City · Castilla-La Mancha · All places
A calm, flat provincial capital on the Madrid corridor, with strong healthcare, rents below the capital's and little to do after dark.
Guadalajara is the capital of its province, in Castilla-La Mancha, on the Henares river about an hour north-east of Madrid. It is a flat, orderly city of apartment blocks, parks and a small old centre, and it works both as a place in its own right and as a cheaper way into the Madrid job market. The town has 92,834 residents (2025).
It is not on the tourist trail and does not try to be. The pleasures are ordinary ones: a hospital that works, parks where children can run, a market, and a motorway and a train that take you to the capital when you need it. It suits families and people who want calm, and it suits them better than people who want nightlife or the sea.
Data as of · the latest figures cover Jun 2026
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What the data says
Guadalajara stands out for healthcare and prosperity; it is weaker on connectivity and transport. A typical 70 m² rental costs about €507 a month (2024).
Who it suits, 0 to 100
Practical conclusions we draw from Guadalajara’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.
Frosty nights are common. Many older Spanish flats are poorly insulated: ask about heating and the winter energy bill.
Most people drive to work. Without a car, check bus routes from any flat before you commit.
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 (Castilla-La Mancha-wide figure). Many residents add private health insurance.
Residents are younger than in most of Spain: more students, young families and evening life.
Roast lamb and kid, honey from the Alcarria, and bars that still give a free tapa with the drink.
Orderly and low-key, with the streets emptying early on weeknights.
A small old centre around the Infantado palace, then postwar blocks and new estates out towards Aguas Vivas and Valdeluz.
Spanish only, with a strong Romanian and Moroccan presence on the street.
The September fiestas with bulls and concerts, and a well-followed Easter week.
Civil servants, logistics workers, Madrid commuters and a large foreign-born community.
Riverside parks in town, the Alcarria hills and reservoirs a short drive away.
Guadalajara is a city for people who have things to do at home. The old centre is small: the Infantado palace with its diamond-pointed facade, the co-cathedral, the lanes of the former Moorish quarter of the Alamín and the main shopping street, Calle Mayor. Around it are postwar blocks, then wide boulevards and newer estates. Parks are one of the real pleasures, among them the Parque de la Concordia, the leafy Paseo de San Roque and the riverside paths, and there is a good deal of green for a city of this size.
Evenings are quiet. Tapas bars fill on Friday and Saturday, and there are cinemas and a few venues, but the night life is modest and ends earlier than in Madrid. The street is as likely to be in Romanian or Arabic as in Spanish in the neighbourhoods where the newcomers settled, and the city has absorbed that change without much drama.
The food is Alcarria cooking: roast lamb and kid, game in season, migas and honey, with the local honey a point of pride. The fiestas in September are the main event of the year, with processions, bullfighting and concerts, and Easter week is followed closely. For anything more, such as theatre, big museums and clubs, people take the train or the bus to Madrid, which is close enough to make a Saturday trip routine.
Guadalajara sits on the road and railway between Madrid and Zaragoza, and almost everything about it follows from that. The Mendoza family, one of the great noble houses of Castile, built the Palacio del Infantado here in the fifteenth century, and the city was an important seat of power. In March 1937 the town gave its name to the battle that stopped the Italian columns advancing on Madrid, and the old centre was badly damaged in the war and rebuilt slowly.
The modern city is a product of the corridor. Factories and logistics depots grew up along the Henares in the second half of the twentieth century, and since the 1990s Madrid's overspill has arrived: first families priced out of the capital, then a high-speed rail station at Yebes with the new estate of Valdeluz beside it. Workers from Romania, Morocco and Latin America came for the warehouses, the building trade and the care sector, which is why a large share of residents were born abroad. The foreign-born share is 24.4% (2025).
Housing is cheaper than in Madrid, though no longer cheap, because Madrid's prices have pushed buyers and tenants up the corridor. A typical 70 m² flat rents for about €507 a month (2024), and buying costs €2,136 per square metre (Q2 2026). On housing the city comes out average, because prices have risen faster than local pay.
The health service is the clear strength. The provincial hospital draws patients from a wide area, and the city comes out strong on healthcare. Life expectancy is 84.8 years (2023). Unemployment is 10.3% (2025), and a lot of the work is in logistics, public administration and services rather than in anything that draws international talent.
Commutes are long because the best-paid jobs are in Madrid. The average one-way journey takes 40 min (2021), and most people go by car.
