City · Andalucía · All places
One of the oldest cities in Europe on a narrow Atlantic peninsula, with the sea on every side and the best carnival in Spain.
Cádiz sits at the end of a long, narrow sandbar on the Atlantic coast of south-west Andalucía, with the sea on three sides. Its small old town is a tight grid of lanes and plazas under bright sea light, protected by walls and bastions and topped by a golden-domed cathedral. It feels like a ship.
It is a city of humour, sea air and stubborn pride, and it has been inhabited for about three thousand years. It is beautiful, a little shabby, windy and slow. It is also small and hemmed in by its geography: there is little space to build, and competition for housing is tight.
The city has 109,950 residents (2025), and seniors make up 27.1% of them (2025).
Data as of · the latest figures cover Jun 2026
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What the data says
Cádiz stands out for transport, digital and housing; it is weaker on connectivity and healthcare. A typical 70 m² rental costs about €635 a month (2024).
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Practical conclusions we draw from Cádiz’s figures. They are inferences, not official statistics: each says what it rests on.
Few residents come from English-speaking or northern European countries, so daily life runs in 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.
Most commuters walk, cycle or take public transport. Owning a car is optional, and parking is the bigger cost.
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 older than in most of Spain: calmer streets, and fewer young people to share a flat or a night out with.
Fried fish from the freidurías, prawn fritters, the central market and red tuna in spring.
Slow, windy and outdoors, with life in plazas and doorways.
Bars in La Viña and the old town plazas, with live flamenco and carnival songs in season.
The old town is on a tight grid, while the newer city runs south along the Victoria beach.
Fast Andalusian Spanish full of jokes, with little English outside the tourist spots.
Carnival in February, Semana Santa and open-air summer fiestas near the beaches.
La Caleta and the long Victoria beach, kitesurfing, sailing and walks on the seafront ramparts.
Cádiz is a city of the sea. La Caleta, a small beach between two castles in the old town, is the heart of local life, and the long Victoria beach on the other side is where most people swim. Fishermen's bars serve fried fish and prawn fritters, and the central market is one of the best in Andalucía.
The people, the gaditanos, are known across Spain for their wit and irony, with a quick, self-mocking humour that shows in how they talk and sing. Carnival in February is the great event: for ten days whole neighbourhoods dress up and the streets fill with chirigotas, satirical groups who sing comic songs about current affairs. Everyone takes part, and the competition at the Gran Teatro Falla is a serious affair.
Life revolves around the street. In the old town, daily activity takes place in squares and doorways, in bars and at the market, and the barrio of La Viña is its liveliest quarter. Nearby are the White Villages, the sherry towns of Jerez and El Puerto de Santa María, and the beaches of the Costa de la Luz. A small passenger boat links Cádiz with El Puerto de Santa María across the bay.
Cádiz was founded by the Phoenicians as a trading post and later became a major Roman port. From the sixteenth to the eighteenth century it was the port that handled much of Spain's trade with the Americas, and its merchants built the tower houses with lookout turrets that give the old town its profile. In 1812 a parliament met here under siege and wrote Spain's first liberal constitution.
The modern economy relies on the port, shipbuilding and the naval and aircraft industries around the bay, tourism, public administration and the University of Cádiz. Unemployment is 17.0% (2025), one of the higher rates in Spain, and many young people leave. Household income per person is €16,398 a year (2024), and the city comes out above average on prosperity. The population is old and well educated: the median age is 53.2 years (2025), and adults with a university degree make up 51% (2024).
Because the old city occupies a peninsula, space is limited and flats are popular with visitors. A typical 70 m² flat rents for about €635 a month (2024), and buying costs €3,021 per square metre (Q2 2026). Housing comes out above average, and safety comes out above average, with recorded crime at 50.3 per 1,000 people (2024).
Getting around is one of its strengths. Car use is only 31% of commuters of commuters (2021), one of the lowest shares in Spain, and the city comes out strong on mobility. Healthcare comes out weak, even though the Puerta del Mar hospital is large, and life expectancy is 82.0 years (2023).
Figures for Cádiz itself, not its region. Each shows the period it covers.
Each card uses Cádiz data only and compares it with similar cities. Open “Why this score?” to see the measures behind it.
Transport is strong: in the top 10% of Spanish cities above 50,000.
