10 solid reasons to move to Spain

Living in Spain is great for expats who want a low cost of living, great quality of life and food, a community, and access to great places.

Shreya

3 minute read

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Updated on 3 Jun 2025

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Moving

Thinking about living in Spain? You're not alone. Over 5.5 million expats already call it home — and for good reason. From lifestyle to weather, culture to cost, Spain checks a lot of boxes. But before you pack your bags, here’s a full breakdown of why moving to Spain might be the right move for you.

Spanish culture values connection. Locals are generally friendly and social, and it’s easy to meet people if you make a little effort. You’ll find vibrant expat communities in cities like Barcelona, Valencia, and Seville.

Join local meetups, Facebook groups, or language exchanges. If you're open to connecting, Spain offers a great social life.

Spain’s geography is as diverse as its culture. You can choose:

• Beach towns: Like Palma or Tenerife for island life and ocean views.
• Cooler north: Galicia and Bilbao offer green mountains, sea cliffs, and a milder summer.
• Cultural hubs: Explore Granada’s Alhambra or catch flamenco in Seville.
• Urban energy: Barcelona and Valencia mix city life with sea breezes.
• Countryside escapes: Regions like Extremadura are perfect if you want peace, castles, and small-village charm

Whatever lifestyle you want — modern city, mountain town, or island vibe — Spain has a spot for you.

Spain is one of the more budget-friendly places to live in Western Europe.

The average monthly salary in Spain is around €2,250, and you can live comfortably on about €1000/month, especially outside the major urban centers. If you're coming from a higher-cost country, that’s a major plus.

Just note: lower living costs often mean lower salaries, especially outside large cities.

With nearly 320 days of sunshine per year, life in Spain is naturally active and social. People walk more, eat outside, and spend time in parks or by the beach.

Add in the Mediterranean diet, a solid public healthcare system, and a slower pace of life — and you’ve got a lifestyle that supports long-term well-being.

Spain is packed with cultural treasures:

• Gaudí’s work in Barcelona
• The Guggenheim in Bilbao
• Traditional flamenco in Seville
• The Moorish Alhambra in Granada
• Festivals like Las Fallas in Valencia or Semana Santa across the country

There’s always something to explore, whether you’re into art, history, or architecture. You’ll never run out of inspiration here.

Spain has over 5,000 kilometers of coastline and the highest number of Blue Flag beaches in the world — for 30 years straight.

Whether you love lounging in the sun or walking cliffside trails, Spain delivers. And if beaches aren't your thing? There’s still mountains, vineyards, and vibrant cities to explore.

Spanish cuisine is fresh, local, and seasonal. You’ll try dishes like:

• Paella, Gazpacho, and Tortilla Española
• Fabada in Asturias, Puchero in the Canary Islands
• Local wines, olives, and cheeses from every region
• Fresh produce from weekly farmers’ markets

If you enjoy exploring local cuisine and eating seasonally, Spain is a food lover’s dream.

Just be aware: imported or non-seasonal ingredients may be harder to find — especially in smaller towns.

Spain is known for its siestas and late-night schedules. Many shops and offices close between 14:00–16:00. Dinners often start at 21:00 or later. In August, cities like Madrid and Seville nearly shut down as people go on vacation.

For night owls, this lifestyle is perfect. But if you’re an early riser or want a 9-to-5 routine, you might need time to adjust.

Spanish is one of the most spoken languages in the world, and living in Spain gives you a chance to really learn it. It's also closely related to English, French, and Italian — so it’s easier than you think.

Most locals appreciate any effort to speak Spanish, and it can make a big difference in integrating.

However, if you don’t plan to learn Spanish, you’ll struggle outside tourist-heavy areas. For most jobs, daily life, and forming friendships, some level of Spanish is essential.

Spaniards know how to celebrate — and they do it often. From Carnival in Cádiz to the Tomatina in Buñol, there’s a festival for everything.

Fiestas are fun, but they also mean late nights and noisy streets, especially in summer. If you’re more into quiet nights, you may prefer living outside city centers or in rural areas.

Spain has a lot going for it — great food, welcoming culture, sunshine, and affordability. But it’s not for everyone. If you’re curious about other things that might tip the scales, check out these underrated reasons to live in Spain, including visa perks, tax breaks, and more.