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Moving to San Sebastian, Spain | Expat Exchange
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San Sebastian, Spain

Moving to San Sebastian, Spain

By Joshua Wood, LPC

Last updated on Apr 21, 2023

Summary: Expats move to San Sebastian, Spain for its stunning natural beauty, vibrant culture, and excellent quality of life. With its stunning beaches, lush green hills, and picturesque old town, San Sebastian is a great place to live and explore. The city is also known for its delicious Basque cuisine, lively nightlife, and friendly locals. Additionally, San Sebastian is a great place to learn Spanish, as it is a bilingual city with both Spanish and Basque spoken. With its mild climate, low cost of living, and excellent healthcare system, San Sebastian is an attractive destination for expats looking for a new home.

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What do I need to know before moving to San Sebastian?

When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to San Sebastian, they said:

"San Sebastian is a beautiful city located in the Basque Country of Spain. It is known for its stunning beaches, delicious cuisine, and vibrant culture. Before moving to San Sebastian, expats should be aware that the Basque language is widely spoken in the region and it is important to learn some basic phrases. Additionally, the cost of living in San Sebastian is higher than other parts of Spain, so expats should plan accordingly. Finally, the weather in San Sebastian is mild and pleasant, with temperatures rarely dropping below freezing," explained one expat living in San Sebastian, Spain.

How do I find a place to live in San Sebastian?

We asked expats how they chose their neighborhood and found a place to live. They answered:

"One of the best ways to find a place to live in San Sebastian is to use online rental websites such as Idealista, Fotocasa, and Habitaclia. These websites allow you to search for rental properties in San Sebastian and filter your search by price, size, and location. Additionally, you can contact local real estate agents who specialize in rental properties in the area. Finally, you can also look for rental postings on local classifieds websites such as Segundamano.es," said one expat in San Sebastian.

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Balcells Group Lawyers

With over 40 years of professional experience, Balcells Group provides legal advice on immigration, business, real estate, and tax. They help individuals, companies, investors, students, entrepreneurs, highly-qualified professionals, digital nomads, and more, to enjoy successful law processes in Spain by guiding their clients every step of the way. They speak Spanish, English, Catalan and Russian.

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Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

What is a typical expat home or apartment like in San Sebastian?

"Expat homes and apartments in San Sebastian are typically modern and spacious, with plenty of natural light. Many of the apartments have balconies or terraces with views of the city and the nearby mountains. The interiors are often decorated with contemporary furnishings and feature open-plan living areas. Many of the apartments also have access to communal gardens and swimming pools," commented one expat who made the move to San Sebastian.

What is the average cost of housing in San Sebastian?

If you are thinking about moving to San Sebastian, cost of living in probably a key consideration. Expats commented about the cost of housing:

"The cost of housing in San Sebastian is generally quite high. Renting an apartment in the city center can cost anywhere from €800 to €1,500 per month, while renting a house in the suburbs can cost around €600 to €1,000 per month. Prices can vary depending on the size and location of the property," remarked one expat in San Sebastian, Spain.

Should I buy or rent a home in San Sebastian?

If you have not spent a lot of time in San Sebastian, you should rent before even thinking about buying. We asked expats there about the buy vs. rent decision:

"Buying a home in San Sebastian can be a great investment. The city is known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant culture, and delicious cuisine. The cost of living is relatively low compared to other cities in Spain, making it an attractive option for those looking to purchase a home. Renting a home in San Sebastian can also be a great option, as it allows you to experience the city without the commitment of buying a home. Additionally, renting can be a great way to explore different neighborhoods and find the perfect place to call home," replied a member in San Sebastian.

What should I pack when moving to San Sebastian?

We asked people living in San Sebastian to list three things they wish they had brought and three they wish they had left behind. They responded:

"When moving to San Sebastian, it is important to pack clothing suitable for the climate. San Sebastian has a temperate oceanic climate, so it is important to bring items such as sweaters, jackets, and rain gear. Additionally, it is important to bring comfortable walking shoes, as San Sebastian is a very walkable city. Don't forget to bring any necessary medications, as well as any important documents such as passports and visas. Finally, it is always a good idea to bring a few items from home to make the transition to a new city a bit easier," explained one expat living in San Sebastian, Spain.

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Connect

With over 40 years of professional experience, Balcells Group provides legal advice on immigration, business, real estate, and tax. They help individuals, companies, investors, students, entrepreneurs, highly-qualified professionals, digital nomads, and more, to enjoy successful law processes in Spain by guiding their clients every step of the way. They speak Spanish, English, Catalan and Russian.

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

Balcells Group LawyersBalcells Group Lawyers

With over 40 years of professional experience, Balcells Group provides legal advice on immigration, business, real estate, and tax. They help individuals, companies, investors, students, entrepreneurs, highly-qualified professionals, digital nomads, and more, to enjoy successful law processes in Spain by guiding their clients every step of the way. They speak Spanish, English, Catalan and Russian.
Connect

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in San Sebastian?

We asked people in San Sebastian if they could share any humorous cultural blunders they commited. For new expats, keep in mind that these incidents are an inevitable part of expat life. Learning to laugh about them is the key!:

"It is important to be mindful of local customs when visiting San Sebastian. It is considered impolite to be loud or disruptive in public places, such as restaurants or bars. It is also important to dress modestly, especially when visiting churches or other religious sites. Additionally, it is important to be respectful of the local language and to avoid speaking English in public. Finally, it is important to be aware of the local dining customs, such as not eating with your hands or talking with your mouth full," explained one expat living in San Sebastian, Spain.

Why do people move to San Sebastian?

When we asked people why foreigners move to San Sebastian, they responded:

"San Sebastian is an attractive destination for expats due to its stunning natural beauty, vibrant culture, and excellent quality of life. The city is situated on the Bay of Biscay, offering stunning views of the ocean and nearby mountains. San Sebastian is also known for its delicious Basque cuisine, with a variety of restaurants and tapas bars to explore. The city is also home to a number of festivals throughout the year, including the San Sebastian International Film Festival and the San Sebastian Jazz Festival. With its mild climate, excellent public transportation, and low cost of living, San Sebastian is an ideal destination for expats looking for a new home," remarked one expat in San Sebastian.

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William RussellWilliam Russell

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
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How are healthcare services San Sebastian?

When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in San Sebastian, they replied:

"San Sebastian offers a wide range of healthcare services to its citizens. The public healthcare system is provided by the Basque Health Service, which offers comprehensive medical care, including primary care, specialist care, hospital care, and mental health services. The Basque Health Service also provides preventive health services, such as vaccinations and health screenings. Additionally, there are several private healthcare providers in the city, offering a variety of services, including general practice, specialist care, and hospital care. San Sebastian also has a number of specialized medical centers, such as the Basque Institute of Health, which focuses on research and development in the field of health," said one expat.

What are medical services in San Sebastian like?

When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in San Sebastian, they replied:

"San Sebastian offers a wide range of medical services for its citizens and visitors. The city has several public and private hospitals, as well as numerous clinics and medical centers. The public hospitals provide free or low-cost medical care, while the private hospitals offer more specialized services. San Sebastian also has a number of pharmacies, which provide prescription and over-the-counter medications. Additionally, the city has a number of specialized medical centers, such as those for physical therapy, dentistry, and optometry," offered one expat living in San Sebastian.

About the Author

Joshua Wood Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.

Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.

San Sebastian, Spain

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William Russell

Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
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Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
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