Sitges, Spain

Tourism and hospitality dominate Sitges' economy entirely—over 4,500 hotel beds (half four-star) pull in year-round international visitors, funding most local employment. The shoe manufacturing that once employed 80% of workers has vanished; now you work in hotels, restaurants, real estate, or remote jobs. Property prices rival central Barcelona because of the beachfront location and 35km proximity to El Prat Airport, making traditional employment here economically pointless unless you're in tourism or own property.

A one-bedroom city-center apartment runs $1,350/month—expensive for Spain, cheap for a Mediterranean beach town. The regional train to Barcelona takes 40 minutes and costs €4 each way, making commuting viable. Healthcare is solid (Spanish public system), but bureaucracy for residency and work permits follows standard EU friction. English works fine; 35% of residents are expats (Dutch, British, French, Scandinavian), so you'll rarely struggle linguistically, though Spanish helps for bureaucracy.

Summers are hot and crowded; winters mild and quieter. Weekends mean beaches, hiking the Garraf Massif, or day-tripping to Barcelona. The expat community is substantial and established—international schools, English-language services, organized social groups. Carnival and the film festival bring cultural energy. Sitges suits remote workers with savings, retirees, or people who want a beach lifestyle without the chaos of Barcelona—but only if you can afford $1,350+ rent and don't need local employment.