City · País Vasco · All places
The calm, green, well-planned capital of the Basque Country, with a medieval centre and a ring of woods and wetlands.
Vitoria-Gasteiz is the capital of the Basque Country and of the province of Álava. It lies on a flat plain inland, about an hour from Bilbao and San Sebastián, and is much quieter than either. Its compact medieval centre, shaped like an almond, sits on a small hill, and wide boulevards, parks and a ring of green space surround it.
It is regularly named as one of the best Spanish cities in which to live: clean, green, well-run, easy to cycle and walk, with strong public services and a steady industrial economy. It is less dazzling than the coastal cities, and it suits people who value order and quality over spectacle.
The city has 260,699 residents (2025). Residents born abroad make up 18.1% (2025).
Data as of · the latest figures cover Dec 2025
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What the data says
Vitoria-Gasteiz stands out for healthcare, prosperity and jobs; it is weaker on connectivity. A typical 70 m² rental costs about €645 a month (2024).
Who it suits, 0 to 100
Practical conclusions we draw from Vitoria-Gasteiz’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 Basque.
Basque is an official language alongside Spanish. Expect it on signs, at the town hall and in state schools.
People born abroad are in work less often than people born in Spain across País Vasco. Remote income or a job offer makes the move far easier.
Almost every home can get gigabit fibre, so working from home is not a gamble on the flat you pick.
Pintxos, txakoli and cider, grilled meat and local wine from Rioja Alavesa a short drive away.
Orderly and routine-minded, with people on bikes, tram and foot rather than in cars.
Bar-hopping on Cuchillería, the Arquillos and the squares of the old town, busy on weekends and quiet midweek.
A compact medieval core, the nineteenth-century Ensanche with its wide streets, and planned districts such as Zabalgana and Salburua.
Basque and Spanish both in daily life, with Basque dominant in many schools.
Fiestas de la Blanca in August, plus jazz in July and an international rock festival in June.
Reserved, punctual and community-minded, with strong clubs, choirs and neighbourhood groups.
Vitoria is polite, orderly and attached to its routine. People bicycle, push prams and walk dogs along tree-lined avenues. The old centre has a Gothic cathedral that visitors tour in a hard hat while the restoration continues, a medieval market square and a series of squares joined by pedestrian streets. The Plaza de la Virgen Blanca and the arcaded Plaza de España are the city's living rooms.
Social life is in bars. On weekends, Cuchillería and the Arquillos fill with people taking pintxos and small glasses of wine, txakoli or cider. The restaurant scene is good, and the Rioja Alavesa wine region offers vineyards and cellars about an hour away. In August, the Fiestas de la Blanca bring a puppet that descends on a rope above the square, a lot of music and a week of drinking in the streets.
The people are reserved, hard-working and community-minded, and Basque is part of daily life in schools and administration. The city has a decent music scene, with a jazz festival in July and a rock festival in June, and a base of students from the local campus. Winter evenings can be quiet, and many people go to the coast on weekends.
Away from the old town, the Ensanche has the shops and the offices, while Zabalgana and Salburua are newer planned districts with wide pavements, playgrounds and wetland on their edge.
Vitoria was founded as a walled town in the twelfth century by the king of Navarre, and later became a trading hub on the roads between Castile and the sea. The Basque government chose it as capital when the region gained autonomy. The city was planned carefully in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, with wide avenues and a green belt.
The greening was deliberate: a ring of parks and wetlands, an extensive cycle-lane network and a tram and bus system earned it the European Green Capital title in 2012. The economy is industrial, centred on a large vehicle plant and its suppliers, and on regional public administration. The city benefits from the Basque Country's own tax arrangement and its high spending on public services. Jobs come out strong and prosperity strong, with unemployment at 7.2% (2025). Adults with a university degree make up 54% (2024).
Healthcare comes out strong, and life expectancy is 84.8 years (2023). The public hospital complex is large, and the Basque health service is well funded and quick to give appointments by Spanish standards.
Housing is expensive for northern Spain, though less so than in San Sebastián and Bilbao. A typical 70 m² flat rents for about €645 a month (2024), and buying costs €2,681 per square metre (Q2 2026). Safety comes out average. Recorded crime is 49.5 per 1,000 people (2024), mostly theft rather than violence, and the city is quiet by serious-crime standards. The city is flat and compact, and the average commute is 38 min (2021). The nearest airport with real routes is 54 km away (2026), and connectivity comes out weak.
