City · Andalucía · All places
A naval city of salt marshes and flamenco on the Bay of Cádiz island, safe and affordable, with high unemployment and a tram to Cádiz.
San Fernando is a city on the Isla de León, the island that sits between the Bay of Cádiz and the Atlantic, and it joins the city of Cádiz by a short causeway and by a tram. It is a naval city, home to the Royal Observatory, the naval arsenal of La Carraca and a large number of Navy and Marine personnel, and the birthplace of the flamenco singer Camarón de la Isla.
It is a quiet, safe and affordable place, with salt marshes, a natural park and a long dune beach. Most visitors pass through on the way to Cádiz or the coast, which means that it has kept an ordinary local life. The downside is an economy with very high unemployment and few specialist services.
The city has 93,338 residents (2025), and only 3.4% were born abroad (2025). It suits people who want a calm, low-cost Atlantic base near Cádiz, and it suits those who want a big job market, an international scene or a tourist resort much less.
Data as of · the latest figures cover Jun 2026
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What the data says
San Fernando stands out for digital, safety and housing; it is weaker on connectivity and prosperity. A typical 70 m² rental costs about €470 a month (2024).
Who it suits, 0 to 100
Practical conclusions we draw from San Fernando’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.
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.
Fried fish, tortillitas de camarones, tuna from the nearby almadraba, fresh seafood and a long Cádiz-style tapas hour.
Unhurried and local, with a busy Calle Real in the morning and quiet streets in the siesta hours.
Tapas bars and flamenco peñas in town, with Cádiz and the Sancti Petri coast for bigger nights.
The centre around the Plaza del Rey and the Calle Real is walkable, the naval district of Bazán is distinctive and beach and marsh areas lie to the south.
Spanish with a strong Cádiz accent and a lot of local slang.
Carnival, Holy Week and the Virgen del Carmen sea procession in July.
The Camposoto dune beach, the salt marshes of the Bay of Cádiz natural park and cycling along the bay.
San Fernando is a town of habit. People walk the Calle Real, shop in the local market, drink coffee in the Plaza del Rey and eat fried fish at lunchtime. Navy families form a large part of the community, and the uniforms and the naval schools give the place a disciplined, orderly feel.
Flamenco is part of the identity. Camarón de la Isla was born here, and his statue and the local flamenco clubs, the peñas, keep his tradition alive. The Teatro de las Cortes is a reminder of the town's role in the constitution of 1812, and Carnival here is a local version of the great Cádiz carnival, with groups singing satirical songs in the streets.
The natural landscape is the best feature. The salt marshes of the bay are a protected park with flamingos and spoonbills, and the beach at Camposoto is a wide, wild dune beach on the Atlantic that is often nearly empty. Cádiz is a short tram ride across the bay.
The island was a defended site for centuries, and the Navy built its main arsenal at La Carraca in the eighteenth century. The arsenal, the observatory and the naval schools shaped the city, and in 1810 the first Spanish Cortes, the parliament that wrote the 1812 constitution, met here before moving to Cádiz. Salt production from the marshes was the other old industry.
The shipyards and the Navy have been the main employers ever since, and the decline of shipbuilding in the bay hit the town hard. That is why unemployment is 18.1% (2025 and why household income per person is €13,606 a year (2024). Prosperity comes out weak, and jobs come out average.
Low incomes keep housing moderate. A typical 70 m² flat rents for about €470 a month (2024), and buying costs €1,962 per square metre (Q2 2026). House prices rose 13.7% over the last year (Q2 2026). Housing comes out above average.
Safety is a strength: it comes out strong, with recorded crime at 42.9 per 1,000 people (2024). Digital infrastructure also comes out strong, with fibre reaching 100% of homes (2025). The weak points are healthcare, at weak with 0.7 per 1,000 people beds in the city (2025), and connectivity, at weak, since the nearest main airport is 84 km away (2026).
Figures for San Fernando itself, not its region. Each shows the period it covers.
Each card uses San Fernando data only and compares it with similar cities. Open “Why this score?” to see the measures behind it.
Digital is strong: in the top quarter of Spanish cities above 50,000.
Homes that can get gigabit internet: 99.7% — better than 91% of Spanish cities above 50,000
Strong: 80 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 internetSan Fernando · 2025 | 99.7% | better than 91% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| Homes with fibre to the doorSan Fernando · 2025 | 99.7% | better than 84% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| 5G coverageSan Fernando · 2025 | 100.0% | better than 62% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
Safety is strong: in the top 10% of Spanish cities above 50,000.
