Benefits of living in Spain vs the UK

Are you one of the many Brits looking to make the life-changing leap with a move to Spain? Need a little convincing?

We don’t blame you. Moving to another country is a huge decision. From money worries and job security to adjusting to a new culture and making new friends, there’s precious little certainty and a whole lot of doubt.

But as American George Addair once said, “Everything you've ever wanted is on the other side of fear.”

As so many who have already made the leap will tell you, the benefits of living in Spain vs the UK are many. We’ve compiled a few, to give you a little bit of inspiration.

Weather

Okay, let’s cut to the chase. The key reason for most Brits to move to Spain is the glorious weather. Spain sees an average of 3,000 hours of sunshine every year – that’s three times more than the UK average. 

The summers are sizzling, with beach-ready days and balmy nights. Spring and autumn see gorgeous temperatures, while winters are pleasantly mild. 

And with a move to a coastal city like Barcelona, you can spend your free time soaking up the sun on the beach!

Food

As the largest supplier of fresh fruit and vegetables in Europe, it’s no surprise that Spain is one of the continent’s finest foodie spots. Spain’s cuisine is rooted in tradition and amazing produce, and in big cities and small towns around the country you’ll find an array of bustling markets, old-world restaurants and Michelin-starred sensations. 

This is a country that prides itself on fresh food. A study by Sapien Labs found that only 30% of Spaniards consume ultra-processed foods several times a week or more, compared to 57% of Brits. 

So, if you appreciate healthy living and have a taste for fine, freshly cooked food, this is the country for you.

Cost of living

With the UK experiencing a cost of living crisis over the past few years, it’s no surprise that Spain is a more affordable place to live. Let’s break things down and take a look at two of the biggest cities in each country:

Source: http://www.numbeo.com/

Public transport

Spain’s big cities are renowned for their excellent transport network. For example, Barcelona’s public transport system is cheap, reliable and makes travelling around the city and beyond a breeze. 

Aside from metros, buses, trams and trains, many Spanish cities are cycle-friendly, with an ever-growing network of bicycle lanes and bike share schemes. Madrid’s BiciMAD and Barcelona’s Bicing are two great examples.

Crime rate

As anyone living in a big Spanish city like Barcelona will tell you, there are problems with petty crimes like pickpocketing. However, for the full picture, we need to look at the data.

According to the World Population Review, Spain has a crime index of 36.2, ranking it 41st in the list of safest countries in the world. The UK’s crime index is 47.4, putting it 80th on the list. 

Healthcare 

While the NHS is a beacon of national pride in the UK – and rightly so – British public healthcare has been poorly resourced and underfunded for many years now.

The same cannot be said of Spain, which also prides itself on its publicly-funded healthcare system, which is better resourced than its UK counterpart. The country is also home to a wealth of private hospitals featuring a high standard of medical care and specialist treatments.

According to World Population Review, Spain has the 7th best healthcare system in the world, with a healthcare index score of 77.7. The UK comes at a respectable 19th place, with a healthcare index score of 73.2. 

Social life

Spain places a big emphasis on socialising. Families and friends gather in big groups, particularly outside the home on terraces and in parks throughout the year, and the country takes pride in its many fantastic festivals that run throughout the year.

You’ll find a large expat community in big cities like Madrid, Barcelona and Valencia with lots of meetup groups covering a wide range of interests.  

Once you’ve found your feet and settled into life in Spain, you’ll find a vibrant social life to be one of the country’s biggest benefits. And while you might miss your friend circle in the UK, you’ll soon fall in love with the Spanish way of life!

Relaxed pace of life

Many Brits find life in the UK to be centred around the 9 to 5. But in Spain, there’s a much bigger emphasis on a good work-life balance. 

The Spanish like to savour the important things in life and will take the time to enjoy a long lazy lunch or a warm summer evening out with friends. If you prefer to live your life at a slower, more serene pace, chances are the Spanish lifestyle will suit you to a tee. 

Rich culture

Looking to explore something new? Spain’s culture is as fascinating as it is diverse.  You’ll discover majestic Moorish palaces like the Alhambra in the south, world-class museums and art galleries in big cities like Madrid, Barcelona and Bilbao, and ancient ruins like the Roman Aqueduct of Segovia.

From street markets and neighbourhood parties to local art exhibitions and international festivals, there’s always something to keep you entertained in Spain.

The great outdoors

The UK countryside is beautiful. But Spain’s landscapes are breathtaking on another level, with so many incredible experiences available for those with a spirit of adventure and a love of the great outdoors. 

Huge national parks, mountain ranges, lakes and coastlines offer so many amazing opportunities, from hiking, cycling and rock climbing to skiing, kayaking and more. It’s hard not to fall in love with the natural beauty on offer in Spain!

The chance to learn a new language 

To learn a new language is to open the door to another culture. And as one of the most spoken languages in the world, to learn Spanish is to take the opportunity to enrich your life in so many ways. 

Living in Spain and immersing yourself in the culture is the best way to learn Spanish effectively. You’ll broaden your social circle, boost your career prospects and even enhance your understanding of your native language.   

The chance to teach English in Spain

Many people move to Spain from the UK to teach English as a foreign language (TEFL). In the post-Brexit years, TEFL has become the easiest route, the fast-track method to be able to live and work in Spain as a British citizen.  

As the ability to speak English is becoming an increasingly valued skill in Spain, the demand for English teachers continues to rise. This means there are more job opportunities for TEFL teachers in schools, academies, businesses and private classes than ever before.

Plus, teaching English in Spain is very rewarding. You get to empower people to learn a new language, potentially helping them change their lives. All the while changing your own!

As one of the most highly rated TEFL academies in Spain, at TEFL Iberia, we pride ourselves on helping our students fulfil their dream of moving from the UK to Spain. Every year, we host students on this amazing adventure, assisting with everything from accommodation and visas to securing employment after graduation.

So… what are you waiting for?

Find out more about your move to Spain!