Figures for Vitoria-Gasteiz itself, not its region. Each shows the period it covers.
Each card uses Vitoria-Gasteiz 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 expectancyVitoria-Gasteiz · 2023 | 84.8 years | better than 92% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
Prosperity is strong: in the top quarter of Spanish cities above 50,000.
Household income per person: 18,920 € a year per person — better than 89% of Spanish cities above 50,000
Strong: 89 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 personVitoria-Gasteiz · 2024 | 18,920 € a year per person | better than 89% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
Jobs is strong: in the top 10% of Spanish cities above 50,000.
Unemployment: 7.20% — better than 91% 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 |
|---|---|---|
| UnemploymentVitoria-Gasteiz · 2025 | 7.20% | better than 91% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| Unemployment, change in a yearVitoria-Gasteiz · 2025 | -1.39 points | better than 67% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
Climate is above average: in the top quarter of major European cities.
Nights above 20 °C: 0.90 nights a year — better than 78% of major European cities
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Pleasant days (18–28 °C, dry)Vitoria-Gasteiz · 2015-01-01..2024-12-31 | 98.2 days a year | better than 76% of major European cities |
| Days above 35 °CVitoria-Gasteiz · 2015-01-01..2024-12-31 | 1.30 days a year | better than 49% of major European cities |
| Nights above 20 °CVitoria-Gasteiz · 2015-01-01..2024-12-31 | 0.90 nights a year | better than 78% of major European cities |
Transport is above average: in the top quarter of Spanish cities above 50,000.
Commute by car: 53.2% — better than 78% 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Average commute (one way)Vitoria-Gasteiz · 2021 | 37.7 minutes | better than 53% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| Commute by carVitoria-Gasteiz · 2021 | 53.2% | better than 78% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| Commute by public transportVitoria-Gasteiz · 2021 | 13.9% | better than 56% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
Digital is around the middle: around the middle of Spanish cities above 50,000.
Homes that can get gigabit internet: 99.1% — better than 69% 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Homes that can get gigabit internetVitoria-Gasteiz · 2025 | 99.1% | better than 69% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| Homes with fibre to the doorVitoria-Gasteiz · 2025 | 99.1% | better than 64% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| 5G coverageVitoria-Gasteiz · 2025 | 100.0% | better than 30% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
Safety is around the middle: behind most Spanish cities above 50,000.
Vehicle thefts: 29.9 per 100k people — better than 80% of Spanish cities above 50,000
Average: 47 out of 100, where 50 is typical for the comparison group. These are the measures behind it.
| Measure | Value | Compared with peers |
|---|---|---|
| HomicidesVitoria-Gasteiz · 2025 | 0.00 per 100k people | better than 78% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| Recorded crimeVitoria-Gasteiz · 2024 | 49.5 per 1,000 people | better than 44% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| RobberiesVitoria-Gasteiz · 2025 | 105 per 100k people | better than 38% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| BurglariesVitoria-Gasteiz · 2025 | 98.2 per 100k people | better than 61% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| Sexual offencesVitoria-Gasteiz · 2024 | 0.61 per 1,000 people | better than 17% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| TheftsVitoria-Gasteiz · 2025 | 1,789 per 100k people | better than 17% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| Vehicle theftsVitoria-Gasteiz · 2025 | 29.9 per 100k people | better than 80% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
Connectivity is weak: in the bottom 10% of major European cities.
Distance to the main airport: 54.1 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 airportVitoria-Gasteiz · 2026-10-21 | 54.1 km | better than 0% of major European cities |
| Airport passengersVitoria-Gasteiz · 2025 | 0.30 million passengers a year | better than 0% of major European cities |
What we cannot score for Vitoria-Gasteiz yet
Highs around 26° in August, lows around 2° in January. 98 pleasant days a year (dry, 18–28 °C).