Sexual offences: 0.17 per 1,000 people — better than 100% of Spanish cities above 50,000
Strong: 80 out of 100, where 50 is typical for the comparison group. These are the measures behind it.
| Measure | Value | Compared with peers |
|---|---|---|
| HomicidesSan Fernando · 2025 | 0.00 per 100k people | better than 78% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| Recorded crimeSan Fernando · 2024 | 42.9 per 1,000 people | better than 70% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| RobberiesSan Fernando · 2025 | 45.0 per 100k people | better than 86% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| BurglariesSan Fernando · 2025 | 32.1 per 100k people | better than 98% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| Sexual offencesSan Fernando · 2024 | 0.17 per 1,000 people | better than 100% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| TheftsSan Fernando · 2025 | 934 per 100k people | better than 69% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| Vehicle theftsSan Fernando · 2025 | 56.8 per 100k people | better than 55% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
Housing is above average: in the top quarter of Spanish cities above 50,000.
Rent per m²: 6.72 €/m² a month — better than 66% of Spanish cities above 50,000
Above average: 62 out of 100, where 50 is typical for the comparison group. These are the measures behind it.
| Measure | Value | Compared with peers |
|---|---|---|
| Rent per m²San Fernando · 2024 | 6.72 €/m² a month | better than 66% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| Rents, change in a yearSan Fernando · 2024 | 3.10% | better than 64% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| Buying price per m²San Fernando · 2026-Q2 | 1,962 €/m² | better than 66% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| Rent growth a year, over 3 yearsSan Fernando · 2024 | 4.53% | better than 57% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| House prices, change in a yearSan Fernando · 2026-Q2 | 13.7% | better than 57% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
Climate is around the middle: in the top quarter of major European cities.
Pleasant days (18–28 °C, dry): 173 days a year — better than 95% of major European cities
Average: 59 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)San Fernando · 2015-01-01..2024-12-31 | 173 days a year | better than 95% of major European cities |
| Days above 35 °CSan Fernando · 2015-01-01..2024-12-31 | 2.50 days a year | better than 41% of major European cities |
| Nights above 20 °CSan Fernando · 2015-01-01..2024-12-31 | 82.0 nights a year | better than 5% of major European cities |
Transport is around the middle: around the middle of Spanish cities above 50,000.
Commute by public transport: 15.1% — better than 62% of Spanish cities above 50,000
Average: 50 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)San Fernando · 2021 | 39.0 minutes | better than 44% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| Commute by carSan Fernando · 2021 | 61.5% | better than 47% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| Commute by public transportSan Fernando · 2021 | 15.1% | better than 62% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
Jobs is around the middle: behind most Spanish cities above 50,000.
Unemployment, change in a year: -2.21 points — better than 86% 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 |
|---|---|---|
| UnemploymentSan Fernando · 2025 | 18.1% | better than 13% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| Unemployment, change in a yearSan Fernando · 2025 | -2.21 points | better than 86% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
Healthcare is weak: in the bottom quarter of Spanish cities above 50,000.
Life expectancy: 82.5 years — worse than 75% of Spanish cities above 50,000
Weak: 25 out of 100, where 50 is typical for the comparison group. These are the measures behind it.
| Measure | Value | Compared with peers |
|---|---|---|
| Life expectancySan Fernando · 2023 | 82.5 years | better than 25% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
Prosperity is weak: in the bottom quarter of Spanish cities above 50,000.
Household income per person: 13,606 € a year per person — worse than 80% of Spanish cities above 50,000
Weak: 20 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 personSan Fernando · 2024 | 13,606 € a year per person | better than 20% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
Connectivity is weak: in the bottom 10% of major European cities.
