Spain is one of the most popular expat destinations in Europe. Many expats are drawn in by the beautiful weather, laid-back lifestyle and spectacular beaches. Like any country, though, living in Spain does come with a handful ofdrawbacks. Still, most expats wouldagree that the good by far outweighs the bad. Below are some of ourpros and cons of moving to Spain. Apart from perhaps Madrid, accommodation in Spain tends to be far more affordable than in other prominent European countries. Living outside major cities is especiallycheap. There's also a wide range of options available to expats, such asrenting a room in a shared apartment or even a freestanding house. Monthly rent is much higher in city centresthan in outlying areas. High demand also means that accommodation tends to get snatched upquickly. If an expat has their heart set on a place, they should act fast so as not to miss out. Spain is known for its great work-life balance. This enviable lifestyle is one of the many attractionsthat drawexpats to the country. The Spanishlove to spend quality time with their loved ones – they always have time for holidaysand extended lunches. Mealtime is sacred in Spain. Many expats are shocked to find that one can typically spend two to three hours at a good lunch. People also love getting together during the week. It isn’t uncommon to meet up with colleagues or friends for drinks after work. Spanish streets are alive on weeknights, especially between 7pm and 11pm. The siesta may be dying out, but it is still ongoing in parts of Spain. Things shut down between 3pm and 5pm. It’s also hard to find all-day kitchens. If one is hungry late in the afternoon, it may be more difficult to find something to eat. Spain is one of the safest countries in Europe. There isn’t a huge threat of violence, and major crimes and terrorist threats are uncommon. Typically, the most interaction expats have with the police will be if they want to make a noise complaint. Expats do need to beware of pickpocketingin Spain. This is especially true in major cities and areas popular with tourists. Pickpockets mostly steal phones and wallets and tend to target tourists. There have been cases in broad daylight and even on the metro, so expats should stay vigilant, and avoid walking around with visible valuables or flashy jewellery. Spain’s laid-back lifestyle spills into the work environment as well. Expats will find that they get a good amount of holiday time. Companies are also understandingabout sick leave as long as one can provide a doctor's note. The medical system in Spain even allows workers to take time off for mental health recovery. Jobs in Spain tend to be low-stress. Expats may even start noticingthat people don't work for more than two hours without taking a coffee break. Working hours in Spain can be frustratingfor those that like to get the job done and go home early. Expats will typically work from 9am to 2pm and then go back to work from 4pm until 7pm. The two hours in between are to accommodate the infamous Spanishsiesta. Another downside is that salaries are low in Spain compared to other European countries. This isn’t limited to English teachers or informal jobs; even engineers and mid-level jobs in large companies don’t earn as much as they would outside of Spain. Culture shock in Spain tends to be reasonably low. Many people in larger cities speak English, so it's easy to get around with limited Spanish skills. Spaniards, in general, are also friendly and usually don’t mind helping expats withdirections or giving advice on the local transport. Expats coming from cultures where touching is uncommonmay take some time adjusting to life in Spain. People greet each other with two kisses on the cheek (this doesn’t apply to men greeting other men, though). Mealtimes can also take some adjusting to as well. Breakfast is typicallysmall, with a piece of fruit or milky coffee being enough for most Spaniards. The second breakfast is more substantial and usually happens mid-morning. Lunch is the biggest meal of the day. A light snack late in the afternoon is followed by a light dinner of soup or some rice around 9pm or 10pm. Except for housing in major cities, the cost of living in Spain isn't unreasonablyhigh. Restaurants tend to be very affordable, making a night out doable on most budgets. Spain is also known for its tapas culture, so getting a free snack when ordering a drink at a bar is common. Groceries are also affordable. The metro system in cities such asMadrid is excellent and often has monthly deals for people under 26 or over 65.Accommodation in Spain
+ PRO: Multiple affordable options
- CON: More demand and higher rent in larger cities
Lifestyle in Spain
+ PRO: Very laid-back lifestyle
- CON: Siestas can be disruptive
Safety in Spain
+ PRO: Very safe
- CON: High risk of pickpocketing
Working in Spain
+ PRO: Great work-life balance
- CON: Long working hours, low salaries
Culture shock in Spain
+ PRO: Not much culture shock
- CON: Eating and greeting may take some getting used to
Cost of living in Spain
+ PRO: Living expenses are low
FAQs
Pros and Cons of Moving to Spain? ›
The biggest disadvantage of moving to Spain is the lack of job opportunities. It isn't easy to get a job, but knowing Spanish and other languages will open doors for you across a wider range of occupations. If you move to Spain without knowing any Spanish, you might want to look for a remote job.
