The ranking forms part of the annual Expat Insider survey, which asks people living abroad to rate different aspects of life in their adopted country, including healthcare, climate, leisure, transport and safety.
Among the expats surveyed in Spain, one in five said a better quality of life was their main reason for moving abroad, more than double the global average of 9%. Meanwhile, 41% said they would ideally like to stay in Spain forever, compared with 27% of expats surveyed worldwide.
“Spain tops the 2026 Quality of Life Index, followed by Singapore and the UAE. Meanwhile, expats in the USA, Norway, and Ireland see plenty of room for improvement.”
Climate remains one of Spain's obvious strengths. Some 89% of expats surveyed said they were happy with the country's climate and weather, but the appeal goes well beyond sunshine.
In the Leisure Options category, Spain came second, scoring particularly well for culture and nightlife, recreational sports and dining. With 87% of respondents praising the country's culinary variety and restaurant scene.
On the Costa del Sol, these advantages are especially easy to recognise. Outdoor life extends well beyond the summer months, with beaches, golf, walking, water sports and cultural events all forming part of everyday life year-round.
Spain’s healthcare system
Healthcare is one of the more practical reasons Spain continues to perform strongly. The country ranked fourth for healthcare, with 80% of expats satisfied with the affordability of medical care and 83% satisfied with both its availability and quality.
Spain’s commitment to accessible healthcare is well established. More recently, a new Royal Decree has introduced clearer and more consistent rules around access to public healthcare in Spain for foreigners, including those without legal residence.
A strong and affordable healthcare system is also one of several factors associated with Spain’s exceptional longevity. Spain has one of the highest life expectancies in Europe, something we explored recently in our article on life expectancy in Spain.
Spain also performed strongly for travel and transport, ranking seventh overall in the category.
Some 93% of expats surveyed rated their opportunities to travel positively, while 87% said it was easy and safe to get around on foot or by bicycle.
That emphasis on walkability is reflected particularly well in southern Spain. Málaga was recently named among the world’s most walkable cities, as part of a global ranking that placed an impressive 19 Spanish destinations in the Top 100.
For those living on the Costa del Sol, international connectivity adds another advantage. Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport handled 26.76 million passengers in 2025, connecting the region with 162 destinations and making regular travel relatively straightforward for international residents.
Subscribe to our newsletter for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.
Panorama newsletter
Five consecutive years at the top
Spain’s run at the top of the Quality of Life Index began in 2022 and has continued every year since.
2022 → Spain ranked No. 1 for Quality of Life, with leisure options ranking first globally and climate second.
2023 → Spain retained the No. 1 position, with leisure options again ranking first and healthcare fourth.
2024 → Spain made it three consecutive years at the top, with leisure continuing to be one of its strongest-performing areas.
2025 → Spain ranked No. 1 for a fourth year running, with weather, culture and nightlife, and recreational sports all performing particularly strongly.
2026 → Spain has now completed five consecutive years at No. 1, once again ranking highly for leisure, climate, healthcare and travel.
Spain offers a high quality of life, particularly when it comes to climate, leisure, healthcare and opportunities to travel. In 2026, expats ranked Spain No. 1 in the InterNations Quality of Life Index for the fifth consecutive year.
Why does Spain have such a high quality of life?
Spain combines a favourable climate with a strong outdoor culture, good healthcare, varied food and dining, recreational activities and excellent opportunities to travel. These qualities help support a lifestyle that is both active and enjoyable throughout much of the year.
Is Spain a good country to live in?
For many people, yes. Spain offers a combination of good weather, established infrastructure, healthcare, culture, food and a relatively relaxed approach to everyday life, making it attractive for both permanent residents and those spending part of the year here.
Is Spain a good place to live for expats?
Spain has long been a popular choice for expats, particularly those looking for a warmer climate, an outdoor lifestyle and access to well-connected towns and cities. Established international communities can also make settling into life in Spain easier.
Does Spain have a good healthcare system?
Spain has a well-regarded healthcare system, with both public and private options available. Access, affordability and quality of care are among the reasons healthcare contributes positively to the country's overall quality of life.
What are the main benefits of living in Spain?
Some of the main benefits include the climate, outdoor lifestyle, food, healthcare, cultural life and ease of travel. Spain also offers a wide variety of places to live, from major cities and coastal areas to quieter inland towns and villages.
