City · Principado de Asturias · All places
Asturias's biggest city: a surf-and-cider seaside town with a steel past, low crime and a lot of rain.
Gijón (Xixón in Asturian) is the largest city in Asturias, a port and seaside city on the Bay of Biscay. A long curved city beach, San Lorenzo, sits right in the centre, and the old fishing quarter of Cimavilla perches on a headland beside it. Hills and green parks rise behind.
It is bigger than the regional capital, Oviedo, and quite different: more informal, more outdoorsy and more maritime. For people who live here, it offers an easy pace and a quiet street life at moderate prices. It does not offer sun, or a big job market.
The city has 269,894 residents (2025). Residents born abroad make up 13.5% (2025).
Data as of · the latest figures cover Jun 2026
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What the data says
Gijón stands out for climate, prosperity and safety; it is weaker on connectivity and healthcare. A typical 70 m² rental costs about €505 a month (2024).
Who it suits, 0 to 100
Practical conclusions we draw from Gijón’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.
Almost every home can get gigabit fibre, so working from home is not a gamble on the flat you pick.
Residents are older than in most of Spain: calmer streets, and fewer young people to share a flat or a night out with.
Cider houses with cheese, chorizo and grilled meat, plus fabada, fresh fish and rice pudding.
Unhurried, with a seafront that is in use from dawn to dusk whatever the weather.
Cider bars in the centre, small bars in Cimavilla and late nights in the streets behind the beach.
The old fishing quarter of Cimavilla, the grid around the beach, working-class La Calzada and leafy Somió.
Spanish everywhere, with some Asturian in names, songs and festivals.
Semana Negra in July, the Natural Cider Festival in August, the film festival in November.
Direct, warm and football-minded, with an older crowd than most Spanish cities.
Gijón lives on its seafront. The Paseo del Muro runs along San Lorenzo beach; people jog, skate, cycle, surf and walk dogs at all hours, in all weathers. At the headland, a huge concrete sculpture by Eduardo Chillida, the Elogio del Horizonte, looks out over the sea. Cimavilla has small bars and old houses, and the Plaza Mayor leads to the harbour.
Cider is the local drink and a social ritual: sidra natural is poured from a height into a wide glass, drunk in a gulp and shared in a sidrería, with a plate of cheese, chorizo or grilled meat. Fabada, fresh hake and rice pudding with a burnt sugar top fill out the table. The cider houses are all over the city, and the nearby Oviedo has its own cider street at Calle Gascona.
Beyond the beach are the botanical garden, the Parque de Isabel la Católica and the Universidad Laboral, a vast monumental building on the edge of town. Somió, on the east side, is the green residential district with large houses. La Calzada, to the west, is the working-class quarter by the old port, plainer and cheaper.
In summer, the Semana Negra festival fills the port with crime-fiction writers, concerts and food stalls, and the cider festival follows in August. Football fans follow Sporting de Gijón at El Molinón with a loyalty that crosses generations. People are relaxed, direct and warm, and Asturian turns up in names, songs and the odd word.
Gijón was a fishing village, then a Roman and later a medieval port. In the nineteenth century, coal from the Asturian valleys was shipped through its port, and the city developed steel, shipbuilding, chemical and glass industries. Gijón and nearby Avilés made it a centre of the Asturian labour movement, and the working-class districts still shape the city's character.
When heavy industry declined, the city reinvented itself with a university campus at Viesques, a science and technology park, an expanded port and a seafront devoted to leisure. The old industry shrank faster than new jobs appeared, so many young people left for Madrid, Barcelona or abroad, and the population is now one of the oldest of any large Spanish city. Median age is 52.9 years (2025), and people over the retirement threshold make up 28.3% (2025).
Costs are moderate for a coastal city. A typical 70 m² flat rents for about €505 a month (2024), and buying costs €2,343 per square metre (Q2 2026). Housing comes out above average. Recorded crime is 36.5 per 1,000 people (2024), and safety comes out above average. Unemployment is 9.4% (2025), and adults with a university degree make up 50% (2024).
The weak spots follow from geography. Asturias is cut off from the plateau by the Cantabrian mountains, so the air and rail links are modest. The airport is 30 km away (2026), and connectivity comes out weak. Healthcare comes out below average on hospital capacity, which is an honest limit, though the public hospital at Cabueñes is the main one for the area.
