The cleanest city in Spain, according to a major survey by the Organisation of Consumers and Users (OCU) in 2023, is Oviedo, the capital of Asturias, praised for its clean streets, squares, and gardens, with high resident satisfaction, followed by Bilbao and Vigo. Other cities consistently ranked among the cleanest include San Sebastián, Logroño, and Pamplona, often noted for good overall urban environment and cleanliness.
Oviedo in Spain, voted the cleanest city in Spain, made for a stunning city break. The capital of Asturias, it's known for its medieval old town, the site of the Gothic Oviedo Cathedral with its 9th-century Holy Chamber.
Copenhagen, Denmark: The cleanest city on the planet
Currently, the energy mix exceeds 30%, and it is expected to achieve energy independence by 2050. Notable features: Bicycle implementation: Copenhagen has 700,000 bicycles. 62% of its citizens use them.
According to 2025 data, Madrid ranks as Spain's safest major city with a crime index of 28.8 (classified as "low").
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While Seville proudly tops the ranking, it is not the only Spanish city among the happiest in Europe – or in the world. Valencia comes in fourth, and Madrid rounds off the top 10.
According to data provided by the national tax agency (AEAT) for the 2022 financial year, Huesa (Jaen) is the municipality with the lowest income in Spain, standing at an average gross income of 13,658 euros.
Average income and cost of living in Spain
However, a single person can comfortably live on just €1,000 per month. This budget encompasses all daily expenses, from renting a cozy apartment in a Spanish city to indulging in delicious tapas at local bars.
San Bernardino, California, ranks as the dirtiest city in the U.S. according to LawnStarter's 2025 report. Several other San Bernardino County cities, including Ontario, Fontana, Victorville, Rancho Cucamonga, and Apple Valley, also ranked poorly.
If you're planning on visiting Spain (or any Schengen area country) as a non-EU visitor, including British nationals since Brexit, you might have heard of the so-called £97 a day rule. In short, Spanish authorities may require that you present proof that you have sufficient financial means to cover your stay.
For sheer natural beauty, la Playa de Bolonia has to be up there with some of the most amazing beaches on the planet, I will surely never forget it.
The top 3 most affordable cities in Spain
Except for prescriptions for medicine, access to the public healthcare system, including primary care, specialised care, hospital treatments and emergency care, is free of charge, without co-payments.
Single Individual: Living comfortably may require about 1000 to 1200 EUR monthly. Couple: A combined monthly income of 2000 to 3000 EUR is typically sufficient. Family: A family of four generally needs 3500 to 5000 EUR per month.
Barcelona sits at the top of Spain's city ranking for recorded crime in the first half of 2025, with a rate of 8,563 offences per 100,000 residents, ahead of Madrid.
So, why are these areas so empty? Spain's terrain plays a big role. While it doesn't have deserts, it's one of the most mountainous countries in Europe. The Iberian Mountains, located in the middle of the country, are a key reason why central regions remain underpopulated.
10 Beautiful Cities in Spain
The so-called '£97 a day rule' is not new — it has been in place since January 2022, with the minimum daily amount adjusted periodically in line with the minimum wage in Spain. The rule applies to all visitors from outside the Sche...
Ponga, a town and municipality in northwest Spain, says it will pay £2,600 (€2,971) to each person who chooses to relocate there. The scheme aims to bolster the local economy, like many similar initiatives launched in rural Italian towns and villages.