Pros and Cons of Moving to Spain

Weighing up the pros and cons of living in Spain reveals why it remains one of Europe’s most popular expat destinations. Many people 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 of drawbacks. Still, most expats would agree that the good by far outweighs the bad.

Below are some of our pros and cons of moving to Spain.

Accommodation in Spain

+ PRO: Multiple affordable housing options

Accommodation in Spain tends to be more affordable than in other prominent European countries, apart from perhaps Madrid. Living outside major cities is especially cheap. There’s also a wide range of options available, from renting a room in a shared apartment to a freestanding house. Many coastal areas and smaller cities offer excellent value for money.

- CON: Rising prices and fierce competition

The Spanish property market has heated up dramatically, with prices jumping by over 10 percent in 2024. Monthly rent is much higher in city centres than in outlying areas, and high demand means that accommodation tends to get snatched up quickly. If you have your heart set on a place, you should act fast so as not to miss out. Tourist rentals have also reduced long-term housing stock in popular areas like Barcelona and Valencia.

- CON: New rental regulations may complicate searches

Spain’s 2024 Housing Law has introduced rent increase caps of 3 percent annually, which sounds positive but has led some landlords to withdraw properties from the long-term rental market or become more selective with tenants. As a result, you may find fewer options available.

Accommodation in Spain

Lifestyle in Spain

+ PRO: Enviable work-life balance

The Spanish lifestyle is known for its excellent work-life balance. This enviable way of life is one of the many attractions that draw expats to the country. The Spanish love to spend quality time with their loved ones – they always have time for holidays and extended lunches.

Mealtime is sacred in Spain. Many newcomers are shocked to find that you can 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.

+ PRO: Generous holiday entitlement

Spain offers some of Europe’s most generous annual leave, with a minimum of 25 days plus public holidays. Many companies offer even more. This gives you plenty of time to explore Europe or head home for extended visits – a major perk for globally mobile professionals.

- CON: Siestas can be disruptive but are less common

The traditional siesta may be dying out – only about 20 percent of Spanish workers actually nap during the day now – but businesses still shut down between 3pm and 5pm in many areas, particularly in smaller towns. It’s also hard to find all-day kitchens. If you are hungry late in the afternoon, it may be more difficult to find something to eat.

Lifestyle in Madrid
Lifestyle in Barcelona

Safety in Spain

+ PRO: Very safe with low violent crime

Safety in Spain ranks highly on global scales, with the country placing 23rd in the 2024 Global Peace Index, ahead of both the UK and the USA. There isn’t a huge threat of violence, and major crimes and terrorist threats are uncommon. Typically, the most interaction you will have with the police will be if you want to make a noise complaint.

- CON: High risk of pickpocketing and theft

Be aware of pickpocketing in Spain, which remains one of Europe’s biggest hotspots for this type of crime. This is especially true in major cities like Barcelona and Madrid 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 stay vigilant and avoid walking around with visible valuables or flashy jewellery.

Working in Spain

+ PRO: Excellent work-life balance and comprehensive sick leave

Working in Spain means embracing the country’s laid-back lifestyle, which spills into the work environment as well. You will find that you get a good amount of holiday time. Companies are also understanding about sick leave – you can take up to a year off if needed, with social security covering 60 percent of your salary for the first 20 days, then 75 percent thereafter. The medical system in Spain even allows workers to take time off for mental health recovery.

Jobs in Spain tend to be low-stress. You may even start noticing that people don’t work for more than two hours without taking a coffee break.

+ PRO: Potential tax advantages for high earners

Spain’s Beckham Law offers qualified expats a flat 24 percent tax rate on income up to EUR 600,000 annually, rather than progressive rates that can reach 48 percent. The country’s digital nomad visa also provides tax benefits for remote workers. These arrangements can result in substantial savings for high-earning professionals compared to other European destinations.

- CON: Long working hours and lower salaries

Working hours in Spain can be frustrating for those who like to get the job done and go home early. You will typically work from 9am to 2pm and then go back to work from 4pm until 7pm. The two hours in between accommodate the traditional Spanish break, although fewer companies maintain this split schedule as time goes on.

Another considerable 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 professionals in large companies earn considerably less than they would elsewhere in Europe.

Working in Spain

Local culture in Spain

+ PRO: Minimal culture shock for most expats

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 you with directions or giving advice on the local transport.

- CON: Eating and greeting customs take adjustment

People coming from cultures where touching is uncommon may 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 typically small, 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.

+ PRO: Quality healthcare system

Spain’s healthcare system is world-class, providing excellent medical care for residents. The system covers both physical and mental health needs comprehensively, giving expats peace of mind about medical emergencies or ongoing health concerns.

- CON: Late-night culture can be exhausting

Spain’s famous late-night lifestyle can be overwhelming for newcomers. Dinner rarely starts before 9pm, bars don’t get busy until 11pm, and many locals don’t head home until 2am or later on weekends. This cultural rhythm can be exhausting if you’re used to earlier schedules and can affect your sleep patterns and social life.

Local Culture in Spain 
Transport in Spain

Cost of living in Spain

- CON: Inflation affects daily costs

While still affordable by European standards, you’ll find that utilities, groceries, and dining out all cost more than they did just a couple of years ago. Housing costs, in particular, have risen sharply in major cities like Madrid and Barcelona.

+ PRO: Living expenses are manageable

The cost of living in Spain remains reasonable compared to northern European countries. 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 relatively affordable. The metro system in cities such as Madrid is excellent and often has monthly deals for people under 26 or over 65.

Cost of Living in Spain 
Weather in Spain