Spain is a beautiful part of Europe that people always visit for holidays. However, what’s it like to live there?
As is the case with any country, there are pros and cons to living in Spain that you should know about before you attempt to do so. We want to ensure that you are prepared for life in Spain, so let’s look at what you need to know regarding starting a new life in the holiday capital of Europe.
The Pros
Good, Local Food
Spain has developed a reputation for taking a different approach to the culinary arts than the rest of Europe. Nearly all of the dishes that you will eat are based on local produce that is sourced seasonally.
Thanks to the proximity of the Iberian peninsula, good food is easy to find. Spanish cuisine also helps to promote a generally healthy lifestyle that most Spanish people enjoy. Food is also quite affordable in Spain because relationships with local farmers are encouraged.
2. The Housing is Affordable
If you’re looking for a cheaper place to live, Spain is more affordable than similar locations in Germany, the UK and France. There is no council tax added to rental costs; on average, you save about €200 renting in Spain as opposed to other places in Europe.
When you consider that there is an extensive public transport network that encourages you to travel without the need for a car, you quickly begin to see that you can live in whichever part of the town or city you choose and still get to work quite quickly.
3. The Weather is Good
For a location widely considered to be one of the peak holiday destinations in Europe, it should not come as a surprise that Spain is warm throughout the year.
While the temperatures plateau in July and August, reaching about 40°C, they remain quite warm throughout the year, and a coastal breeze helps to bring them down.
4. Animals are Welcome
The majority of Spain is animal-friendly. You can bring your cat or dog to most restaurants, community areas, and bars nationwide. Most people have at least one dog or cat.
5. Healthcare is Good
You can access the free healthcare system once you move to Spain and register as a country resident. It’s straightforward to access healthcare, to the point that Spain is often the retirement capital of Europe.
Obviously, there are certain costs that you will have to pay depending on the situation you’re in, and there are private health care and health insurance policies to consider, but you will also be supported regardless of what happens.
The Cons
1. Utilities Get Pricey
Rent is cheap in Spain, but utility costs are a little higher than the average in Europe. You can keep a roof over your head, but you may struggle to keep the lights on.
On average, you’ll pay about €80 a month in the summer for electricity and about 30% more when you move into the winter period. Water is also quite costly as it is a surprisingly scarce resource.
2. Buying Property is Expensive
If you want to purchase property in Spain instead of renting, you may find this is a vastly different market. Rental costs are low in Spain, but buying property is pricey. You can pay up to €6000 per m2 for property in Barcelona, so if you purchase a 50m2 apartment, you might find that you wind up paying €300,000. Obviously, this will vary depending on where you used to live, but it’s worth thinking about.
3. Slow Bureaucracy
Unfortunately, like many places, Spain is deeply entrenched in bureaucracy. It takes a long time to set up basic necessities like a local bank account or even just resetting your password. It’s important to be patient when trying to complete necessary documents because this is simply how the government has been designed.
Moving to Spain
Spain has much to offer a family or person looking to seek the next big challenge, and it’s a lovely place to live. You have to be prepared to accept the cultural norms with an open mind because you will see things that will probably shock you if you come from the UK.
Buying property may take time, so don’t be afraid to rent. Besides that, there’s a lot on offer here. If you need help moving, we are happy to assist you. Pinnacle Removals & Storage works with plenty of families and individuals, and we have easily provided a removal service to Spain for many years.
Комментарии