Spain
Living in Spain
Last updated on Apr 04, 2023
Summary: People often describe life in Spain as vibrant, exciting, and full of culture. Expats love the warm climate, the delicious food, the friendly people, and the relaxed lifestyle. The average cost of living for an expat is around $1,500 to $2,000 per month, depending on the city and lifestyle. The population of Spain is approximately 46.7 million people, and the largest cities are Madrid (3.2 million), Barcelona (1.6 million), Valencia (800,000), Seville (700,000), and Zaragoza (660,000). The cons of living in Spain include the high cost of living in some cities, the language barrier, and the bureaucracy. Additionally, the country has a high unemployment rate, and the healthcare system is not as comprehensive as in other countries.
What do I need to know about living in Spain?
When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Spain, they said:
"I would encourage them to do so as San Sebastian is a great place and quite possibly the most beautiful small city in Europe. It's important however to either have a good job set up before you get here or barrels of money as San sebastian vies with Barcelona and Madrid as being Spain's most expensive city, especially as regards housing," wrote one member in San Sebastian.
"Come and enjoy Barcelona - be responsible and most of all punctual, work hard, be prepared to play if you're young (let's say under 40), and you'll have a great time," remarked one expat who made the move to Barcelona.
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Expat Health Insurance in SpainExpats interested in International Health Insurance should take a minute to get a quote from our trusted expat health insurance partner, CIGNA.
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How do I meet people in Spain?
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Expats interested in International Health Insurance should take a minute to get a quote from our trusted expat health insurance partner, CIGNA.
Expats interested in International Health Insurance should take a minute to get a quote from our trusted expat health insurance partner, CIGNA.
About the Author
Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC
Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.
Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.
Other Questions:
- How do I meet people in Spain?
- What is life like as an expat in your area?
- Is there a lot of crime in Spain?
- What do I need to know before retiring in Spain?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Spain accepting of differences?
- What are the schools in Spain like?
- Is the cost of living in Spain high?
- What advice do you have for expats having a baby in Spain?
- What are healthcare services like in Spain?
- Is the cost of living in Spain high?
- What type of recreational facilities are in Spain?
- What is the weather like in Spain?
- Are there good restaurants in Spain?
- Where will I buy groceries and do other shopping in Spain?
- What are the visa & residency requirements in Spain?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Spain?
- What do I need to know when buying property in Spain?
- Are foreigners allowed to own property in Spain?
- What appliances are typically included in a rental?
