City Guide 2026
Spain
Living in San Sebastian
Everything you need to know about cost of living, visas, taxes, climate, and lifestyle in San Sebastian, Spain.
Monthly Cost (Solo)
$2,170
Rent + groceries + bills
Safety Score
70/100
Low crime
Avg Temperature
14°C
57°F average
Tourist Visa
90 days
DN visa available
Internet Speed
274 Mbps
Fast
Cost of Living in San Sebastian
Rent Prices (USD/month)
| Apartment | City Center | Outside Center |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom | $1,500 | $975 |
| 3 Bedroom | $3,250 | $2,113 |
Source: Numbeo, crowd-sourced data.
Groceries
$350/month
Healthcare
$150/month
Utilities
$120/month
Transport
$50/month
Climate in San Sebastian
Monthly Average Temperature (°C)
Jan
9°
Feb
9.5°
Mar
11°
Apr
12.5°
May
15.5°
Jun
18°
Jul
20.5°
Aug
21.5°
Sep
19°
Oct
15.5°
Nov
12°
Dec
9.5°
Air Quality (AQI)
26
Excellent
Avg Rain Days/mo
15
days per month
Beach Distance
0 km
to nearest coast
Mountains
10 km
to nearest range
Lifestyle in San Sebastian
Walkability
60/100
Internet Speed
274 Mbps
Cultural Score
71/100
Nightlife
85/100
Outdoor Activities
90/100
English Proficiency
55/100
Expat Community
medium
Transit Quality
good
Coworking Spaces
5+
LGBTQ+ Friendly
moderate
Tax Overview in Spain
Tax System
Worldwide (taxes global income)
Tax residency threshold: 183 days/year · Treaty network: good
| Tax Type | Rate |
|---|---|
| Capital Gains (Long-term) | 19% |
| Capital Gains (Short-term) | 24% |
| Dividend Tax | 19% |
| Interest Income | 19% |
| Wealth Tax | 0.20% above $700,000 |
| Crypto Gains | 19% |
| Exit Tax | No |
| Estate Tax | No |
Special Regime: Beckham Law (Special Expat Tax Regime)
Flat rate: 24%
Tax rates are estimates. Consult a qualified tax advisor for your specific situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to live in San Sebastian?
A comfortable solo lifestyle in San Sebastian costs approximately $2,170-3,472/month for a single person or couple, covering housing in the city center, groceries, healthcare, utilities, and transport. Rent for a 1-bedroom in the center averages $1,500/month.
Is San Sebastian safe for expats?
San Sebastian has a safety index of 70/100 (higher is safer). San Sebastian has moderate safety levels. Standard precautions are recommended, especially at night in less-trafficked areas. Healthcare quality is rated 83/100.
What is the weather like in San Sebastian?
San Sebastian has an average annual temperature of 14°C (57°F). The warmest months reach 21.5°C and the coolest drop to 9°C. Air quality is excellent with an average AQI of 26.
What is the internet speed in San Sebastian?
Average internet speed in San Sebastian is 274 Mbps, which is excellent for remote work and video calls. There are 5+ coworking spaces available.
What taxes will I pay living in Spain?
Spain uses a worldwide tax system. Capital gains are taxed at 19% (long-term) and dividends at 19%. There is a wealth tax of 0.20% on assets above $700,000. Tax residency kicks in after 183 days/year. A special regime (Beckham Law (Special Expat Tax Regime)) may offer reduced rates.
Can I get a digital nomad visa in San Sebastian?
Yes, Spain offers a digital nomad visa valid for 12 months. The residency pathway is: 5 years of continuous legal residence..
Is San Sebastian good for digital nomads?
San Sebastian has fast internet at 274 Mbps, a medium expat community, and 5+ coworking spaces. English proficiency is moderate at 55/100. The cost of living index is 54/100 (NYC = 100), making it relatively expensive for remote workers.
Can You Retire on $X in San Sebastian?
Run the FIRE math for San Sebastian against the most-searched portfolio milestones — honest yes/no/tight verdicts with the numbers behind them.
Compare San Sebastian with other cities
See what your money actually buys across housing, food, healthcare, and more with our lifestyle purchasing power tool.