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Live in Vigo: Learn advantages, disadvantages & costs
Live in Vigo for a unique mix of culture, coast, and comfort. Discover the lifestyle perks and challenges for foreigners.
According to Numbeo’s quality of life ranking, Vigo is one of the top Spanish cities to live in, thanks to its low crime rates, strong healthcare system, and reliable digital infrastructure. Its location near Portugal and easy rail connections throughout Galicia also make it a great base for exploring the region. If you’re planning to live in Vigo for a while, keep reading.
In this article, we’ll explore what it’s like to live in the city as a foreigner. We’ll cover the quality of life and highlight the key pros and cons to consider if you’re thinking about moving there.
Quality of life in Vigo
Quality of life in Vigo depends on factors like public safety, access to education, healthcare, cost of living, and the job market. Let’s take a closer look at each of these aspects.
Safety
Vigo is considered one of the safest cities in Galicia. According to the latest report from Spain’s Ministry of the Interior (2024), it has one of the lowest crime rates among Spanish cities with over 200,000 residents. Criminal offenses in the city fell by 5.8% over the past year, with violent crimes remaining particularly rare.
For foreigners planning to live in the city, this means a stable and predictable environment, ideal for both those looking to work and families visiting or relocating within Spain.
Education
Vigo offers a diverse range of educational options, including public, semi-private, and private institutions. The University of Vigo, known for its programs in engineering, marine sciences, and languages, attracts both national and international students. According to the 2024 CYD Ranking, the university ranks among the top 20 in Spain for research and knowledge transfer.
Families with school-age children have plenty of choices, including bilingual and international schools, which can help children settle in more easily if they don’t speak Spanish or Galician.
Economy and wages
Vigo’s economy is mainly driven by the industrial, fishing, automotive (notably Stellantis, formerly PSA Peugeot Citroën), logistics, and tourism sectors. While average wages in Galicia are a bit below the national average, in Vigo they stand at around $1,950 per month. This is generally enough to cover essential expenses comfortably, especially compared with higher living costs in cities like Madrid or Barcelona.
For those planning to work remotely or as freelancers, Vigo is an excellent choice thanks to its lower cost of living and reliable digital infrastructure.
Living expenses
Living in Vigo is more affordable than in other major Spanish cities. According to Numbeo, monthly expenses for a single person, excluding rent, are around $770. A one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs between $550 and $715, while in outlying areas it can drop to around $440.
Fresh produce and local cuisine are reasonably priced, especially if you shop at markets like Mercado del Progreso or Mercado de O Calvario. Public transportation is also affordable, with a monthly bus pass costing $36.
Health care system in Vigo
Galicia’s healthcare system, run by Sergas, is highly regarded, and Vigo offers modern facilities like Álvaro Cunqueiro Hospital. Foreigners’ access to care depends on their status: residents and employed contributors can use public healthcare, while short-term visitors or those on temporary visas typically need private insurance.
To find out about the best options, check out our article on health insurance for foreigners in Spain.
Internet connection and technology
Vigo’s digital infrastructure has improved significantly in recent years. Fiber-optic coverage reaches around 90% of households, according to the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Digital Transformation. Providers like Movistar, Vodafone, and Orange offer speeds of up to 1 Gbps, often bundled with mobile and TV services.
For digital nomads or students, this level of connectivity makes remote work, video calls, and online learning easy and reliable. Vigo has also been one of Galicia’s pilot cities for “smart city” initiatives, implementing urban sensors and automated management of public services.
Stay connected in Vigo from the moment you arrive
For anyone arriving in Vigo, services like Holafly make it easy to stay online right away with an international eSIM. It’s ideal for navigating the city, keeping in touch with family, or continuing remote work. Holafly provides unlimited data across Spain and Europe without the need to change your number or deal with complicated setups.
You can also take advantage of Holafly’s monthly plans, which are perfect for remote workers or international students. They let you share unlimited data across multiple devices, and your plan stays active even if you move to another country.
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 Vigo
Let’s take a look at the advantages of living in Vigo as a foreigner, based on the experiences of travelers who have been there and the available data on the city’s quality of life.
Affordable cost of living
Vigo has a lower cost of living compared to other Spanish and European cities. According to Expatistan, a single person can expect to spend around $1,540 per month, while a family of four would spend roughly $3,330.
