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San Sebastián cityscape

San Sebastián🇪🇸

Spain · Cost of living & nomad guide 2026

Photo by David Vives on Unsplash

Who this suits

FamiliesClean air seeker
Population
185,357
Timezone
Europe/Madrid
Nomad community
Small

What it's actually like here

San Sebastián offers a charming, albeit moderate, cost of living for European standards, making it a viable option for digital nomads seeking a slower pace. The internet is generally fast and reliable, perfect for remote work, and getting settled with visas is relatively straightforward. This city truly shines for those who appreciate world-class food, a beautiful coastal setting, and a safe, walkable environment. You won't find a massive nomad hub here; the expat community is smaller and more integrated, offering a chance to truly immerse yourself in local Spanish culture. The main caveat? While not exorbitant, some aspects, especially accommodation in prime locations, can feel a little pricey for the region if you're not careful.

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City metrics

Financial

Rent 1BR (centre)US$1,100/mo
Rent 1BR (outside)US$800/mo
Cost of living (national avg)7 (US=100, World Bank ICP)
Cheap mealUS$14.00
Mid-range meal for 2US$45.00
Monthly groceries~US$300

Infrastructure

Internet speed160 Mbps
Connectivity score97/100
Healthcare index80/100
Coworking spaces~8

Lifestyle

Safety index82/100
Air quality15 AQI — Good
Walkability82/100
Climate score68/100
English proficiencymedium
Source: OpenAQ · Global Peace Index · regional statistical agencies · Updated Live + annual

Nomad

Nomad communitySmall
Visa easeeasy
Budget score58/100
Lifestyle score80/100
Overall nomad score
75/100
Source: World Bank ICP (cost of living, US=100), Ookla (internet), OpenAQ (air quality) · Updated Quarterly

📍 San Sebastián on the map

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Featured neighbourhoods

Neighbourhood guides coming soon for San Sebastián.

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to live in San Sebastián as a digital nomad?+

As of 2026, a 1-bedroom apartment in the centre of San Sebastián averages around $1,100 per month. The national cost-of-living index for Spain sits at 7 (US=100) — sourced from World Bank ICP. City-level detail is coming as we gather it; for now this is a national figure. Nomads typically budget extra for coworking, eating out, and travel.

Is San Sebastián safe for digital nomads?+

San Sebastián scores 82/100 on our composite safety index, which blends the Global Peace Index, crime stats and traveller-advisory data. Most nomad-friendly neighbourhoods feel comfortable to walk in day and night.

How fast is the internet in San Sebastián?+

Headline average internet speed in San Sebastián is around 160 Mbps based on Ookla Speedtest data. That's enough for video calls, large file uploads and most remote-work needs in central neighbourhoods — coworking spaces and serviced apartments usually run faster than that.

Community data for this city
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