Living in Spain: Pros and Cons

Published on October 2, 2025 and written by Cyril Jarnias

Spain attracts many expatriates every year, drawn by its sunny climate, rich culture, and relaxed lifestyle. However, like any relocation, moving to Spain comes with its share of advantages and disadvantages. In this article, we will explore in detail the different aspects of expat life in Spain, to help you make an informed decision if you’re considering taking the leap.

An Economic Paradise? The Financial Benefits of Living in Spain

One of Spain’s main attractions for expatriates lies in its economic advantages. Let’s see how the Iberian country can be financially interesting for foreigners who decide to settle there.

A more affordable cost of living

Spain generally offers a lower cost of living compared to many European countries, particularly France. This difference can translate into substantial savings on daily expenses, allowing expatriates to enjoy better purchasing power.

Indeed, the cost of living in Spain is often 5 to 10% lower than in France, with a more pronounced gap in the southern part of the country and away from major coastal cities. This difference is particularly noticeable in food prices, transportation, and leisure activities.

For example, eating at restaurants, grocery shopping, or enjoying cultural activities generally costs less than in France. This reality allows expatriates to fully enjoy Spanish life without breaking the bank.

An attractive real estate market

Spanish real estate remains generally more accessible than in many European countries, offering interesting opportunities for both renting and buying.

In cities like Valencia, Alicante, or Seville, it’s possible to buy property for 30 to 50% less than in France. This price difference allows expatriates to access more spacious or better-located homes, sometimes even by the sea, for a budget equivalent to an apartment in a major French city.

Additionally, Spain offers interesting tax benefits for property owners. Unlike France, some Spanish regions do not collect a residence tax, and property tax is generally lower, thus reducing housing-related expenses.

Professional opportunities in certain sectors

Although the Spanish job market can be competitive, certain sectors offer interesting opportunities for expatriates. Tourism, new technologies, foreign language teaching, and the renewable energy sector are particularly dynamic and often seek international profiles.

Moreover, with the development of remote work, many expatriates choose to settle in Spain while keeping their jobs in their home countries or working for international companies. This flexibility allows combining the economic benefits of living in Spain with potentially higher incomes.

Beyond Paella: The Cultural Challenges of Relocating to Spain

Moving to Spain isn’t just about enjoying the sun and gastronomy. Relocation involves immersion in a new culture, with its own codes and particularities. Here are the main cultural challenges you might face.

The language barrier

Although Spanish is a Romance language close to French, mastering it remains a major challenge for many expatriates. Daily life, administrative procedures, and social integration largely depend on your ability to communicate in Spanish.

Additionally, it’s important to note that Spain has several co-official languages depending on the region, such as Catalan in Catalonia, Basque in the Basque Country, or Galician in Galicia. In these regions, knowledge of the local language can be a considerable asset for successful integration.

Learning the language is therefore a crucial investment for your relocation. It will not only make your daily life easier but also help you build deeper connections with the local population and better understand Spanish culture.

The Spanish pace of life

Spain is known for its different pace of life compared to many European countries. Work schedules, meal times, and sleep patterns can surprise newcomers.

For example, the siesta, although less practiced in big cities, remains a tradition in many regions. Stores often close between 2 PM and 5 PM, and dinner is generally late, around 9 PM or 10 PM.

This pace of life can be frustrating for some expatriates, especially at first. It takes time to adapt to these new schedules and understand that social life in Spain is often later and more intense than in other European countries.

Spanish bureaucracy

Administrative procedures in Spain can prove complex and time-consuming for expatriates. Obtaining the NIE (Foreigner Identification Number), registering as a resident, or opening a bank account may require multiple visits to government offices and endless patience.

Moreover, Spain’s administrative decentralization means that some procedures vary by region or municipality, which can add to the confusion for newcomers.

It is therefore crucial to research administrative procedures before your arrival and allow enough time to complete them. Don’t hesitate to seek help from professionals or expatriate associations to guide you through these processes.

Sunshine, Tapas, and Personal Growth: The Personal Impact of Relocating to Spain

Beyond economic and cultural aspects, relocating to Spain can have a profound impact on your personal development and quality of life. Let’s examine the main aspects of this personal transformation.

An enviable quality of life

Spain is renowned for offering an excellent quality of life, thanks to several factors:

– Climate: With more than 300 sunny days per year in many regions, Spain allows for an outdoor lifestyle almost year-round. This favorable climate has a positive impact on mood and encourages a more active life.

– Gastronomy: Spanish cuisine, rich and varied, is a true asset for health and pleasure. The Mediterranean diet, based on olive oil, seafood, and fresh vegetables, is recognized for its health benefits.

– Pace of life: Although sometimes disorienting at first, the Spanish pace of life, more relaxed and focused on work-life balance, can help reduce stress and improve overall well-being.

Personal development opportunities

Relocating to Spain offers numerous opportunities for personal development:

– Learning a new language: Mastering Spanish (and potentially a regional language) is a considerable personal enrichment that opens new professional and cultural perspectives.

– Cultural openness: Living in Spain allows you to discover a rich and diverse culture, with its traditions, festivals, and history. This cultural immersion promotes open-mindedness and tolerance.

– Developing resilience: Facing the challenges of relocation (language barrier, administrative procedures, cultural adaptation) strengthens self-confidence and the ability to overcome obstacles.

An enriched social network

Spain, with its friendly culture and significant expatriate community, offers many opportunities to expand your social circle:

– Cross-cultural encounters: Relocation allows you to meet people from different nationalities, thus enriching your world perspective.

– Local integration: Spanish culture, known for its warm welcome, facilitates the integration of expatriates who make the effort to get involved in local life.

– Expatriate community: Many Spanish cities have active expatriate communities, offering support and networking opportunities.

Personal challenges to overcome

Despite these positive aspects, relocating to Spain can also present personal challenges:

– Homesickness: Being away from family and friends can be difficult to manage, especially in the beginning.

– Cultural adaptation: Adapting to new social norms and a new lifestyle can be stressful and takes time.

– Professional pressure: Finding satisfying employment or developing your business in a new country can be challenging, especially if you don’t perfectly master the language.

Conclusion: Is Spain a Relocation Destination That Meets Your Expectations?

Relocating to Spain offers a unique mix of advantages and challenges. On one hand, you benefit from an advantageous cost of living, pleasant climate, and enviable quality of life. On the other hand, you must face linguistic, cultural, and administrative challenges that can sometimes seem intimidating.

The key to a successful relocation in Spain lies in your ability to adapt, remain open-minded, and fully embrace the local culture. It’s essential to properly prepare your project, both professionally and personally, and give yourself the necessary time to integrate.

Every relocation experience is unique, and what may be a disadvantage for some can turn out to be an advantage for others. The important thing is to carefully evaluate your motivations, expectations, and personal situation before taking the leap.

Spain, with its regional diversity, offers a multitude of options for expatriates. Whether you prefer the dynamism of Madrid, the culture of Barcelona, the Andalusian charm of Seville, or the laid-back lifestyle of the Costa del Sol, you’ll certainly find a place that matches your aspirations.

Ultimately, relocating to Spain can be a rewarding and transformative experience, offering the opportunity to live in a country with rich cultural heritage while enjoying an enviable Mediterranean lifestyle. With proper preparation and an open mind, your Spanish adventure could well become one of the most enriching experiences of your life.