Distance to the main airport: 83.6 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 airportSan Fernando · 2026-10-21 | 83.6 km | better than 0% of major European cities |
What we cannot score for San Fernando yet
Highs around 30° in August, lows around 10° in January. 173 pleasant days a year (dry, 18–28 °C). 82 warm nights above 20 °C: check for air-conditioning.
| Month | High | Low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 15.9°C | 10.4°C | 49 mm |
| February | 16.6°C | 11.1°C | 36 mm |
| March | 17.7°C | 11.9°C | 86 mm |
| April | 19.7°C | 13.7°C | 42 mm |
| May | 23.1°C | 16.2°C | 27 mm |
| June | 25.8°C | 18.9°C | 5 mm |
| July | 29.1°C | 21.5°C | 0 mm |
| August | 29.7°C | 22.0°C | 1 mm |
| September | 26.8°C | 20.2°C | 10 mm |
| October | 23.9°C | 18.0°C | 71 mm |
| November | 19.7°C | 14.3°C | 70 mm |
| December | 17.5°C | 12.4°C | 62 mm |
San Fernando has a mild Atlantic climate, windy and bright. Pleasant days, mild and dry, number 173 a year (2015–2024), and frost does not occur: 0 a year (2015–2024). Rain is modest at 460 mm a year (2015–2024), falling over 60 a year (2015–2024), mostly in winter.
Summers are warm rather than scorching, with the sea breeze softening the heat: days above the heat threshold number 2 a year (2015–2024), though warm nights number 82 a year (2015–2024). The levante, a dry easterly wind, can blow for days and is the one climate complaint, and it is not for people who dislike wind.
It is a year-round city. Winters are mild and bright, with some storms, and summer is the beach season, though it is much less crowded than on the Costa del Sol.
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77/100 · strong · 15th of 106 Spanish cities above 50,000
18.1% in 2025
13.7% in Q2 2026
€6.7 per m² a month in 2024
€1,963 per m² in Q2 2026
82.5 years in 2023
Facts about the people who live in San Fernando. 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.
A good match: the Camposoto dune beach, the salt marshes and cycling around the bay, with mild weather all year.
Not measured yet: Environment, Fine-particle pollution (PM2.5), Lifestyle, Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), Strong-wind days.
Safe, mild and affordable with a flat layout, though the hospitals are in neighbouring towns and there are few other foreign retirees.
Not measured yet: Cost of Living, Doctors, Environment, Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂).
Strong fibre, mild weather and low rents, but a distant airport and almost no international community.
Not measured yet: Cost of Living, Fixed broadband penetration, Lifestyle.
Rents and prices are low, and the town is safe, though the job market is very weak.
Not measured yet: Cost of Living, Households spending >40% of income on housing, Price level vs EU average.
Safe streets, beaches and low costs, though few jobs and limited specialist services.
Not measured yet: 15-year-olds' maths (PISA), Average dwelling size, Childcare availability, Education, Environment, Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), Pre-primary participation.
Cheap and safe, with the University of Cádiz a short tram or train ride away, but a modest student scene.
Better nearby for students: Granada (64), Jaén (64), Córdoba (60)
Not measured yet: Cost of Living, Cycle most, Education, Lifestyle, Price level vs EU average, Walk most, Youth unemployment (15–24).
Space and calm, but few luxury services, with private hospitals in Cádiz and the better restaurants and shops across the bay.
Not measured yet: Average dwelling size, Education, Environment, Income tax and social security, average earner, Total tax on labour, average earner.
Low costs and good fibre, but a small, low-income local market and a weak start-up scene.
Nothing stands out.
Better nearby for founders and self-employed: Torremolinos (56), Granada (53), Sevilla (52)
Not measured yet: Jobs in high-tech sectors, Regulatory quality.
Very high unemployment and low wages make this a poor fit unless the job is with the Navy or in Cádiz.
Better nearby for young professionals: Granada (53), Cádiz (51), Jaén (49)
Not measured yet: Jobs in high-tech sectors, Lifestyle, Median gross salary, Youth unemployment (15–24).
Flamenco, Carnival, Holy Week and the history of the Cortes give a real if small programme, with Cádiz's museums and theatres next door.
Nothing stands out.
Better nearby for culture, food and nightlife: Granada (69), Cádiz (54), Almería (53)
Not measured yet: Lifestyle, Walk most.
Taxes, residency and the wider economy are set nationally, so they are the same in San Fernando as anywhere in Spain.
Compared with San Fernando; each card says where it is better or worse for someone living there.
70 m²: €635 a month
Compare with San Fernando70 m²: €705 a month
Compare with San Fernando70 m²: €474 a month
Compare with San Fernando70 m²: €474 a month
Compare with San Fernando70 m²: €470 a month
Compare with San Fernando70 m²: €440 a month
Compare with San FernandoGuide 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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