City · Melilla · All places
A small Spanish city in North Africa, with modernist streets and a fortress old town, a young population and few ways in or out.
Melilla is a Spanish city of its own on the Mediterranean coast of Morocco, on a small peninsula, and is one of two autonomous cities that Spain holds in North Africa. It has a fortified old town on the sea, a grid of early twentieth-century streets full of modernist buildings, a port and a land border with Morocco. The city has 86,780 residents (2025).
It is small, mild and unusual. The sea is everywhere, the city can be crossed on foot, and it is the youngest city in Spain, with a mix of Christian, Muslim, Jewish and Hindu families. It suits people who are posted here, who work in the public sector, or who are drawn by the tax position, and it offers little to anyone who needs a wide job market or an easy road out.
Data as of · the latest figures cover Jun 2026
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What the data says
Melilla stands out for housing and climate; it is weaker on connectivity and healthcare. A typical 70 m² rental costs about €637 a month (2024).
Who it suits, 0 to 100
Practical conclusions we draw from Melilla’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 people drive to work. Without a car, check bus routes from any flat before you commit.
People born abroad are in work less often than people born in Spain across Melilla. Remote income or a job offer makes the move far easier.
Almost every home can get gigabit fibre, so working from home is not a gamble on the flat you pick.
Residents are younger than in most of Spain: more students, young families and evening life.
Spanish tapas next to Moroccan tea and pastries, Rif Berber dishes, couscous on Fridays and good seafood from the harbour.
Small-town and unhurried, with a short commute and a daily walk along the seafront.
Terraces around the Plaza de España and the Avenida, with an evening paseo and little late-night life.
Melilla la Vieja on the rock, the modernist Ensanche around the Plaza de España, and plainer districts further out.
Spanish, and Tamazight (the Rif Berber language) and Arabic heard widely in the streets.
The September fair for the Virgen de la Victoria, Easter processions, and Muslim, Jewish and Hindu festivals marked in public.
City beaches, scuba diving and sailing from the harbour, and day trips into Morocco when the border allows.
The centre is compact and handsome in a faded way. The Plaza de España, with its fountain and the grand town hall, anchors a grid of modernist buildings with curved balconies and tiled facades, the work of Nieto and his contemporaries. Below the old fortress, the harbour and the Parque Hernández give the town its green and blue heart.
Daily life is an unusual mix. Mosques, churches, synagogues and a Hindu temple all stand in a small area, and the city markets sell Spanish ham next to Moroccan spices. The border post at Beni Enzar is a few minutes from the centre. Thousands of people cross each day to work and shop, though the rules have changed with politics and health restrictions, so no one should plan around the crossing without checking the current situation.
Melilla feels like a provincial Spanish town with a different horizon. The garrison, the port and the public offices set the rhythm, nights are early, and the sea is never more than a few minutes away. Trips to the mainland are by ferry to Málaga or Almería, or by plane.
Spain took the peninsula in 1497, and it has stayed Spanish ever since, which makes Melilla one of the oldest European settlements in Africa. For most of its history it was a fortress and a garrison, and the walled old town, Melilla la Vieja, still stands on the rock with its towers and a series of defensive lines. The Spanish army and the Legion remain an important presence, and the military makes up a good part of the economy.
The city grew in the early twentieth century, when the Spanish protectorate in northern Morocco and the mining of the Rif brought trade, and a local architect, Enrique Nieto, filled the new quarter with modernist buildings. That is why the centre looks like a small Barcelona by the African sea. Today the economy is public administration, the port, the garrison and trade with the Moroccan side of the border, and private business is thin.
That economy produces odd statistics. Unemployment is 21.7% (2025), one of the highest in Spain, while net household income is €47,850 a year (2024), because public-sector salaries are high and residents benefit from a large income-tax deduction. Prosperity comes out below average, and jobs come out average. The city also has a different tax system for consumption, with a local indirect tax in place of VAT.
The population is young: the median age is 33.4 years (2025), the lowest of any Spanish city of its size, and residents born abroad make up 24.6% (2025). The share of seniors is 12.7% (2025).