Figures for Gijón itself, not its region. Each shows the period it covers.
Each card uses Gijón data only and compares it with similar cities. Open “Why this score?” to see the measures behind it.
Climate is strong: in the top 10% of major European cities.
Pleasant days (18–28 °C, dry): 116 days a year — better than 89% of major European cities
Strong: 80 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)Gijón · 2015-01-01..2024-12-31 | 116 days a year | better than 89% of major European cities |
| Days above 35 °CGijón · 2015-01-01..2024-12-31 | 0.40 days a year | better than 68% of major European cities |
| Nights above 20 °CGijón · 2015-01-01..2024-12-31 | 1.80 nights a year | better than 76% of major European cities |
Prosperity is strong: in the top quarter of Spanish cities above 50,000.
Household income per person: 17,103 € a year per person — better than 76% of Spanish cities above 50,000
Strong: 76 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 personGijón · 2024 | 17,103 € a year per person | better than 76% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
Safety is above average: in the top quarter of Spanish cities above 50,000.
Recorded crime: 36.5 per 1,000 people — better than 92% 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 |
|---|---|---|
| HomicidesGijón · 2025 | 0.37 per 100k people | better than 55% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| Recorded crimeGijón · 2024 | 36.5 per 1,000 people | better than 92% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| RobberiesGijón · 2025 | 68.5 per 100k people | better than 64% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| BurglariesGijón · 2025 | 88.6 per 100k people | better than 70% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| Sexual offencesGijón · 2024 | 0.31 per 1,000 people | better than 76% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| TheftsGijón · 2025 | 1,117 per 100k people | better than 55% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| Vehicle theftsGijón · 2025 | 21.5 per 100k people | better than 90% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
Housing is above average: in the top quarter of Spanish cities above 50,000.
Rents, change in a year: 2.60% — better than 90% of Spanish cities above 50,000
Above average: 70 out of 100, where 50 is typical for the comparison group. These are the measures behind it.
| Measure | Value | Compared with peers |
|---|---|---|
| Rent per m²Gijón · 2024 | 7.21 €/m² a month | better than 56% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| Rents, change in a yearGijón · 2024 | 2.60% | better than 90% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| Buying price per m²Gijón · 2026-Q2 | 2,343 €/m² | better than 47% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| Rent growth a year, over 3 yearsGijón · 2024 | 3.93% | better than 83% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| House prices, change in a yearGijón · 2026-Q2 | 12.5% | better than 69% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
Jobs is above average: in the top quarter of Spanish cities above 50,000.
Unemployment, change in a year: -1.39 points — better than 67% 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 |
|---|---|---|
| UnemploymentGijón · 2025 | 9.39% | better than 65% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| Unemployment, change in a yearGijón · 2025 | -1.39 points | better than 67% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
Transport is around the middle: better than most Spanish cities above 50,000.
Commute by public transport: 17.7% — better than 70% of Spanish cities above 50,000
Average: 55 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)Gijón · 2021 | 40.8 minutes | better than 33% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| Commute by carGijón · 2021 | 57.0% | better than 65% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| Commute by public transportGijón · 2021 | 17.7% | better than 70% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
Digital is around the middle: around the middle of Spanish cities above 50,000.
5G coverage: 100.0% — worse than 66% of Spanish cities above 50,000
Average: 47 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 internetGijón · 2025 | 98.5% | better than 56% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| Homes with fibre to the doorGijón · 2025 | 98.4% | better than 48% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| 5G coverageGijón · 2025 | 100.0% | better than 34% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
Healthcare is below average: behind most Spanish cities above 50,000.
Life expectancy: 82.7 years — worse than 71% of Spanish cities above 50,000
Below average: 29 out of 100, where 50 is typical for the comparison group. These are the measures behind it.
| Measure | Value | Compared with peers |
|---|---|---|
| Life expectancyGijón · 2023 | 82.7 years | better than 29% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
Connectivity is weak: in the bottom 10% of major European cities.
