Living in Seville - Plaza Espaรฑa

Our City Living Guide series covers the practical and emotional journey of moving to a Spanish town or city. With the observations of an Expat this combination helps you feel what itโ€™s like to live there and โ€” crucially โ€” gives you confidence in making your โ€˜moving to Spainโ€™ decision.

A Friendly, Affordable Haven for Expats

“Quien no ha visto Sevilla, no ha visto maravilla” โ€”
He who has not seen Seville, has not seen a wonder.

SpaNish proverb

I could end this Living in Seville guide right here with the Spanish proverb above. As Ernest Hemingway said: “Thereโ€™s no other place in Spain that compares to Seville.”

Culture and Diversity

Seville is a beautiful city, combining cultural richness, natural beauty, and a vibrant lifestyle. Flamenco music, festivals, and a vibrant culinary scene characterize the cityโ€™s lively atmosphere. Seville’s annual Feria de Abril (April Fair) and Semana Santa (Holy Week / Easter) are world-renowned celebrations that attract visitors from around the globe, showcasing traditional music and local gastronomy.

Geography

Seville (Sevilla) is both the capital of the autonomous community (comunidad autรณnoma) of Andalucรญa and its eponymous province in southwestern Spain.

The province of Seville includes the Guadalquivir River valley and natural parks, such as the Sierra Norte de Sevilla.

The city of Seville has eleven administrative districts. The Casco Antiguo area in the city’s heart is barely four square kilometers. But it is home to the Catedral de Sevilla, known for its Gothic architecture, and the Real Alcรกzar royal palace โ€” both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Adding several museums and plazas, it is one of the largest historic centers in Europe, combining history with modern life. It is a popular destination for both tourists and locals. Around 60,000 of Sevilleโ€™s 690,000 residents live in the Casco Antiguo area.

A Special Note on Climate

If you are considering living in Seville, you must understand its climate. It is one of the hottest places not only in Spain but also in Europe. The heat shapes daily life, as people often avoid going out during the hottest parts of the day.

Sevilleโ€™s hot, dry summers average 35ยฐC (95ยฐF) daily maximums and regularly exceed 40ยฐC (104ยฐF) in July and August. But with this comes 2,900 hours of annual sunshine, making it one of the sunniest cities in Europe. Average humidity is around 75%, increasing summer’s โ€˜feels likeโ€™ temperatures. In the mild winters, the average daily temperature is 19ยฐC (66ยฐF).

โ€œThe only thing I wish Iโ€™d paid more attention to is the weather,โ€ says Martin. โ€œThe heat is intense in July and August, something I only found out three weeks before I arrived. However, as I worked outdoors for the postal service for 25 years, Iโ€™ll deal with it!โ€

Expats and Seville

Seville’s appeal to US and UK Expats lies in many reasons. The city offers a lower cost of living compared to other European cities, a pleasant Mediterranean climate, and a rich cultural heritage and social vibe.

Seville’s walkable layout and relaxed pace of life appeal to many Expats. The high quality of life continues to attract newcomers, making Seville a desirable place to make a home.

So, what is it like living in Seville? Letโ€™s take a look โ€˜under the hoodโ€™.

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Sevilleโ€™s Heartbeat: Daily Life and Community

Housing and Neighborhoods

Compared to cities like Madrid, Barcelona, or other major European cities, Seville offers a relatively low cost of living. Housing is generally more affordable, which makes it appealing for US and UK Expats used to higher property costs.

Renting an apartment in the city center tends to be more expensive. But Sevilleโ€™s neighborhoods offer diverse options for those seeking historic charm, modern conveniences, or a vibrant cultural scene.

Neighborhoods like Nerviรณn and Los Remedios offer modern property at more competitive prices. Triana and Macarena provide a good blend of traditional housing and affordability.

Popular neighborhoods for Expats include central areas like La Alameda, Arenal, Triana, and Santa Cruz, as well as the further out districts of Nerviรณn and Porvenir.

Small towns outside Seville, like Mairena del Aljarafe, Gines, Bormujos, and Tomares, are popular with Expat families.

Housing Costs

The rental market can be competitive, especially around September/October and January/February. If you find a place you like, act quickly.

Typical Rental Costs in Seville

LocationProperty TypeBedroomsTypical Monthly Rent (โ‚ฌ)
City CenterApartment1600-900
2800-1,500
31,000-2,000
Outside Center1400-600
2600-1,000
3800-1,500
SuburbsHouse2700-1,200
3900-1,600
41,200-2,000+

Note: Utilities are often not included. Electricity costs can be significant, especially for air conditioning in the summer.

