City · Galicia · All places
The end of the Camino and the capital of Galicia: granite arcades, university students and constant rain.
Santiago de Compostela is the capital of Galicia, in the green north-west corner of Spain. It is a small city of granite and moss, built around a huge cathedral that has drawn pilgrims for more than a thousand years. Its old town, a maze of arcaded streets and stone squares, is a World Heritage site.
Pilgrims arrive footsore from all over the world, students fill the lanes in term time, and civil servants of the regional government keep it running. It is one of the rainiest cities in Spain, and one of the most atmospheric. The airport, the hospital complex and the university are all close to the centre.
The city has 100,965 residents (2025), and about 14.4% were born abroad (2025). It suits students, families and people who like walking, history and rain, and suits those who want sun in winter or a large corporate job market much less.
Data as of · the latest figures cover Jun 2026
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What the data says
Santiago de Compostela stands out for prosperity, climate and connectivity; it is weaker on digital. A typical 70 m² rental costs about €505 a month (2024).
Who it suits, 0 to 100
Practical conclusions we draw from Santiago de Compostela’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 or Galician.
Galician is an official language alongside Spanish. Expect it on signs, at the town hall and in state schools.
Octopus, empanada, scallops and the covered market at its best on a Saturday morning.
Quiet in the morning, busy at midday and sociable at night, with the day set by the school and university year.
Students fill the bars of the Rúa do Franco and the lanes around it, with a free tapa often arriving with the drink.
The old town is for pilgrims and tourists, the Ensanche around the Rúa do Hórreo is where locals shop and live.
Galician is spoken in the street and used at the university and in administration, and Spanish is understood everywhere.
The Festas do Apóstolo around the feast of the apostle in July, with fireworks over the cathedral, and Holy Years in between.
Park walks on the Alameda and Monte Pedroso, rivers and forests inland and the Atlantic coast an hour away.
Santiago is quiet in the morning, busy at midday and lively at night. In the old town, walkers with backpacks cross the main square, the Obradoiro, in front of the cathedral, and many collapse on the stones when they arrive. Students fill the small bars in the Rúa do Franco and its neighbours at night, where tapas arrive with each drink.
The city's covered market is one of the best places in Galicia to see the produce of land and sea: octopus, scallops, cheese, almond cake, fruit and vegetables. People eat well here, with empanada, seafood and white Albariño wine, and the almond cake called the tarta de Santiago is on every counter.
Locals are friendly, ironic and discreet. A modern cultural complex on a hill above the city, the Cidade da Cultura, hosts exhibitions and concerts. The surroundings are green, with rivers, forests and the coast an hour away, and the Alameda park is where the city goes for an evening walk.
By tradition, the remains of the apostle James were discovered here in the ninth century, and a church, later a cathedral, was built over them. The pilgrimage grew into one of the three great Christian pilgrimages of the Middle Ages and shaped the city's layout, with hostels, hospitals and churches along the routes into town. That is why the old town is so dense with religious buildings and why visitors never stop arriving.
The university, founded in 1495, the Galician parliament and government, the large hospital complex and tourism are now the main employers. There is little heavy industry, and the economy leans on the public sector. Unemployment is 6.4% (2025, and jobs come out above average. Household income per person is €18,490 a year (2024), and prosperity comes out strong.
The same university and hospital explain the educated, older profile of the population. Adults with a university degree make up 62% (2024), and the median age is 48.9 years (2025). The city has 16.1 per 1,000 people hospital beds (2025), one of the highest rates of any Spanish city, because the regional referral hospitals are here.
Housing is moderate, with rents pushed up around the university and the old town, where tourist flats compete with students. A typical 70 m² flat rents for about €505 a month (2024), and buying costs €2,339 per square metre (Q2 2026). Housing comes out average against similar places. Recorded crime is 50.5 per 1,000 people (2024), mostly petty theft in the busy old town.
Figures for Santiago de Compostela itself, not its region. Each shows the period it covers.
Each card uses Santiago de Compostela data only and compares it with similar cities. Open “Why this score?” to see the measures behind it.
Prosperity is strong: in the top quarter of Spanish cities above 50,000.