| Month | High | Low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 9.3°C | 2.3°C | 118 mm |
| February | 11.2°C | 3.1°C | 97 mm |
| March | 13.2°C | 4.4°C | 82 mm |
| April | 15.6°C | 6.3°C | 66 mm |
| May | 18.7°C | 9.4°C | 58 mm |
| June | 22.5°C | 12.8°C | 67 mm |
| July | 25.3°C | 14.8°C | 35 mm |
| August | 26.1°C | 15.1°C | 40 mm |
| September | 22.9°C | 13.0°C | 69 mm |
| October | 19.6°C | 10.2°C | 80 mm |
| November | 13.6°C | 6.3°C | 133 mm |
| December | 11.5°C | 4.2°C | 105 mm |
Vitoria has a cool, humid climate with an Atlantic influence, but it sits inland and a little higher than the coast, so winters bite. Summers are mild and sometimes warm, and nights cool down. Winters are cold and damp, with fog, frost and an occasional snowfall. Rainfall is 950 mm a year (2015–2024), and rain days run at 150 a year (2015–2024).
Frost days are 13 a year (2015–2024). Very hot days: 1 a year (2015–2024). Pleasant days, mild and dry, number 98 a year (2015–2024). It works year-round, with cool summers that feel like a relief to anyone who has spent July in Sevilla, and cold winters that call for good heating and a warm coat.
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67/100 · above average · 34th of 106 Spanish cities above 50,000
7.2% in 2025
5.8% in Q2 2026
€2,681 per m² in Q2 2026
84.8 years in 2023
Facts about the people who live in Vitoria-Gasteiz. 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.
Stable jobs in industry, engineering and the Basque public sector, and good pay by Spanish standards. Nightlife is modest and many peers prefer Bilbao or San Sebastián.
Not measured yet: Housing, Jobs in high-tech sectors, Lifestyle, Median gross salary, Youth unemployment (15–24).
A medieval centre, jazz and rock festivals and a bar culture that runs on tradition. The scene is quieter than in the coastal cities.
Nothing stands out.
Not measured yet: Lifestyle, Walk most.
Quality schools, healthcare and a favourable regional tax environment in a calm and safe setting. There is little in the way of luxury or nightlife.
Not measured yet: Average dwelling size, Education, Environment, Housing, Income tax and social security, average earner, Total tax on labour, average earner.
Excellent healthcare, flat streets and a quiet city are the draw. The cold winters and the distance from the sea are the trade.
Not measured yet: Cost of Living, Doctors, Environment, Housing, Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂).
One of the best Spanish cities for children, with parks, schools, cycle lanes and low crime in the homes where families live. Housing is not cheap, and Basque-language schooling needs a decision.
Not measured yet: 15-year-olds' maths (PISA), Average dwelling size, Childcare availability, Education, Environment, Housing, Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), Pre-primary participation.
A strong industrial base, regional support and a stable setting suit manufacturing, energy and engineering-led ventures. The local consumer market is small.
Nothing stands out.
Not measured yet: Jobs in high-tech sectors, Regulatory quality.
The Álava campus of the University of the Basque Country is based here, with a friendly and safe city around it. The student scene is smaller than in Bilbao.
Not measured yet: Cost of Living, Cycle most, Education, Housing, Lifestyle, Price level vs EU average, Walk most, Youth unemployment (15–24).
Cheaper than San Sebastián and Bilbao, but still one of the pricier cities in northern Spain, with heating bills to add.
Not measured yet: Cost of Living, Households spending >40% of income on housing, Housing, Price level vs EU average.
Fast fibre and a calm, organised city suit deep work, with good road and rail links to Bilbao and Madrid. Coworking is thin and the airport is not a hub.
Better nearby for remote workers: Barakaldo (63), Bilbao (60)
Not measured yet: Cost of Living, Fixed broadband penetration, Housing, Lifestyle.
The green belt, cycling routes and nearby mountains are the draw. The sea is an hour away and rain is frequent.
Better nearby for beach, mountains and the outdoors: Bilbao (69), Getxo (57), Barakaldo (52)
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 Vitoria-Gasteiz as anywhere in Spain.
Compared with Vitoria-Gasteiz; each card says where it is better or worse for someone living there.
70 m²: €794 a month
Compare with Vitoria-Gasteiz70 m²: €806 a month
Compare with Vitoria-Gasteiz70 m²: €733 a month
Compare with Vitoria-Gasteiz70 m²: €979 a month
Compare with Vitoria-Gasteiz70 m²: €692 a month
Compare with Vitoria-GasteizGuide 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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