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Girona, Spain

Data updated Oct 8, 2026

Follows Spain Residency Rules. Check Digital Nomad & Retiree Pathways →

📊 Scores

76
FIRE
72
Retiree
71
Digital Nomad

Best fit: FIRE / Geoarbitrage (score: 74)

Tourism fuels this place, and it shows. The restaurants, the souvenir shops, the summer crush of visitors from all over Europe. If you're not bringing remote income, your job options here are slim and poorly paid. You'll spend about $980 a month on a

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🏚️ Cost of Living

💰 Budgets and Costs

$1,539/mo, one person, rent included
Selected: mid-range lifestyle

Girona on a mid-range budget comes to about $1,539 a month for one adult, with $880 of that going to rent. Beyond rent the estimate covers $157 on groceries, $179 on dining out, $99.00 on entertainment and lifestyle, $188 on utilities and connectivity and $36.00 on transport.

Rent

$880/mo

1BR outside the centre

Groceries

$157/mo

Staples basket scaled to a full month

Dining out

$179/mo

10 inexpensive meals

Entertainment & lifestyle

$99.00/mo

gym, 2 cinema trips, 12 cappuccinos

Utilities & connectivity

$188/mo

utilities, mobile, internet

Transport

$36.00/mo

Monthly pass

Budgets (excl. rent)

Single person$659/mo

Excludes rent. The total above is all-in, rent included.

Estimates for one adult, built from this city's average prices and the usage shown for each tier. Your spending will differ with how often you eat out and where you live.

A 1BR in the center runs about $1216.22/mo. If your income is in another currency, bank FX fees add up. A multi-currency account can cut that cost.

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🛡️ Safety & Crime

82
Safety Index

(Higher is safer)

18
Crime Index

(Lower is safer)

Girona is genuinely safe for daily life. The medieval city center is walkable at night, and expats report feeling comfortable moving around after dark. The overall atmosphere is calm and orderly—this isn't a city where you'll feel on edge. Crime exists but is low-level; violent crime against residents or visitors is rare. The Safety Index of 82 reflects reality: this is one of Spain's safer mid-sized cities.

Petty theft and pickpocketing occur, especially in crowded areas like the Cathedral or during festivals, but rates are modest. Scams targeting tourists are minimal compared to Barcelona or Madrid. Solo female travelers report no particular safety concerns beyond standard urban awareness. Avoid displaying expensive items, and use standard precautions in the old town late at night, but these are routine measures rather than serious warnings.

Spain's political environment is stable; Girona has no significant geopolitical risks. Police are reliable and professional. Corruption is not a concern for residents. The main consideration is that Girona is a smaller city—some expats find it quiet to the point of monotony compared to larger Spanish cities. For Americans seeking a genuinely safe, walkable European base with good quality of life, Girona is an excellent choice with minimal safety reservations.

🏥 Healthcare

Excellent
Public Hospitals
Yes
Private Clinics
Yes
English-Speaking Doctors
Widely Available

See how Girona's healthcare compares with Nerja

🌤️ Climate

Summer Temp
28°C
Winter Temp
8°C
Humidity
68%
Air Quality Index
35
Annual Rainfall
610 mm

Best Months

AprMaySepOct

Climate Notes

Girona enjoys a Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers (June-September) and mild winters, offering pleasant spring and autumn seasons ideal for outdoor activities.

💻 Digital Nomad

Avg Internet Speed
75.4 Mbps
Internet (monthly)
$35/mo
Coworking Availability
Moderate
Coworking Spaces Nearby
1
Digital Nomad Score
71/100

Community Notes

Girona is a beautiful, historic city with vibrant culture and easy access to the coast.

Coworking Spaces

NameNotes
Giroco CoworkingLocated near the city center, Giroco offers a friendly and collaborative environment. It's a good option for those seeking a more local, community-focused coworking experience with various membership options.
Espai 114 CoworkingEspai 114 is situated in the heart of Girona, providing easy access to amenities and transportation. They offer flexible plans and a professional atmosphere, making it suitable for focused work.
Regus GironaLocated in the Espai Gironès shopping center, Regus offers a reliable and professional coworking environment. It's a convenient option for those who value accessibility and a corporate setting.

Names, locations and hours can change. Check each space's website before you visit. Places from © OpenStreetMap contributors and Foursquare Open Source Places (Apache 2.0).

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🧳 Expat Life

English Proficiency
Common in Tourist Areas
Expat Community
Medium
Top Neighborhoods
Barri Vell
Banks Nearby
59
ATMs Nearby
12

Expat Life Notes

Global hub for professional cycling. very international, safe, and historic.

Pros

  • ✓ Innovation in cycling
  • ✓ Safe center
  • ✓ High English level

Cons

  • ✗ Expensive real estate

🏘️ Neighborhoods in Girona

Areas of Girona that expats often consider.

Conditions can change from one block to the next, and these descriptions are general guides, not safety assessments. Before choosing where to stay or live, check current travel advisories, talk to people who live there, and visit in person if you can.

Barri Vell (Old Quarter)

Historic charm, vibrant atmosphere

The heart of Girona, filled with history, restaurants, and shops. Popular with tourists and expats, so expect higher prices and more noise, especially during peak season. Very walkable, but parking can be a challenge.