Figures for Guadalajara itself, not its region. Each shows the period it covers.
Each card uses Guadalajara data only and compares it with similar cities. Open “Why this score?” to see the measures behind it.
Healthcare is strong: in the top 10% of Spanish cities above 50,000.
Life expectancy: 84.8 years — better than 92% of Spanish cities above 50,000
Strong: 92 out of 100, where 50 is typical for the comparison group. These are the measures behind it.
| Measure | Value | Compared with peers |
|---|---|---|
| Life expectancyGuadalajara · 2023 | 84.8 years | better than 92% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
Prosperity is around the middle: around the middle of Spanish cities above 50,000.
Household income per person: 16,145 € a year per person — better than 60% of Spanish cities above 50,000
Average: 60 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 personGuadalajara · 2024 | 16,145 € a year per person | better than 60% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
Safety is around the middle: better than most Spanish cities above 50,000.
Thefts: 817 per 100k people — better than 81% of Spanish cities above 50,000
Average: 59 out of 100, where 50 is typical for the comparison group. These are the measures behind it.
| Measure | Value | Compared with peers |
|---|---|---|
| HomicidesGuadalajara · 2025 | 2.15 per 100k people | better than 10% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| Recorded crimeGuadalajara · 2024 | 44.9 per 1,000 people | better than 65% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| RobberiesGuadalajara · 2025 | 56.0 per 100k people | better than 77% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| BurglariesGuadalajara · 2025 | 91.6 per 100k people | better than 65% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| Sexual offencesGuadalajara · 2024 | 0.30 per 1,000 people | better than 79% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| TheftsGuadalajara · 2025 | 817 per 100k people | better than 81% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| Vehicle theftsGuadalajara · 2025 | 37.7 per 100k people | better than 71% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
Climate is around the middle: around the middle of major European cities.
Pleasant days (18–28 °C, dry): 88.6 days a year — better than 70% of major European cities
Average: 48 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)Guadalajara · 2015-01-01..2024-12-31 | 88.6 days a year | better than 70% of major European cities |
| Days above 35 °CGuadalajara · 2015-01-01..2024-12-31 | 29.4 days a year | better than 8% of major European cities |
| Nights above 20 °CGuadalajara · 2015-01-01..2024-12-31 | 8.90 nights a year | better than 43% of major European cities |
Jobs is around the middle: behind most Spanish cities above 50,000.
Unemployment, change in a year: -0.79 points — worse than 63% 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 |
|---|---|---|
| UnemploymentGuadalajara · 2025 | 10.3% | better than 52% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| Unemployment, change in a yearGuadalajara · 2025 | -0.79 points | better than 37% 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: 97.4% — worse than 75% 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 internetGuadalajara · 2025 | 98.3% | better than 52% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| Homes with fibre to the doorGuadalajara · 2025 | 97.4% | better than 25% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| 5G coverageGuadalajara · 2025 | 100.0% | better than 53% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
Housing is around the middle: in the bottom quarter of Spanish cities above 50,000.
Rent growth a year, over 3 years: 5.88% — worse than 79% of Spanish cities above 50,000
Average: 41 out of 100, where 50 is typical for the comparison group. These are the measures behind it.
| Measure | Value | Compared with peers |
|---|---|---|
| Rent per m²Guadalajara · 2024 | 7.25 €/m² a month | better than 55% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| Rents, change in a yearGuadalajara · 2024 | 3.90% | better than 24% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| Buying price per m²Guadalajara · 2026-Q2 | 2,136 €/m² | better than 58% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| Rent growth a year, over 3 yearsGuadalajara · 2024 | 5.88% | better than 21% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| House prices, change in a yearGuadalajara · 2026-Q2 | 14.2% | better than 51% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
Transport is below average: in the bottom 10% of Spanish cities above 50,000.
Commute by car: 68.9% — worse than 83% of Spanish cities above 50,000
Below average: 34 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)Guadalajara · 2021 | 40.3 minutes | better than 36% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| Commute by carGuadalajara · 2021 | 68.9% | better than 17% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| Commute by public transportGuadalajara · 2021 | 12.2% | better than 49% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
Connectivity is weak: in the bottom 10% of major European cities.
