Living in Girona: the ultimate expat guide

Girona's economy benefits from its strategic position in Catalonia, one of Spain's most economically dynamic regions. The job market is diversified across tourism, hospitality, retail, education, and an emerging tech sector. The province of Girona has consistently maintained lower unemployment rates than the Spanish national average, reflecting a healthier local economy.

Key Employment Sectors

The tourism and hospitality sector dominates employment, driven by Costa Brava tourism and Girona's growing reputation as a cultural destination. The agri-food industry is significant, with the region producing renowned wines, olive oils, and specialty products. Education and healthcare provide stable employment through the University of Girona and regional hospitals. The cycling industry has created a niche economy with bike shops, tour operators, and sports services catering to the international cycling community.

Work Permits and Employment Data

EU/EEA citizens can work freely in Spain. Non-EU nationals typically require a work visa sponsored by an employer, or may qualify for Spain's Digital Nomad Visa introduced in 2023 for remote workers. The table below summarizes key employment indicators:

Sources: Idescat (Statistical Institute of Catalonia), Numbeo 2025

The University of Girona (Universitat de Girona, UdG) is the city's primary higher education institution. Re-established in 1991 after historical roots dating to 1446, UdG has grown into a respected public university with approximately 15,000 students across multiple campuses. The university participates actively in international exchange programs and welcomes over 2,100 international students annually.

Academic Programs and Campuses

UdG offers degrees across humanities, sciences, health sciences, law, economics, and engineering. The main campuses are Montilivi (modern facilities housing science and technology faculties) and Barri Vell (historic Old Town location for humanities and tourism studies). Several master's programs are taught in English, particularly in fields like robotics, tourism management, and environmental sciences. The university actively participates in the Erasmus+ program, facilitating student exchanges with universities across Europe.

Tuition Fees and Admissions

Tuition fees at UdG are regulated by the Catalan government and are among the most affordable in Europe. Bachelor's programs typically cost between EUR 1,500 and EUR 2,500 per year for international students. Master's programs range from EUR 2,000 to EUR 3,500 annually. PhD students may find reduced fees or funded positions through research grants. International applicants should apply through the university's International Office and may need to validate their previous qualifications through Spain's credential recognition system.

Sources: Universitat de Girona Official Website

Girona offers several quality schooling options for expatriate families, ranging from international British-curriculum schools to bilingual Montessori institutions. While the selection is smaller than Barcelona's, families will find schools that provide internationally recognized qualifications and multilingual education.

International and British Schools

International School Costa Brava (ISCB) is the only fully British-curriculum school in Girona Province. Located in Platja d'Aro (approximately 30 minutes from Girona city), ISCB offers the English National Curriculum from Nursery through Year 13, including IGCSEs and A-Levels. The school is a Pearson Edexcel certified centre and has been recognized by UNICEF as a Rights Respecting School. Tuition fees are available upon application. Saint George's School in Fornells de la Selva offers bilingual education (English/Spanish/Catalan) from infant through baccalaureate levels, following the Catalan curriculum with strong English immersion.

Montessori and Alternative Options

Montessori Palau Girona is a well-established Montessori school serving children from ages 0-18. The school emphasizes child-centered learning and offers trilingual education in Catalan, Spanish, and English. Montjuïc Girona International School provides personalized teaching in small groups with a multilingual approach. Annual tuition at international primary schools averages approximately EUR 8,500 per child, while private kindergartens typically charge around EUR 525 monthly.

Sources: International School Costa Brava, Montessori Palau Girona, Numbeo 2025

Girona's housing market offers better value than Barcelona while still experiencing rising demand, particularly from remote workers and international residents. The city is compact enough that most neighborhoods provide easy access to amenities, though character and prices vary significantly between areas.

Popular Neighborhoods for Expats

Barri Vell (Old Town) is the most picturesque area, featuring medieval architecture, riverfront properties, and proximity to cultural attractions. It attracts expats and the international cycling community but has limited parking and narrow streets. Eixample is the modern city center with a grid layout, abundant shops, the main market (Mercat del Lleó), and excellent services—ideal for day-to-day living. Devesa borders one of Catalonia's largest urban parks and suits families seeking green space with good apartment availability. Montilivi near the university campus offers modern housing, sports facilities, and is popular with young families.

