Is living in Spain good? Well, over 6.1 million foreigners officially call Spain home. That’s 13% of the population. The country ranks 4th in Europe for life expectancy (83.3 years) while maintaining healthcare costs 32% lower than the U.S. average.
Unemployment floats around 12.5%, higher than EU neighbors. Yet remote work visas attracted 4,300 digital nomads in 2023 alone. Salaries average €1,950/month, but Andalusia’s €1,200 stretches further than Madrid’s €2,500. From €2 tapas to €650 pediatric ER visits (free for residents), the tradeoffs demand cold, hard math.
Now, if you are wondering if living in spain is good, then keep reading. Lets get into it.
What Makes Living in Spain So Attractive for Expats?
Spain delivers something special- a laidback Mediterranean rhythm, lower living costs, and deep cultural roots you won’t easily match elsewhere. Expats flock here not just for the weather (theres literally 300+ sunny days on the coast), but for days that actually feel longer. Dinner at 10pm feels normal, and a midday break to recharge is Expected.
Ask locals, and many credit the outdoor habits and built-in socializing. Cities are designed for walking, not just commuting. Even winters stay mild, especially in the south where 15°C is considered “cold.”
Why Spain’s Culture Feels Different
- Siestas aren’t lazy – they’re strategic. That afternoon pause means later, livelier evenings.
- Dinner is social glue. Sharing tapas at 11pm isn’t a special occasion – it’s Tuesday.
- Festivals interrupt routine. From tomato fights to neighborhood processions, traditions force connection.
- Family time isn’t negotiable. Sunday lunches stretch for hours, no phones allowed.
- The Weather Actually Changes Your Routine. Coastal dwellers live in flip-flops year-round. Inland areas get proper seasons – just without the brutal cold. Hiking in January? Doable. Beach weekends in October? Expected.
- Healthcare Without the Headache. Spain’s public system covers residents fully, from ER visits to specialist referrals. Wait times exist, but so does affordable private insurance for faster access. Key difference? A doctor’s visit won’t bankrupt you.
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Which Are the Best Places to Live in Spain for Different Budgets?
Spain offers dramatically different costs depending on where you settle. Madrid and Barcelona demand premium budgets – expect to pay 40% more than smaller cities. Here’s a breakdown of the best places to live in Spain by cost level:
Affordable Best Places to Live in Spain:
Valencia – Cost of Living: €1,200-1,500/month
- Monthly rent: €600-800 (1-bedroom apartment)
- Utilities: €100-150
- Food: €300-400
- Transportation: €40 (monthly pass)
- Reasons: Perfect climate, beach access, modern amenities, growing expat community, excellent public transport
Seville – Cost of Living: €1,000-1,300/month
- Monthly rent: €500-700
- Utilities: €80-120
- Food: €250-350
- Transportation: €35
- Reasons: Rich history, authentic Spanish culture, affordable housing, warm weather, walkable city center
Granada – Cost of Living: €900-1,200/month
- Monthly rent: €400-600
- Utilities: €70-100
- Food: €200-300
- Transportation: €30
- Reasons: University town atmosphere, stunning architecture, very affordable, mountain views, cultural activities
Mid-Range Best Places to Live in Spain:
Malaga – Cost of Living: €1,400-1,800/month
- Monthly rent: €700-1,000
- Utilities: €120-180
- Food: €350-450
- Transportation: €45
- Reasons: Costa del Sol location, international airport, growing tech scene, beach lifestyle, good transport links
Bilbao – Cost of Living: €1,500-2,000/month
- Monthly rent: €800-1,200
- Utilities: €100-150
- Food: €400-500
- Transportation: €50
- Reasons: Strong economy, excellent museums, green surroundings, Basque culture, high quality of life
Premium Best Places to Live in Spain:
Barcelona – Cost of Living: €2,000-2,800/month
- Monthly rent: €1,200-1,800
- Utilities: €150-200
- Food: €500-700
- Transportation: €70
- Reasons: International city, excellent job market, world-class dining, cultural attractions, Mediterranean access
Madrid – Cost of Living: €1,800-2,500/month
- Monthly rent: €1,000-1,500
- Utilities: €120-180
- Food: €450-600
- Transportation: €55
- Reasons: Capital city opportunities, central location, excellent transport, cultural scene, job opportunities
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How Safe Is Living in Spain Compared to Other Countries?
Spain’s violent crime rate sits at 0.6 incidents per 1,000 people. This is lower than the U.S. (4.0) and UK (1.5). But when you dig deeper: Pickpocketing hotspots like Las Ramblas see 52 thefts daily during peak season. Yet residential neighborhoods in Valencia report burglary rates 73% below Paris equivalents.
For terrorism, 2 attacks since 2017, compared to France’s 12. Traffic however paints a darker picture. 272 road deaths per million people annually, worse than Germany (184) but better than Portugal (312).
Gender violence remains stubborn, killing 49 women in 2023. But conviction rates jumped 28% after specialized courts launched in 2022.
Expat safety surveys reveal contradictions:
- 89% feel safer walking at night than in their home countries
- But 34% of digital nomads report rental scams in Barcelona/Madrid
- Only 6% encounter aggressive behavior weekly half the EU average
The takeaway? Spain’s statistically safe with very specific risks. Tourist zones demand wallet awareness. Rural towns sleep with unlocked doors. And while police response times average 9 minutes in cities, non-emergency reports can take 48 hours.
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What Are the Real Costs of Living in Spain?