Commute by car: 31.3% — better than 98% of Spanish cities above 50,000
Strong: 80 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)Cádiz · 2021 | 36.8 minutes | better than 68% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| Commute by carCádiz · 2021 | 31.3% | better than 98% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| Commute by public transportCádiz · 2021 | 19.0% | better than 76% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
Digital is above average: in the top quarter of Spanish cities above 50,000.
5G coverage: 100% — better than 85% of Spanish cities above 50,000
Above average: 75 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 internetCádiz · 2025 | 99.5% | better than 83% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| Homes with fibre to the doorCádiz · 2025 | 98.8% | better than 58% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| 5G coverageCádiz · 2025 | 100% | better than 85% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
Housing is above average: in the top quarter of Spanish cities above 50,000.
Rent growth a year, over 3 years: 3.35% — better than 96% of Spanish cities above 50,000
Above average: 66 out of 100, where 50 is typical for the comparison group. These are the measures behind it.
| Measure | Value | Compared with peers |
|---|---|---|
| Rent per m²Cádiz · 2024 | 9.07 €/m² a month | better than 33% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| Rents, change in a yearCádiz · 2024 | 2.50% | better than 95% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| Buying price per m²Cádiz · 2026-Q2 | 3,021 €/m² | better than 26% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| Rent growth a year, over 3 yearsCádiz · 2024 | 3.35% | better than 96% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| House prices, change in a yearCádiz · 2026-Q2 | 9.01% | better than 85% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
Prosperity is above average: better than most Spanish cities above 50,000.
Household income per person: 16,398 € a year per person — better than 65% of Spanish cities above 50,000
Above average: 65 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 personCádiz · 2024 | 16,398 € a year per person | better than 65% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
Safety is above average: better than most Spanish cities above 50,000.
Sexual offences: 0.24 per 1,000 people — better than 95% of Spanish cities above 50,000
Above average: 62 out of 100, where 50 is typical for the comparison group. These are the measures behind it.
| Measure | Value | Compared with peers |
|---|---|---|
| HomicidesCádiz · 2025 | 0.00 per 100k people | better than 78% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| Recorded crimeCádiz · 2024 | 50.3 per 1,000 people | better than 42% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| RobberiesCádiz · 2025 | 91.9 per 100k people | better than 45% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| BurglariesCádiz · 2025 | 70.0 per 100k people | better than 85% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| Sexual offencesCádiz · 2024 | 0.24 per 1,000 people | better than 95% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| TheftsCádiz · 2025 | 1,324 per 100k people | better than 36% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| Vehicle theftsCádiz · 2025 | 81.9 per 100k people | better than 35% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
Climate is around the middle: in the top quarter of major European cities.
Pleasant days (18–28 °C, dry): 173 days a year — better than 95% of major European cities
Average: 59 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)Cádiz · 2015-01-01..2024-12-31 | 173 days a year | better than 95% of major European cities |
| Days above 35 °CCádiz · 2015-01-01..2024-12-31 | 2.50 days a year | better than 41% of major European cities |
| Nights above 20 °CCádiz · 2015-01-01..2024-12-31 | 82.0 nights a year | better than 5% of major European cities |
Jobs is around the middle: around the middle of Spanish cities above 50,000.
Unemployment, change in a year: -2.26 points — better than 87% of Spanish cities above 50,000
Average: 46 out of 100, where 50 is typical for the comparison group. These are the measures behind it.
| Measure | Value | Compared with peers |
|---|---|---|
| UnemploymentCádiz · 2025 | 17.0% | better than 19% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| Unemployment, change in a yearCádiz · 2025 | -2.26 points | better than 87% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
Healthcare is weak: in the bottom quarter of Spanish cities above 50,000.
Life expectancy: 82.0 years — worse than 84% of Spanish cities above 50,000
Weak: 16 out of 100, where 50 is typical for the comparison group. These are the measures behind it.
| Measure | Value | Compared with peers |
|---|---|---|
| Life expectancyCádiz · 2023 | 82.0 years | better than 16% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
Connectivity is weak: in the bottom 10% of major European cities.
