a month (2024).
Who it suits, 0 to 100
Practical conclusions we draw from Almería’s figures. They are inferences, not official statistics: each says what it rests on.
You will meet English speakers, mostly in the centre and at international employers. Shops, landlords and schools expect Spanish. Contracts, the town hall and most doctors work in Spanish.
Summer nights stay warm, so sleep depends on a cooled bedroom. Check for air-conditioning before you sign.
Almost every home can get gigabit fibre, so working from home is not a gamble on the flat you pick.
Non-urgent surgery takes longer than in most of Spain (Andalucía-wide figure). Many residents add private health insurance.
Residents are younger than in most of Spain: more students, young families and evening life.
Fried fish, gurullos stew, dried octopus and tapas that come free with the drink.
Slow and warm, with the city waking up after nine in the evening.
The *tapeo* round in the streets around the market and the Paseo de Almería, plus summer beach bars.
The old town under the Alcazaba, the Zapillo seafront and the hillside Chanca quarter.
Spanish with a strong Almerian accent, with Arabic and Romanian heard in the farming communities.
Holy Week, the August fair and the November film festival.
Cabo de Gata beaches and diving, desert hikes and cycling in the Tabernas hills.
Almería is slow, warm and local. Evenings are for the tapeo: in many bars a free tapa comes with each drink, in a tradition similar to Granada's, and the old centre and the streets near the market are full of people from about nine at night. The seafront promenade is used by walkers and cyclists, and the city beaches around Zapillo are popular at weekends.
The Alcazaba dominates the skyline, and the old town below it has civil-war air-raid shelters, a cathedral built like a fortress against pirate raids and small plazas. The Cable Inglés, an old iron ore loading pier, stands on the waterfront as a monument. Outside the city, the landscape is extraordinary: the Tabernas desert, where many westerns were filmed, the cliffs and pale beaches of Cabo de Gata, and white villages like Níjar.
People are friendly and unhurried, with a strong local accent and an easy sense of humour. The city has a mix of Spanish, North African, Latin American and eastern European residents, and it is not a place of crowds or luxury. The University of Almería sits on a campus just outside town and gives it a student presence.
Almería was one of the great ports of Moorish Spain, and its fortress, the Alcazaba, is among the largest built by Muslim rulers in Europe. After the Christian conquest, it declined into a poor and isolated provincial town, and in the twentieth century people left for Catalonia and northern Europe.
The change came with plastic. From the 1970s, farmers on the plains west of the city covered vast areas with greenhouses, using irrigation and the sun to produce vegetables all winter for the whole of Europe. That industry, heavily staffed by migrant workers from Morocco, Romania, West Africa and elsewhere, drives the provincial economy, along with tourism and the port. Most of the farm wealth sits in towns on the plain rather than in the city itself. Jobs come out below average and prosperity below average. Unemployment is 18.4% (2025), and household income per person is €14,136 a year (2024).
Housing is among the cheapest of any Spanish provincial capital, though prices are now moving. A typical 70 m² flat rents for about €474 a month (2024), and buying costs €1,796 per square metre (Q2 2026). House prices rose 20.8% over the latest year (Q2 2026).
Healthcare comes out weak in the overall picture, and life expectancy is 81.9 years (2023), lower than in most Spanish cities. Recorded crime is 48.5 per 1,000 people (2024), and safety comes out average. Connectivity comes out weak: the larger airport used for most routes is 149 km away (2026), and rail links are slow.
Figures for Almería itself, not its region. Each shows the period it covers.
Each card uses Almería data only and compares it with similar cities. Open “Why this score?” to see the measures behind it.
Climate is around the middle: in the top quarter of major European cities.
Pleasant days (18–28 °C, dry): 136 days a year — better than 92% of major European cities
Average: 57 out of 100, where 50 is typical for the comparison group. These are the measures behind it.
| Measure | Value | Compared with peers |
|---|---|---|
| Pleasant days (18–28 °C, dry)Almería · 2015-01-01..2024-12-31 | 136 days a year | better than 92% of major European cities |
| Days above 35 °CAlmería · 2015-01-01..2024-12-31 | 8.60 days a year | better than 27% of major European cities |
| Nights above 20 °CAlmería · 2015-01-01..2024-12-31 | 51.2 nights a year | better than 19% of major European cities |
Digital is around the middle: around the middle of Spanish cities above 50,000.
Homes that can get gigabit internet: 98.2% — worse than 52% of Spanish cities above 50,000
Average: 49 out of 100, where 50 is typical for the comparison group. These are the measures behind it.
| Measure | Value | Compared with peers |
|---|---|---|
| Homes that can get gigabit internetAlmería · 2025 | 98.2% | better than 48% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| Homes with fibre to the doorAlmería · 2025 | 98.4% | better than 49% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| 5G coverageAlmería · 2025 | 100.0% | better than 52% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
Safety is around the middle: behind most Spanish cities above 50,000.
