What’s it really like to live in Spain—not just visit on vacation?
I moved to Barcelona in 2018 after 10 years of full-time travel through places like Thailand, Mexico, and Guatemala. Since then, I’ve walked the Camino de Santiago, house-sat in small towns, raised my son here, and in 2023, earned my long-term residency permit. Spain is no longer a stop—it’s home.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the real pros and cons of life in Spain, based on nearly a decade of lived experience. From healthcare and housing to culture, climate, and taxes, here’s what to expect if you’re considering making the move.
In March 2023, after five years of living here on a non-lucrative visa, I earned my five-year residency permit. This is home and I plan to live in Spain and raise my son here for many more years.
💸 Work, Money & Bureaucracy in Spain
Spain is one of the most affordable places to live in Western Europe—but that doesn’t mean everything is cheap. While many daily expenses are budget-friendly, you’ll also need to weigh trade-offs like low salaries, rising rents, and higher utility costs.
Pro: Spain’s cost of living is lower than most of Europe.
Compared to France, Germany, and even Portugal, your money goes further in Spain—especially outside the major cities. Groceries are cheap, wine flows freely, and even in places like Madrid and Barcelona, you’ll spend less on rent, transit, and dining out than you would in Paris or New York.
💡Quick examples:
- Private health insurance: ~€130/month (zero deductible)
- Monthly metro pass (Barcelona): ~€40
- Dinner out for two: €30–€40
- Free public preschool (from age 2)
And if you’re earning international income or living off savings, Spain can be an ideal base.
Con: Eectricity, A/C, and imports cost more than you’d expect.
Utilities like electricity and gas are expensive, and many apartments lack modern insulation or central heating and cooling. If you want consistent comfort—especially in summer—you’ll likely need to rent a renovated flat and budget for high bills.
You’ll also pay more for anything imported from outside the EU: cheddar cheese, tech gadgets, or clothes from U.S. brands all come at a premium. And while Spain has excellent produce, vegetarian or organic options are still limited in smaller towns.
🌀 Bottom line: Spain is cheap—but not across the board. It’s best for people who live simply and value local life over international luxuries.
Pro: Excellent healthcare—and strong public safety nets.
Spain has one of the best public healthcare systems in the world—ranked 7th globally—and most residents have access to it at little or no cost. If you become a legal resident, you can usually enroll in the public system, which covers everything from routine checkups to hospital births.
Even without public access, private healthcare is affordable and high-quality. I paid around €130/month for a zero-deductible plan during my first years in Spain—and gave birth in a private hospital in Barcelona without paying a cent more.
Children are especially well protected. From age 2, public nursery (escuela infantil) is free across Spain, and every child—regardless of immigration status—is entitled to healthcare coverage.
💡 Good to know: Once you gain permanent residency or register for social security, you’ll likely qualify for the public system. It varies a bit depending on your visa and contribution status.
Con: Steep income taxes can surprise expats.
Spain’s generous public benefits come at a cost: taxes here are high, especially If you’re earning money—especially internationally—Spain’s taxes can be a rude awakening.
The progressive tax system ranges from 19% to 47%, and you hit 45% at just €60,000. Add in possible regional surcharges (based on where you live), and your effective rate might be higher than expected.
For freelancers, the burden increases:
- Flat-rate autónomo fee: ~€230/month (after the first year)
- Quarterly VAT (IVA) filings
- Annual income tax—even on income earned outside Spain
💡Important: Spain has two main long-stay visas (non-lucrative and digital nomad), and both are viable options if you meet the requirements—I’ve written a full guide comparing them here. But keep in mind: digital nomads are taxed in Spain, even on income earned from abroad. The visa offers some benefits, but total tax exemption isn’t one of them.
Con: Local salaries are low—and jobs are tough to land
Spain’s low cost of living comes with a catch: wages are low across most industries, and job opportunities can be surprisingly limited—especially if you’re not fluent in Spanish or don’t work in a high-demand field. Unemployment has long hovered in the double digits, and while things have improved since the 2008 crisis, the market remains tight for non-EU foreigners hoping to find work locally.