Household income per person: 18,490 € a year per person — better than 87% of Spanish cities above 50,000
Strong: 87 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 personSantiago de Compostela · 2024 | 18,490 € a year per person | better than 87% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
Climate is strong: in the top 10% of major European cities.
Pleasant days (18–28 °C, dry): 114 days a year — better than 89% of major European cities
Strong: 81 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)Santiago de Compostela · 2015-01-01..2024-12-31 | 114 days a year | better than 89% of major European cities |
| Days above 35 °CSantiago de Compostela · 2015-01-01..2024-12-31 | 1.10 days a year | better than 57% of major European cities |
| Nights above 20 °CSantiago de Compostela · 2015-01-01..2024-12-31 | 0.40 nights a year | better than 89% of major European cities |
Connectivity is above average: in the top 10% of major European cities.
Distance to the main airport: 8.50 km — better than 74% of major European cities
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Distance to the main airportSantiago de Compostela · 2026-10-21 | 8.50 km | better than 74% of major European cities |
Jobs is above average: in the top quarter of Spanish cities above 50,000.
Unemployment: 6.38% — better than 96% 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 |
|---|---|---|
| UnemploymentSantiago de Compostela · 2025 | 6.38% | better than 96% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| Unemployment, change in a yearSantiago de Compostela · 2025 | -0.65 points | better than 32% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
Healthcare is above average: better than most Spanish cities above 50,000.
Life expectancy: 83.7 years — better than 64% 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Life expectancySantiago de Compostela · 2023 | 83.7 years | better than 64% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
Safety is around the middle: around the middle of Spanish cities above 50,000.
Homicides: 0.00 per 100k people — better than 78% of Spanish cities above 50,000
Average: 56 out of 100, where 50 is typical for the comparison group. These are the measures behind it.
| Measure | Value | Compared with peers |
|---|---|---|
| HomicidesSantiago de Compostela · 2025 | 0.00 per 100k people | better than 78% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| Recorded crimeSantiago de Compostela · 2024 | 50.5 per 1,000 people | better than 41% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| RobberiesSantiago de Compostela · 2025 | 82.2 per 100k people | better than 51% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| BurglariesSantiago de Compostela · 2025 | 110 per 100k people | better than 51% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| Sexual offencesSantiago de Compostela · 2024 | 0.35 per 1,000 people | better than 66% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| TheftsSantiago de Compostela · 2025 | 1,406 per 100k people | better than 31% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| Vehicle theftsSantiago de Compostela · 2025 | 32.7 per 100k people | better than 76% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
Transport is around the middle: around the middle of Spanish cities above 50,000.
Average commute (one way): 37.3 minutes — better than 62% of Spanish cities above 50,000
Average: 51 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)Santiago de Compostela · 2021 | 37.3 minutes | better than 62% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| Commute by carSantiago de Compostela · 2021 | 61.7% | better than 45% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| Commute by public transportSantiago de Compostela · 2021 | 11.3% | better than 44% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
Housing is around the middle: around the middle of Spanish cities above 50,000.
House prices, change in a year: 5.83% — better than 96% of Spanish cities above 50,000
Average: 48 out of 100, where 50 is typical for the comparison group. These are the measures behind it.
| Measure | Value | Compared with peers |
|---|---|---|
| Rent per m²Santiago de Compostela · 2024 | 7.21 €/m² a month | better than 55% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| Rents, change in a yearSantiago de Compostela · 2024 | 4.00% | better than 23% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| Buying price per m²Santiago de Compostela · 2026-Q2 | 2,339 €/m² | better than 48% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| Rent growth a year, over 3 yearsSantiago de Compostela · 2024 | 5.62% | better than 30% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| House prices, change in a yearSantiago de Compostela · 2026-Q2 | 5.83% | better than 96% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
Digital is weak: in the bottom 10% of Spanish cities above 50,000.
