Tucked along Catalonia’s golden coastline, Salou has a way of drawing people in—whether it’s for the promise of sandy beaches, a bit of sunshine through the winter months, or the slower pace of life away from the bustle of cities.
For anyone thinking about living in Salou, it’s not all package deals and rollercoasters. With a population of around 30,000, there’s actually a fair blend of local life, neighbourly chatter in the markets, and that hard-to-beat Mediterranean rhythm where things just tend to fall into place.
Is Salou a nice place to live?
Beyond its reputation as a holiday hotspot, Salou’s got plenty up its sleeve for year-round living. With easy connections to Reus and Tarragona, reliable local services, and a community feel that sticks even after the last tourists have gone home, this isn’t a town that simply shuts down once summer ends. Life here tends to move at a relaxed pace. You’ll notice neighbours greeting each other on the way to the bakery and regulars swapping stories in local cafés well into the winter months.
Salou offers that classic Mediterranean lifestyle. Morning strolls along the promenade, affordable tapas, and just enough buzz to keep things interesting without being overwhelming. The locals are a mix of Catalan families, Spanish retirees, and a growing community of expats who enjoy the milder winters and the handy rail links for trips up and down the coast.
Living in Salou: pros and cons
Salou isn’t shy about showing its true colours, and life here comes with plenty of high points as well as a few quirks to be aware of.
Some of the pros of life in Salou include:
- Mild winters and over 300 days of sunshine each year, perfect if you aren’t a fan of grey skies.
- A friendly blend of locals and expats, so it’s relatively easy to find your crowd, whether you’re up for a Sunday market or just want to enjoy a pint and a football match.
- Affordable living costs, particularly when it comes to renting or buying property, compared to Spain’s larger coastal cities.
On the flip side, there are a couple of downsides to keep in mind:
- It can get very busy and touristy in peak season, which means more noise and longer queues for just about everything.
- Out of season, things slow right down—some bars and restaurants close for months at a time.
Cost of living in Salou
Salou strikes a decent balance when it comes to seaside living without the wallet-busting prices you’ll find up the coast. Dining out won’t break the bank either. A relaxed dinner for two at a local spot will set you back about €50. A beer comes in at roughly €3, and you won’t pay much more than €3 for a decent coffee. Utilities like electricity, water, and internet tend to average around €150 per month if you’re in a standard-sized flat, though, of course, bigger places or serious air-con use can bump things up a bit.
When it comes to buying property in Salou, things could be worse. As of May 2025, property prices in Salou averaged €2,355 per m². That’s a notch above housing prices nearby Tarragona city, where you’re looking at €2,092 per m², but a far cry from the hefty €4,895 per m² you’d need to buy property in Barcelona.
Everyday life in Salou
Settling into Salou means getting used to a rhythm that’s relaxed, outdoorsy, and social. Even once the summer crowds have drifted away, there’s plenty ticking along throughout the year.
Things to do in Salou
There’s much more to Salou than sunbathing. Outside of peak season, locals enjoy coastal walks along the Camí de Ronda, weekly markets on the Plaça de la Pau, and the odd game of beach volleyball. PortAventura World is on your doorstep for those with visiting grandkids (or if you’re a bit of a thrill-seeker yourself).
During the quieter months, it’s easy to find a quiet spot on the sand, cycle the promenade, or pop into tapas joints that serve more locals than tourists. The town also plays host to regular fiestas, food fairs, and cultural events, so there’s usually something brewing.
Is Salou safe?
Day to day, Salou feels safe and easy-going. Most people leave their windows open at night and think nothing of wandering home after dinner. Like any coastal town busy with visitors in the summer, there’s a bit of petty theft to watch out for. Pickpockets can be opportunistic around the main beach or near bars late at night.
Out of season, things are noticeably quieter and crime rates drop even further. For families, retirees, or solo expats, the general sense is that Salou is secure and any trouble is rare and minor.
Salou in the winter
Winter in Salou has its own pace. The promenade’s less crowded, and the heat softens into gentle, sunny days—ideal for walks, cycling, and coffees in the open. While a handful of beach bars and holiday shops close their shutters until spring, most essentials keep running. Locals embrace the slower vibe, catching up in cafés, enjoying milder weather than much of Europe, and making the most of the relaxed social calendar.
Living in Salou as an expat
Moving to Salou as an expat is about finding that sweet spot between the buzz of a popular destination and the comforts of a genuine community. While you’ll spot plenty of Brits and other Europeans, especially in the summer, the full-time crowd is far more international and integrated than you might expect. Scandinavians, French, Irish, Dutch, and a healthy mix of Catalan and Spanish locals rub shoulders here.
For families or those planning a longer stay, Salou benefits from proximity to international schools such as Lycée français international de Reus. Socrates Educa International School sits just on the edge of town and is a popular choice for expat families wanting continuity in their children’s education.
On the practical side, English-speaking services are easy enough to find. You’ll come across local lawyers, estate agencies, and even medical clinics with staff who can help in English. There’s also no shortage of support—Facebook groups, informal meetups, language exchanges, and locally run clubs can help newcomers get settled. Although picking up a bit of Spanish (or Catalan) goes a long way for day-to-day life and neighbourly chats.