Eixample

Modern, residential, convenient living

A more modern area with wider streets and a mix of apartments and shops. Offers a good balance of convenience and quiet, with easy access to amenities and public transport. A good option for those seeking a less touristy experience.

Devesa-Güell

Green spaces, family-friendly, peaceful

Located near the Parc de la Devesa, this area is known for its green spaces and quieter atmosphere. Ideal for retirees or families seeking a more relaxed lifestyle. Less English is spoken here, so some Spanish is helpful.

Sant Narcís

Local, authentic, budget-friendly

A more local neighborhood with a strong sense of community. Offers more affordable housing options and a glimpse into everyday Catalan life. While less touristy, it may require some Spanish language skills to fully integrate.

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🛂 Visa Options for Spain

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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about Girona

Click any question to expand the answer.

Girona has a population of approximately 108,666 people.
A single person can expect to spend around $3,041 per month in Girona, including rent. A 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $1216/month.
The nearest airport to Girona is GRO, approximately 14.8km away.
Girona is considered relatively safe, with a safety index of 82.0. As with any city abroad, expats should research specific neighborhoods before committing to a location.
Girona has an average internet speed of 75.4 Mbps. It is considered a well-established digital nomad destination.
Spanish will get you by in most situations, but Catalan is the dominant language in daily life, local government, and many workplaces. Learning basic Catalan phrases helps significantly with integration and shows respect for local culture.
Rent is roughly 30-40% cheaper than Barcelona, with city center one-bedrooms around $980/month. Restaurants and daily expenses are also lower, though not dramatically. Tourist areas can be pricey during peak season.
Yes, regular trains run between Girona and Barcelona (1 hour, €8-15 each way). Many people commute daily, though the cost adds up. High-speed trains are faster but more expensive at around €25-30.
The most common option is the Non-Lucrative Visa, which requires proof of sufficient passive income or savings to support yourself without working in Spain. You'll need to demonstrate around €28,800 per year for yourself, plus additional funds for dependents. Another option is the Golden Visa, which requires a significant investment in Spanish real estate.
Girona is generally considered a very safe city with low crime rates. Petty theft, like pickpocketing, can occur in touristy areas, especially during peak season, but violent crime is rare. Overall, you can feel comfortable walking around at night in most neighborhoods.
Girona has excellent internet connectivity, with fiber optic available in most areas. You can expect download speeds of 300 Mbps or higher, which is more than sufficient for video conferencing, streaming, and other remote work tasks. Coworking spaces like Transforma offer reliable connections and professional environments.
While Spanish is the primary language, you can find English-speaking doctors and dentists, especially in private clinics. Ask for recommendations from other expats or check online directories. The public healthcare system (CatSalut) is excellent, but English proficiency among doctors may vary.
For budget-conscious expats, areas like Sant Narcís or Montjuïc offer more affordable rental options compared to the Old Town or Eixample. These neighborhoods are still well-connected to the city center by public transport and offer a good quality of life.
Services like Wise (formerly TransferWise) and Revolut offer competitive exchange rates and lower fees compared to traditional bank transfers. Opening a Spanish bank account can also help streamline your finances once you're settled. Be aware of ATM fees, which can add up if you withdraw cash frequently.
Girona has a Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters. Expect temperatures to range from 5°C (41°F) in January to 30°C (86°F) in August. Spring and autumn are pleasant, with comfortable temperatures and fewer tourists. Be prepared for occasional rain, especially in the spring and fall.
While not as large as in Barcelona, Girona has a growing expat community, primarily composed of Europeans and North Americans. You can find social groups and online forums to connect with other expats and share experiences. The city is welcoming and easy to navigate, making it a good choice for those seeking a less overwhelming expat experience.
Girona is a very walkable city, and the historic center is best explored on foot. Public transportation, including buses, is efficient and affordable. Taxis are readily available, and bike rentals are a popular option for getting around. You likely won't need a car unless you plan to explore the surrounding countryside frequently.
As a US citizen, you're still required to file US taxes even when living abroad. The Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE) allows you to exclude a certain amount of your foreign-earned income from US taxes. You may also need to report foreign bank accounts if the combined value exceeds $10,000 (FBAR). Consult with a tax professional specializing in expat taxes.
Yes, retiring comfortably in Girona on $2500 USD per month is definitely achievable, especially if you own your accommodation or rent outside the city center. With careful budgeting, you can enjoy a good quality of life, including dining out occasionally, traveling within Spain, and participating in local activities. This budget is more than sufficient to cover basic needs and some leisure activities.
While learning some Spanish is highly recommended for a richer experience, you can manage day-to-day life in Girona with English, especially in tourist areas and when interacting with younger people. Many restaurants and shops have English menus, and you'll find people willing to help you if you make an effort to communicate. However, taking Spanish classes will significantly improve your integration and overall quality of life.
Girona offers a variety of activities for retirees, including exploring the historic Old Town, visiting museums and art galleries, hiking or biking in the surrounding countryside, and enjoying the local cuisine. There are also numerous cultural events, festivals, and concerts throughout the year. Many retirees also join local clubs and organizations to socialize and pursue their interests.

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