Region · Spain · All places
Spain's biggest region: walled cities, roasted lamb, wide skies and a countryside that is emptying out.
Castilla y León is the largest region in Spain by area, and one of the least populated per square kilometre. It covers the high northern plateau (the Meseta), with nine provinces, from the mountains of León and the Picos de Europa in the north to Gredos and Segovia in the south, and Portugal in the west. It is the historical heart of Spain.
Its cities are small and beautiful. Salamanca, Segovia, Ávila, Burgos and León are all full of cathedrals, university buildings and old walls, many of them World Heritage sites. Valladolid, the capital in practice, is a bigger industrial city. Between them, there are wheat fields, vineyards, oak forests and villages with a few dozen people. The region has 2,401,221 residents (2025).
Data as of · the latest figures cover Jun 2026
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What the data says
Castilla y León stands out for housing; it is weaker on prosperity and jobs. A typical 70 m² rental costs about €418 a month (2024).
Who it suits, 0 to 100
Practical conclusions we draw from Castilla y León’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.
People born abroad are in work less often than people born in Spain. Remote income or a job offer makes the move far easier.
Roast lamb and suckling pig from wood ovens, blood sausage, cured ham, bean stews and good red wine.
Unhurried and serious, with the clearest Spanish in the country and long lunches.
Tapas bars where a drink comes with a small plate, strongest in León, Salamanca and Burgos.
Compact stone cities with arcaded squares and walls, surrounded by wheat fields and nearly empty villages.
Spanish only, with no second official language and a clean, easy accent for learners.
Holy Week in Valladolid and Zamora, with solemn processions and carved wooden figures.
The Gredos mountains, Picos de Europa, Arribes canyons, the Camino and miles of plateau.
Castilian cities are made for walking. Salamanca is golden sandstone, with a vast arcaded square, students on every terrace and a late-night life that belies its small size. Segovia has a Roman aqueduct, a fairy-tale castle and a famous roast piglet, and Ávila's walls circle the entire old town. Burgos has a Gothic cathedral and a beloved river promenade, and León has Gothic stained glass and a lively centre of tapas bars where each drink comes with a small free plate.
People are serious, direct and generous. They speak what many consider the clearest Spanish. Food is strong and unfussy: roast lamb and suckling pig cooked in wood-fired ovens, blood sausage, cured ham from Guijuelo, hearty bean stews, and the red wines of the Ribera del Duero and the white wines of Rueda.
The countryside has a majestic emptiness: huge fields, storks nesting on church towers, Romanesque churches in tiny villages, the Roman gold mines of Las Médulas, the canyons of the Arribes del Duero and the granite peaks of Gredos. The Camino de Santiago crosses the region from east to west. Festivals are dramatic, and Holy Week in Valladolid and Zamora is among the most solemn in Spain.
In the Middle Ages the kingdoms of León and Castile led the reconquest of the peninsula and later built Spain. The wealth of that period, and of the wool trade, built the cathedrals and palaces that still define the cities. The University of Salamanca, founded in 1218, is one of the oldest in Europe.
In the twentieth century, the region lost much of its population: young people moved to Madrid, Barcelona and the Basque Country for work. The result is what Spaniards call "empty Spain": vast areas with a tiny, old population, and some provinces, such as Soria, with the lowest density in the country. Valladolid, Burgos and León have industry, notably cars and agri-food, but there are few big employers elsewhere. Unemployment is 8.6% (2025), and the average gross salary is €26,177 a year (2024). Jobs come out weak and prosperity weak.
Costs are low because so many homes sit in places where few people want to live. A typical 70 m² flat rents for about €418 a month (2024), and buying costs €1,350 per square metre (Q2 2026). Housing comes out above average. Street crime is low, with robberies at 32 per 100k people (2024), and life expectancy is 84.8 years (2024). Long rural roads and fast traffic give the region the highest road death rate in Spain, at 6.8 per 100k people (2024).
Figures for Castilla y León. Each shows the period it covers.
Each card uses Castilla y León data only and compares it with other regions. Open “Why this score?” to see the measures behind it.
Housing is above average: around the middle of Spanish regions.
Buying price per m²: 1,350 €/m² — better than 87% of Spanish regions
Above average: 64 out of 100, where 50 is typical for the comparison group. These are the measures behind it.
| Measure | Value | Compared with peers |
|---|---|---|
| Households spending >40% of income on housingCastilla y León · 2025 | 7.60% | better than 61% of European metro regions |
| Rent per m²Castilla y León · 2024 | 5.97 €/m² a month | better than 71% of Spanish regions |
| Rents, change in a yearCastilla y León · 2024 | 3.00% | better than 79% of Spanish regions |
| Buying price per m²Castilla y León · 2026-Q2 | 1,350 €/m² | better than 87% of Spanish regions |
| House prices, change in a yearCastilla y León · 2026-Q2 | 14.8% | better than 13% of Spanish regions |
Safety is around the middle: better than most European metro regions.
