City · Andalucía · All places
A student city under the Sierra Nevada, with the Alhambra above, free tapas below and cold winter nights.
Granada sits at the foot of the Sierra Nevada, in a high basin in eastern Andalucía. Above the old town stands the Alhambra, the red-walled palace-fortress of the last Muslim kingdom in Spain, and across the valley the whitewashed lanes of the Albaicín climb the opposite hill. The snowy peaks behind are visible from most of the city.
It is a compact city that feels like a student town with a world-famous monument in it. Life is cheap, nights are long, and the mountains and the sea are each within an hour. It is a strong choice for students, researchers and people who prefer atmosphere to career prospects.
The city has 233,975 residents (2025).
Data as of · the latest figures cover Jun 2026
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What the data says
Granada stands out for prosperity, digital and transport; it is weaker on connectivity and healthcare. A typical 70 m² rental costs about €479 a month (2024).
Who it suits, 0 to 100
Practical conclusions we draw from Granada’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.
A free plate of tapas with each drink, plus Moorish touches such as aubergine with honey and tea houses.
Slow in the daytime, then late and loud on student nights.
Bars on Calle Navas and Calle Elvira, flamenco in the Sacromonte caves and student nights around the Realejo.
The steep, white Albaicín, the flat commercial centre, the student Realejo and the family district of Zaidín.
Spanish with a strong Andalusian accent, plus English among the many exchange students.
The Cross of May, the Corpus fair in June and the international music and dance festival.
Warm, talkative and quick with a joke, with a large rotating student crowd.
Granada is a city for walking, lingering and eating. In many bars, each drink comes with a free plate of tapas, and the plates get larger as you order more. Students fill the streets around Calle Elvira, the Realejo and the Gran Vía, and on weekends the bars and flamenco venues of the Sacromonte, where some people still live in cave houses, stay open late.
The Albaicín is a maze of steep, cobbled streets, white houses with hidden gardens, small squares and views of the Alhambra at sunset. It is a quiet, atmospheric place to live, though cars cannot enter most of it. The city has Arab baths, tea houses with water pipes, and Moroccan shops and cafés on Calle Calderería that echo its past.
The Zaidín and Ronda districts are where many families live, with wide streets and local markets. The Realejo, the old Jewish quarter, mixes students, artists and long-time residents. The Paseo de los Tristes under the Alhambra is the postcard walk along the Darro river.
People are warm, talkative and funny, with a strong local accent and local pride. Cultural life is rich: flamenco, poetry in the tradition of Federico García Lorca, who was born nearby, the Cross of May in the squares, and the Corpus fair in early summer.
Granada was the capital of the Nasrid dynasty, the last Muslim rulers of Spain, until 1492. They built the Alhambra, and their city of narrow streets, water channels and walled gardens shaped the Albaicín and the old centre. After the Christian conquest, the city became a religious and administrative centre, with a cathedral and royal chapel, and the university was founded in the sixteenth century.
Today the economy depends on the university, one of the largest in Spain with a very large exchange population, plus tourism, public administration, health services and research. There is little heavy industry, and the private job market is thin. Unemployment is 21.1% (2025), one of the highest rates among large Spanish cities, and jobs come out average. Adults with a university degree make up 60% (2024), so many qualified people compete for few openings, and many graduates leave.
Housing is cheaper than on the coast, though rooms near the university and flats in the centre are sought after. A typical 70 m² flat rents for about €479 a month (2024), and buying costs €2,446 per square metre (Q2 2026). Rents are rising: 4.1% over the year (2024), and housing comes out average.
The crowded centre and the student nightlife also shape the safety picture. Recorded crime is 56.5 per 1,000 people (2024), mostly theft in the busy streets, and safety comes out average. Healthcare comes out below average in the overall picture, though the city has a large public hospital with a high number of beds (9.6 per 1,000 people, 2025).
Figures for Granada itself, not its region. Each shows the period it covers.
Each card uses Granada data only and compares it with similar cities. Open “Why this score?” to see the measures behind it.
Prosperity is above average: better than most Spanish cities above 50,000.
Household income per person: 16,893 € a year per person — better than 74% 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Household income per personGranada · 2024 | 16,893 € a year per person | better than 74% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
Digital is above average: better than most Spanish cities above 50,000.
Homes with fibre to the door: 99.7% — better than 88% 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Homes that can get gigabit internetGranada · 2025 | 99.3% | better than 77% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| Homes with fibre to the doorGranada · 2025 | 99.7% | better than 88% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| 5G coverageGranada · 2025 | 100.0% | better than 21% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
Transport is above average: in the top quarter of Spanish cities above 50,000.
Commute by car: 43.0% — better than 96% of Spanish cities above 50,000
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Average commute (one way)Granada · 2021 | 43.3 minutes | better than 23% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| Commute by carGranada · 2021 | 43.0% | better than 96% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| Commute by public transportGranada · 2021 | 20.7% | better than 83% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
Climate is around the middle: better than most major European cities.
Pleasant days (18–28 °C, dry): 124 days a year — better than 92% of major European cities
Average: 55 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)Granada · 2015-01-01..2024-12-31 | 124 days a year | better than 92% of major European cities |
| Days above 35 °CGranada · 2015-01-01..2024-12-31 | 13.9 days a year | better than 19% of major European cities |
| Nights above 20 °CGranada · 2015-01-01..2024-12-31 | 51.5 nights a year | better than 19% of major European cities |
Housing is around the middle: behind most Spanish cities above 50,000.
House prices, change in a year: 11.9% — better than 74% 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Rent per m²Granada · 2024 | 6.85 €/m² a month | better than 62% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| Rents, change in a yearGranada · 2024 | 4.10% | better than 21% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| Buying price per m²Granada · 2026-Q2 | 2,446 €/m² | better than 44% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| Rent growth a year, over 3 yearsGranada · 2024 | 5.72% | better than 26% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| House prices, change in a yearGranada · 2026-Q2 | 11.9% | better than 74% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
Safety is around the middle: behind most Spanish cities above 50,000.