READ ALSO >>> Renting Property in Spain 2024

Real estate prices in Seville are lower than in larger Spanish cities, making property investment appealing. The average price per square meter in Seville is around โ‚ฌ2,200. Prices vary significantly by neighborhood, ranging from about โ‚ฌ1,260/m2 in Cerro Amate to โ‚ฌ3,550/m2 in Casco Antiguo (Source: Indomio).

Buying a Property in Spain?

The process of finding a mortgage product that suits you and saves you money can be a headache. We recommend a chat to Will Roberts who has access to a broader range of products than you will find yourself. He will also guide you through the process and paperwork

Martin lives in the Casco Antiguo area. Moving from Houston, Texas, he is used to relatively new and generally big buildings, roads, and sites. Seville has struck him with its history and heritage.

“Iโ€™m in the middle of everything! I love the history of the city. The buildings go back centuries.”

The Essential Considerations

Employment

Seville’s job market is diverse, offering opportunities in tourism, technology, construction, renewable energy, and agriculture. The city has seen significant recent improvements in employment data, registering the lowest unemployment rate since 2008. The average monthly salary is around โ‚ฌ1,340.

Overall, Seville’s economic landscape is evolving, with a focus on green energy and digital transformation. The Cartuja Science and Technology Park (Parque Cientรญfico y Tecnolรณgico Cartuja (PCT)) and Seville’s smart city initiatives drive the technology sector. Seville is a leader in solar energy, with a strong demand for engineering and environmental sciences professionals. Airbus offers aerospace manufacturing and engineering opportunities.

The city’s gradual economic recovery and predicted GDP growth suggest a positive outlook.

Daily Life

Life in Seville is shaped by its unique Andalusian traditions, warm climate, and a strong sense of community. The pace of life is relaxed. Sevilleโ€™s tapas culture and vibrant festivals set it apart from other parts of Spain.

Seville is generally safe. The relaxed lifestyle and emphasis on social connections make it an enriching environment for Expat families adapting to the local culture.

And something is always happening! Whether it’s street flamenco, a religious celebration, or a fiesta.

While the traditional Spanish siesta is not as prevalent in Spain as it was, it is not a lost art in Seville. Many stores and offices close between 2 pm-5 pm, allowing people to escape the midday heat, especially during summer.

Martin has embraced this: โ€œI love my daily siesta!โ€

Bureaucracy and Paperwork

Things do get done in Seville, but perhaps not in the manner you are used to.

Martin gives an example: โ€œI hadnโ€™t received an electricity bill three months after arriving. After a two-hour WhatsApp call I was losing patience. Then they said, โ€˜Donโ€™t worry, we took care of it at the start of the call!โ€™โ€

Transportation and Getting Around

Seville is known for its compact layout, making it highly walkable. Many areas are pedestrian-friendly, and the flat terrain is conducive to walking and cycling. Martin has been on several walks and cycle rides with his new friends.

โ€œI love that I donโ€™t have to drive and can get to places on my electric bike when itโ€™s too far to walk.โ€ Adding this to his walking to get around the city, Martin has lost 4.5kg (10lbs) since he arrived. โ€œBut I have another 4.5 to go!โ€

Horse & Carriage - Living in Seville

The city boasts reliable public transport โ€” including a modern tram network โ€” making it easy to reach surrounding areas. A monthly pass for buses and trams costs around โ‚ฌ35. Taxis and ride-sharing services are available, with fares from โ‚ฌ3 to โ‚ฌ4.

โ€œI love that I donโ€™t have to drive and can get to places on my electric bike when itโ€™s too far to walk.โ€

And if you are looking to go further afield, Its strategic location and good public transport connections provide easy travel across Spain and Europe.

Shopping and Amenities

Seville has modern malls like Lagoh Shopping Center, Nerviรณn Plaza, and Centro Comercial Los Arcos, which offer a mix of retail outlets, dining, and entertainment.

Key shopping streets include Calle Sierpes and Calle Tetuรกn, known for their international brands and traditional shops. Calle Feria is famous for its Mercado de Feria, which offers fresh produce, meat, seafood, and a lively atmosphere with tapas bars. On the same street is the Mercadillo del Jueves, a weekly flea market ideal for antiques, second-hand items, and vintage goods.

Cost of Living

Seville offers a moderate cost of living compared to other major cities in Spain. This makes it an attractive destination for Expats and digital nomads. However, it’s worth noting that salaries in Seville tend to be lower than in larger cities.

While rent and electricity costs have increased significantly recently, groceries and dining out remain relatively inexpensive. Cultural events, museums, and festivals have varying costs, though many are free or discounted for residents.