Thefts: 157 per 100k people — better than 100% of European metro regions
Average: 59 out of 100, where 50 is typical for the comparison group. These are the measures behind it.
| Measure | Value | Compared with peers |
|---|---|---|
| HomicidesCastilla y León · 2024 | 0.50 per 100k people | better than 80% of European metro regions |
| Recorded crimeCastilla y León · 2025 | 40.2 per 1,000 people | better than 74% of Spanish regions |
| RobberiesCastilla y León · 2024 | 31.8 per 100k people | better than 88% of European metro regions |
| BurglariesCastilla y León · 2024 | 130 per 100k people | better than 60% of European metro regions |
| Road deathsCastilla y León · 2024 | 6.80 per 100k people | better than 0% of European metro regions |
| Assault rateCastilla y León · 2024 | 227 per 100k people | better than 66% of European metro regions |
| TheftsCastilla y León · 2024 | 157 per 100k people | better than 100% of European metro regions |
| Vehicle theftsCastilla y León · 2024 | 13.6 per 100k people | better than 97% of European metro regions |
Healthcare is around the middle: around the middle of European metro regions.
Life expectancy: 84.8 years — better than 94% of European metro regions
Average: 54 out of 100, where 50 is typical for the comparison group. These are the measures behind it.
| Measure | Value | Compared with peers |
|---|---|---|
| Wait for a specialist appointmentCastilla y León · 2025-H2 | 102 days | better than 44% of Spanish regions |
| Wait for surgeryCastilla y León · 2025-H2 | 87.0 days | better than 74% of Spanish regions |
| DoctorsCastilla y León · 2024 | 443 per 100k people | better than 22% of European metro regions |
| Life expectancyCastilla y León · 2024 | 84.8 years | better than 94% of European metro regions |
| Infant mortalityCastilla y León · 2024 | 2.70 per 1,000 births | better than 70% of European metro regions |
Jobs is weak: in the bottom quarter of European metro regions.
Jobs in high-tech sectors: 3.30% of jobs — worse than 96% of European metro regions
Weak: 24 out of 100, where 50 is typical for the comparison group. These are the measures behind it.
| Measure | Value | Compared with peers |
|---|---|---|
| Median gross salaryCastilla y León · 2024 | 22,567 € a year per worker | better than 32% of Spanish regions |
| UnemploymentCastilla y León · 2025 | 8.60% | better than 24% of European metro regions |
| Employment rate (20–64)Castilla y León · 2025 | 74.3% | better than 22% of European metro regions |
| Long-term unemploymentCastilla y León · 2025 | 2.30% of the workforce | better than 41% of European metro regions |
| Youth unemployment (15–24)Castilla y León · 2025 | 24.7% | better than 16% of European metro regions |
| Labour-force participationCastilla y León · 2025 | 75.7% | better than 32% of European metro regions |
| Youth not in employment/education/trainingCastilla y León · 2025 | 11.2% | better than 32% of European metro regions |
| Jobs in high-tech sectorsCastilla y León · 2025 | 3.30% of jobs | better than 4% of European metro regions |
Wellbeing is weak: in the bottom quarter of European metro regions.
At risk of poverty: 19.8% — worse than 85% of European metro regions
Weak: 24 out of 100, where 50 is typical for the comparison group. These are the measures behind it.
| Measure | Value | Compared with peers |
|---|---|---|
| At risk of povertyCastilla y León · 2025 | 19.8% | better than 15% of European metro regions |
| Material deprivationCastilla y León · 2025 | 6.70% | better than 32% of European metro regions |
Prosperity is weak: in the bottom quarter of European metro regions.
Economic output per person: 34,500 PPS per person — worse than 88% of European metro regions
Weak: 15 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 personCastilla y León · 2023 | 20,500 PPS per person | better than 18% of European metro regions |
| Economic output per personCastilla y León · 2024 | 34,500 PPS per person | better than 12% of European metro regions |
What we cannot score for Castilla y León yet
The Meseta has a harsh continental climate. Winters are long and cold, with frost, fog and snow, particularly in Burgos, Soria, León and Ávila, which are among the coldest cities in Spain. Summers are hot and dry in the day and cool at night, which makes nights comfortable.
The best months run from late spring to early autumn. Spring has green fields and poppies, and autumn has harvest and gold light. Winter is the hard season, and homes need good heating.