Homes with fibre to the door: 94.9% — worse than 92% of Spanish cities above 50,000
Weak: 14 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 internetSantiago de Compostela · 2025 | 94.7% | better than 10% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| Homes with fibre to the doorSantiago de Compostela · 2025 | 94.9% | better than 8% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| 5G coverageSantiago de Compostela · 2025 | 100.0% | better than 28% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
What we cannot score for Santiago de Compostela yet
Highs around 26° in August, lows around 6° in January. 114 pleasant days a year (dry, 18–28 °C).
| Month | High | Low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 12.0°C | 6.0°C | 168 mm |
| February | 12.9°C | 6.3°C | 136 mm |
| March | 14.0°C | 6.7°C | 138 mm |
| April | 16.6°C | 8.1°C | 108 mm |
| May | 19.3°C | 10.3°C | 81 mm |
| June | 21.5°C | 12.5°C | 62 mm |
| July | 24.8°C | 14.4°C | 18 mm |
| August | 25.7°C | 14.9°C | 37 mm |
| September | 23.5°C | 13.6°C | 65 mm |
| October | 19.9°C | 12.0°C | 174 mm |
| November | 15.2°C | 9.2°C | 180 mm |
| December | 13.2°C | 7.6°C | 197 mm |
Santiago has an Atlantic climate, and rain falls on many days of the year, especially in autumn and winter. The city gets 1,362 mm a year (2015–2024), spread over 152 a year (2015–2024). Summers are mild and bright, with cool evenings, and hot days are all but unknown: 1 a year (2015–2024). Winters are mild but grey and damp, with fog and drizzle that locals call orballo.
It is a summer city: June to September are bright, and pilgrims arrive in the largest numbers. Pleasant days, mild and dry, number 114 a year (2015–2024), and most of them fall in those months. The rest of the year is for people who like quiet, rain and cosy interiors, and who have a flat with proper heating.
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49/100 · average · 73rd of 106 Spanish cities above 50,000
6.4% in 2025
5.8% in Q2 2026
€7.2 per m² a month in 2024
€2,339 per m² in Q2 2026
83.7 years in 2023
Facts about the people who live in Santiago de Compostela. 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 calm and beautiful place, with a first-class hospital but few luxury services.
Not measured yet: Average dwelling size, Education, Environment, Income tax and social security, average earner, Total tax on labour, average earner.
Good value for a regional capital, with real services and moderate rents.
Nothing stands out.
Not measured yet: Cost of Living, Households spending >40% of income on housing, Price level vs EU average.
Safe, walkable and richly supplied with hospitals, with moderate costs, but damp winters and steep old-town streets.
Not measured yet: Cost of Living, Doctors, Environment, Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂).
Jobs in the public sector, education and health, with few openings in tech or finance. Many graduates leave for Madrid or abroad.
Not measured yet: Jobs in high-tech sectors, Lifestyle, Median gross salary, Youth unemployment (15–24).
Support from the university and the region, and low costs, with a small market.
Nothing stands out.
Not measured yet: Jobs in high-tech sectors, Regulatory quality.
Safe streets, good schools and a university hospital, with parks and nature close. Work opportunities are mainly public sector.
Not measured yet: 15-year-olds' maths (PISA), Average dwelling size, Childcare availability, Education, Environment, Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), Pre-primary participation.
The Camino, rivers, forests and the Atlantic coast are all close. Rain is part of the experience.
Not measured yet: Environment, Fine-particle pollution (PM2.5), Lifestyle, Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), Strong-wind days.
A historic university, a very sociable city and low living costs. One of the great student towns of Spain.
Better nearby for students: Ourense (63), A Coruña (62)
Not measured yet: Cost of Living, Cycle most, Education, Lifestyle, Price level vs EU average, Walk most, Youth unemployment (15–24).
A cathedral, a famous pilgrimage, a university, festivals and Galician food and music. A first-class small city.
Better nearby for culture, food and nightlife: A Coruña (72)
Not measured yet: Lifestyle, Walk most.
Cheap and atmospheric, with an airport nearby, but fibre is patchier than in the big cities and the foreign community is small.
Nothing stands out.
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 Santiago de Compostela as anywhere in Spain.
Compared with Santiago de Compostela; each card says where it is better or worse for someone living there.
70 m²: €497 a month
Compare with Santiago de Compostela70 m²: €341 a month
Compare with Santiago de Compostela70 m²: €355 a month
Compare with Santiago de Compostela70 m²: €443 a month
Compare with Santiago de Compostela70 m²: €533 a month
Compare with Santiago de Compostela70 m²: €333 a month
Compare with Santiago de CompostelaGuide 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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