Distance to the main airport: 90.0 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 airportCádiz · 2026-10-21 | 90.0 km | better than 0% of major European cities |
What we cannot score for Cádiz yet
Highs around 30° in August, lows around 10° in January. 173 pleasant days a year (dry, 18–28 °C). 82 warm nights above 20 °C: check for air-conditioning.
| Month | High | Low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 15.9°C | 10.4°C | 49 mm |
| February | 16.6°C | 11.1°C | 36 mm |
| March | 17.7°C | 11.9°C | 86 mm |
| April | 19.7°C | 13.7°C | 42 mm |
| May | 23.1°C | 16.2°C | 27 mm |
| June | 25.8°C | 18.9°C | 5 mm |
| July | 29.1°C | 21.5°C | 0 mm |
| August | 29.7°C | 22.0°C | 1 mm |
| September | 26.8°C | 20.2°C | 10 mm |
| October | 23.9°C | 18.0°C | 71 mm |
| November | 19.7°C | 14.3°C | 70 mm |
| December | 17.5°C | 12.4°C | 62 mm |
Cádiz has a mild, breezy Atlantic climate. Winters are mild with some rain, and frost does not occur at 0 a year (2015–2024). Summers are warm and tempered by the sea: very hot days are 2 a year (2015–2024), far fewer than inland Andalucía, and tropical nights number 82 a year (2015–2024). Rainfall is 460 mm a year (2015–2024), and pleasant days number 173 a year (2015–2024).
A strong easterly wind, the levante, can blow for days and annoy locals and visitors alike, drying the air and rattling shutters. It works year-round: the winters are among the mildest in Spain and the summers are bright and breezy. Tourists fill the city from June to September, and the old town can be crowded and noisy for Carnival and in high summer.
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77/100 · strong · 14th of 106 Spanish cities above 50,000
17.0% in 2025
9.0% in Q2 2026
€9.1 per m² a month in 2024
€3,021 per m² in Q2 2026
82.0 years in 2023
Facts about the people who live in Cádiz. Shown as context only: none of this changes a score.
Guides for the practical side of moving to Spain: residency, housing, healthcare, tax and schools. Where the rules or prices depend on where you live, the guide says so.
Is Spain right for you, when to go, and how to try it before you commit.
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Routines, food, local customs, holidays, transport and getting around.
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Fit from the data, 0 to 100, against other Spanish cities. Open a group to see the figures behind it.
Windsurfing, kitesurfing, sailing, cycling and beach life all around the bay.
Not measured yet: Environment, Fine-particle pollution (PM2.5), Lifestyle, Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), Strong-wind days.
The University of Cádiz and a sociable city with plenty of beach, though the main science campuses are across the bay.
Not measured yet: Cost of Living, Cycle most, Education, Lifestyle, Price level vs EU average, Walk most, Youth unemployment (15–24).
A mild, breezy climate, a walkable old town and a big hospital, though space is tight and rents in the best areas are high.
Not measured yet: Cost of Living, Doctors, Environment, Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂).
Carnival, flamenco, a long history, a market and a fiercely local spirit make this one of the great cities for atmosphere.
Nothing stands out.
Better nearby for culture, food and nightlife: Granada (69)
Not measured yet: Lifestyle, Walk most.
A pleasant, fairly cheap base with decent fibre and the sea, though Seville and Jerez are the gateways and the coworking scene is thin.
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.
Few openings beyond the port, shipbuilding, public service and tourism, and many young people leave.
Not measured yet: Jobs in high-tech sectors, Lifestyle, Median gross salary, Youth unemployment (15–24).
Beautiful historic houses and a walkable city, though the luxury scene is on the coast further south.
Not measured yet: Average dwelling size, Education, Environment, Income tax and social security, average earner, Total tax on labour, average earner.
Beaches and a close-knit community, but small homes, little parking and few jobs.
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.
Port, maritime and tourism offer niches, with a small local market.
Better nearby for founders and self-employed: Torremolinos (56)
Not measured yet: Jobs in high-tech sectors, Regulatory quality.
Moderate costs outside the old town, though jobs are scarce and the old town is dearer than it looks.
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.
Taxes, residency and the wider economy are set nationally, so they are the same in Cádiz as anywhere in Spain.
Compared with Cádiz; each card says where it is better or worse for someone living there.
70 m²: €705 a month
Compare with Cádiz70 m²: €474 a month
Compare with Cádiz70 m²: €500 a month
Compare with Cádiz70 m²: €474 a month
Compare with Cádiz70 m²: €470 a month
Compare with Cádiz70 m²: €440 a month
Compare with CádizGuide 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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