Rental Prices

Rental prices in Girona have risen in recent years but remain significantly lower than Barcelona. The average rental price is approximately EUR 12.2 per square meter monthly. Below are typical monthly rent figures:

Rental agreements typically require one month's rent as agency fee, two months' deposit, and one month paid in advance. Properties can be found on portals like Idealista and Habitaclia.

Sources: Numbeo 2025, Idealista 2025

Girona punches above its weight in cultural offerings, combining medieval heritage with contemporary arts, world-class gastronomy, and outstanding outdoor recreation. The city's compact size means most attractions are within walking distance, while day trips expand possibilities enormously.

Museums and Cultural Attractions

The Cathedral of Santa Maria dominates the Old Town skyline, featuring the world's widest Gothic nave (23 meters) and a magnificent Romanesque cloister. The Jewish History Museum in El Call documents the important medieval Jewish community through eleven exhibition halls. The Cinema Museum houses the Tomàs Mallol Collection of pre-cinema and early film artifacts—a unique attraction for cinephiles. Girona Art Museum, located in the former Episcopal Palace, displays Romanesque through 20th-century Catalan art. The Arab Baths, a 12th-century Romanesque bathhouse with Moorish influences, offers an atmospheric glimpse into medieval bathing culture.

Outdoor Activities and Events

Girona is internationally renowned as a cycling destination, home to professional teams and offering access to legendary routes through the Pyrenees and along the Costa Brava. La Devesa Park, one of Catalonia's largest urban parks, provides jogging paths and green space. The medieval walls walk (Passeig de la Muralla) offers panoramic city views. Major annual events include the Temps de Flors flower festival (May), Temporada Alta performing arts festival (October-December), and the Fires de Sant Narcís patron saint festivities (late October). Nightlife centers on Plaça de la Independència and the Mercadal area, with bars, restaurants, and live music venues. For day trips, the Dalí Theatre-Museum in Figueres (40 minutes) and Costa Brava beaches (20-40 minutes) are easily accessible.

Life in Girona moves at a relaxed Mediterranean pace while offering all essential urban conveniences. The city is highly walkable, with most daily needs accessible within the compact center. Catalan is the primary local language, though Spanish is widely spoken and English is increasingly common in tourist areas and among younger residents.

Transportation Options

Girona's urban bus network, operated by TMG (Transports Municipals de Girona), covers the city with a single ticket costing approximately EUR 1.48 and monthly passes around EUR 34. The city is exceptionally bicycle-friendly, earning its reputation as Europe's cycling capital—bike lanes connect major areas and cycling is a practical daily transport option. For regional travel, Girona train station provides excellent connectivity: the AVE high-speed train reaches Barcelona in just 38 minutes (approximately EUR 12-15), while regional trains serve Costa Brava towns. Girona-Costa Brava Airport, 13 km south, offers budget flights to European destinations, with bus connections to the city (line 607) and direct coaches to Barcelona.

Local Lifestyle

Daily shopping centers on Mercat del Lleó, Girona's main fresh food market in Eixample, open mornings Tuesday through Saturday. Supermarket chains including Mercadona, Bon Preu, and Lidl are distributed throughout neighborhoods. Dining follows Spanish hours: lunch typically from 13:30-15:30 and dinner from 20:30 onwards. The siesta tradition means some smaller shops close between 14:00-17:00, though this is less common in the center. Weather is Mediterranean with hot summers (average 25°C) and mild winters (average 8°C), though the Tramuntana wind can bring cold spells.

Girona offers a significantly lower cost of living compared to Barcelona and other major European cities while maintaining high quality of life standards. The following estimates are based on 2025 data and represent typical monthly expenses.

Monthly Budget: Single Person

A single person can live comfortably in Girona with a moderate lifestyle. This estimate assumes renting a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center:

Monthly Budget: Family of Four

A family of four (two adults, two children) renting a three-bedroom apartment in a residential area can expect:

Sources: Numbeo 2025, Idealista 2025