Live in Cadiz: Learn advantages, disadvantages & costs

Cadiz is a city many people dream of calling home. If you’re planning to live in Cadiz, it’s important to understand what life is really like here. In this guide, we’ll take you through the main pros and cons of living in this coastal city.

We will take a look at the healthcare system, access to education, and transportation. You will also find out about the minimum wage and average income, the most common jobs for expats, and the paperwork you will need to settle down comfortably in Cadiz.

Quality of life in Cadiz

Cadiz is a coastal city with a relaxed pace of life, where there is time for work but also for friends and leisure. Living here is more affordable compared with major cities like Madrid or Barcelona.

When planning to move to Cadiz, the main costs to think about are healthcare, transport, schooling, groceries, housing, and entertainment. These are the key areas that will shape your budget.

1. How to access public healthcare

The healthcare system in Cadiz is managed by the Andalusian Health Service, which oversees medical care for the entire population through a broad network of public and private hospitals and health centers, offering both primary and specialized care. Here’s what you need to know about accessing healthcare in Cadiz.

• Requirements for public services: If you are from the European Union, you only need to show your European Health Insurance Card, which will cover any medical needs during your stay.
• On the other hand, if you are not a member of the EU, you must register with the city council in order to subsequently apply for your health card.
• Documents: To apply for a health card in Cadiz, you need to visit a public hospital, fill out a form with your details, and provide your official ID.
• If you do not have health coverage and need medical care, you will have to pay the full cost of services. Emergency visits can range from $110 to $275, while hospital stays may cost up to $1,100 per day, depending on the situation.

Requirements for purchasing private health insurance: This is another way to access healthcare services in Cadiz, for which you will need:

• An insurance company that covers any eventuality, including repatriation in the event of death.
• Have minimum coverage for one year.
• The health insurance must be authorized to provide services in Spain. 
• Documents: Residence address, bank details for insurance payment, and identification such as a passport must be presented.
• If you do not have medical insurance, private hospital costs can be around $110 for a general doctor, $165 for a specialist, and approximately $132 for an emergency, depending on the situation.

2. Public higher education

Cadiz offers a broad range of academic opportunities through the University of Cadiz, which has multiple campuses throughout the area. The university focuses on programs suited to its coastal setting, including nursing, marine sciences, law, and naval architecture and marine engineering.

Requirements for admission to the University of Cadiz:

• Approval of your high school diploma by the Spanish Ministry of Universities.
• You may be required to take a Specific Competency Test (PCE).
• Enroll at the university of your choice. Check the dates when you can enroll as a foreigner.
• If you are not a member of the European Union, you will need to apply for a student visa.
• International students need to pay a fee based on the program they choose. It’s best to check your specific situation, but fees generally range from $770 to $2,750 per year.

Cadiz also has institutions that offer vocational and technical programs, such as CES Juan Pablo II, which provides courses in marketing and advertising, early childhood education, and administration and finance.

To enroll in these types of institutions, you need a recognized high school diploma, a transcript from your final year, and proof of residency in Spain. The cost per program is roughly $2,850 per year.

3. Housing: Low supply, high demand

Finding housing in Cadiz requires a solid budget, especially if you are an expat. Local reports show that in recent years, the city has been hit by rising rental and property prices.

According to Idealista data from April 2025, the average price per square meter in Cadiz has reached $3,300. This represents an increase of more than 7% compared to the same month last year. In practical terms, a 60-square-meter home could cost around $198,000.

This information helps provide context on property values by area and also gives you an idea of how much prices tend to rise each year.

When it comes to rentals, the situation is similar. Due to tourism in Cadiz, many property owners prefer short-term leases that usually end in the summer, allowing them to rent to foreigners at rates much higher than what locals would pay.

Rent prices average around $13 per square meter, which comes to about $850 per month for a home in the city center. This represents a price increase of more than 14% in just one year.

4. Greater security than in major cities

Cadiz enjoys higher safety levels compared with cities like Madrid, Barcelona, or Seville. Over the past year, there has been a significant drop in crimes such as violent robbery and theft, and no homicides were reported in the first quarter of 2025.

Here are some of the figures provided by the Epdata portal, comparing the first three quarters of the last three years:

Even so, the perception of safety among Cadiz residents is good, even at night and in areas such as the old town center.

5. Affordable transportation and plans for university students

The public transport system in Cadiz is mainly made up of buses that cover all areas of the city. In addition, a commuter train service connects Cadiz with nearby towns and other cities.

Fares vary depending on the type of user and ticket you purchase.

• A single ticket costs $1.50 and can be purchased on buses or at authorized kiosks.
• With a regular bus pass, a single ride costs about $0.39. The pass is not personalized, so it can be shared.
• With the special bus pass, a single ride costs about $0.15, or $1.50 for ten trips. It is designed for people with special conditions, such as those with disabilities, retirees, or students with financial need or scholarships. To get it, you must apply through the Cadiz City Council, provide proof of your situation, show an ID, and be registered as a resident.
• The monthly student pass costs about $13 and is available to students. You can get it either as a University of Cadiz student or through the transport company by providing proof of enrollment.
• Renfe: This is the commuter train company and offers different fares for travel outside Cadiz.
• You can get around by taxi or rent a car for up to $65 per day, depending on the vehicle. You will also need an international driving license, your passport, an ID, and a credit card.
• Rental bicycles: Some companies rent different types of bicycles for about $9 per hour, $33 for a full day, or offer weekly plans for around $165.