Understanding the true costs helps answer “is living in Spain good” for your specific financial situation. The average salary in Spain in 2024 after tax is around €1,700, which means budgeting is crucial for comfortable living in Spain.
Monthly Budget Breakdown for Living in Spain:
First, you have to pay rent first. You can get a cramped studio in central Madrid for €1,100 if you’re lucky. That same price gets a two-bedroom with terrace views in Granada, if you don’t mind student noise at 3am.
Electricity bill hits around €180 for a 60m² flat. Water’s also cheap until your landlord charges “community fees” for a broken elevator you never use (€65/month).
For healthcare, public system’s free after residency paperwork (6-8 month wait). Private insurance runs €120/month but gets you English-speaking doctors fast.
Nightlife budgets also vary wildly. Málaga’s beach bars charge €3 for cervezas. You can order that same drink in Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter for €8.50. For clubs, you can expect to pay €15 entry before midnight, and €30 after.
Transport math:
- Bus pass (Seville): €35
- Monthly Bicing bike share (Barcelona): €50
- Train to Portugal (from Vigo): €28
- Speeding ticket on the AP-7 highway: €200
Unexpected expenses:
- Phone contracts demand 12-month commitments (€12-25/month)
- Pharmacy markups on allergy meds (€22 vs €8 back home)
- Bank fees for non-resident accounts (€15-30 monthly)
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How Does the Spanish Healthcare System Work for Residents?
Healthcare is a major factor when considering if living in Spain is good for your family’s long-term needs. Spain’s healthcare system consistently ranks in the world’s top 10, offering both public and private options for residents.
Public Healthcare System:
- Free for all legal residents
- Covers emergency care, specialists, and routine checkups
- Prescription medications heavily subsidized
- Dental care limited (mainly emergency treatment)
- Long waiting times for non-urgent procedures
How to Access Public Healthcare:
- Obtain your NIE (foreigner identification number)
- Register at local Social Security office
- Receive your health card (tarjeta sanitaria)
- Choose a local health center (centro de salud)
- Register with a family doctor
Private Healthcare Options:
- Monthly premiums: €50-150 per person
- No waiting times for appointments
- English-speaking doctors available
- Comprehensive dental coverage
- Private hospital access
Prescription Medications:
- Generic drugs: €2-5 per prescription
- Brand-name drugs: €10-20 per prescription
- Chronic condition medications: Free or heavily subsidized
- Over-the-counter medications: Similar prices to other EU countries
Health Insurance for Expats:
- EU citizens: European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) covers emergencies
- Non-EU citizens: Must have private insurance initially
- Retirees: Special agreements exist with some countries
- Students: University insurance programs available
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What Should You Know About Spanish Culture and Daily Life?
Living in Spain means adapting to a unique cultural rhythm that emphasizes family, food, and social connections. Is living in Spain good for people who value work-life balance? Spanish culture prioritizes personal relationships and leisure time over work stress.
Daily Schedule in Spain:
- 8:00 AM: Light breakfast (coffee and pastry)
- 10:30 AM: Mid-morning break (almuerzo)
- 2:00-4:00 PM: Main meal and siesta time
- 6:00-8:00 PM: Afternoon work hours
- 9:00-11:00 PM: Dinner time
- 11:00 PM+: Social time, bars, and nightlife
Social Customs:
- Greeting with two kisses on the cheek is standard
- Loud conversations are normal and not considered rude
- Punctuality is more relaxed than in Northern Europe
- Sunday family meals are important cultural traditions
- Sharing food and drinks is expected in social settings
Language Considerations:
- Spanish (Castilian) is the official language nationwide
- Regional languages: Catalan, Basque, Galician have official status
- English proficiency varies greatly by region and age group
- Learning Spanish significantly improves your experience
- Many expat communities exist for language support
Bureaucracy and Paperwork:
- Government offices typically open 9 AM-2 PM
- Appointments often required for official procedures
- Patience needed for administrative processes
- Translation services available for important documents
- Online services improving but still limited
Shopping and Services:
- Small shops close 2-5 PM for siesta
- Large shopping centers stay open all day
- Fresh markets operate morning hours only
- Banks open 8 AM-2 PM weekdays only
- Pharmacy system ensures 24-hour coverage
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FAQs
Depends who you ask. Digital nomads love the €2 café con leche and 300 days of sunshine. Retirees flock to coastal towns where €1,500/month covers a comfortable life. But young Spaniards? Many are leaving for Germany – 12.5% unemployment doesn’t lie.
Siestas still exist in smaller towns. Healthcare ranks 7th globally – free for residents, but good luck finding an English-speaking psychiatrist in Murcia.
Prices depend on location, but buying often saves money over time, especially in smaller towns rather than Madrid or Barcelona.
Spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) are ideal. The weather’s mild, and there are more housing options than in summer.
EU citizens can stay without restrictions. Non-EU nationals need a visa, but Spain has several options, including work and investment permits.
Yes. Public schools are strong, and there are plenty of international and bilingual programs for foreign families.
Conclusion
So, is living in Spain good? For many, the answer is yes. Healthcare here ranks among the top globally, and safety levels beat most other countries. When you add the the sunny weather, lower costs than much of Europe, and a culture built around enjoying life—it’s easy to see why people move here.
You’ve got options, too. If you prefer history and low living costs, Granada’s a solid pick. If you want a fast-paced city, Barcelona delivers. Then there’s the Mediterranean lifestyle: fresh food, late dinners, and communities where neighbors actually know each other. The key is simply to know what you want out of it.
Before you go, read: Exciting International Job Opportunities for U.S. Citizens Living Abroad in 2025