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71/100 · above average · 8th of 35 European metro regions
8.6% in 2025
5.4% in Sep 2026
2.9% in 2024
34,500 PPS in 2024
14.8% in Q2 2026
€6.0 per m² a month in 2024
€1,350 per m² in Q2 2026
84.8 years in 2024
74.3% in 2025
Facts about the people who live in Castilla y León. Shown as context only: none of this changes a score.
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Routines, food, local customs, holidays, transport and getting around.
Scams, disputes, emergencies, your rights and where to get help.
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Cost of living and housing by region
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Regional differences in public healthcare
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Fit from the data, 0 to 100, against other Spanish regions. Open a group to see the figures behind it.
Salamanca is one of the great student cities in Spain, with Valladolid, Burgos and León as well. Life is cheap and the nights are long.
Not measured yet: Commute by public transport, Cost of Living, Cycle most, Education, Lifestyle, Median age, Price level vs EU average, Transport, Walk most.
Beautiful old cities, great wine and a peaceful life, with few luxury services.
Nothing stands out.
Not measured yet: Average dwelling size, Distance to the main airport, Education, Environment, Income tax and social security, average earner, Total tax on labour, average earner.
Some of the cheapest living in western Europe among real cities, with public services in place. The trade-off is limited jobs.
Not measured yet: Cost of Living, Price level vs EU average.
Very low crime, low costs and well-organised public healthcare. Winters are cold and the countryside is isolated.
Nothing stands out.
Not measured yet: Climate, Cost of Living, Days above 35 °C, Environment, Frost days, Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), Pleasant days (18–28 °C, dry).
Excellent schools, safe cities, big homes and low costs make this a family-friendly region. Work for both parents is easier in Valladolid, Burgos and León.
Better in the region for families with children: Zamora (79), Burgos (70), Palencia (69)
Not measured yet: 15-year-olds' maths (PISA), Average commute (one way), Average dwelling size, Childcare availability, Education, Environment, Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), Pre-primary participation.
Low operating costs and strong food and agriculture industries. The market is small and the investors are elsewhere.
Nothing stands out.
Nothing stands out.
Better in the region for founders and self-employed: Burgos (55), Valladolid (55), Salamanca (54)
Not measured yet: Connectivity, Digital, Distance to the main airport, Regulatory quality.
Cathedrals, Romanesque art, old universities, Holy Week and an exceptional food and wine culture.
Nothing stands out.
Nothing stands out.
Better in the region for culture, food and nightlife: Valladolid (60), Burgos (58), Salamanca (56)
Not measured yet: Commute by public transport, Lifestyle, Median age, Transport, Walk most.
Salamanca and Valladolid offer a decent job market in industry, health and services. Most ambitious people end up in Madrid.
Better in the region for young professionals: Salamanca (62), Burgos (61), Valladolid (59)
Not measured yet: Commute by public transport, Lifestyle, Median age, Transport.
Low rents and a calm life, with high-speed rail from Valladolid, Segovia and León to Madrid. Coworking is limited outside the main cities.
Not measured yet: Climate, Connectivity, Cost of Living, Digital, Distance to the main airport, Fixed broadband penetration, Homes with fibre to the door, Lifestyle, Pleasant days (18–28 °C, dry).
Mountains, long walks, the Camino, rivers and birdwatching. Winters are cold and the sea is far away.
Nothing stands out.
Nothing stands out.
Not measured yet: Climate, Days above 35 °C, Environment, Fine-particle pollution (PM2.5), Frost days, Lifestyle, Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), Pleasant days (18–28 °C, dry), Rainy days (≥1 mm), Strong-wind days.
Taxes, residency and the wider economy are set nationally, so they are the same in Castilla y León as anywhere in Spain.
Click a column to sort. Columns with too little data are left out.
| Place | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burgos | 65 | €496 | 7.8% | 36.3 per 1,000 people | 94 | 84.3 years |
| Salamanca | 64 | €447 | 9.4% | 47.3 per 1,000 people | 89 | 84.7 years |
| Valladolid | 64 | €473 | 10.6% | 37.1 per 1,000 people | 93 | 84.1 years |
| Zamora | 63 | €344 | 12.4% | 34.2 per 1,000 people | 92 | 84.8 years |
| Palencia | 62 | €403 | 8.6% | 32.5 per 1,000 people | 94 | 83.5 years |
| León | 59 | €394 | 10.8% | 53.6 per 1,000 people | 91 | 83.9 years |
| Segovia | 58 | €480 | n/a | n/a | 86 | n/a |
| Ponferrada | 55 | €350 | 11.6% | 41.2 per 1,000 people | 85 | 83.8 years |
| Ávila | 49 | €414 | n/a | n/a | 82 | n/a |
Guide 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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