Typical Living Costs in Seville

ItemTypical Monthly Cost (โ‚ฌ)
Cost of living: Single person, including rent1,250-1,550
Without rent600-670
Utilities (Electricity, Heating,  Water and Waste):
Standard Apartment
100-150
High-Speed Internet (50 Mbps)30-50
Meal for One: inexpensive restaurant 10-15
Dinner (three-course) for Two: mid-range restaurant40-60
Groceries: Single Person400
Gym Membership30-50
Cinema Tickets7-10

Education and Family Life: Raising Children in Seville

Seville offers a family-friendly atmosphere with numerous parks, cultural experiences, and educational options. The culture is strongly family-oriented, with children welcomed in all aspects of daily life. The cityโ€™s friendly neighborhoods and close-knit communities foster a sense of belonging and social interaction.

For Expat families, Seville has plenty of resources to help children integrate, including bilingual schools, language classes, and an active expat community that provides support and social connections.

Seville’s education system offers public, private, semi-private (concertados), and international schools. Most Expats send their children to private schools. CBS, The British School of Seville, and Yago School are popular, offering bilingual or English-language education with smaller class sizes

In higher education, the University of Seville (which has strong links with US education establishments) and Pablo de Olavide University are known for their exceptional academic programs and international exchanges.

READ ALSO >>> Education in Spain >> An Easy Introduction for Expat Families

Healthcare

Most Expats will require private healthcare as a visa requirement. Private health insurance costs range from โ‚ฌ50 to โ‚ฌ100 per month, depending on the level of coverage and personal situations.

Seville has excellent hospitals, both public and private. The private Hospital Quirรณnsalud Sagrado Corazรณn is often listed among the best hospitals in Spain and has English-speaking doctors and nurses.

Living Like a Local

A Taste of Life: Food, Festivals, and Traditions

The city has an excellent culinary scene. There is something for everyone, from traditional Andaluz dishes to modern cuisine covering diverse tastes and budgets.

Dining out in Seville is to experience a range of gastronomic cultures. The numerous cafes on every street bring to life the cafรฉ culture. People will often meet at cafes and bars rather than at each other’s homes.

Lunch is usually served between 2-3 pm. It is typically the main meal of the day with several courses.

Then, there is the tapas culture for which Seville is famous. While tapas are common throughout Spain, Los Sevillanos elevate them to almost a social art form. You can spend wonderful evenings bar-hopping (tapeo) while enjoying tapas such as jamรณn ibรฉrico, patatas bravas, and gambas ajillo and not have to eat a full meal.

โ€œThe streets are so narrow. On just about every street corner (some of them at 90 degrees!), there are restaurants, cafรฉs, and bars with people eating and drinking outside on the Terrazas,โ€ says Martin.

If you manage to avoid filling yourself up with tapas, be prepared to eat dinner late. This is rarely served before 10 pm (although some restaurants will cater to non-Spanish tourists before then).

Martin enjoys the healthy Mediterranean diet, especially the seafood. โ€œI definitely love the food, getting lost discovering new places and restaurants. The buildings and structures are amazing.โ€

Some of Martinโ€™s favorite bars and restaurants represent the city’s wealth of gastronomy, including Marabunda Sevilla Tapas Bar, Red Steak Bar & Grill, and La Chunga.

Festivals, Traditions, and Cultural Practices

Seville defines itself through its culture, passionate festivals, traditions, and Andalusian heritage. Semana Santa is a solemn celebration featuring religious processions. At the same time, the Feria de Abril (April Fair) is a vibrant event with flamenco dancing, colorful traditional attire, and horse-drawn carriages.

The city’s flamenco scene, including the lively Sevillanas dance, plays a central role in local culture. This is showcased in numerous venues like El Palacio Andaluz and during the biennial Bienal de Flamenco.

Flamenco Dancing - Living in Seville

Seville is one of the starting points for the El Rocรญo pilgrimage, and religious processions throughout the year highlight the cityโ€™s devotion.  Traditional bullfighting continues in the Plaza de Toros de la Maestranza. Customs like el paseo (evening stroll) and Andalusian horse culture continue to showcase the city’s deep-rooted traditions.

Leisure and Recreation

Whether youโ€™re into leisure or intense sports, Sevilleโ€™s active lifestyle offers something for everyone to take advantage of in the sunny weather and surroundings. There are over 170km of bike lanes and routes along the Guadalquivir River and Parque de Marรญa Luisa (which also has ample green spaces for picnics and jogging). Outdoor yoga and fitness sessions are common in this and other parks. Additionally, numerous public swimming pools are available throughout the city.

