Living in Spain: What You Need to Know Before Moving

Living in Spain is a dream shared by digital nomads, retirees, freelancers, students, and families alike. Whether you’re drawn by the sunshine, the food, or the laid-back Mediterranean lifestyle, there’s no denying Spain’s charm.

But before you move, it’s crucial to understand the practical side of expat life: visas, budgets, healthcare, and cultural quirks. This guide breaks down what you must know before moving to Spain.

1. Cost of Living in Spain

Spain offers a relatively low cost of living compared to many Western countries.

Expense Category	Monthly Estimate (€)
Rent (1-bed in city)	€ 600–1,200
Groceries (1 person)	€ 150–250
Dining out	€ 10–15 per meal
Public transport	€ 30–60
Health insurance (private)	€ 50–100

For example, Valencia, Granada, and Seville are significantly more affordable than Madrid or Barcelona. However, even Spain’s biggest cities remain cheaper than London, Paris, or New York.

Real-time housing listings across Spain:
🔗 I dealista – Spain’s Largest Property Search Platform

2. Healthcare System

Spain has both public and private healthcare systems—both known for quality and accessibility.

Public healthcare is available to residents via the social security system.
Private insurance is required for most visa applicants and offers shorter wait times.

📌 Most visa applicants (except students) must show proof of private insurance with no copays.

Public health insurance and services in Spain:
🔗 Spain’s National Health System – Ministry of Health

3. Where Should You Live?

Spain offers a diverse range of cities, from bustling capitals to quiet mountain towns. Here’s a comparison of lifestyle, ideal expat type, and average monthly costs:

City/Region	Lifestyle	Best For	Monthly Rent (1-bed)	Monthly Cost of Living (1 person)
Madrid	Cosmopolitan, dynamic	Young professionals	€900–€1,300	€1,500–€2,200
Valencia	Balanced, coastal	Families, digital nomads	€700–€1,000	€1,200–€1,800
Granada	Traditional, affordable	Students, retirees	€450–€700	€900–€1,400
Málaga	Sunny, expat-friendly	Remote workers	€650–€900	€1,200–€1,700
Bilbao	Green, modern	Entrepreneurs, creatives	€750–€1,000	€1,300–€1,900
Ronda	Scenic, historic	Artists, writers, slow-living seekers	€400–€600	€850–€1,300
León	Underrated, traditional	Retirees, language learners, solo expats	€450–€650	€900–€1,400

📌 Ronda and León smaller cities don’t offer the big-city nightlife or extensive coworking scene—but they do provide a peaceful, authentic, and cost-effective way to live in Spain.

💡 Notes:

Prices include rent, groceries, utilities, transport, and basic lifestyle spending.
Shared accommodations or rentals outside city centers can significantly reduce costs.
Granada and Valencia are known for offering high quality of life at a lower cost.

📍 Looking for a starter city? Valencia and Málaga consistently rank high for expats and digital nomads due to their affordability, weather, and lifestyle.

4. Visa & Residency Options (Updated 2025)

As a non-EU citizen, you’ll need a legal residence visa. Here are some of the most popular options:

🧑‍💻 Digital Nomad Visa (Launched 2023)

For remote workers or freelancers working for non-Spanish companies.
💰 Requires ~€2,763/month income + private health insurance

📍 See full process: H ow to Apply for the Digital Nomad Visa in Spai n

💰 Non-Lucrative Visa (Retirees/Passive Income)

For those not working, but with stable income or savings.
💰 Requires €2,400/month (400% IPREM) + €7,500/year per dependent

📍 Full requirements: Spain’s Non-Lucrative Visa Requirements

🎓 Student Visa

For language learners or university students.
✔️ Allows part-time work and is renewable annually

👨‍👩‍👧 Family Reunification Visa

For spouses, dependent children, and elderly parents of Spanish residents.

For all visa types, consult the official site:
🔗 Spain Immigration Portal – Ministry of Inclusion

📋 5. Before You Move: Prep Checklist

✅ Book your visa appointment early (slots fill fast)
✅ Translate documents via sworn translator (traductor jurado)
✅ Research housing options (try Idealista or Spotahome)
✅ Purchase health insurance with no copays
✅ Apply for your NIE (foreigner ID) upon arrival
✅ Register at your local town hall
✅ Open a local bank account

🧠 6. Cultural Tips & Everyday Life

🕒 Many shops close between 2–5 PM for siesta
🍽️ Dinner is typically after 9 PM
🛍️ Sundays are quiet—many stores are closed
💬 Even basic Spanish goes a long way
🏦 Bureaucracy can be slow—bring patience

📚 Learn key phrases: Essential Spanish Phrases for Expats

📸 Suggested Images & Alt Texts:

Remote worker at a café in Valencia – alt: Digital nomad working remotely in Spain
Scenic view of Granada’s old town – alt: Affordable living for expats in Granada
Clinic sign in Madrid – alt: Healthcare in Spain for residents and expats

✨ Final Thoughts: Make the Move, the Right Way

Living in Spain offers sunshine, culture, and an enviable pace of life—but success starts with solid planning. From visa types to cultural norms, this guide gives you the foundation to move smart and live fully.

📌 Save this guide, share it with your partner or relocation group, and take the first step toward your new life under the Spanish sun.