Spain Tops Quality of Life Index for the Third Year in a Row

Costa del Sol - A Haven for Expats

Spain has once again secured its position at the top of the Quality of Life Index for 2024, marking the third consecutive year it has achieved this prestigious ranking.

Since the inception of the Expat Insider survey in 2014, Spain has consistently been in the top 10, highlighting its appeal to expatriates worldwide.

Why Spain is a Preferred Destination for Expats

One of the primary reasons expats flock to Spain is for its unparalleled quality of life. According to the latest survey, one in five respondents (20%) relocated to Spain for a better quality of life, compared to just 9% globally. Additionally, Spain attracts retirees at three times the global average (9% vs. 3%).

High Ratings Across Various Subcategories

Spain shines brightly in four out of the five subcategories of the Quality of Life Index. Here are some key highlights:

Spain ranks 3rd globally for allowing residents to express themselves openly.

Leisure Options

Spain is the top performer globally for Leisure Options. Expats are particularly fond of the country's recreational sports opportunities (89% positive vs. 72% globally) and its vibrant culture and nightlife (86% vs. 66% globally). “There’s a lot to enjoy and see: a lot of parks, roads for bicycles, and it’s easy to play sports. I also like the museums, festivals, and food here. The mountain background with the sea to the south only enhances the overall experience” – US expat.

Healthcare and Public Transportation

Healthcare in Spain is another standout feature, ranking 3rd globally. Expats appreciate its affordability (5th), accessibility (7th), and high quality (10th). Public transportation also receives high marks, with 85% of respondents finding it readily available (vs. 72% globally) and 89% considering it affordable (vs. 70% globally). The local car infrastructure and the ease of getting around on foot or by bicycle are also well-rated.

Environment and Climate

While Spain's overall ranking for Environment & Climate remains stable at 9th, expats are particularly impressed with the climate. An impressive 88% rate it favorably, well above the global average of 58%.

Malaga Airport: Connecting Costa del Sol to the World with 154 Destinations

Malaga Airport has reached a new milestone in global connectivity, now offering flights to 154 destinations worldwide this month. This achievement surpasses the previous record set last July when the airport connected to 151 destinations. With the help of 65 airlines, Malaga Airport has never seen such an extensive volume of non-stop flights to so many cities and towns.

The current level of connectivity exceeds the expectations set by Aena last March, which projected connections to 136 international airports during the high season. Only Madrid (202 destinations), Barcelona (200), and Palma de Mallorca (187) surpass Malaga in connectivity.

Expanding International Flights

Malaga Airport’s increased connectivity is driven by a higher concentration of European flights and the establishment of year-round routes. Notable examples include Qatar Airways’ route from Malaga to Doha and United Airlines’ significant expansion, connecting Costa del Sol to New York with almost 300% increased capacity following a successful summer.

This significant leap in air connectivity coincides with a high season forecasted to be historic by Aena, with 20 million seats offered by airlines and 11% more scheduled flights than last year. Between April and October, airlines have scheduled over 15.7 million seats for European destinations, an 11.4% increase, and 83,230 operations, up by 10.3%.

The United Kingdom remains the leading market, with nearly 4.7 million seats and over 24,500 flights. Notable increases in connectivity have also been observed with Germany, the Netherlands, and Italy, each showing substantial growth in seats and flights.

Airlines are also enhancing their offers for Spanish destinations, with a 20.7% increase in domestic flights. The number of seats available for travel within Spain has risen to almost 3.3 million, a 9.8% increase from the 2023 summer season. Malaga Airport is now connected to 19 Spanish destinations.

Malaga: The No. 1 City for Expats

A port city in the south of Spain, Malaga, has some of the happiest expats in the world, according to the latest Internations report on where people are thriving in their lives abroad. Named the No. 1 city for expats this year, Malaga's recognition is based on responses from over 12,000 individuals living in 172 countries or territories.

Malaga is the best-rated city worldwide for local friendliness, with 89% of expats stating that the locals are particularly friendly toward foreigners, compared to 65% globally. The city is also celebrated for its excellent weather, abundant leisure options, affordable housing, and manageable cost of living. While it scores lowest for its working abroad factors, due to a less robust local job market, it claims the top spot for supporting a good work-life balance.

Costa del Sol: The Jewel of Spain

Costa del Sol, with its stunning beaches, lively cultural scene, and excellent amenities, epitomizes the best of what Spain has to offer. Whether you're looking to retire, work remotely, or simply enjoy a better lifestyle, Costa del Sol provides an inviting and vibrant community for expats.

A recently published article by lifestyle magazine International Living named Benalmadena and Mijas Pueblo as the two top places to live in Spain, followed by Almuñecar, Sitges, and Miraflores de la Sierra (Madrid). The Costa del Sol has been a favorite destination for holidaymakers and property buyers for more than half a century. While Marbella is synonymous with the Costa del Sol for many, there are other areas worth exploring. The two places mentioned by International Living are topping our list of Costa del Sol areas too.

Benalmadena

The area stretches from the sandy beaches of Benalmadena Costa to the charming villages of Benalmadena Pueblo and Arroyo de la Miel. Offering a choice of different lifestyles, Benalmadena is only a 15-minute drive from Malaga’s international airport and Malaga city center, with great connections to the rest of the Costa del Sol. Although Benalmadena's population can swell to over 100,000 people during the summer months, there are many fantastic spots for quiet residential and recreational living. A plethora of local and international restaurants, bars, and the typical chiringuitos cater to residents and visitors year-round. Some of our favorite restaurants include the award-winning Los Marinos Jose, the hidden gem Tablas del Rey, and Trocadero Benalmadena. The area also boasts fantastic healthcare facilities, numerous leisure activities, and a beautiful environment.

Mijas Pueblo

Nestled against a mountain backdrop at 428 meters above sea level, Mijas Pueblo is a picturesque white village that comes to mind when thinking about Andalucía. Walking the (traffic-free) cobbled streets, lined with bars, restaurants, and artisan shops, will make you feel like a star in a romantic Mediterranean movie. You will be in awe of the views over the sloping mountains towards the sea, the friendliness of the cosmopolitan inhabitants, and the beauty of the majestic mountains to the north of the village. Choosing Mijas Pueblo as the location for your new home on the Costa del Sol will give you an authentic Spanish lifestyle in a cosmopolitan community that is very welcoming.

Why Choose Us

As a premier real estate company in Costa del Sol, Domus Venari understands the unique needs of expats. Our expertise in the local market, combined with our commitment to exceptional service, ensures you find the perfect home to enjoy all that Spain has to offer.

We are thrilled to announce that Domus Venari Group S.L has been awarded the prestigious title of Best Luxury Independent Real Estate Brokerage in Costa del Sol, Spain, at the Luxury Lifestyle Awards 2024. This accolade recognizes our unwavering commitment to excellence and our dedication to maintaining the highest standards in the real estate industry worldwide.

The Luxury Lifestyle Awards aim to honor outstanding achievements across various industry sectors, setting a benchmark for quality and excellence. The rigorous research process ensures that only the best of the best are recognized, and we are proud to be among the distinguished winners this year.

Being acknowledged as one of the best in the real estate market is a testament to our impeccable reputation and professional performance. This award is not only a recognition of our hard work and dedication but also an affirmation of the trust and confidence our clients place in us.

As we celebrate this milestone, we remain committed to providing exceptional service and maintaining the highest standards in the real estate industry.

For more information about our award-winning services, please contact us at by email. Let's make your real estate dreams a reality in Costa del Sol, Spain.