According to Numbeo, Vigo’s cost of living index is 48.2, meaning living there costs roughly 48% of what it would in New York. Everyday expenses are generally lower than the Spanish and European averages. A one-bedroom apartment in the city center rents for around $660 per month, while in neighborhoods further out you can find places for about $495.
High quality of life and safety
Vigo stands out for its high quality of life, well above the national average. According to Numbeo, the city scores 70.26 on the Quality of Life Index, 80.15 on the Safety Index (very high), and 72.96 on the Health Index (high).
These indicators show that Vigo offers a safe, healthy, and comfortable place to live. The Spanish Consumers and Users Organization (OCU) has even ranked it as the city with the best quality of life in Spain, praising its safety, cleanliness, education, environment, and air quality.
Connection with a natural environment
One of the biggest advantages of living in Vigo is its natural surroundings. Located in the Rías Baixas region, the city blends urban life with beaches, mountains, and green spaces. Galicia, where Vigo sits, receives between 90 and 150 rainy days a year, which keeps the landscape lush. Spots like the Cíes Islands, a national park, are just a short boat ride away.
Diverse economy and job opportunities
Economically, Vigo is one of the most dynamic cities in Galicia. Its fishing port generates over $1.1 billion each year and supports around 32,000 jobs, both directly and indirectly.
The city is establishing itself as a tech hub, with nearly 18,830 jobs in the ICT sector, which makes up 13% of the local workforce. This is the highest proportion of tech employment relative to population among Spanish cities. Initiatives such as StartTIC and Sparc Foundry help support this innovative ecosystem.
Infrastructure and connectivity
Vigo offers solid infrastructure, with Vigo-Peinador Airport providing easy connections across Galicia, Spain, and Portugal, just 20 minutes from the city center. The city’s public transport system runs 125 buses on 40 routes and is supported by a strong road network that links Vigo to other Galician cities and northern Portugal.
Disadvantages of living in Vigo as a foreigner
While Vigo offers many advantages for long-term residents, it’s also important to consider the challenges or drawbacks that foreigners might face when living in the city.
Bureaucracy and administrative procedures
A major challenge in Vigo is dealing with bureaucracy. Tasks like registering your address, getting a NIE (Foreigner Identification Number), or renewing a visa can be slow and require several documents, such as a lease agreement or proof of finances.
Many of these procedures require a good level of Spanish and can be confusing for those unfamiliar with the Spanish administrative system, which is often seen as unintuitive and reliant on in-person appointments.
Transportation with geographical limitations
Geographically, Vigo is not a flat city. Many neighborhoods have steep streets and uneven terrain, especially areas like O Castro and Coia, which can make walking around challenging, particularly for older adults or those with limited mobility.
Although public transport runs regularly, some people feel that fares are high and that the service isn’t always convenient for longer trips across the metropolitan area.
Rainy weather
Another notable drawback is the rainy climate. Vigo sees around 130 rainy days a year and receives about 1,700 mm of precipitation annually, making it one of the wettest cities in Spain. This weather may not appeal to those used to sunny or dry environments.
Social integration and networking
While people in Vigo are typically welcoming, newcomers sometimes find it takes time to feel fully integrated. The city’s relaxed, traditional culture can be a contrast to the faster pace and international feel some people are used to.
Regional expressions, social customs like long post-meal conversations, and the so-called “Galician slow pace” can be a bit challenging at first for newcomers without an existing network.
Frequently asked questions about what it’s like to live in Vigo
Yes. Registering your residence is required to access services like healthcare, education, and social benefits, as well as to get a transport card or enroll children in school.
Rents range from $495 to $715, but prices have been increasing. To avoid unexpected expenses, it’s recommended to budget at least $880 for housing.
Vigo offers a wide network of local and regional buses, and passes like PassVigo make travel more affordable. Still, rides through steep areas can be tricky, and longer journeys may end up costing more.
Vigo has an oceanic climate, with mild winters and cool summers. That said, it’s also one of the rainiest cities in Spain, averaging about 130 rainy days a year and close to 1,700 mm of annual rainfall.
People in Vigo are generally warm and welcoming, but building close friendships can take a while. The strong local identity may feel a bit hard to break into at first, though getting involved in cultural activities or volunteering makes it much easier to connect.
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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! ✈️🌍