Even in major cities like Barcelona and Madrid, many roles pay significantly less than their equivalents in Northern Europe or North America. That’s one of the main reasons the cost of living here is low: the average salaries are too.
For digital nomads and retirees, this won’t matter. But if you plan to work in Spain or hope to change careers here, it’s essential to understand that:
- Most jobs require fluency in Spanish, unless you’re working for an international company.
- Wages are modest, and it may be hard to build savings or afford certain areas on a local salary.
- Many skilled locals leave Spain for higher wages in other EU countries, creating a talent drain.
Still, it’s not all dead ends—teaching English, working in tourism, or joining a tech startup are some of the more viable paths if you’re determined to work locally. Just come with realistic expectations and a backup plan.
Con: The laid-back culture can slow things down.
The same qualities that make life in Spain feel relaxed can make it maddening if you’re used to rigid timelines and fast responses. Expect delays. Expect meetings to run long. Expect friends to show up late—and still greet you like nothing’s amiss.
Even for expats working at international companies in Barcelona or Madrid, there’s often culture shock in adjusting to Spanish work norms. For freelancers dealing with government paperwork or client contracts, the learning curve is steep and often slow.
Con: Good Lord, the bureaucracy is enough to drive you mad.
From visa appointments to tax registration, Spain’s administrative systems are infamous. Expect delays, confusing paperwork, and a lot of in-person errands. My friends and I jokingly call it getting “#Spained.”
Eventually, you adapt. But if you’re used to efficient digital systems and prompt replies, prepare to recalibrate. This has gotten better since the pandemic—digital identity certificates allow you to carry out many things online. But even so, you’ll get #Spained.
🏡 Housing, Visas & Family Life
Con: Renting a home in Spain can be expensive and frustrating.
Renting in Spain is competitive, expensive—and often noisy
My first apartment in Barcelona was a tiny one-bedroom in Barceloneta, just a block from the beach. Dreamy in theory—but in practice? It came with paper-thin walls, no heating, and summer tourists shouting all night.
That’s the reality of the housing market in cities like Barcelona, Madrid, and Málaga: it’s tight, expensive, and fiercely competitive. Gentrification, Airbnb, and growing expat demand have driven up prices, making it harder to find well-located, affordable places.
And once you do land an apartment, there’s a good chance you’ll be greeted by jackhammers.
Spanish cities are beautiful—but old. That charm comes with constant construction noise. I live in the historic Gracia neighborhood in Barcelona, and over the past year, there have been three major renovation projects in or around my building. Each brought months of drilling, hauling, and shouting from 8 a.m. until dusk.
Add in the fact that many flats lack insulation or modern amenities, and you’ve got a situation where even a decent place might not feel peaceful. It’s manageable—but you should know what you’re signing up for.
👉 I’ve written more about how to find a rental and what to expect—click here to read that guide.
Pro: Spain is one of the most family-friendly countries in Europe.
Spain is incredibly welcoming to families—both culturally and practically. Children are visible in all aspects of daily life, and parents benefit from a range of public services and social norms that make raising kids here feel supportive.
- Public healthcare is available to all children, though access may depend on your residency status and the policies of your autonomous community. regardless of their parents’ visa or residency status.
- Free public nursery school (escuela infantil) is available starting at age 2 in most autonomous communities, though access and subsidies can vary depending on your residency status and local policies. Places for 1-year-olds are increasingly subsidized.
- Primary education is free and begins at age 3 (though not mandatory until age 6).
- Parks and public spaces are clean, safe, and designed with families in mind, even in major cities.
As a parent raising a child in Spain, I’ve seen firsthand how children are embraced by society. It’s normal to see toddlers out at 10 p.m., and no one bats an eye when you bring kids to a café, market, or even a late-night festival.
👉 I wrote a full post about raising kids in Spain here.
Pro: Spaniards are both friendly and welcoming.
Even in Barcelona—where graffiti sometimes screams “Tourists go home”—the vibe shifts once you live here. Locals at the bakery start to remember you. The woman at the playground chats with your kid. You feel like part of a neighborhood.
Spanish people are warm, social, and helpful, especially if you make the effort to speak some Spanish (or Catalan, in some regions). You may start out as a foreigner, but you won’t feel like a stranger for long.