Homicides: 0.00 per 100k people — better than 78% 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 |
|---|---|---|
| HomicidesGranada · 2025 | 0.00 per 100k people | better than 78% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| Recorded crimeGranada · 2024 | 56.5 per 1,000 people | better than 25% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| RobberiesGranada · 2025 | 141 per 100k people | better than 27% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| BurglariesGranada · 2025 | 124 per 100k people | better than 42% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| Sexual offencesGranada · 2024 | 0.41 per 1,000 people | better than 51% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| TheftsGranada · 2025 | 1,515 per 100k people | better than 28% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| Vehicle theftsGranada · 2025 | 57.7 per 100k people | better than 55% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
Jobs is around the middle: behind most Spanish cities above 50,000.
Unemployment, change in a year: -3.46 points — better than 97% 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 |
|---|---|---|
| UnemploymentGranada · 2025 | 21.1% | better than 5% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| Unemployment, change in a yearGranada · 2025 | -3.46 points | better than 97% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
Healthcare is below average: behind most Spanish cities above 50,000.
Life expectancy: 83.1 years — worse than 61% 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Life expectancyGranada · 2023 | 83.1 years | better than 39% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
Connectivity is weak: in the bottom 10% of major European cities.
Distance to the main airport: 98.5 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 airportGranada · 2026-10-21 | 98.5 km | better than 0% of major European cities |
What we cannot score for Granada yet
Highs around 33° in July, lows around 5° in January. 124 pleasant days a year (dry, 18–28 °C). 52 warm nights above 20 °C: check for air-conditioning.
| Month | High | Low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 13.5°C | 5.0°C | 33 mm |
| February | 15.0°C | 5.7°C | 27 mm |
| March | 16.8°C | 7.1°C | 63 mm |
| April | 19.6°C | 9.4°C | 40 mm |
| May | 24.2°C | 13.0°C | 24 mm |
| June | 28.8°C | 17.1°C | 7 mm |
| July | 33.4°C | 21.1°C | 0 mm |
| August | 32.8°C | 21.2°C | 4 mm |
| September | 27.7°C | 17.4°C | 21 mm |
| October | 23.3°C | 13.8°C | 38 mm |
| November | 17.4°C | 8.7°C | 45 mm |
| December | 15.1°C | 6.8°C | 34 mm |
Granada sits high, which gives it hot, dry summers with cool nights and cold, clear winters with occasional frost. Snow lies on the mountains, and the Sierra Nevada ski resort is under an hour away. Spring and autumn are the most pleasant seasons, and summer afternoons are best spent in the shade or in the mountains.
Very hot days: 14 a year (2015–2024). Tropical nights are 52 a year (2015–2024). Frost days are 2 a year (2015–2024). Rainfall is 335 mm a year (2015–2024).
It is a year-round city, with a character that changes: green and gentle in spring, golden in autumn, sharp and bright in winter. Heating matters, because many old houses are cold and damp in winter, and so does shade in August.
Lines start with Spain; switch the others on to compare.
82/100 · strong · 4th of 106 Spanish cities above 50,000
21.1% in 2025
11.9% in Q2 2026
€6.8 per m² a month in 2024
€2,447 per m² in Q2 2026
83.1 years in 2023
Facts about the people who live in Granada. 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 Alhambra, flamenco, free tapas, Lorca and a real student-driven cultural scene. One of the most atmospheric small cities in Spain.
Not measured yet: Lifestyle, Walk most.
Among the best student cities in Europe: a large university, cheap living, a huge exchange community and a night life to match.
Not measured yet: Cost of Living, Cycle most, Education, Lifestyle, Price level vs EU average, Walk most, Youth unemployment (15–24).
Skiing, mountain walking in the Sierra Nevada, the Alpujarras valleys and the coast an hour away. Few cities offer this variety.
Better nearby for beach, mountains and the outdoors: Málaga (84), Rincón de la Victoria (80), Motril (79)
Not measured yet: Environment, Fine-particle pollution (PM2.5), Lifestyle, Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), Strong-wind days.
Few high-paying employers; most graduates leave for Madrid or abroad. Technology and health-science research are growing.
Not measured yet: Jobs in high-tech sectors, Lifestyle, Median gross salary, Youth unemployment (15–24).
Support from the university and a growing health-tech scene, with low costs. The investor base is thin.
Not measured yet: Jobs in high-tech sectors, Regulatory quality.
Cheap, social and inspiring, with fibre almost everywhere and several coworking spaces. The airport is small, and Málaga is the main gateway.
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.
A beautiful city for a quiet life, with historic houses (cármenes) in the Albaicín. Few luxury services, and the coast is far.
Not measured yet: Average dwelling size, Education, Environment, Income tax and social security, average earner, Total tax on labour, average earner.
A beautiful city with a large hospital and a free-tapas lifestyle, but steep streets, hot summers and cold winters. The Costa Tropical, an hour away, is warmer.
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).
A lively and friendly city with a strong family culture, though the job market is thin for two working parents. Space in the centre is limited.
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.
Cheap for a city of its size and rent is moderate, but the job market is very weak, so this works best for people bringing their own income.
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 Granada as anywhere in Spain.
Compared with Granada; each card says where it is better or worse for someone living there.
70 m²: €635 a month
Compare with Granada70 m²: €705 a month
Compare with Granada70 m²: €474 a month
Compare with Granada70 m²: €474 a month
Compare with Granada70 m²: €470 a month
Compare with Granada70 m²: €440 a month
Compare with GranadaGuide 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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