City · Castilla-La Mancha · All places
A World Heritage hill city half an hour from Madrid by fast train, with first-rate hospitals, extreme weather and a day-tripper centre.
Toledo is the capital of Castilla-La Mancha, built on a granite hill inside a tight loop of the Tagus river. For centuries it was the political and religious heart of Spain, and the old town is a World Heritage Site: narrow lanes, a cathedral, an Alcázar fortress, former synagogues and mosques, and views over the gorge. It is only about thirty minutes from Madrid by high-speed train. The city has 87,216 residents (2025).
Visitors fill the old town by day and leave by evening, and the people who live in Toledo are largely civil servants, hospital staff, teachers and families who commute to Madrid. It is a safe, calm, long-lived place with excellent healthcare, and it suits those who value history and quiet over nightlife or a big job market.
Data as of · the latest figures cover Jun 2026
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What the data says
Toledo stands out for healthcare, prosperity and safety; it is weaker on connectivity and digital. A typical 70 m² rental costs about €513 a month (2024).
Who it suits, 0 to 100
Practical conclusions we draw from Toledo’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.
Game and stews such as partridge and venison, carcamusas, strong Manchego cheese and marzipan from the convent bakeries.
Slow and ceremonial, with tourists by day and a near-empty old town after dark.
Bars around the Plaza de Zocodover, and the newer districts across the river for evening life.
The old town on its hill, the Santa María de Benquerencia estate for everyday life, and the villas on the south bank known as cigarrales.
Spanish, with some English and other languages in the tourist streets.
Corpus Christi with its awnings over the streets, Easter processions and the August fiestas for the Virgen del Sagrario.
The Tagus gorge paths, the cigarrales hills and the Montes de Toledo for walking and cycling.
The old town is a maze, with the Plaza de Zocodover as its centre, the cathedral and the Alcázar above it, and the Jewish quarter with its two surviving synagogues. El Greco lived here, and his paintings hang in a house museum, the church of Santo Tomé and the cathedral. Escalators carry people from the lower town up the hill, which says a lot about the slopes.
Most locals do not live in the old town. They live in the nineteenth-century districts, in the large Santa María de Benquerencia estate built in the seventies and eighties, or in newer suburbs such as Buenavista and Azucaica. The cigarrales, villas with orchards on the south bank of the Tagus, are the leafy end of town.
The old town is crowded from morning to late afternoon, and quiet at night. The food is rooted in game and the convents' sweets, and the damascene metalwork shops are a tradition from the town's sword-making days. For nightlife and big culture, many residents go to Madrid.
Toledo was the capital of the Visigothic kingdom, a Muslim city and then, from the eleventh century, the Castilian seat where Christians, Jews and Muslims lived and translated each other's books. Philip II moved the court to Madrid in 1561, and Toledo stopped growing. That stasis is why the medieval city survived almost intact. It is also why it is difficult to live in: narrow streets, little parking, steep climbs and old houses.
Modern Toledo lives on government and heritage. The regional government of Castilla-La Mancha sits here, and so does a campus of the regional university in the former arms factory. A good share of the population works in public administration, health and education, and prosperity comes out strong. Household income is €17,525 a year (2024), and unemployment is 9.2% (2025). Adults with a university degree make up 55% (2024).
Healthcare is the great strength. A large new university hospital serves the city and the province, and the national hospital for spinal injuries is here, so the city has an unusual number of beds for its size: 15.7 per 1,000 people (2025). It comes out strong on healthcare. Life expectancy is 85.3 years (2023), among the highest in Spain.
Housing is average for Spain. A typical 70 m² flat rents for about €513 a month (2024), and buying costs €2,114 per square metre (Q2 2026). Prices have risen as Madrid workers look for cheaper homes in reach of the fast train, and housing comes out below average.
The city is safe. Recorded crime is 47.1 per 1,000 people (2024), below the middle for Spanish cities. Safety comes out above average. The commute is long for a small city because many people work in Madrid: the average one-way journey takes 38 min (2021).