Airport passengers: 2.05 million passengers a year — 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 airportGijón · 2026-10-21 | 30.3 km | better than 3% of major European cities |
| Airport passengersGijón · 2025 | 2.05 million passengers a year | better than 3% of major European cities |
What we cannot score for Gijón yet
Highs around 25° in August, lows around 7° in January. 116 pleasant days a year (dry, 18–28 °C).
| Month | High | Low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 12.4°C | 6.6°C | 135 mm |
| February | 13.3°C | 6.9°C | 108 mm |
| March | 14.5°C | 7.4°C | 88 mm |
| April | 16.4°C | 8.8°C | 69 mm |
| May | 18.8°C | 11.2°C | 60 mm |
| June | 21.3°C | 14.1°C | 70 mm |
| July | 23.8°C | 16.1°C | 30 mm |
| August | 24.8°C | 16.7°C | 42 mm |
| September | 22.9°C | 15.2°C | 67 mm |
| October | 20.6°C | 13.1°C | 104 mm |
| November | 15.9°C | 9.9°C | 145 mm |
| December | 14.1°C | 8.3°C | 136 mm |
Gijón has a cool, humid Atlantic climate. Summers are mild and pleasant, rarely hot, and a flat without air conditioning is no hardship. Winters are mild but wet and windy, with grey skies and sea spray along the front. Rainfall is 1,054 mm a year (2015–2024), and rain days run at 153 a year (2015–2024).
Very hot days: 0 a year (2015–2024). Frost days are 0 a year (2015–2024). Pleasant days, mild and dry, number 116 a year (2015–2024). It is a summer city for beaches and festivals; the rest of the year is for those who like green, rain and wind.
Heating matters more than cooling here, and damp is the real household enemy, especially in older flats facing north. Rain rarely lasts a whole day, and a bright afternoon often follows a wet morning.
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67/100 · above average · 34th of 106 Spanish cities above 50,000
9.4% in 2025
12.5% in Q2 2026
€7.2 per m² a month in 2024
€2,343 per m² in Q2 2026
82.7 years in 2023
Facts about the people who live in Gijón. 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.
Good value for a coastal city, with solid public services and moderate rents. Jobs are the main constraint.
Nothing stands out.
Not measured yet: Cost of Living, Households spending >40% of income on housing, Price level vs EU average.
A small job market with modest pay, centred on the port, industry, services and the public sector. Many young Asturians leave for Madrid or abroad.
Not measured yet: Jobs in high-tech sectors, Lifestyle, Median gross salary, Youth unemployment (15–24).
Beaches, parks, schools and a safe neighbourhood life make this an easy place to raise children, though parents have a narrow job market to work with.
Not measured yet: 15-year-olds' maths (PISA), Average dwelling size, Childcare availability, Education, Environment, Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), Pre-primary participation.
Cool summers, safe streets and a long, flat seafront for walks suit an older crowd, and plenty of neighbours are the same age. The long wet season is the price.
Not measured yet: Cost of Living, Doctors, Environment, Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂).
The Gijón campus at Viesques offers engineering and other degrees, and living costs are low. Student life is relaxed rather than loud.
Not measured yet: Cost of Living, Cycle most, Education, Lifestyle, Price level vs EU average, Walk most, Youth unemployment (15–24).
Cider culture, a film festival in November, the Semana Negra and a good food scene. The cultural calendar is small but friendly.
Nothing stands out.
Not measured yet: Lifestyle, Walk most.
Pleasant seafront living and good food, with leafy Somió for large houses and little in the way of luxury infrastructure.
Not measured yet: Average dwelling size, Education, Environment, Income tax and social security, average earner, Total tax on labour, average earner.
Surf, hiking, cycling and the Picos de Europa within reach. Rain is part of the deal.
Not measured yet: Environment, Fine-particle pollution (PM2.5), Lifestyle, Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), Strong-wind days.
Industrial know-how, a science and technology park and low costs, but a small local market and thin investor networks.
Nothing stands out.
Not measured yet: Jobs in high-tech sectors, Regulatory quality.
Low costs, fast fibre and a good quality of life are all in place, with a few coworking spaces and cafés. The weak points are flights and the small international crowd.
Nothing stands out.
Better nearby for remote workers: Avilés (64)
Not measured yet: Cost of Living, Fixed broadband penetration, Lifestyle.
Taxes, residency and the wider economy are set nationally, so they are the same in Gijón as anywhere in Spain.
Compared with Gijón; each card says where it is better or worse for someone living there.
70 m²: €419 a month
Compare with Gijón70 m²: €512 a month
Compare with Gijón70 m²: €422 a month
Compare with GijónGuide 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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