Living in Spain: Pros and Cons Guide for 2025

Spain has long been one of the world’s top destinations for expats, from digital nomads to retirees chasing sunshine and a relaxed lifestyle. Known for its Mediterranean climate, rich culture, and welcoming spirit, it’s easy to see why so many people dream of moving here. But the living in Spain pros and cons are often more complex than the postcard-perfect version you see online.

In this guide, you’ll find a balanced look at the reality of living in Spain in 2025. Are you drawn to its affordable healthcare, incredible food, and slower pace of life? Or are you wondering if Spain is a nice place to live for the long term?

We’ll go beyond stereotypes to explore both the advantages and the challenges, helping you decide whether Spain truly fits your lifestyle and goals.

The Pros of Living in Spain

Exploring the living in Spain pros and cons helps you understand what makes this Mediterranean destination one of the best places in the world to call home. From sunshine to social life, Spain offers more than just beautiful scenery; it delivers a lifestyle built around balance, health, and community.

1. Quality of Life

One of the biggest benefits of living in Spain is its outstanding quality of life. Daily routines move at a slower, more enjoyable pace than in Northern Europe or the US. Long lunches, late dinners, and family gatherings are part of everyday life.

The Mediterranean diet, rich in olive oil, seafood, and fresh produce, has been linked to longevity and excellent health. With an average life expectancy of 84 years, Spain isn’t just a place to live, but a place to thrive.

2. Excellent Climate

A major reason people explore the living in Spain pros and cons is the climate. Spain offers something for everyone, from sun-drenched beaches in Andalusia to green, mild summers in Galicia.

Many regions enjoy over 300 days of sunshine each year, making it easy to spend time outdoors year-round. Whether you love hiking, sailing, or simply soaking up the sun, Spain’s weather supports an active, healthy lifestyle.

3. Affordable Cost of Living

Many ask, “How expensive is it to live in Spain?” The good news is that it’s much more affordable than in major cities like London, New York, or Paris. Housing, utilities, and groceries are reasonably priced, and dining out is surprisingly accessible.

A typical lunch menu costs around €15, and a single person can live comfortably on €1,200–€1,500 per month. Affordability is one of the main reasons to live in Spain, particularly for retirees or remote workers.

4. World-Class Healthcare

Spain’s healthcare system consistently ranks among the best in the world. Permanent residents and citizens have access to universal public healthcare (SNS), which covers everything from general practitioners to specialized treatment.

Private insurance is also available at competitive prices, often with English-speaking doctors. This level of quality and accessibility is one of the top advantages of living in Spain for expats and retirees.

5. Rich Culture and Diversity

The country’s cultural wealth is one of the most exciting reasons to live in Spain. Each region has its own traditions, cuisine, and even language, from Catalonia’s modernist architecture to Andalusia’s flamenco dancing and Galicia’s Celtic-inspired heritage. Food is central to Spanish culture, you will see locals enjoying tapas with friends, preparing a family paella on Sunday, or indulging in world-class fine dining.

Festivals such as La Tomatina, Las Fallas, and Semana Santa bring communities together and showcase Spain’s unique blend of history, religion, and celebration. For expats, this means endless opportunities to immerse themselves in new experiences.

6. Safety

Spain is considered one of the safest countries in Europe, with relatively low crime rates compared to many other nations. Violent crime is rare, and most incidents are limited to petty theft, particularly in busy tourist areas. For families, this provides reassurance when raising children, and for retirees, it means peace of mind when enjoying day-to-day life.

Expats often find locals warm and welcoming, which adds to the sense of community and security that makes living in Spain an appealing long-term choice.

Thinking about your own move?

Once you understand the living in Spain pros and cons, the next step is finding the right visa to make your relocation possible. Explore your different visa options, like the Digital Nomad Visa or Non-Lucrative Visa, to see which path fits your goals.

The Cons of Living in Spain

No country is perfect, and understanding both sides of the pros and cons helps you make an informed decision before relocating. While Spain offers incredible lifestyle perks, there are also a few practical challenges that expats should be prepared for.

1. Bureaucracy and Paperwork

Spain’s love of paperwork is legendary. Administrative processes can move slowly, and it’s common to make several trips to different offices just to complete one task. Something as simple as obtaining your NIE (foreigner ID number) can take weeks. Patience is key, and sometimes hiring legal assistance can make life much easier.

2. The Job Market

When weighing the benefits of living in Spain against the drawbacks, the job market is one of the most notable challenges. Unemployment remains higher than the EU average, and well-paid opportunities are often limited to specific industries such as tech or tourism in major cities like Madrid and Barcelona.