🌍 Lifestyle & Culture in Spain
Pro: Spain has a welcoming expat community.
Whether you’re in a big city like Valencia or a beach town like Nerja, you’re rarely the only foreigner trying to figure out what time dinner actually starts. Spain has long attracted retirees, digital nomads, and slow travelers—so you’ll find a robust expat network in nearly every corner of the country.
From casual WhatsApp groups to established international schools and coworking hubs, it’s easy to find community if you’re open to it. And it’s not just other foreigners—you’ll likely find locals who are curious, helpful, and accustomed to blending cultures.
💡 Tip: Join local Facebook or Meetup groups before you move—some organize housing swaps, furniture exchanges, or even playdates for kids.
Con: Spanish is essential—and without it, loneliness creeps in.
Even in the most expat-friendly cities, Spanish is the social glue. You can get by in English at first, especially in tourist zones, but over time, not speaking Spanish makes daily life harder—doctor visits, school meetings, chatting with neighbors.
And it’s not just Spanish. In some parts of Spain—like Catalunya, the Basque Country, Galicia, and Valencia—regional languages add another layer. You don’t need to be fluent in both, but knowing Spanish is the difference between surviving and thriving.
Pro: Life in Spain is steeped in rich cultural traditions.
Spain has one of the most recognizable cultural identities in the world, and when you live here, you’re immersed in it. From impromptu neighborhood festivals to nationally celebrated holidays, there’s almost always something happening—often with food, music, and firecrackers involved.
Whether it’s a weekend escape to roast calçots in Catalunya, stumbling into a Semana Santa procession in Andalusia, or dancing through Feria in Seville, the culture here is participatory. Spaniards love to celebrate, and they make it easy to join in.
Even everyday life has cultural quirks that make Spain feel different from other places you might have lived. Think: traditional markets instead of big box stores, seasonal foods celebrated in full force, and a deep pride in regional languages and customs.
It’s one of the reasons I love raising my child here—there’s so much cultural texture, and it’s infused in daily life. From light festivals at museums to parades featuring massive puppets, Spain invites you to live a little more vibrantly.
Pro: Life is designed for balance—even if it takes adjusting.
Spain places real value on time off, shared meals, and simply enjoying life. From long lunches and generous holidays to the cultural norm of slowing down, this is a place where life doesn’t revolve around your job.
That said, it’s not always easy for newcomers. The midday break stretches the workday, dinner might not start until 10 p.m., and bureaucracy can be comically slow. But for many expats, especially those escaping hustle culture, the trade-off is worth it.
Pro: All are welcome to live and let live.
Spain is a welcoming place for people of all races, creeds, and lifestyles. Although there is certainly a thread of traditional biblical values among those of the older generations, Spanish law has carved out strong protections for LGBTQ+ rights and freedoms.
As in many parts of Europe, support for far-right parties has grown in recent years—though its impact is largely seen in political discourse rather than everyday life. but that currently mostly affects politics. Violent hate crimes are rare, and in day-to-day life, there’s a strong culture of live and let live—especially in the cities.
🌦️ Climate, Food & Outdoor Living
Pro: That climate is pretty much perfect year-round.
Living in Spain means you’ve just bought yourself a ticket to a year-round Mediterranean climate—warm summers, mild winters, and so much sunshine. If you want cooler weather, you can head to the mountains, and if you love heat, you’ll find it in the south.
Climate examples:
- Mediterranean: Valencia, Málaga (sunny and mild)
- Oceanic: Bilbao, Santiago de Compostela (cooler and wetter)
- Continental: Madrid, Zaragoza (hot summers, cold winters)
- Subtropical: Las Palmas (pleasant year-round)
- Alpine: Sierra Nevada, Pyrenees (snowy winters)
Pro: Every outdoor activity you love is nearby.
Whether it’s hiking the Pyrenees, paddling coastal coves, or wandering a forested valley, Spain is one giant outdoor playground. Most regions have access to mountains or beaches (or both), and outdoor adventures are part of everyday life.
