Living in Spain
What to expect as a UK Expat in 2025
Life in Spain as an Expat.
You may have just arrived or you could still be in the daydreaming stage – thinking about the warm weather and the late-night atmosphere. Living in Spain offers a vibrant, sun-soaked lifestyle. It does however come with a few cultural adjustments that you won’t always read in the tourist brochures.
In this guide, we’ll delve into what day-to-day life is really life for expats in Spain in 2025 – from social habits and regional quirks to healthcare and housing.
If you are still in the planning phase, or simply just curious, read a complete guide to moving to Spain from the UK
Will Living in Spain be the right move for You?
Spain is definitely one of the most favourable relocation destinations, especially for Brits, its very understandable… Low cost of living, amazing weather, a laid-back culture. It’s not all Sangria and sunsets… there are always some trade-offs to consider when moving to any new country!
- What you’ll probably love:
- The climate: 300+ sunny days a year in the south
- Pace of life: Slow, social, and centred around family and food
- Healthcare: Ranked among the best in Europe — affordable and high quality
- Fresh, local food: Even supermarket tomatoes taste better here
- Access to nature: From mountains to beaches within hours
- What might take adjusting:
- Late schedules: Dinner at 9pm is normal. Offices reopen at 5pm.
- Regionalism: Spain is not one culture — Catalonia, Basque Country, Andalusia all feel very different
- Bureaucracy: Think multiple in-person appointments for simple forms
- Siestas: Yes, shops really do close for 2–3 hours mid-day
- Noise: Weekends and fiestas can be loud. Really loud.
Here’s a brief insight into the Cost of Living
Spain remains more affordable than the UK for most essentials, though prices are rising in major cities like Madrid and Barcelona.
| Expense Category | Spain (Monthly) | UK (Monthly) |
|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed city centre) | €750–€1,000 | £1,200+ |
| Utilities | €100–€130 | £200 |
| Groceries | €200–€300 | £300–£400 |
| Dining Out | €10–€20 per meal | £20–£30 |
| Public Transport | €30–€50 | £60–£100 |
The takeaway here is that things will feel cheaper – but only if you avoid the tourist menus and overpriced city rentals. Local living wins.
Coming soon: Cost of Living in Spain
Let’s delve into some Cultural Quirks and Social Expectations
Whilst Spain can feel a little bit familiar, you’ve likely visited before and there are plenty of Brits who do the same… there are still some wild differences.
- Time is somewhat elastic – If you’re 15 minutes late. You’re still on time.
- Paperwork lives in the 1980s – Just be ready to queue in person with photocopies, passport, and proof of address… for a mobile contract.
- Family-centric: Expect to see grown adults still living with their parents. It’s cultural, not failure.
- Noise isn’t rude: Loud voices, fireworks, shouting in the street – all normal. It’s alive, not aggressive.
- Lunch is sacred – You’ll probably get a weird look if you leave after 20 minutes. Meal = event.
- Fiestas override logic – Entire towns shut down on a Tuesday for a saint’s day. Nobody blinks.
Wild fact – In Valencia, it’s illegal to build sandcastles on the beach in certain zones. No one will enforce it, but technically – you could be fined for it!
Housing: Renting vs Buying
Most expats start off renting. Here’s what you should know:
- Furnished apartments are common in cities
- Rural homes offer more space but can come with access issues
- Long-term rentals usually require:
- NIE (Foreigner ID)
- Proof of income or job contract
- One to two months’ deposit
Want to see how the visa process works? Read Spain Visas and Paperwork
In some older flats, landlords still expect tenants to pay the annual community cleaning fund in cash – yes, actual cash.
Healthcare and Insurance in Spain
Spain’s healthcare system is world-class — and if you’re a resident, it’s largely free through the Seguridad Social system.
- EU citizens with residency can access public care
- Non-residents or new arrivals often start with private insurance
- Monthly plans range from €50–€100 depending on age/coverage
Final Thoughts: Slow Down, Settle In
Living in Spain is about adapting, not replicating your UK life. It’s slower, louder, sunnier, and more social — and once you stop fighting the differences, you start loving them.
For many UK expats, the first 6 months are an adjustment, but after that, it becomes hard to imagine going back. Whether you’re moving for retirement, remote work, or just a change of pace — Spain offers a life that’s not just lived, but felt.
Planning your move? Get help with every stage — from removals to paperwork.
Start with our Moving to Spain from the UK guide
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