Tarragona, Spain
Last updated on Jul 02, 2023
Summary: Expats, digital nomads and retirees discuss what it is like to live in Tarragona, Spain: Cost of living, Finding a home, Meeting People and more.
What do I need to know about living in Tarragona?
When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Tarragona, they said:
"Expats considering retirement in Tarragona should be aware of several key factors. Firstly, it's important to understand the cost of living, which is generally lower than in many other European countries, but can vary depending on lifestyle and location within the city. Healthcare in Spain is of a high standard and is free for residents, but expats should ensure they are properly registered to access this. The official language in Tarragona is Catalan, although Spanish is also widely spoken. Expats may find it beneficial to learn some basic phrases in both languages. Tarragona has a Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters, which may be a significant change for those from cooler climates. The city is known for its rich history and culture, with many ancient Roman ruins and traditional Spanish festivals. Public transportation in Tarragona is reliable and affordable, but owning a car can be useful for exploring the surrounding areas. Spain has a double taxation agreement with many countries, so expats should investigate how this will affect their pension and other income. Finally, it's important to understand the process of obtaining a visa and residency permit, which can be complex and time-consuming. Legal advice may be beneficial in navigating this process," said one expat in Tarragona.

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What do I need to know before moving to Tarragona?
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:
- What do I need to know before moving to Tarragona?
- What is a typical expat home or apartment like in Tarragona?
- What is the average cost of housing in Tarragona?
- How do I meet people in Tarragona?
- What do I need to know before retiring in Tarragona?
- What should I pack when moving to Tarragona?
- Where should I setup a bank account in Tarragona?
- Will I be able to find a job in Tarragona?
- What is life like as an expat in your area?
- What do people like (and dislike) about Tarragona?
- What type of social life can someone expect in Tarragona?
- What is the social scene like in Tarragona?
- What advice to expats in Tarragona have about housing?
- What are medical services in Tarragona like?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Tarragona?
- Is the cost of living in Tarragona high?
- What are the visa & residency requirements in Tarragona?
- Why do people move to Tarragona?