What is the downside of living in Spain? ›The biggest disadvantage of moving to Spain is the lack of job opportunities. It isn't easy to get a job, but knowing Spanish and other languages will open doors for you across a wider range of occupations. If you move to Spain without knowing any Spanish, you might want to look for a remote job.
Is it hard for an American to live in Spain? ›It is easy for US citizens to move abroad to Spain, provided they fulfill the eligibility criteria for one of the available visas. You can also choose to invest in Spain under the Investor Visa scheme or obtain a Spanish residence permit from a foreign pension through the Non-lucrative Visa.
Is Spain a good place to move to? ›This is reflected in its ranking within the top ten countries on the Quality of Life Index. Spain is a terrific destination to enjoy a good quality of life, with a focus on work-life balance and a relaxing pace of living.
Why are expats leaving Spain? ›The new residency rules, uncertainty around healthcare, tightening financial situations, and job market difficulties are just a few of the problems they face. These issues have transformed what was once an ideal expat experience into a situation filled with red tape and cultural hurdles.
Where is the best place to live in Spain for US citizens? ›Madrid is the best place to live in Spain for expats of all ages seeking a dynamic life in Spain. If you're on a quest for a bustling lifestyle, Madrid is the best city to live in Spain. For a vibrant, social, and cultural lifestyle, young expats often decide to search for homes to rent in Madrid.
Does Spain have free healthcare? ›Overview of the SNS, the Spanish Healthcare System
Through the SNS, all basic medical services are free. However, if you have surgery, an overnight hospital visit, or certain diagnostic tests there might be a small fee.
In calculating the proof of income for non-lucrative residency, you must have an annual income of 400% of IPREM in your bank account. The IPREM for 2023 is €600 per month. Therefore, as an individual, you will need to have €2,400 as a regular guaranteed monthly income or a yearly income of €28,800.
Is it worth moving to Spain from USA? ›The culture, food, and low cost of living makes Spain worth it for the many expats who live here. Securing my visa and moving to Spain in 2018 has shifted my worldview in numerous positive ways, and I am so happy to have landed here after trying out life in places as diverse as Mexico to Panama to Thailand.
What is the easiest country to move to from the US? ›| 1. Canada | 2. Australia | 3. Germany |
|---|---|---|
| 4. New Zealand | 5. Singapore | 6. Sweden |
| 7. Ireland | 8. Netherlands | 9. Costa Rica |
| 10. Malta |
Can I just move to Spain and live there? ›
Depending on why you wish to move to Spain, you must select the type of long-stay visa and residence permit corresponding to your travel purpose. You need a long-stay visa to apply for a residence permit. A long-stay (D visa) visa will allow you to stay in the Spanish territory for long-term residency.
How much is rent in Spain? ›Rent and Apartment in Spain: Housing options come in a range of flavors, meeting diverse budgets and tastes, from $500 to $1,500 a month. Spain living expenses: Expenses like electricity, water, heating, cooling, and garbage bills average around €100 - €200.
What is the safest city to live in Spain? ›- Albacete. Tranquillity breeds safety which is why Albacete is top of the list. ...
- Palencia. Castile and León is also ranked near the top because of Palencia. ...
- Pontevedra. ...
- San Sebastián. ...
- Orihuela.
Language Barrier: While many areas are accustomed to expats and offer services in English, daily life might require some knowledge of Spanish, especially in more rural areas. Bureaucracy: Spain is infamous for its red tape.
Is Spain welcoming to immigrants? ›Throughout the past two decades, Spaniards' attitudes toward immigration have been predominantly welcoming, especially in comparison to growing hostility in many other countries. Spain's economic downturn did not trigger increased animosity towards the foreign-born.
Are Spanish people friendly to expats? ›Spaniards live life to the fullest, taking an open, carefree attitude to everyday events. It is this laidback approach that underpins life in Spain, whether it's the country's famous outdoorsy culture or the fact that the Spanish are so gregarious and welcoming of foreigners and expats.
What are the pitfalls of retiring to Spain? ›- Language Barrier: While many areas are accustomed to expats and offer services in English, daily life might require some knowledge of Spanish, especially in more rural areas.
- Bureaucracy: Spain is infamous for its red tape.
Overall, living costs in Spain are around 100% less than in the US. But let's take a deeper look into the specifics. The difference in cost of living is even more noticeable if you look at rent in Spain, which is 134% cheaper, and daycare which is a whopping 211% cheaper.
Why is it so cheap to live in Spain? ›Having a lower average salary, combined with an unemployment rate higher than the rest of Europe, makes it clearer why the current price levels are relatively low. So, in that sense, as a foreigner, you will find that Spain is pretty affordable. You can enjoy a decent lifestyle at a low cost.
How much do you need in the bank to live in Spain? ›A regular monthly income of at least €600 OR a lump sum/savings of at least €7500 in a Spanish bank account.
