Spain: A Land Where Life is Truly “Worth It”

By Dr. Pooyan Ghamari – Economist

When choosing a country to live in, it is not just passports and visas that matter. What truly shapes daily life is the subtle balance of quality of life, costs, opportunities, and meaning. Spain is one of the few countries that has mastered this balance—not with exaggerated promises, but through the reality of everyday living.

1. Costs: A Real Balance Between Quality and Price

While life in cities like London, Paris, or Zurich often means devoting most of a family’s income to rent, taxes, and basic services, Spain offers a different model. The average cost of living in major Spanish cities is about 30–40% lower than in the UK and France, and nearly 50% cheaper than Switzerland.

For example:

• Rent for a 70 m² apartment in central Madrid: around €1,000
• In Paris: around €2,100
• In London: over €2,500

And this difference is not limited to housing. Private healthcare, internet, fuel, restaurants, and even clothing in Spain are usually 20–50% cheaper than in those countries—without any drop in quality.

2. Health and Longevity: Public Well-being, Not a Privilege

Spain’s healthcare system matches Germany and France in quality but costs far less. Private insurance in Spain is available for about €50 a month, while in Germany it often exceeds €120. Easy access to healthcare, combined with the Mediterranean diet and an active lifestyle, has made Spain one of the top five countries in the world for life expectancy.

3. Climate and Nature: A True Asset of Life

While London’s winters are long and gray and Germany’s winters are dark and cold, cities such as Valencia, Malaga, and Alicante enjoy over 300 sunny days per year. This means daily life unfolds not inside homes or shopping malls, but outdoors—on streets, in parks, at the beach, and in open spaces. The impact is visible not only in leisure but also in reduced stress, improved mental health, and greater physical activity.

4. A Human Lifestyle: Balance Between Work and Life

In London or New York, long commutes and extended work hours erode quality of life. Spain has chosen a different path. The culture of siesta (midday rest), long family meals, and vibrant social life reflects a society that values human well-being above the endless rhythm of work. This outlook helps newcomers integrate quickly and feel less like outsiders.

5. Housing and Infrastructure: Accessible and High-Quality

Buying property in Spain remains more affordable than in most European countries—even in major cities.

• Average price per square meter in Madrid: around €4,500
• In Paris: over €10,000
• In Zurich: around €13,000

Infrastructure is also world-class: high-speed trains connect Madrid to Barcelona in under three hours; international airports serve all major cities; and public transport makes urban life easy for €40–60 per month.

6. Education and Family Life: High-Quality and Affordable Options

Public education is free for citizens and residents, while international schools cost €5,000–8,000 per year—a fraction of what parents pay in the UK, where tuition easily exceeds €20,000 annually. For families, this means lower costs and greater opportunities.

7. Safety and Social Calm: Stability in Everyday Life

Spain is one of Europe’s safest countries, with crime rates well below the EU average. This sense of security extends not only to streets, but also to digital spaces, schools, public transport, and community environments—forming a vital part of daily peace of mind.

Spain as a Smart Choice for Real Life

If Germany is admired for its order, France for its culture, and Switzerland for its quality, then Spain offers a blend of all three—yet at lower costs and with a more human-centered way of life. Spain is not merely a place of residence, but a foundation for building a healthier, happier, and more fulfilling future.

In a world where many countries attach high price tags to quality living, Spain proves that a good life does not have to be expensive—if you know where to live.