Homicides: 1.46 per 100k people — worse than 81% of Spanish cities above 50,000
Average: 41 out of 100, where 50 is typical for the comparison group. These are the measures behind it.
| Measure | Value | Compared with peers |
|---|---|---|
| HomicidesAlmería · 2025 | 1.46 per 100k people | better than 19% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| Recorded crimeAlmería · 2024 | 48.5 per 1,000 people | better than 48% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| RobberiesAlmería · 2025 | 123 per 100k people | better than 33% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| BurglariesAlmería · 2025 | 103 per 100k people | better than 56% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| Sexual offencesAlmería · 2024 | 0.43 per 1,000 people | better than 46% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| TheftsAlmería · 2025 | 1,173 per 100k people | better than 51% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| Vehicle theftsAlmería · 2025 | 58.4 per 100k people | better than 53% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
Housing is around the middle: in the bottom quarter of Spanish cities above 50,000.
Buying price per m²: 1,796 €/m² — better than 71% of Spanish cities above 50,000
Average: 40 out of 100, where 50 is typical for the comparison group. These are the measures behind it.
| Measure | Value | Compared with peers |
|---|---|---|
| Rent per m²Almería · 2024 | 6.77 €/m² a month | better than 64% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| Rents, change in a yearAlmería · 2024 | 3.80% | better than 27% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| Buying price per m²Almería · 2026-Q2 | 1,796 €/m² | better than 71% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| Rent growth a year, over 3 yearsAlmería · 2024 | 5.82% | better than 23% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| House prices, change in a yearAlmería · 2026-Q2 | 20.8% | better than 6% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
Transport is below average: in the bottom quarter of Spanish cities above 50,000.
Commute by public transport: 8.50% — worse than 73% of Spanish cities above 50,000
Below average: 39 out of 100, where 50 is typical for the comparison group. These are the measures behind it.
| Measure | Value | Compared with peers |
|---|---|---|
| Average commute (one way)Almería · 2021 | 37.6 minutes | better than 54% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| Commute by carAlmería · 2021 | 63.6% | better than 34% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| Commute by public transportAlmería · 2021 | 8.50% | better than 27% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
Jobs is below average: in the bottom quarter of Spanish cities above 50,000.
Unemployment: 18.4% — worse than 90% of Spanish cities above 50,000
Below average: 38 out of 100, where 50 is typical for the comparison group. These are the measures behind it.
| Measure | Value | Compared with peers |
|---|---|---|
| UnemploymentAlmería · 2025 | 18.4% | better than 10% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| Unemployment, change in a yearAlmería · 2025 | -1.71 points | better than 81% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
Prosperity is below average: behind most Spanish cities above 50,000.
Household income per person: 14,136 € a year per person — worse than 73% of Spanish cities above 50,000
Below average: 27 out of 100, where 50 is typical for the comparison group. These are the measures behind it.
| Measure | Value | Compared with peers |
|---|---|---|
| Household income per personAlmería · 2024 | 14,136 € a year per person | better than 27% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
Healthcare is weak: in the bottom quarter of Spanish cities above 50,000.
Life expectancy: 81.9 years — worse than 87% of Spanish cities above 50,000
Weak: 13 out of 100, where 50 is typical for the comparison group. These are the measures behind it.
| Measure | Value | Compared with peers |
|---|---|---|
| Life expectancyAlmería · 2023 | 81.9 years | better than 13% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
Connectivity is weak: in the bottom 10% of major European cities.
Distance to the main airport: 149 km — worse than 100% of major European cities
Weak: 0 out of 100, where 50 is typical for the comparison group. These are the measures behind it.
| Measure | Value | Compared with peers |
|---|---|---|
| Distance to the main airportAlmería · 2026-10-21 | 149 km | better than 0% of major European cities |
What we cannot score for Almería yet
Highs around 33° in July, lows around 5° in January. 136 pleasant days a year (dry, 18–28 °C). 51 warm nights above 20 °C: check for air-conditioning.
| Month | High | Low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 13.9°C | 5.4°C | 25 mm |
| February | 15.1°C | 6.1°C | 16 mm |
| March | 17.0°C | 7.5°C | 44 mm |
| April | 19.4°C | 9.3°C | 30 mm |
| May | 23.8°C | 13.1°C | 19 mm |
| June | 28.3°C | 17.3°C | 6 mm |
| July | 32.5°C | 21.0°C | 2 mm |
| August | 31.9°C | 21.1°C | 6 mm |
| September | 27.4°C | 17.7°C | 20 mm |
| October | 23.3°C | 14.0°C | 30 mm |
| November | 18.0°C | 9.2°C | 25 mm |
| December | 15.5°C | 7.2°C | 29 mm |
Almería has a semi-arid climate with almost no rain, long hours of sun and a steady sea breeze. Rainfall is only 253 mm a year (2015–2024). Winters are very mild, with sunny days; summers are hot and humid on the coast, though the sea keeps temperatures lower than inland Andalucía.
