10 reasons to move to Barcelona, Spain in 2025

Are you ready to start something new and trust the magic of a new beginning? Yes? Then it’s time to move to Barcelona!

It’s a city where every day is a new adventure, a fresh chapter in the story of a life full of excitement.

Some people will tell you it’s impossible. Others will say it’s far too risky.

Well, at TEFL Iberia we know that living and working in Barcelona is not only possible… It’s also a life-changing experience. One that we can help you achieve. 

So… throw those doubts out the window and embrace the moment! Here are ten reasons you need to move to Barcelona in 2025.

1. Amazing weather

With more than 300 days of sunshine a year, Barcelona is a sun lover’s paradise! The typically Mediterranean climate includes mild winters, perfect for hiking, cycling and exploring the incredible surrounding natural beauty, and hot summers, ideal for beach lovers and those who love balmy nights sipping cocktails on picturesque terraces.

2. Beach life

Barcelona is renowned as one of Europe’s best beach cities. Within walking distance from Barcelona's city centre is Barceloneta Beach, a vibrant stretch of sand that is usually buzzing with both locals and tourists. Barcelona’s northern beaches are the city’s best, including Nova Icária and Bogatell. 

However, venture a little further outside the city and you’ll find a whole host of idyllic spots, from Castelldefels and Sitges to the south to the whole Costa Brava to the north.

3. Fabulous cuisine

One of the biggest draws when it comes to moving to Barcelona is the food. The culinary scene in Barcelona is, in a word, exquisite. From traditional Catalan cuisine and authentic Spanish tapas bars to endless international restaurants sprinkled throughout the city, there’s something to tantalise every type of taste bud.

You’ll find the lot – from Michelin-starred fine dining to fabulous brunch spots and affordable street food sensations. But it’s not just eating out… the fresh fruit and vegetables in Barcelona are, quite simply, incredible! 

4. Incredible culture

From music festivals and vibrant street parties to a rich artistic history of painters, poets, writers and architects, culture is woven into the fabric of the city. There’s something on offer on pretty much every street corner in Barcelona, and the best part is that much of it is very affordable if not completely free.

5. Low cost of living

Speaking of which, compared to many parts of the U.S. and the UK, you’ll find Barcelona offers a much more affordable cost of living. From groceries and rent to dining out, travel and cultural expenses, you can live an exciting life without breaking the bank. In fact, many students moving to Barcelona from the U.S. say they more than halve their expenses!

6. The great outdoors

Barcelona is a haven for those with a passion for the great outdoors. Within the city, there’s the runners’ paradise that is Montjuïc, the picturesque hill with a plethora of Olympic areas and wide open spaces. 

Travel to the outskirts of Barcelona and beyond and you’ll find Catalonia offers a world of outdoor adventures. Hillside hikes, epic mountain trails, a network of cycling routes, rags, gorges and boulders straight out of a rock climber’s dream and Spectacular ski resorts a few hours to the north. Barcelona and the wider Catalonia has it all.

7. Exhilarating local culture

When you first move to Barcelona, you’ll most likely be overwhelmed by the sheer variety of things to do on a daily basis. Pop-up street markets, local art exhibitions, international celebrations and more are part and parcel of daily life.

Once you’ve lived in the city for a while, you’ll start to scratch below the surface and gain a deeper appreciation for local life. From hanging out at a fabulous neighbourhood party known as a festa major (each neighbourhood has its own!) by sampling the best local cuisine at the beloved winter barbecue, the calçotada, one of the truly wonderful things about living in Barcelona is slowly discovering the authentic side of Catalan culture. 

8. Excellent healthcare

For those moving to Barcelona from the U.S., the concept of a free healthcare system might be enough to convince you to make the move, but it’s not just the affordability but the quality that makes healthcare in Barcelona stand out.

Spain’s healthcare system is renowned as being one of the best in the world, with a high standard in both public and private healthcare, and Barcelona is one of the best cities in the country for healthcare coverage. The city is actually a pioneer for many innovative healthcare technologies and procedures and is home to world leaders in oncology, complex surgery and other specialities. 

9. Great public transport

One of the most unexpected delights about living in Barcelona is the city’s fantastic public transport. Efficient, affordable and convenient, Barcelona’s transport system makes the city all the more livable, and you can catch a bus, the metro, a train or a tram to pretty much anywhere in the city. And the city is very condensed, meaning you can go from one side of the city to the other in less than 50 minutes, whatever mode of transport you’re using. 

There’s also a great public bicycle subscription service known as Bicing and an excellent network of cycle lanes throughout the city.

10. Plenty of opportunities for English teachers

Speaking English is a highly valued skill in Spain, a country that has the highest demand for English teachers of any country in Europe. 

When compared to other Spanish cities, Barcelona is one of the best for English teaching opportunities. As a cosmopolitan city, it’s home to an array of language academies offering some of the best TEFL courses in Spain. 

You’ll be able to find plenty of job opportunities in schools, academies, businesses and private classes across the city. And when you qualify to teach English in Barcelona through a quality local TEFL academy, you’ll have the added benefit of  job contacts and placement assistance, helping you to hit the ground running after you graduate.

Ready to make the giant leap? Take a look at TEFL Iberia’s available courses and take your first steps to a life-changing move to Barcelona!

And if you're wondering how, as well as why, then take a look at this other post on how to move to Barcelona from outside the EU.