Figures for Toledo itself, not its region. Each shows the period it covers.
Each card uses Toledo 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: 85.3 years — better than 97% of Spanish cities above 50,000
Strong: 97 out of 100, where 50 is typical for the comparison group. These are the measures behind it.
| Measure | Value | Compared with peers |
|---|---|---|
| Life expectancyToledo · 2023 | 85.3 years | better than 97% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
Prosperity is strong: in the top quarter of Spanish cities above 50,000.
Household income per person: 17,525 € a year per person — better than 81% of Spanish cities above 50,000
Strong: 81 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 personToledo · 2024 | 17,525 € a year per person | better than 81% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
Safety is above average: in the top quarter of Spanish cities above 50,000.
Robberies: 51.6 per 100k people — better than 80% 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 |
|---|---|---|
| HomicidesToledo · 2025 | 0.00 per 100k people | better than 78% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| Recorded crimeToledo · 2024 | 47.1 per 1,000 people | better than 57% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| RobberiesToledo · 2025 | 51.6 per 100k people | better than 80% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| BurglariesToledo · 2025 | 134 per 100k people | better than 37% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| Sexual offencesToledo · 2024 | 0.31 per 1,000 people | better than 76% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| TheftsToledo · 2025 | 1,164 per 100k people | better than 52% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| Vehicle theftsToledo · 2025 | 36.7 per 100k people | better than 72% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
Jobs is around the middle: around the middle of Spanish cities above 50,000.
Unemployment: 9.15% — better than 68% of Spanish cities above 50,000
Average: 49 out of 100, where 50 is typical for the comparison group. These are the measures behind it.
| Measure | Value | Compared with peers |
|---|---|---|
| UnemploymentToledo · 2025 | 9.15% | better than 68% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| Unemployment, change in a yearToledo · 2025 | 0.02 points | better than 19% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
Transport is around the middle: behind most Spanish cities above 50,000.
Commute by public transport: 15.5% — better than 64% of Spanish cities above 50,000
Average: 45 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)Toledo · 2021 | 38.5 minutes | better than 49% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| Commute by carToledo · 2021 | 67.9% | better than 20% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| Commute by public transportToledo · 2021 | 15.5% | better than 64% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
Climate is around the middle: behind most major European cities.
Pleasant days (18–28 °C, dry): 86.6 days a year — better than 70% of major European cities
Average: 42 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)Toledo · 2015-01-01..2024-12-31 | 86.6 days a year | better than 70% of major European cities |
| Days above 35 °CToledo · 2015-01-01..2024-12-31 | 45.0 days a year | better than 3% of major European cities |
| Nights above 20 °CToledo · 2015-01-01..2024-12-31 | 26.0 nights a year | better than 24% of major European cities |
Housing is below average: in the bottom quarter of Spanish cities above 50,000.
House prices, change in a year: 19.2% — worse than 82% of Spanish cities above 50,000
Below average: 38 out of 100, where 50 is typical for the comparison group. These are the measures behind it.
| Measure | Value | Compared with peers |
|---|---|---|
| Rent per m²Toledo · 2024 | 7.33 €/m² a month | better than 53% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| Rents, change in a yearToledo · 2024 | 3.80% | better than 27% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| Buying price per m²Toledo · 2026-Q2 | 2,114 €/m² | better than 59% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| Rent growth a year, over 3 yearsToledo · 2024 | 5.67% | better than 29% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| House prices, change in a yearToledo · 2026-Q2 | 19.2% | better than 18% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
Digital is below average: behind most Spanish cities above 50,000.
5G coverage: 100.0% — worse than 78% of Spanish cities above 50,000
Below average: 31 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 internetToledo · 2025 | 97.6% | better than 33% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| Homes with fibre to the doorToledo · 2025 | 97.8% | better than 35% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| 5G coverageToledo · 2025 | 100.0% | better than 22% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
Connectivity is weak: in the bottom 10% of major European cities.
