12 Tips for Living in Granada, Spain

By Jiabwass

An expat talks about what it's like living in Granada, Spain. There are a lot of international students and others in Granada, a low cost of living, reliable public transportation, great restaurants and much more.

Expat Life in Granada

There are so many reasons- low cost of living, excellent food (plus tapas is free with drinks at most places), close to ski resort (40 minutes by bus), close to the beach (an hour by car), beautiful city, full of history, has its own airport and close to Malaga and Madrid, excellent public transportation with buses and trains. It's a university town so it's always vibrant and has something going on.

Cost of Living in Granada , Spain

Very inexpensive to live in Granada. The rent starts as low as €250 per month for a room in an apartment. If you want to have your own apartment, rent can start at €400 depend on location. The food is cheap here if you stay out of eating in tourist areas. Grocery is inexpensive with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables year round.

Local Clubs and Organizations

There is a weekly Meetup for expat and monthly Inter-Nation. It's easy to meet other expats.

International Schools in Granada

There's University of Granada that has a lot of international students. There is also an International school.

Shopping in Granada

There are plenty of neighborhood shops for fruits, meats, bread, or seafood in most neighborhoods. There are also bigger stores like Mercadona, ALDI, El Corte Inglés that have everything in one place. I personally like the small shops so I can personally know them and practice my Spanish.

Public Transportation

Very excellent, reliable and inexpensive. Buses and metros run until almost midnight. It's very safe to use public transportation.

Climate

A lot of sunshine almost every day. July and August can get very hot up to over 40 Celsius and Jan and Feb can get very cold can get down to zero. But it's very dry so the heat is bearable under the shades.

Restaurants and Nightlife

Lots of restaurants and tapas bars. It's best to go where the locals go and avoid the more expensive tourist areas. We live outside of the center and we love our area. A lot of people go out for tapas at night or sit in the plaza socializing.

What are local hospitals and emergency services like?

Very close up the new hospital under 1 kilo by walking. It's a private hospital.

Recreational Activities in Granada

There are city facilities throughout different area that have swimming pool, tennis courts, basketball courts, skating park, fitness room. It's easy to use them and inexpensive.

Residency and Visa Requirements

For non-lucrative visa like us, you have to apply in your own country. The requirements are proof of sufficient income, good health, full cover insurance, criminal background check. As long as you meet the requirements, there is no problem getting a visa.

Crime in Granada , Spain

Nothing major. In big cities, just petty crime like pickpocket.