Regions, islands and smaller places

It is for anyone considering, planning or carrying out a move to Spain. You will be able to see which regions and smaller cities are worth a closer look.

Start with "Spain's regions at a glance and which to shortlist". It gives you the map of the autonomous communities and two autonomous cities, and shows which ones matter for a move. After that, read the guides to the places that caught your eye, such as the Costa Blanca and Murcia, the Basque Country, the green north, the Canary Islands, the Balearic Islands, mid-size cities and the Catalan towns beyond Barcelona. The last article explains how regional identity and politics shape daily life for newcomers.

Key rules

• Canary consumption tax: The standard consumption tax in the Canary Islands (IGIC) is 7%.
• Island fare discount: Residents of the Canary Islands, Balearic Islands, Ceuta and Melilla receive a 75% discount on the base fare for flights to the mainland.
• Regions: Spain has 17 autonomous communities plus Ceuta and Melilla, and a shortlist should include more than the famous cities.
• Regional powers: Regions run health, schools and housing and set some tax rates, but immigration stays with the state.
• Choose by town: Quality and services vary a lot between towns, so judge the exact town rather than the whole coast.
• Winter visit: Visit in winter before you commit, because some urbanizations are quiet or shut then.

Documents you may need

• Your TIE — Living on the Costa Blanca or in the Murcia region
• Your padrón registration — Living on the Costa Blanca or in the Murcia region

Regions, islands and smaller places: questions that cross several articles

Do I need to speak Basque to live in the Basque Country?

No, Spanish is enough for daily life, and signs are bilingual. Basque matters more for public-sector jobs, which require a language profile, and for school, where Basque is a required subject. Read "Living in Bilbao, San Sebastián or the Basque Country" and "How regional identity and politics shape life for newcomers".

Are taxes different in the Basque Country or the Canary Islands?

Yes, in different ways: in the Basque Country the three provincial councils collect income tax under their own rules and rates. In the Canaries, income tax is the same as on the mainland, but everyday purchases carry IGIC at a general rate of 7% instead of 21% IVA. See "Living in Bilbao, San Sebastián or the Basque Country" and "Living in the Canary Islands and choosing an island".

Which of these regions is cheapest for renting?

Murcia is the cheapest, at roughly €7-9 per m² a month, then Alicante province at roughly €11-13. The Canaries are roughly €12-17 and the Basque Country roughly €16-17. The Balearics are the dearest, with Ibiza at €20 or more. Start with "Spain's regions at a glance and which to shortlist", then "Living on the Costa Blanca or in the Murcia region" and "Living year-round in Mallorca, Menorca or Ibiza".

Can I find local work in the green north or on the islands?

Local jobs are limited if you do not speak Spanish, and wages in Galicia and Asturias are below the national average. Remote work is the main option, with coworking spaces in Santander, A Coruña, Vigo and Oviedo. Read "Living in Galicia, Asturias or Cantabria" and "When a mid-size Spanish city beats the big ones".

Is it easy and cheap to get from the islands to the mainland?

Yes, flights run from the main Canary islands to Madrid, Barcelona, Seville and other cities, and island residents get a 75% discount on the base fare. Ferries also link the Canaries with Cádiz, taking about 2 days. See "Living in the Canary Islands and choosing an island" and "Living year-round in Mallorca, Menorca or Ibiza".