Very hot days: 9 a year (2015–2024). Tropical nights are 51 a year (2015–2024). Pleasant days, mild and dry, number 136 a year (2015–2024).
It is a winter city: from October to May the weather is excellent, and the sea is warm enough for a swim into November. Summer is hot, the beaches are full, and a flat without air conditioning is a mistake. A dry wind from the east can bring dust and make the air feel heavier than the thermometer says.
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74/100 · above average · 21st of 106 Spanish cities above 50,000
18.4% in 2025
20.8% in Q2 2026
€6.8 per m² a month in 2024
€1,796 per m² in Q2 2026
81.9 years in 2023
Facts about the people who live in Almería. Shown as context only: none of this changes a score.
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Fit from the data, 0 to 100, against other Spanish cities. Open a group to see the figures behind it.
Cabo de Gata, desert hikes, diving, kayaking and cycling in a dry landscape. Superb for the active.
Not measured yet: Environment, Fine-particle pollution (PM2.5), Lifestyle, Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), Strong-wind days.
A university on the edge of town and a low-cost life, with beaches and free tapas.
Better nearby for students: Granada (64), Jaén (64), Córdoba (60)
Not measured yet: Cost of Living, Cycle most, Education, Lifestyle, Price level vs EU average, Walk most, Youth unemployment (15–24).
The Alcazaba, tapas and the Tabernas cinema landscapes. A small local scene.
Better nearby for culture, food and nightlife: Granada (69)
Not measured yet: Lifestyle, Walk most.
Very cheap, very sunny and quiet, with fibre in the city. The nearest big hub is far away.
Better nearby for remote workers: La Línea de la Concepción (72), Torremolinos (63), Fuengirola (60)
Not measured yet: Cost of Living, Fixed broadband penetration, Lifestyle.
Mild winters, low prices and a quiet life, but long distances from the big cities and a health picture that is below the national average.
Better nearby for retirees: Motril (67), Rincón de la Victoria (64), El Ejido (63)
Not measured yet: Cost of Living, Doctors, Environment, Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂).
Agri-tech and logistics around the greenhouses, with low costs and a niche local market.
Better nearby for founders and self-employed: Torremolinos (56), Granada (53), Sevilla (52)
Not measured yet: Jobs in high-tech sectors, Regulatory quality.
One of the cheapest places on the Spanish coast. The limit is work, and prices are rising.
Better nearby for budget-conscious movers: Linares (72), Utrera (66), El Ejido (65)
Not measured yet: Cost of Living, Households spending >40% of income on housing, Price level vs EU average.
Few opportunities beyond the farming economy and services; many young people leave.
Better nearby for young professionals: Granada (53), Cádiz (51), Jaén (49)
Not measured yet: Jobs in high-tech sectors, Lifestyle, Median gross salary, Youth unemployment (15–24).
Limited luxury, though the beaches of Cabo de Gata are lovely. Better served elsewhere.
Better nearby for high earners and investors: Utrera (55), La Línea de la Concepción (54), Rincón de la Victoria (54)
Not measured yet: Average dwelling size, Education, Environment, Income tax and social security, average earner, Total tax on labour, average earner.
Sunny and affordable, with beaches and space. Work opportunities are limited, mainly in agriculture and services.
Better nearby for families with children: Linares (64), Jaén (60), Utrera (56)
Not measured yet: 15-year-olds' maths (PISA), Average dwelling size, Childcare availability, Education, Environment, Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), Pre-primary participation.
Taxes, residency and the wider economy are set nationally, so they are the same in Almería as anywhere in Spain.
Compared with Almería; each card says where it is better or worse for someone living there.
70 m²: €635 a month
Compare with Almería70 m²: €705 a month
Compare with Almería70 m²: €474 a month
Compare with Almería70 m²: €500 a month
Compare with Almería70 m²: €470 a month
Compare with Almería70 m²: €440 a month
Compare with AlmeríaGuide written 2026-10-22. Figures are refreshed as new official data is published; the period beside each number says what it covers. “Our read” cards are our inferences from those figures. How we score
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