Salaries are also lower than in Northern Europe or the US, which affects the overall quality of life in Spain for those relying on local income.

3. Language Barrier

While English is widely spoken in tourist areas, daily life is much smoother if you speak Spanish. Handling official matters, like healthcare, banking, or immigration, can be stressful without it. In addition, regions such as Catalonia, Galicia, and the Basque Country have their own languages, adding another layer of complexity for newcomers.

4. Low Wages

Another factor to consider when comparing living in Spain pros and cons is the country’s relatively low wages. Even skilled professionals often earn less than they would elsewhere in Europe or North America.

While the cost of living in Spain helps balance this, rising housing prices in Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia can reduce financial flexibility. For retirees or remote workers earning foreign income, this is less of an issue. But for those working locally, it can be limiting.

5. Summer Heat

Spain’s sunny weather is one of the main reasons to live in Spain, but in summer, it can become a downside. Cities like Seville, Córdoba, and Madrid regularly hit 40°C (104°F), which can make daily life uncomfortable without air conditioning. Coastal areas stay cooler, but they’re often crowded during peak tourist months.

6. Pace of Life

Finally, the relaxed lifestyle that makes Spain so charming can also be a source of frustration. Many shops close for hours in the afternoon, and entire businesses shut down for vacation in August. Getting things done often takes longer than expats expect. While this slow pace is part of Spain’s cultural rhythm, it takes some adjustment for those used to a 24/7 lifestyle elsewhere.

Understanding these realities helps paint a complete picture of the living in Spain pros and cons. Every country has its quirks, but with preparation and a healthy dose of patience, you can adapt and make the most of Spain’s unique way of life.

Cost of Living in Spain: A Breakdown

When exploring the living in Spain pros and cons, one of the biggest factors to consider is affordability. Many people ask, “How expensive is it to live in Spain?”

The answer depends on your lifestyle and location, but generally, the cost of living in Spain is 30–40% lower than in major US cities and significantly cheaper than in the UK, France, or Germany. This affordability is one of the key benefits of living in Spain, making it especially appealing to retirees, families, and remote workers.

Monthly Budget

• Single person: Earning between €1,200–€1,800 per month allows for a comfortable lifestyle in most of Spain. If you plan on living in Madrid or Barcelona, you should aim to earn on the higher end of this range.
• Family of four: Around €3,000 per month provides a good standard of living, covering housing, groceries, utilities, transportation, and leisure activities.

Housing Costs

Housing is typically the largest expense and varies widely throughout the country:

• Madrid / Barcelona: Costs are rising, and a one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around €1,400–€1,800 per month, reflecting demand in Spain’s largest cities.
• Regional hubs (Valencia, Seville, Málaga): Remain more affordable than the largest cities, with a central one-bedroom apartment priced at €750–€900 per month.
• Rural areas and small towns: A family house can often be rented for under €1,000 per month, offering excellent value for those seeking space and a quieter pace of life.

Other Essentials

• Groceries & dining: Monthly grocery bills for one person average €250–€300. Dining out is relatively inexpensive, with a three-course “menu del día” lunch costing €12–€15.
• Utilities & internet: Expect to pay €120–€150 per month for electricity, heating, cooling, and water. High-speed internet is typically €30–€40 per month.
• Transportation: A monthly public transport pass costs €40–€60 in most cities, while petrol prices are slightly below the European average.

Overall, Spain offers a healthy balance: while housing in the biggest cities can rival Western Europe, everyday costs like food, healthcare, and public transport remain much more affordable, helping sustain Spain’s reputation for strong quality of life without breaking the bank.

Next Steps After Understanding the Living in Spain Pros and Cons

Understanding the living in Spain pros and cons helps you see why so many expats choose this Mediterranean lifestyle. Retiring in Spain offers comfort, affordability, and rich culture, making it one of Europe’s most desirable destinations. Compared to the US, UK, or France, the cost of living in Spain is lower, while healthcare and quality of life in Spain remain exceptional.

Still, even with the many benefits of living in Spain, challenges like bureaucracy or job market differences can arise. With the right legal guidance, relocating becomes smooth and stress-free.

At Lexidy, the immigration team helps non-EU citizens make their reasons to live in Spain a reality. From retirement to family reunification or residency, our lawyers provide clear, personalized guidance every step of the way.

Ready to start your move? Fill out the form below, and one of our Spain immigration experts will contact you to help plan your next steps.