Sant Cugat Maintains High Quality of Life Despite Housing Pressures
Sant Cugat del Vallès stands out as one of the top cities in Catalonia for quality of life, thanks to economic stability, natural surroundings, and strong public safety. However, growing pressure on housing, urban cleanliness, and sustainable services is creating friction and calls for political action.
Recognized public safety
According to the Metropolitan Barcelona Victimization Survey (EVAMB), Sant Cugat ranks first in perceived public safety among cities with over 75,000 inhabitants. Crime fell by 7.8% in 2024, including sharp drops in theft and cybercrime (−14.3% and −23.3%), after the Local Police added 11 new officers.
Life expectancy and economic well-being
Sant Cugat residents enjoy one of the highest life expectancies in Catalonia, at 85.18 years (INE, 2022). The city also ranks among the top in per capita income, with around €23,337 per year, which translates into better access to healthcare, nutritious food, and green, healthy environments.
Natural environment and sustainable city model
About 45% of Sant Cugat's area is forest land, and the city hosts over 292 hectares of urban parks and more than 53,000 trees representing 165 species. Iconic areas like Volpelleres Forest and Collserola Natural Park are central to residents’ recreation and air quality.
Sant Cugat participates in the EU's Intelligent Cities Challenge (2023–2025) and has been selected for the HEALTH CITIES project within the Barcelona Innovation Valley Alliance (BIVA), to boost sustainable innovation and biotech development at the local level.
Unaffordable housing and controversial proposals
Sant Cugat now has the highest rental prices in Catalonia, averaging €1,340/month, surpassing even Barcelona city (€1,136/month).
In response, Mayor Joan Josep Vallès (Junts) has proposed increasing the minimum residency requirement to access public housing from 3 to 10 years, aiming to prioritize long-term locals. However, the initiative has stirred debate within the governing coalition (ERC, PSC, CUP), who fear it may be exclusionary.
Urban infrastructure and services
The city has awarded a €2.1 million contract to Edison Next to modernize public lighting and mobility. The project covers around 19,400 streetlights, switching to LED technology and installing smart traffic systems to improve energy efficiency and urban safety.
City cleanliness still a concern
Despite overall satisfaction with city services, urban cleanliness remains one of the most common complaints from residents. The current local government has pledged improvements during its term.