Even if you live in the city, you’re likely just a short train ride away from something beautiful.
Pro: There’s no shortage of delicious food.
One of the joys of living in Spain is its tapas culture. Tapas are small, savory dishes perfect for sharing and trying a range of flavors—patatas bravas, croquetas, grilled vegetables, Iberian ham, and so much more.
You’ll fall in love with eating again in a culture that celebrates grazing, seasonal ingredients, and long, lingering meals. Spain isn’t just about food—it’s about savoring life.
Con: Rural Spain is not great for vegetarians and vegans.
I walked the 500 miles of the Camino de Santiago in summer 2017 and learned how traditional Spanish food culture still runs deep in small towns. As a vegetarian, I often relied on cheese, bread, and tortilla española. It was delicious, but repetitive.
Barcelona and Madrid have plenty of vegetarian options, but in rural areas, you’ll likely be limited to a handful of staples like bread, cheese, and tortilla española. The contrast is stark—urban centers cater to modern diets, while small towns still reflect traditional preferences., but smaller towns often don’t. Even now, when friends suggest a traditional Spanish restaurant, I sometimes eat ahead just to be safe.
Pro: Transportation anywhere in Spain or Europe is a breeze.
Trains, buses, and cheap flights make it easy to explore Spain and beyond. I’ve taken dozens of trips across Europe since moving here—thanks to discount airlines and deals like Interrail for residents, it’s easy to visit places like Switzerland, France, and even Serbia without much planning.
Within cities, transit is fast, affordable, and well-connected. If you love to travel, Spain is one of the best hubs in Europe to do it from.
Pro: Life is filled with beauty.
Spain is an old country, and most of the cities were built in a bygone era of construction. Buildings are gorgeous, and by and large they’re renovated to modern-day standards while maintaining the country’s legacy of cultural influences.
You carry out your everyday life along picturesque streets and in places that tourists spend countless hours photographing. My closest post office has vaulted ceilings, a gorgeous dome, and huge pillars—I felt like I was walking into a palace every time I needed to mail a letter.
I live in a charming neighborhood surrounded by ornate architecture and pass by Gaudí buildings at least three times a week during regular outings. There’s not a day that goes by that I don’t think: I’m so grateful I get to live here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is living in Spain worth it?
For many expats, yes. Spain delivers a slower pace of life, a strong healthcare system, and a cost of living that makes it one of Western Europe’s best-value countries.
But it’s not for everyone. If you need high wages, lightning-fast bureaucracy, or hyper-efficiency, you might struggle here. That said, if the downsides above didn’t feel like dealbreakers, there’s a good chance you’ll find your rhythm—and your people—in Spain.
What are the biggest challenges for expats in Spain?
Top challenges for most expats include:
- Language barriers: English only gets you so far. Long-term integration usually requires Spanish.
- Taxes: Spain’s progressive tax system can be steep—especially for remote workers or freelancers.
- Jobs: Wages are low, and competition is high unless you’re fluent or highly specialized.
- Bureaucracy: Visa paperwork and autónomo registration can test your patience (and then some).
How easy is it to adapt to life in Spain?
Pretty easy—if you’re open to slowing down. Spaniards are social and welcoming, and life revolves around food, family, and being outside.
That said, adjusting to late meals, the midday break, and slower business hours can take time. If you’re coming from hustle culture, it might feel like everything here runs in low gear. But that’s the point.
What are the best places to live in Spain?
It depends on your vibe. Do you want beach life, cool mountain air, vibrant culture, or a quiet village?
Here are some of the most popular picks:
- Barcelona – Creative scene, coworking, global expats
- Madrid – Fast-paced capital with world-class culture
- Valencia – Lower cost, beach vibes, family-friendly
- Málaga – Sunshine, strong healthcare, easy expat life
- Alicante – Small city pace on the coast
- Seville – Culture, history, and a slower rhythm
- Granada – Affordable, with a youthful energy
- Tenerife – Laid-back, subtropical, remote-work-friendly
- Palma de Mallorca – Island living with amenities
- Marbella – Luxury, sunshine, retiree hub
💡 Tip: Spain’s regions are wildly different. Visit a few before you commit.