The Perks of Being a Spain Resident and 5 Things I Like and Dislike about Living in Spain

So, you’re thinking about becoming a resident in Spain? Or maybe you’re already here and wondering what perks come with the deal? Well, let me tell you—there are plenty of reasons why life in Spain is a dream come true. From healthcare to lifestyle, here’s why getting that Spanish residency card is totally worth it.

If you’re more of a visual learner, check out my YouTube video where I talked about the benefits of being a Spanish resident as well as things I love and things I don’t like about living in Barcelona.

1. Affordable (and Amazing) Healthcare

Spain has one of the best public healthcare systems in the world, and guess what? As a resident, you get access to it! That means low-cost or even free medical services, depending on your situation. Whether it’s a routine check-up or an unexpected emergency, you won’t have to empty your wallet just to see a doctor. In my case, I also have a private insurance which I pay €600 per year. I use my private health insurance when I need immediate appointment with a doctor. With the public health insurance, sometimes you will have to wait a month or more for your appointment. For my yearly flu vaccine, I go to a public clinic.

2. A Lower Cost of Living (Compared to Other EU Countries)

Compared to places like France, Germany, or the UK, Spain offers a way more affordable lifestyle. Rent, groceries, eating out—everything costs less. Plus, if you avoid touristy areas, you can find hidden gems that are both charming and budget-friendly. To give you a better idea, we pay €1,400 per month for rent and utilities, which include water, electricity, gas, and internet. Our apartment is 75 sqm, featuring two bedrooms plus an extra room that I’ve turned into a home office. It’s a comfortable space that balances city living with just the right amount of room to work and relax.

3. Sunshine Almost All Year Round

If you’re tired of gray skies and cold winters, Spain is the perfect escape. Cities like Málaga, Alicante, and Valencia get 300+ days of sunshine a year. Say goodbye to vitamin D deficiency and hello to outdoor café culture all year long. Coming from a tropical country (Philippines), this is a MUST for me. I could never live in a place where gloomy days outnumber sunny days.

4. A Relaxed and Balanced Lifestyle

One of the biggest shocks for newcomers? The slower pace of life. Spaniards know how to enjoy the moment—long lunches, late dinners, and weekends spent at the beach or in the countryside. It’s a refreshing change if you’re used to a high-stress work environment. This is true and Spaniards embrace an active lifestyle—you’ll always see them out and about, whether it’s walking through town, hitting the gym, or enjoying the outdoors.

5. Amazing Food and Wine (That Won’t Break the Bank)

Paella, tapas, jamón ibérico, fresh seafood—Spain is a foodie’s paradise. And let’s not forget the wine! A good bottle of Spanish wine can cost as little as €5-€10, making high-quality dining affordable for everyone.

As an Asian, I can’t eat Spanish food every single day—but when there’s a special occasion or we have visitors, we always make it a point to visit our favorite Spanish restaurants. And let me tell you, they never disappoint!

6. Easier Travel Around Europe

With Spanish residency, you can move freely around the Schengen Zone, which means weekend trips to Paris, Rome, or Lisbon are just a cheap flight away. Spain itself is also super well-connected, so exploring the country by train, bus, or plane is affordable and easy.

For someone who loves to travel, this is such a big deal! With 44 countries and countless cities to explore, Europe is a traveler’s paradise—you’ll never run out of places to visit! And if you ever crave a change of scenery, you’re just a short flight away from the Middle East, Africa, or even the Americas. Thanks to Europe’s strategic location and well-connected transport hubs, traveling has never been easier.

7. Friendly and Welcoming Locals

Spaniards are known for being warm, friendly, and social. Whether you’re joining a local fiesta or just chatting with your neighbors, it’s easy to feel at home here. Learning a little Spanish goes a long way, but even if you don’t speak fluently, most people are happy to help. I believe the Spaniards’ sunny disposition comes down to two things: the fantastic weather and incredible food. With year-round sunshine and delicious meals to enjoy, it’s no wonder they’re always in good spirits!

5 Things I love about Living in Barcelona

1. Well-Connected Public Transportation

Barcelona’s public transport system is efficient, affordable, and well-connected. Whether you’re hopping on the metro, bus, tram, or even the RENFE trains, getting around the city (and beyond) is a breeze. The T-Casual card makes it even easier to navigate, and with frequent schedules, you rarely have to wait long. Plus, the city’s bike-friendly streets and e-scooter options make short commutes even more convenient.