Housing is unusually cheap against income. A typical 70 m² flat rents for about €637 a month (2024), and buying costs €2,164 per square metre (Q2 2026). Housing comes out above average. Safety is middling: recorded crime is 50.7 per 1,000 people (2024), and safety comes out average.
Healthcare is the weak area. The hospital is run directly by the national health institute, not by a regional service, and the city comes out weak on healthcare. Life expectancy is 81.9 years (2023), below the national figure. People with a serious condition are often sent to the mainland, by ferry or plane.
Figures for Melilla itself, not its region. Each shows the period it covers.
Each card uses Melilla data only and compares it with similar cities. Open “Why this score?” to see the measures behind it.
Housing is above average: in the top 10% of Spanish cities above 50,000.
Rents, change in a year: 1.30% — better than 100% of Spanish cities above 50,000
Above average: 74 out of 100, where 50 is typical for the comparison group. These are the measures behind it.
| Measure | Value | Compared with peers |
|---|---|---|
| Rent per m²Melilla · 2024 | 9.10 €/m² a month | better than 32% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| Rents, change in a yearMelilla · 2024 | 1.30% | better than 100% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| Buying price per m²Melilla · 2026-Q2 | 2,164 €/m² | better than 57% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| Rent growth a year, over 3 yearsMelilla · 2024 | 2.95% | better than 99% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| House prices, change in a yearMelilla · 2026-Q2 | 8.60% | better than 87% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
Climate is above average: in the top 10% of major European cities.
Pleasant days (18–28 °C, dry): 206 days a year — better than 100% of major European cities
Above average: 72 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)Melilla · 2015-01-01..2024-12-31 | 206 days a year | better than 100% of major European cities |
| Days above 35 °CMelilla · 2015-01-01..2024-12-31 | 0.00 days a year | better than 88% of major European cities |
| Nights above 20 °CMelilla · 2015-01-01..2024-12-31 | 128 nights a year | better than 0% of major European cities |
Transport is around the middle: behind most Spanish cities above 50,000.
Average commute (one way): 20.4 minutes — better than 100% of Spanish cities above 50,000
Average: 44 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)Melilla · 2021 | 20.4 minutes | better than 100% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| Commute by carMelilla · 2021 | 67.8% | better than 21% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| Commute by public transportMelilla · 2021 | 3.50% | better than 0% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
Digital is around the middle: around the middle of Spanish cities above 50,000.
Homes with fibre to the door: 98.1% — worse than 60% of Spanish cities above 50,000
Average: 43 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 internetMelilla · 2025 | 98.1% | better than 44% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| Homes with fibre to the doorMelilla · 2025 | 98.1% | better than 40% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| 5G coverageMelilla · 2025 | 100.0% | better than 47% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
Jobs is around the middle: behind most Spanish cities above 50,000.
Unemployment, change in a year: -4.79 points — better than 100% of Spanish cities above 50,000
Average: 42 out of 100, where 50 is typical for the comparison group. These are the measures behind it.
| Measure | Value | Compared with peers |
|---|---|---|
| UnemploymentMelilla · 2025 | 21.7% | better than 3% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| Unemployment, change in a yearMelilla · 2025 | -4.79 points | better than 100% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
Safety is around the middle compared with similar cities.
Not ranked: too little comparable evidence yet.
Recorded crime: 50.7 per 1,000 people — worse than 62% of Spanish cities above 50,000
Average: 42 out of 100, where 50 is typical for the comparison group. These are the measures behind it.
| Measure | Value | Compared with peers |
|---|---|---|
| Recorded crimeMelilla · 2024 | 50.7 per 1,000 people | better than 38% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| Sexual offencesMelilla · 2024 | 0.43 per 1,000 people | better than 46% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
Prosperity is below average: behind most Spanish cities above 50,000.
Household income per person: 14,655 € a year per person — worse than 67% of Spanish cities above 50,000
Below average: 33 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 personMelilla · 2024 | 14,655 € a year per person | better than 33% 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 88% of Spanish cities above 50,000
Weak: 12 out of 100, where 50 is typical for the comparison group. These are the measures behind it.
| Measure | Value | Compared with peers |
|---|---|---|
| Life expectancyMelilla · 2023 | 81.9 years | better than 12% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
Connectivity is weak: in the bottom 10% of major European cities.
