Living in Spain as an Expat: What to Expect and How to Thrive

APW Group
May 1
4 min read

Thinking of making a move to the sunny Mediterranean?

Living in Spain as an expat offers a blend of rich culture, relaxed lifestyle, and beautiful landscapes, from vibrant cities like Barcelona and Madrid to peaceful coastal towns and countryside villages. Whether you’re chasing a better work-life balance, early retirement, or a change of pace, Spain is a top choice for many expats around the world.

In this guide, we’ll cover what it’s really like to live in Spain as an expat, from daily life and cost of living to healthcare, housing, and cultural quirks.

Why Expats Choose Spain

Spain ranks high on global expat surveys for a reason. Here’s why:

Warm climate: With over 300 days of sunshine in many regions, Spain is ideal for outdoor lovers.
Affordable lifestyle: Compared to other Western European countries, Spain is relatively budget-friendly.
Work-life balance: Long lunches, siestas (in some areas), and a slower pace make for a less stressful life.
Excellent healthcare: Spain’s public and private healthcare systems are both high quality and cost-effective.
Vibrant culture: From tapas and flamenco to world-famous festivals, there’s always something happening.

Cost of Living in Spain

Living in Spain as an expat is often more affordable than in the U.S., U.K., or northern Europe. While costs vary by city, here’s a rough breakdown:

Expense	Monthly Cost (EUR)	Notes
Rent (1-bed apartment)	€600–€1,200	Lower in smaller towns, higher in cities
Utilities	€100–€150	Water, electricity, gas
Groceries	€200–€350	Fresh produce is widely available
Dining out	€10–€25 per meal	Inexpensive in most places
Public transport	€30–€60	Monthly passes for metro or bus

If you're on a fixed income or remote salary, your money can go far.

Navigating the Spanish Lifestyle

Adjusting to life in Spain involves more than just learning the language.

1. Daily Schedule

Spaniards eat late—lunch around 2–3 p.m. and dinner after 9 p.m. Many shops close in the afternoon for siesta, especially outside major cities.

2. Social Life

Socializing is a big part of the culture. Expect long meals, neighborhood festivals, and friendly chats with locals. Learning a bit of Spanish (or regional languages like Catalan or Basque) will help a lot.

3. Work Culture

The work environment can vary by sector, but generally, expect a more relaxed pace, longer lunches, and plenty of holidays.

Housing and Residency

To live legally in Spain, you’ll need a visa. Popular options include:

Non-lucrative visa (for retirees or those with passive income)
Work visa (sponsored by a Spanish employer)
Digital nomad visa (launched recently for remote workers)

Property rental is straightforward but competitive in big cities. Using local real estate websites and learning basic housing terms in Spanish can speed up the process.

Healthcare in Spain for Expats

One of the key benefits of living in Spain as an expat is access to high-quality healthcare, which is ranked among the best in Europe. Here's how the healthcare system works for expats from around the world:

1. Public Healthcare (Sistema Nacional de Salud)

Spain has a universal healthcare system, meaning that legal residents are entitled to healthcare services for free or at a very low cost. As an expat, you can access the public healthcare system if you:

Are employed in Spain, as you’ll contribute to the system through social security.
Are a resident with legal status, such as through a work visa, student visa, or the non-lucrative visa for retirees or individuals with sufficient income.

While public healthcare is free or low-cost, wait times can be long for non-urgent appointments, and you might need to navigate some bureaucracy to register with the system.

2. Private Healthcare

Private healthcare in Spain is also very affordable compared to other countries, especially if you're coming from places like the U.S. or the U.K. Many expats opt for private health insurance to avoid long wait times in the public system or to access more specialized services. Private health insurance offers:

Faster access to appointments and treatment.
English-speaking doctors in major cities and tourist areas.
Flexible plans to suit your needs and budget.

Some expats use a combination of both public and private healthcare, depending on their circumstances.

3. Emergency Healthcare

In Spain, emergency healthcare is available to anyone, regardless of residency status. If you're involved in an emergency, you can visit any hospital or call emergency services by dialing 112. However, for non-urgent care, you'll need to be enrolled in the public system or have private insurance.

By offering both public and private options, Spain ensures that expats from a wide range of backgrounds and financial situations can access healthcare. If you’re new to the country, it’s worth researching both systems and choosing what works best for your needs.

Challenges to Consider

While living in Spain as an expat is rewarding, there are a few things to be aware of:

Bureaucracy: Paperwork can be slow and confusing. Be patient and stay organized.
Language barrier: While many Spaniards speak English, especially in touristy areas, learning Spanish will improve your quality of life.
Job market: High unemployment in some regions means finding local work can be tough without strong qualifications or Spanish fluency.

Is Spain Right for You?

Living in Spain as an expat is ideal for those seeking a slower pace, warmer climate, and rich cultural experiences. While there are challenges—like bureaucracy and language—you’ll find that the rewards far outweigh them.

If you’re ready to embrace siestas, tapas, and a vibrant Mediterranean lifestyle, Spain just might be your perfect home away from home.

Helpful Resources:

Get in touch to discuss your property goals with an expert

If you want to explore Spanish investment properties, we can help you. APW Group was founded by expats, for expats; building upon over 30 years of experience in property and fixed income investments.

Our team brings a wealth of experience of the global property marke, guiding you through everything from discovering the perfect home to securing visas and navigating local laws with confidence. We have helped over 6,000 expats progress their property portfolio in cities all over the world.

Please get in touch to discuss your property goals with one of our experts.