Water sports like kayaking and paddleboarding are also common, along with running paths and hiking trails in nearby Sierra Norte Natural Park. Here, and in the Sierra Grazalema, adventure sports such as rock climbing and paragliding can be practiced.

For sports enthusiasts, football is a major part of local culture, and the city is home to Sevilla FC and Real Betis, both in Spainโ€™s top league (La Liga). Tennis and padel are widely practiced, with many courts available throughout the city. Seville is also home to high-quality golf courses, like the Real Club de Golf de Sevilla.

Arts and Entertainment

Although flamenco is arguably the cornerstone of Sevilleโ€™s art scene, there is so much more to its art. The Museo de Bellas Artes houses significant Spanish art, while street art adds a contemporary flair, particularly in areas like Alameda de Hรฉrcules.

Theater thrives in Seville, with the Teatro de la Maestranza hosting opera and classical performances and the Teatro Lope de Vega featuring a range of productions. The Festival de Cine Europeo de Sevilla celebrates European cinema, attracting film enthusiasts with screenings and events.

The city also has a lively music scene, highlighted by the Orquesta Sinfรณnica de Sevilla and various music festivals, including the Sevilla Jazz Festival.

โ€œI found this amazing group, Chicotรก, that caters for the LGTBIQ+ community.

The city is home to several notable museums, including the Seville Museum of Fine Arts, which features masterpieces by El Greco and Velรกzquez, and the Archaeological Museum, showcasing Roman artifacts. The Flamenco Museum highlights the history and artistry of this dance form.

The Centro Andaluz de Arte Contemporรกneo promotes creativity through exhibitions and workshops. Other cultural centers, such as the Centro de Iniciativas Culturales (CICUS) and CaixaForum, host exhibitions, festivals, and performances that promote diverse artistic experiences.

Social Life and Community

Initially, after arriving, Martin felt alone. But he followed the advice that newly-arrived expats should always take and checked out local groups on social media. โ€œI found this amazing group, Chicotรก, that caters for the LGTBIQ+ community. They have all kinds of activities โ€” sports, games, outings to the arts and movies, and a lot more. They have made me feel welcome, and I am no longer alone.โ€

Martin Rocha at La Setas - Living in Seville

Language and Communication: Learning and Speaking Spanish

Balancing Expectations: The Realities of Moving to Seville

Use the Services of Professionals

Martin started his move to Spain with a simple Google search. Through this, he found the Moving to Spain service. He was naturally cautious at first. This was a life-changing plan, and he had no experience. But this all changed as soon as he contacted Alison.

Super-fast Service

Alison responded instantly to his information request โ€” something someone used to American client service always appreciates. โ€œShe followed up with excellent adviceโ€ and referred Martin to a whole host of services. These ranged from navigating the immigration process, tax advice, removal logistics, and transport to health insurance and investment advice.

Martin had to wait until his retirement in October 2023 before starting the visa process. But with the help of Moving to Spainโ€™s immigration lawyer partner, he was living in Seville just six months later.

Go With the System, Donโ€™t Fight It!

When moving to Spain, there will always be things you canโ€™t know. Martin had a problem obtaining his Certificado de Empadronamiento (Padrรณn).

โ€œI had no idea what the problem was.โ€ After three weeks of checking, he was informed he hadnโ€™t signed a couple of papers. He signed on the spot and got his certificate right away. โ€œBut everyone was so polite and friendly throughout.โ€

Friendly People!

People throughout Spain are friendly, and Seville is no exception. 

โ€œI like to say โ€˜holaโ€™ and talk with passersby in the street. My friends ask if I know them or simply talk to anyone. I love to see people smile, and that puts a smile on my face, filling my heart with joy! When I am stressing and expecting American-style immediate service, they calm me down.โ€

Is Living in Seville Right for You?

Seville is for you if you seek a vibrant, culturally rich, and enjoyable place to live. You can afford big-city life with rent and living expenses generally lower than in Madrid and Barcelona.

โ€œI havenโ€™t seen an angry Sevillano yet!โ€

As Martin has proved, the cityโ€™s lively social sceneโ€”which locals and expats enjoyโ€”makes connecting with others easy. Living in Seville is also safe and has relatively low crime. This sense of security provides the freedom to enjoy the city day and night.

Is Seville right for you? I leave you with the words of Ferran Adriร , Spainโ€™s world-famous innovative and influential culinary figure:

“Sevilla no se puede explicar, hay que vivirla. Tiene un alma รบnica.”โ€”
Seville cannot be explained, it must be lived. It has a unique soul.

Ferran aDRIร€

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