Live and work in Girona.
Girona offers a perfect blend of affordability, safety, and cultural richness for digital nomads seeking a quieter base in Spain. With excellent connectivity, a growing nomad community, and easy access to Barcelona and the Mediterranean coast, it's an underrated choice for remote work.
Remote worker score
Five practical signals that shape day-to-day life for a remote worker.
What living here really costs
Rent is the biggest expense—expect $700–$900 for a one-bedroom apartment in central areas, with utilities adding around $100 monthly. Eating out is affordable: a menu del día (lunch set) costs about $12, while groceries run $250–$350 per month. Coworking memberships range from $100–$200, and gyms average $40. Hidden costs include tourist taxes for short-term rentals, a trash collection fee (basura) in some apartments, and high electricity bills if you use air conditioning or heating extensively.
Workspace and connectivity
Girona has a handful of dedicated coworking spaces like La Catedral, Coworking Girona, and Espai 37, offering monthly dedicated desks for $150–$200. Cafés with WiFi are abundant, especially in the old town, but can get crowded. Internet speeds are excellent—typically 100 Mbps or higher with fiber connections common. For a quieter work environment, many nomads rent apartments with good WiFi. The main challenge is finding reliable power outlets in public spaces, so bring a multi-plug.
Small details that matter
Healthcare and personal safety
Spain's public healthcare system is excellent, and Girona has a modern hospital (Hospital Universitari de Girona Dr. Josep Trueta) with good emergency services. Expats can access public healthcare after registering for social security or by purchasing private insurance (around $50–$100/month). Pharmacies are everywhere and well-stocked. The city is very safe, with low crime rates; petty theft like pickpocketing is rare compared to Barcelona. Women feel comfortable walking alone at night.
Getting around
Girona is a very walkable city, especially the historic center. The public bus system (TMG) is efficient and covers all neighborhoods with a monthly pass for about $40. The train station connects to Barcelona in 38 minutes and to the French border. Cycling is popular, and bike lanes are expanding. For longer trips, the Girona-Costa Brava airport is 12 km away with cheap flights to many European cities. Ridesharing apps like BlaBlaCar are common for intercity travel.
Weather and climate
Girona enjoys a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and hot summers. Spring (April–June) and early autumn (September–October) are considered the best times to visit, offering pleasant temperatures and fewer tourists. Summer temperatures can exceed 30°C, especially in July and August, but are often tempered by sea breezes. Winters are cool and damp, with occasional frosts, but rarely snow. Overall, the city is pleasant year-round, though winter months can be gray and rainy.
Best areas for remote workers
Visas and nomad taxes
Spain introduced a digital nomad visa (Ley de Startups) in early 2023, allowing remote workers to stay up to one year with the option to renew for up to five years. Non-EU nomads can also apply for a non-lucrative visa if they have sufficient funds, though this does not permit work. Schengen tourist visas allow 90-day stays, and many nomads do border runs to neighboring countries like France. Be prepared for paperwork; hiring a gestor (local agent) is recommended.
- Schengen Tourist (90 days)
- Non-Lucrative Visa
- Digital Nomad Visa (Ley de Startups)
Language and culture
Girona is deeply Catalan, and locals appreciate visitors who show respect for their culture. Greet with a handshake or two kisses on the cheek (when familiar). Punctuality is less strict, and meals are taken seriously—lunch is from 2–4 PM and dinner after 9 PM. Avoid speaking Spanish if you want to ingratiate yourself with Catalan nationalists; using Catalan phrases like 'Bon dia' or 'Gràcies' is highly valued. Tipping is not mandatory but rounding up the bill is common.
Food and everyday spending
Catalan cuisine shines in Girona with staples like pa amb tomàquet, escalivada, and fresh seafood. The Mercat del Lleó is the central market offering affordable local produce and tapas bars. A typical menu del día costs $12–$15 and includes starter, main, drink, and dessert. Tap water is safe to drink, though many locals prefer bottled water due to the mineral taste. Vegetarian and vegan options are available but limited; the city is slowly embracing global food trends.
Strengths, trade-offs and common mistakes
A balanced view of what works well and what requires planning.
Strengths
- Stunning medieval old town with riverside charm
- Excellent food scene influenced by Catalan cuisine
- Close to Costa Brava beaches and Barcelona
- Lower cost of living than Barcelona or Madrid
- Safe and walkable city with good public transport
- Rich cultural festivals and mild climate year-round
Trade-offs
- Limited nightlife compared to larger Spanish cities
- Catalan language can be a barrier for newcomers
- Summer months can be crowded with tourists
- Fewer coworking spaces than Barcelona
- Bureaucratic processes can be slow and complex
- Heating in older apartments can be inefficient
Common mistakes in Girona
- Assuming everyone speaks English; learn basic Spanish or Catalan
- Renting an apartment without checking heating and insulation for winter
- Not using the regional train (Rodalies) which is cheaper than the bus
- Ignoring siesta hours when many shops close from 2-5 PM
- Forgetting to register for a NIE number for long-term stays
- Buying groceries at tourist shops near the cathedral instead of local markets
- Spending too much on eating out without exploring the Mercat del Lleó
How the data is built
Estimates combine public market indexes, published local prices and remote-work infrastructure data. Figures are directional planning benchmarks rather than a personal financial quote.