Spain: The Pros and Cons of Moving There

With a combination of history, monuments, beaches, islands, and culture, Spain is a land of wonders. Its 7,300 km long coastline that touches the Mediterranean Sea surrounds the turquoise sea. Spain is ranked number one in the world by FEE thanks to its magnificent 614 blue flag beaches. The warmth of the Mediterranean climate adds to the delights. The locals are laid-back and adept at soaking up life’s vibrant colors. 

If you’re moving to Spain, you might want to know the advantages and disadvantages of doing so.

Pros

1. It’s economical To give you an idea, Spain is about 21.2% less expensive than the UK in terms of living costs. Among the countries of Europe, Spain is regarded as one of the least expensive. You may maintain a decent lifestyle in this lovely nation without going overboard with your spending. Cities in Spain like Barcelona and Madrid are less expensive than cities in the United States like New York, London, and Paris. Prices for pubs, restaurants, and transportation are all fair. Therefore, don’t worry about the costs. There is excellent news for wine lovers. You can taste a selection of expensive wines for reasonable pricing. Spanish people live reasonably well while spending less money.
2. The health system Establishing an effective healthcare system is crucial because of the pandemic that afflicted people worldwide. One of the best healthcare systems in the world is found in Spain. They offer both fundamental and preventative healthcare. If you are eligible for the public healthcare system, you do not have to pay to make an appointment or see a doctor. By meeting specific requirements, foreigners and ex-pats can utilize the social security system. Spain can earn brownie points compared to other countries like the US due to its healthcare system.
3. Public transportation A reliable public transportation system can enable us to travel without worrying about our finances and reduce our costs. Spain has a robust public transit network and a reasonable cost of living. Buses, the local metro, trams, and even trains are all included in the large transportation network. Flights between cities inside Spain and throughout Europe are also widely accessible and available. Another benefit of moving to Spain is that thanks to its excellent transport network, you can easily visit other European nations.
4. Accommodation The cost of housing should be your priority when deciding whether to move to Spain. Accommodation can be a major factor in determining if you can afford to stay there for an extended period. Therefore, the good news is that rent in Spain is fairly affordable. Getting a place to stay in Spain won’t be as expensive as it would be in cities like London, Paris, New York, or New Jersey. To lower the expense of living, you can also decide to share a room with someone else. Due to how convenient it is, foreigners and ex-pats can also purchase the property. The mechanism set up is simple since the government wants people to invest in real estate. Depending on your budget, you will have a variety of possibilities for renting, including a room in a shared apartment, a flat, or even buying a whole property.
5. Spaniards are not in a rush Additionally, Spain is renowned for having one of the best work-life balances. In Spain, a two to three-hour lunch is not unusual. Along with long meal breaks, you will also have time off for various holidays and celebrations. One of the things that drive people to Spain is the work-life balance. Furthermore, Spaniards seldom rush. They have a laid-back culture and are adept at appreciating the nuances of existence.

Cons

Other regional languages like Basque or Catalan are also spoken along with Spanish, the country’s official language. You would assume that because it’s a European country, English will be widely spoken, and you’ll be able to communicate, but this might not be the case. The fact that not many people speak English could be a hindrance. 

You can think about learning the local tongue to integrate and meet some new people properly. It will be to your advantage if you speak the native tongue.

1. Long working hours and low paid –The incredible work-life balance in Spain has been discussed. There’s a catch, though. Spain has long working hours that can be made even longer by adding long hour breaks. The productivity of workers is also affected by lengthy breaks and lax culture. Those who wish to complete their work promptly and go home may find this frustrating. Another issue is that, in comparison to other European nations, wages for workers in Spain are not extremely high. The social security system and job protections are both respectable, although not everyone will find the compensation to be substantial. Even highly qualified individuals who work as engineers or in senior positions don’t make much money.So before you plan to move to Spain, you might want to reconsider your options.
2. The field of employment –Spain is also less attractive than her fellow European neighbors due to the unfavorable employment outlook. Compared to other European nations, it has one of the highest unemployment rates. The 2008 financial crisis and the subsequent pandemic in 2019 significantly impacted this nation’s employment market. It’s been hit hard by both crises. In addition, the work market is fairly competitive, and there will be competition for a few positions from highly skilled individuals. Because of their dissatisfaction, Spaniards are gradually leaving their country in quest of better chances. Salary increases have not occurred in some time.
3. Red tape and bureaucracy –The Spanish bureaucratic structure has absorbed a relaxed attitude. If you intend to relocate to Spain, be ready for plenty of paperwork and office appointments. You’ll need to become used to waiting in lines and dealing with drawn-out administrative processes. The task of paperwork will also be difficult. The bureaucratic process is infamous for its delays and convoluted steps. Additionally, if you don’t speak your native tongue, you may be at a disadvantage. Since many of the officials don’t speak English very well, communication will also be difficult.
4. Your meal will need to be spiced –The variety of Spanish food perfectly captures the flavor of the Mediterranean. On your platter will be fresh fruits, vegetables, beans, and tons of fresh seafood. However, those who are accustomed to spicy food, such as Mexican food, may find it distasteful. The use of spices is not very popular in Spain. They prefer freshly cultivated food that is not spiced up. Some find it to be bland and monotonous. This might be heaven for health nuts but not for spice aficionados. It could be challenging for people who prefer a vegan or gluten-free diet to navigate food.

Conclusion

It’s generally a good idea to research a new place before relocating there. Spain is blessed with magnificent landscapes. For those who live here, especially those who love nature, life can never be boring. There is a lot to discover, including the history of ancient civilizations, their architecture, varied cultures, cuisine, and traditional Spanish fares like tapas and pinchos. You can take your time to go around the country. 

However, you would also want to think about the drawbacks of before you move to Spain along with that. This place should be on the bucket lists of all travelers, but before relocating there, it is best to consider the advantages and disadvantages of the area. Whatever the case, Earthrelo will be at your disposal to assist you in your relocation.