Distance to the main airport: 78.9 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 airportToledo · 2026-10-21 | 78.9 km | better than 0% of major European cities |
What we cannot score for Toledo yet
Highs around 36° in July, lows around 1° in January. 87 pleasant days a year (dry, 18–28 °C).
| Month | High | Low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 11.2°C | 0.5°C | 31 mm |
| February | 13.7°C | 1.8°C | 25 mm |
| March | 16.4°C | 3.7°C | 51 mm |
| April | 19.8°C | 6.3°C | 55 mm |
| May | 25.2°C | 10.4°C | 29 mm |
| June | 30.7°C | 15.3°C | 20 mm |
| July | 36.1°C | 19.2°C | 7 mm |
| August | 35.2°C | 19.1°C | 17 mm |
| September | 28.4°C | 14.4°C | 37 mm |
| October | 23.1°C | 10.4°C | 59 mm |
| November | 15.9°C | 5.1°C | 42 mm |
| December | 12.7°C | 2.6°C | 36 mm |
Toledo has one of the most extreme climates among Spanish cities. Summers are brutal, with very hot days numbering 45 a year (2015–2024) and the old town's stone holding heat into the night. Tropical nights number 26 a year (2015–2024), fewer than on the coast, and the evenings do cool down.
Winters are cold, with frost days numbering 36 a year (2015–2024), and fog can settle in the river gorge. Rainfall is modest, at 409 mm a year (2015–2024), and pleasant days number only 87 a year (2015–2024). Spring and autumn are short and lovely, and they are the right time to visit. Old houses are cold in winter and hot in summer, so insulation and cooling are worth checking.
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42/100 · average · 86th of 106 Spanish cities above 50,000
9.2% in 2025
19.2% in Q2 2026
€7.3 per m² a month in 2024
€2,114 per m² in Q2 2026
85.3 years in 2023
Facts about the people who live in Toledo. 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 quiet, safe address in a historic setting, with villas in the cigarrales and private clinics, but Madrid's luxuries are an hour away.
Not measured yet: Average dwelling size, Education, Environment, Income tax and social security, average earner, Total tax on labour, average earner.
A safe, historic city with strong hospitals, civil-service parents and a good school choice, with Madrid close.
Not measured yet: 15-year-olds' maths (PISA), Average dwelling size, Childcare availability, Education, Environment, Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), Pre-primary participation.
Good for civil-service and health careers, limited for others, with many young people commuting to Madrid.
Not measured yet: Jobs in high-tech sectors, Lifestyle, Median gross salary, Youth unemployment (15–24).
This is the main reason to come, with a cathedral, synagogues, El Greco, a medieval mosque and Corpus Christi.
Nothing stands out.
Not measured yet: Lifestyle, Walk most.
Excellent hospitals and long lives are a strong draw, but hills, summer heat and winter cold make it demanding.
Not measured yet: Cost of Living, Doctors, Environment, Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂).
The regional university has a campus in the former arms factory, though the social scene is small.
Not measured yet: Cost of Living, Cycle most, Education, Lifestyle, Price level vs EU average, Walk most, Youth unemployment (15–24).
Mid-range rents and a stable public-sector economy, with the cheaper options outside the old town.
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.
A natural base for heritage tourism, crafts, hospitality and professional services, and not much beyond.
Not measured yet: Jobs in high-tech sectors, Regulatory quality.
The Tagus gorge and the cigarrales offer good walks, but the climate is extreme and the big mountains are far.
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.
Beautiful but awkward, with Madrid's airport at some distance, thin coworking and few other remote workers.
Nothing stands out.
Better nearby for remote workers: Cuenca (48), Albacete (46), Ciudad Real (43)
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 Toledo as anywhere in Spain.
Compared with Toledo; each card says where it is better or worse for someone living there.
70 m²: €405 a month
Compare with Toledo70 m²: €394 a month
Compare with Toledo70 m²: €507 a month
Compare with Toledo70 m²: €419 a month
Compare with Toledo70 m²: €361 a month
Compare with ToledoGuide 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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