6. Cost of living in Cadiz

Living in Cadiz is relatively affordable compared with other major Spanish cities, with the economy balancing reasonably well with everyday expenses and average incomes. Here’s a breakdown of typical costs:

• Housing: Average rent in Cadiz can be around $700, depending on the area.
• Food: Depending on your eating habits, the cost can vary, but the average price is around $350.
• Transportation: Passes range from $13 per month for students to $25, depending on the type of user you are.
• Healthcare: Free, except for some medications that are not covered by the Andalusian healthcare system.
• Leisure: Entertainment costs can vary depending on your preferences. Movie tickets are around $10, dining out can cost about $33, or you can enjoy free activities like strolling along the beach or exploring the historic old town and discovering more of its history.
• Education: The economic value of education is tied to the degree you decide to pursue and other factors such as the supplies you need.

A rough estimate of monthly expenses for one person in Cadiz is around $1,320, though this can vary depending on lifestyle.

6. Jobs and average salary in Cadiz

Both the tourism and maritime sectors are the most important industries in Cadiz and offer the most job opportunities. The city is a popular vacation destination for both Spaniards and foreigners, which creates openings for new employment.

That’s why jobs in hospitality, logistics, and other tourism-related support roles are widely available throughout the year. However, other types of work, such as construction or crane operation, also play an important role.

The average annual salary in Cadiz for someone with work experience but no formal education is around $19,500. It’s worth noting that the minimum wage is about $17,300 per year.

For a professional, the annual salary rises to around $27,000, depending on the field. For example, a doctor can earn over $76,000 per year, according to the job site Indeed.

Here you can read about the types of taxes you must pay in Spain as a foreigner.

7. Connectivity while living in Cadiz

Cadiz has good internet infrastructure in the city. However, it is still working to improve connectivity in outlying and rural areas.

The Andalusian city offers fiber-optic internet and 5G mobile technology, with speeds of up to 1 Gbps. The internet is reliable enough to stay connected, shop online, and work from almost anywhere at any time.

Digital nomads will find plenty of spots perfect for remote work, from cafés and coworking spaces to coliving setups. Local carriers like Movistar, Vodafone, and Orange also offer a variety of data and calling plans to stay connected

You can also find providers that offer eSIM services, some with data and call plans and various coverage options. For example, Holafly offers several benefits with its eSIM, so you can stay connected the moment you arrive in Cadiz.

Holafly offers unlimited data with a monthly subscription in more than 170 countries worldwide and the possibility of connecting more devices to your mobile internet.

Important: If you are a frequent traveler and want to stay connected without worrying about expensive roaming or looking for a new SIM at every destination, Holafly’s subscription plans are for you. With a single eSIM, enjoy internet in more than 170 countries for a fixed price and no surprises on your bill. Travel without limits and connect easily and securely! 🚀🌍

Advantages of living in Cadiz

Compared to other cities in Spain, Cadiz offers a good balance between cost of living and quality of life. A monthly income of around $1,750 is generally enough to live comfortably in the city. On top of that, several other factors make Cadiz attractive both for tourists and for people looking to move there.

• Proximity to the sea: Being a coastal city, Cadiz gives you easy access to the sea, allowing you to connect with nature and unwind on the beach during your free time.
• Gastronomy: Locals take great pride in their cuisine, which, of course, centers on seafood. The dishes are diverse, both in preparation and in the local ingredients used.
• Climate: This is one of the aspects of life in Cadiz that people appreciate the most. Winters are milder than in other regions, and summers are perfect for swimming in the Atlantic and Mediterranean waters.
• Pace of life: Unlike Spain’s major cities, Cadiz tends to have quiet periods after lunch, when shops close and the city takes a break.
• Safety: Cadiz is one of the safest cities in Spain, with safety ratings higher than Madrid or Barcelona.

Disadvantages of living in Cadiz as a foreigner

Some drawbacks of living in Cadiz can turn into significant challenges, which you’ll need to weigh carefully when deciding whether to settle there. Here are a few of the main downsides:

• Employment: One of the main drawbacks of living in Cadiz is the limited job market. If you don’t have a profession or trade in demand, finding work in the city can be very challenging.
• Housing: The cost of housing and rent in Cadiz has been steadily rising. In fact, while housing prices have increased by around 20%, wages have only gone up about 10%.
• Health: Delays in medical care have become a common complaint in Cadiz. Patients may wait up to 100 days for a general practitioner appointment, and over 210 days for surgery. This is partly due to the limited number of doctors currently practicing in the city.

Frequently asked questions about living in Cadiz

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Paula Henderson

Spanish-English Translator

Hi! I'm a Spanish-English translator working with Holafly, helping bring travel content to life for curious travelers. As a digital nomad with a passion for exploring, I'm always adding new spots to my bucket list. If you love to travel like me, stick around because you're in the right place to find inspiration for your next trip! ✈️🌍

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