Distance to the main airport: 37.2 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 airportGuadalajara · 2026-10-21 | 37.2 km | better than 0% of major European cities |
What we cannot score for Guadalajara yet
Highs around 34° in July, lows around -0° in January. 89 pleasant days a year (dry, 18–28 °C).
| Month | High | Low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 10.0°C | -0.4°C | 33 mm |
| February | 12.5°C | 0.7°C | 26 mm |
| March | 15.1°C | 2.5°C | 54 mm |
| April | 18.4°C | 5.0°C | 56 mm |
| May | 23.4°C | 8.9°C | 35 mm |
| June | 28.9°C | 13.7°C | 34 mm |
| July | 34.3°C | 17.3°C | 10 mm |
| August | 33.5°C | 17.2°C | 20 mm |
| September | 26.8°C | 12.9°C | 38 mm |
| October | 21.5°C | 9.1°C | 58 mm |
| November | 14.6°C | 3.9°C | 42 mm |
| December | 11.5°C | 1.6°C | 34 mm |
The climate is continental and the seasons are real. Summer days are hot and dry, but the nights cool down. Very hot days number 29 a year (2015–2024), and tropical nights number 9 a year (2015–2024).
Winters are the surprise. Frost days number 52 a year (2015–2024), which is a lot for a city this far south, and fog can sit over the river valley for days. Rain is modest, 439 mm a year (2015–2024), and spring and autumn are the pleasant seasons. Heating matters more here than cooling, and an older flat with poor insulation will cost real money in January. Terraces fill from May to September, when the evenings are the best part of the day.
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51/100 · average · 67th of 106 Spanish cities above 50,000
10.4% in 2025
14.2% in Q2 2026
€7.2 per m² a month in 2024
€2,136 per m² in Q2 2026
84.8 years in 2023
Facts about the people who live in Guadalajara. 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 comfort is in quiet residential estates and a good hospital rather than in prestige, with Madrid's private schools and clubs a drive away.
Not measured yet: Average dwelling size, Education, Environment, Income tax and social security, average earner, Total tax on labour, average earner.
A sensible, safe family city where children walk to school and parks are everywhere, with Madrid close for anything bigger.
Not measured yet: 15-year-olds' maths (PISA), Average dwelling size, Childcare availability, Education, Environment, Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), Pre-primary participation.
The Infantado palace, the co-cathedral and the fiestas are real, but the cultural life is modest and best treated as a base for Madrid.
Nothing stands out.
Not measured yet: Lifestyle, Walk most.
Healthcare is the draw, and the calm streets are a bonus, though the cold winters and the lack of a sea or a sociable expat scene limit it.
Not measured yet: Cost of Living, Doctors, Environment, Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂).
A good base if the job is in the corridor or in Madrid, a poor one if the aim is a lively life in a city of one's own.
Not measured yet: Jobs in high-tech sectors, Lifestyle, Median gross salary, Youth unemployment (15–24).
There is a small university presence, with teaching and nursing degrees in town, but most students stay with family or head to Alcalá or Madrid.
Better nearby for students: Ciudad Real (58)
Not measured yet: Cost of Living, Cycle most, Education, Lifestyle, Price level vs EU average, Walk most, Youth unemployment (15–24).
Cheaper than Madrid and decently served, though rents have risen and Madrid's salaries are not paid here.
Nothing stands out.
Better nearby for budget-conscious movers: Ciudad Real (65), Cuenca (64)
Not measured yet: Cost of Living, Households spending >40% of income on housing, Price level vs EU average.
The logistics corridor along the Henares gives a base for distribution, light industry and services to Madrid, with no start-up scene to speak of.
Not measured yet: Jobs in high-tech sectors, Regulatory quality.
Workable rather than appealing, with fibre in most homes and Barajas an hour away, but few coworking spaces and a small social scene.
Nothing stands out.
Better nearby for remote workers: Cuenca (48), Albacete (46)
Not measured yet: Cost of Living, Fixed broadband penetration, Lifestyle.
The setting is open, hilly country on the edge of the Alcarria, but the better mountain walking is in the Sierra Norte of the province or over towards the Guadarrama.
Better nearby for beach, mountains and the outdoors: Cuenca (47)
Not measured yet: Environment, Fine-particle pollution (PM2.5), Lifestyle, Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), Strong-wind days.
Taxes, residency and the wider economy are set nationally, so they are the same in Guadalajara as anywhere in Spain.
Compared with Guadalajara; each card says where it is better or worse for someone living there.
70 m²: €405 a month
Compare with Guadalajara70 m²: €394 a month
Compare with Guadalajara70 m²: €513 a month
Compare with Guadalajara70 m²: €419 a month
Compare with Guadalajara70 m²: €361 a month
Compare with GuadalajaraGuide 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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