Living in Spain vs. Australia - what are the benefits?

Thinking of moving to Spain from Australia?

Like many Aussies, you’re probably wondering whether life in Spain is for you. A life-changing leap into the unknown comes with its fair share of doubts.

Let us shine a little light on the situation.

At TEFL Iberia, we help Australians move to Spain every year. We’re one of the leading TEFL (teaching English as a foreign language) schools in the country. So, we know a thing or two about what it feels like to start a new chapter studying, working and living in Spain.

As lots of those who have already made the move will tell you, there are lots of benefits of moving to Spain from Australia. Here are just a few.

Spain is really affordable 

Most people who move to Spain find day-to-day living very affordable. But how does the cost of living in Spain compare with Australia?
According to the cost of living data tracker Numbeo, Australia’s cost of living is, on average, 30.6% higher than in Spain. Let’s break down the numbers and compare the average cost of living in a few big Australian and Spanish cities.

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

The food is delicious 

Spain is the largest supplier of fresh fruit and vegetables in Europe. It’s one of the few truly self-sufficient countries in this regard. And with such a big supply of fresh, affordable produce, it should come as no surprise that Spain’s cuisine is so beloved. Both by locals and visitors.

Spain’s cuisine is as diverse as it is delicious. You’ll find everything from Michelin Star restaurants (285 and counting) to centuries-old tapas bars. For a true foodie, there’s so much to discover.

There’s less crime

Spain is a safe country with a low crime rate. 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. 

In comparison, Australia’s crime index is 47.1, putting it 77th on the list. 

The history is incredible

From the Moorish palace The Alhambra in Granada to La Sagrada Família in Barcelona, Spain is full of incredible history. Most of the country’s big cities contain fascinating remnants of the past.

From the Phoenicians, Greeks and Romans to the Moors and Iberians, the country’s history is an amazing tapestry of cultures spanning from ancient times to the modern day. And with 49 Unesco Heritage Sites across the country, it’s a treasure trove for curious minds.

Spanish life is lived at a slower pace

In Spain, everything happens at a relaxed pace. Of course, this mindset comes with pros and cons. 

Yes, it takes longer to get things done. There’s a lot of bureaucracy and admin can be an issue – that’s why it’s a great idea to leave the likes of student visas to the experts.  

But Spanish life is centred around enjoying the moment. Savouring the small things. Think long, languid lunches on sun-kissed terraces, warm evenings socializing on tree-lined, pedestrianised avenidas, and nights at the beach with friends.

And while, unlike the Brits, Aussies might be a lot more accustomed to the relaxed pace of life, you’ll definitely notice more of a focus on enjoying life. This is reflected in work-life balance data.

The OECD Better Life Index analyses the well-being of people around the world, based on 11 different factors, including work-life balance. Australia ranks 33rd out of 41 on the work-life balance index, with a score of 4.5. In comparison, Spain has a score of 8.4, coming in at 4th out of 41.

Public transport is affordable and reliable

Spain’s public transport system is generally excellent. In major cities like Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia and Bilbao, you’ll find excellent metro and bus networks. Lots of Spanish cities are cycle-friendly too – bike-sharing systems like Barcelona’s Bicing and Madrid’s BiciMAD, plus great cycle path networks make it easy to get around.

Best of all, public transport in Spain is very affordable!

Spain is more ‘age-friendly’

This is perhaps one of the more surprising benefits of living in Spain vs Australia.

In Australia, as well as in the UK and the US, there’s a lot of expectation about the things you can do at certain ages. In Spain, things are a little different. Age groups mix with each other a lot more, and there’s less pressure to “act your age”, so to speak

Go to a bar or a restaurant in the evening and you’ll see people from different generations. It’s common to see people from their 20s to their 70s, people with kids, large families, small families, older couples, younger couples – a whole cross-section of society.

A big reason for this is that life in Spain tends to be very family-focused. Each generation tends to be interconnected. 

Spain’s location makes it easy to explore other countries 

This is a big benefit for Australians living in Spain. Europe is home to so many diverse cultures, each with its own long history. There are so many countries waiting to be discovered, from Italy and France to Greece, Germany, Ireland, Sweden and beyond. And that’s just in Europe… North Africa is just a short flight away.

For those keen to travel and explore the world, Spain is a gateway to incredible experiences.

So, what are you waiting for? Thinking of making the move from Australia to Spain? At TEFL Iberia, we help Australian citizens settle in Spain. As one of the highest-rated English teaching training providers in Spain, we’re like your passport to live in Spain.
Want to know more? Get in touch today!