Distance to the main airport: 34.3 km — worse than 97% of major European cities
Weak: 3 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 airportMelilla · 2026-10-21 | 34.3 km | better than 3% of major European cities |
What we cannot score for Melilla yet
Highs around 26° in August, lows around 14° in January. 206 pleasant days a year (dry, 18–28 °C). 128 warm nights above 20 °C: check for air-conditioning.
| Month | High | Low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 16.0°C | 13.8°C | 37 mm |
| February | 16.0°C | 13.9°C | 32 mm |
| March | 16.8°C | 14.6°C | 46 mm |
| April | 17.9°C | 15.7°C | 43 mm |
| May | 20.2°C | 18.0°C | 32 mm |
| June | 22.6°C | 20.4°C | 8 mm |
| July | 25.3°C | 23.0°C | 7 mm |
| August | 26.3°C | 24.0°C | 10 mm |
| September | 24.5°C | 22.6°C | 26 mm |
| October | 22.4°C | 20.1°C | 45 mm |
| November | 19.3°C | 17.0°C | 28 mm |
| December | 17.2°C | 15.1°C | 32 mm |
The climate is Mediterranean and kind. The city comes out above average on climate. Summers are warm rather than scorching, and very hot days number 0 a year (2015–2024). Winters are mild, with frost days at 0 a year (2015–2024).
Rain is scarce, at 347 mm a year (2015–2024), and pleasant days number 206 a year (2015–2024). Winds shape daily life: the easterly levante brings damp cloud and the westerly poniente brings dry air, and the sea can be rough. Humid summer nights are warm, and a fan or air conditioning helps.
Lines start with Spain; switch the others on to compare.
84/100 · strong · 1st of 106 Spanish cities above 50,000
21.7% in 2025
8.6% in Q2 2026
€9.1 per m² a month in 2024
€2,165 per m² in Q2 2026
81.9 years in 2023
Facts about the people who live in Melilla. 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.
The sea and the mild climate are the main assets, with diving, sailing and swimming nearly all year, though the land is cramped.
Not measured yet: Environment, Fine-particle pollution (PM2.5), Lifestyle, Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), Strong-wind days.
Warm, flat and compact, but healthcare is thin, and for serious treatment you travel to the mainland.
Not measured yet: Cost of Living, Doctors, Environment, Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂).
Cheap and sunny, but remote workers will find it isolated, with a narrow flight network and no community of peers.
Not measured yet: Cost of Living, Fixed broadband penetration, Lifestyle.
The tax deduction on income earned in the city is the draw, which a good adviser should assess, along with comfortable homes at low prices.
Not measured yet: Average dwelling size, Education, Environment, Income tax and social security, average earner, Total tax on labour, average earner.
A safe-feeling, small city with short distances and a young population, but jobs are scarce and schools reflect a very mixed city.
Not measured yet: 15-year-olds' maths (PISA), Average dwelling size, Childcare availability, Education, Environment, Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), Pre-primary participation.
The University of Granada has a campus in Melilla, with degrees in education, health and humanities, and it is the main reason to study here.
Not measured yet: Cost of Living, Cycle most, Education, Lifestyle, Price level vs EU average, Walk most, Youth unemployment (15–24).
Rents and prices are low, the commute costs nothing and the weather needs no heating, though goods shipped from the mainland cost more.
Not measured yet: Cost of Living, Households spending >40% of income on housing, Price level vs EU average.
A place with real multicultural interest, modernist architecture, fortress walls and festivals of several faiths.
Not measured yet: Lifestyle, Walk most.
Limited, unless the job is in the public sector or the army, since private employers are few and nightlife is modest.
Not measured yet: Jobs in high-tech sectors, Lifestyle, Median gross salary, Youth unemployment (15–24).
Cross-border trade, retail and services are the main niches, and the tax regime is distinctive, but the market is small.
Nothing stands out.
Not measured yet: Jobs in high-tech sectors, Regulatory quality.
Taxes, residency and the wider economy are set nationally, so they are the same in Melilla as anywhere in Spain.
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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