Spain was recently voted as the 4th best country in the world to live and work in according to expats taking part in a survey by HSBC.
It’s not just a great place for those wanting to move abroad for work either, Spain was also recently named as the top destination for people dreaming of retiring abroad. In 2018, the BBC reported 760,000 Brits living in Spain.
But what makes Spain one of the best countries in the world to relocate to? We have listed the best bits about living in Spain…
The weather
Top of the list for many people relocating to Spain is the fantastic weather all year round. Here on the Costa Blanca, there’s an average of 320 days sunshine every year, making it one of the most popular locations for expats.
When living in Spain you can spend more time outside in the fresh air, socialising, seeing the sights, and getting your much-needed dose of Vitamin D. It’s no wonder many people say their health improved after relocating to Spain.
The cost of living
Not everything in Spain is cheaper and the cost of living has risen in recent years, however, on the whole, the cost of living is much cheaper than you will find elsewhere in Europe and further afield.
Property prices are significantly lower in many areas of Spain, and rent is also lower than in many other countries.
The cost of alcohol and eating out is also much cheaper than in the UK meaning expats in Spain can go out more often!
Better quality of life
As well as a lower cost of living in Spain you can also be guaranteed a better quality of life. At 82.83 years, Spain has a higher life expectancy than the UK (80.96) and the US (78.69). In fact, people in Spain are predicted to have the longest life expectancy in the world by 2040.
This is down to a combination of amazing weather, fresh air, and a healthy Mediterranean diet. The quality of healthcare in Spain is also very high, having been named as one of the top healthcare systems in the world.
If you have a young family, Spain is a great place to relocate to as you can spend more time outdoors and there is a strong focus on family life – the Spanish love children and you will find kids get a lot of attention wherever they go!
Sense of community
The Spanish are well-known for being family-oriented and the local community forms a big part of their lives. There are plenty of fiestas throughout the year for everyone to join in with, and if you make an effort to mix with the locals, they will welcome you with open arms.
Add to this the large number of expat communities all over the country and you are guaranteed a great social life in Spain!
A slower pace of life
This is something you will no doubt appreciate if you are retiring to Spain! The afternoon siesta is still big in many parts of the country with shops and restaurants closing during the hottest part of the day.
It can be frustrating at first to find a business closed in the middle of the day when you need to get something done, but once you adjust to the more relaxed Spanish life it can be a very welcome change to the usual hectic way of life elsewhere.
Transport links
One big concern about moving abroad is leaving family behind. However, Spain is only a couple of hours from the UK and there are many low-cost airlines flying back and forth making it easy to visit friends and relatives – and for them to visit you as well. Spain is also well connected with the rest of Europe, having many busy airports across the country so moving overseas doesn’t have to mean you won’t see your family very often.
With reasons like these, it’s no wonder so many people choose to relocate to Spain! If you are thinking about making the move, get in touch with us here at Benigest and we can help you to get started with your new Spanish life.