This is the reason I don’t feel the need to drive and have a car because the public transportation is so efficient.

2. Supermarkets and Groceries Within Walking Distance

One of the biggest perks of living in Barcelona is that you’re never far from a supermarket, bakery, or fresh produce market. Whether it’s a quick run to Mercadona, Carrefour, Lidl, or smaller neighborhood shops, getting groceries is easy and convenient.

3. Cashless Transactions

Barcelona is incredibly credit- and debit-card friendly—you can pay for almost anything without cash. Whether you’re dining out, shopping, or even grabbing a coffee at a small café, most places accept contactless payments. It’s a huge convenience, especially for those who don’t like carrying cash around. And with mobile payment options like Apple Pay and Google Pay, transactions are even smoother.

4. Amazing Fruit Selection—Especially Peaches, Cherries, and Berries

If you love fresh fruit, Barcelona is a paradise! The city offers high-quality, seasonal produce at great prices. Peaches are juicy and flavorful, cherries are sweet and plump, and berries are always fresh—perfect for snacking or adding to your morning yogurt. Whether you buy from supermarkets or local markets, the selection is way better and more affordable than in many other countries.

5. Cheap Concerts and Live Music

Barcelona is a music lover’s dream, with concerts and festivals that are surprisingly affordable. You can catch big-name artists, indie bands, and even classical performances without spending a fortune. Events like Primavera Sound and Cruïlla offer great lineups at reasonable prices, and there are always live music nights happening in bars, jazz clubs, and even open-air venues. If you love music, Barcelona keeps the vibes going year-round!

5 Things I Dislike about Living in Barcelona

1. Too Many Tourists—Making the City Center Dirty

Barcelona is one of the most visited cities in the world, which means tourists are everywhere, all year round. While tourism boosts the economy, it also leads to overcrowding, higher prices, and a lot of mess—especially in areas like Las Ramblas, the Gothic Quarter, and Barceloneta. In peak seasons, the city center can feel chaotic, with overflowing trash bins, littered streets, and a general lack of respect for public spaces from some visitors.

2. Summer Can Be Unbearably Hot

While Barcelona’s sunny weather is a dream most of the year, summers can be brutal. From July to August, temperatures soar above 30°C (86°F), and with high humidity, it feels even hotter. The heat can be suffocating, making it nearly impossible to go outside during midday. Many older apartments don’t have air conditioning, which makes sleeping at night a sweaty struggle. Plus, the influx of tourists during summer makes beaches overcrowded, leaving little room to cool off.

3. Expensive Asian Restaurants

If you’re craving authentic Asian food, be prepared to pay a premium. Compared to local Spanish restaurants, Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese, Thai, and Filipino food tends to be overpriced—and sometimes not even that authentic. A basic bowl of ramen or sushi platter can easily cost €15-€20, while in other countries, you’d pay much less for better quality. There are a few good spots, but finding affordable and truly authentic Asian cuisine can be a challenge.

4. Difficult to Secure an Apartment

The housing crisis in Barcelona is real, and finding an apartment to rent is frustrating, time-consuming, and expensive. Demand far outweighs supply, which means landlords can charge high prices and be extremely selective with tenants. Many places require proof of high income, a long-term work contract, and multiple months’ worth of deposits, making it especially hard for expats and freelancers. And if you do find a place, it gets snatched up quickly unless you act fast.

5. Government Bureaucracy Is Hard to Navigate—Especially If You Don’t Speak Spanish

Dealing with government offices in Spain is notoriously complicated, and Barcelona is no exception. Whether it’s applying for residency, getting a social security number, or renewing documents, expect long wait times, unclear instructions, and constantly changing policies. If you don’t speak Spanish or Catalan, things get even harder since not all officials speak English, and appointments are limited. The paperwork process can feel like an endless cycle of appointments, missing documents, and trips to multiple offices. My advice? Get in touch with a lawyer, tax specialist, or accountant to help you sort out whatever you need. Their expertise will save you time, stress, and ensure everything’s done right.

Are you convinced yet?

Becoming a resident in Spain isn’t just about paperwork—it’s about embracing a lifestyle that prioritizes health, happiness, and a good glass of wine at sunset. Whether you’re here for the weather, the culture, or the affordability, one thing’s for sure: Spain is a fantastic place to call home.

Thinking about making the move? Or already a resident? Drop a comment and share your favorite thing about living in Spain!