Retire and Live in Southern Spain: Good, Bad or just UGLY?

This country is wildly popular with expats from all over the world. Over 60,000 Americans already live here, and many of them live in the region we discuss in this video.

When you’re considering a place to live abroad, several important factors influence your decision, like safety, healthcare, cost of living, etc.

So let's take a look at the 10 most important factors and see how Southern Spain rates to help you determine if it's still a good place to live as an expat.

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#ameliaandjp

0:00 Intro
0:42 Safety & Stability in Spain
1:44 Weather & Natural Disasters
3:22 Quality of Life in Southern Spain
4:44 Healthcare & Health Insurance
7:27 Walkability & Public Transportation in Spain
8:04 Housing in Andalucia
8:45 Food & Restaurants in Southern Spain
10:10 Taxes in Spain
11:07 Cost of Living in Southern Spain
12:17 Spain Residency Visa Options
13:16 Wrap-up

DISCLAIMER: This video is for entertainment purposes only and does not constitute consulting or advice including, but not limited to, visas, tax, medical, or financial advice. Please consult immigration attorneys, tax professionals, medical professionals and financial advisors for current information.

We are not responsible or liable for your use of the information contained in our videos, articles or linked from our web pages. We do our best to provide timely and accurate information. However, news, laws, guidelines, rules, regulations, etc. are often open to interpretation, change frequently, and sometimes we make mistakes. You must do your own research and consult professionals who familiar with your unique situation before making any travel or moving plans.

[BartMan]

As an American citizen and retired military (Navy) my family and I were very FORTUNATE to have lived in Andalusia/Rota for 8+ years from 1984-92 and LOVED every moment. Much different than what we were/are used to as an American citizen in a good way. To this day, my family still MISS our moments in Spain - everyday was an adventure. No regrets.

[luisatrvus]

If in Germany they speak German, in France they speak French, in Italy they speak Italian...why do Americans complain that in Spain they speak Spanish? Furthermore, it is the original Spanish, the one spoken on the American continent derived from the Spanish of Spain, with a different evolution due to the passage of time and an ocean of separation. Regarding speaking quickly, any language that you do not master well seems fast to you. But it is a perception because the brain does not follow the rhythm of the words well, if you master it, the rhythm seems normal.

[salozinp]

10:13, I am amused by foreigners who complain about taxes. In Spain and Europe in general, taxes pay for healthcare, roads, trains, public services, etc. Many foreigners want to live in Spain and not pay. This is not Disneyland.

[swk]

Why did you give Spain a thumbs down for the language barrier? Is it Spains fault that you cannot understand them or yours?

[craigo]

Just like Americans worry about safety, the always think the taxes are too high. But, the tax rate is what makes such a great life style there ie. health insurance prices, transportation, etc. Always a trade off.

[JT-mrdb]

Love Sevilla. As a Chilean, their Spanish is as borked as ours is. Felt right at home!

[chefbea]

Amelia and JP:
As far as health care is concerned, many private health insurance companies have age limitations for healthcare. They will not insure you if you are over the age of 70-75. My husband and I came across this when we were planning to live there, and it was a dealbreaker given my husband needing medical specialists. In addition, there are the income taxes which can be cost prohibitive for a retiree and that along with the healthcare issue killed our dream of living there.
Beatriz

[anam]

Is really hard to understand, they really talk very fast, but Andalucía’s accent is interesting, is music and funny, and the people are super sweet.❤️❤️

[ronnie]

Good points. We spent 5 weeks in Andalusia in December/January and most of the time we had nice weather, and it is wonderful to swim in the sea and eat outside, walk outside in January. But in summer you won't generally see me in southern Europe, it just gets too hot for my northern skin. Andalusia, apart from some ugly mass tourism areas, is a very interesting part of Spain, with lots of culture, good food and wine and friendly people.

[douglasbooth]

I’ve been living here for five years and if you pay €70 to go out to dinner just you and your wife then you are definitely in a tourist restaurant. My wife and I go out and we both have the menu which is 3 to 4 items and it’s awesome and I spent just yesterday €35 for both of us.

[zakmartin]

It's important to mention (and you didn't) that the heat in Spain is a dry heat (humidity here in Granada is typically 30-35% in the summer months) which means that it is tolerable for most people. The July-August *highest* temperature here (daytime) is typically 30-35ºC (85º-95ºF), with low humidity. The 44ºC you mentioned is rare.

[mikepreister]

Just to clarify, Spain taxes private pensions and social security, but they do not tax government pensions (like military, civil servants, or teachers).

[beththomas]

Very informative! I think that I would give the language a thumbs up for at least the touristy areas of Andalusia because, on my visit last September, I wasn't really able to practice my Spanish much because of so many of the employees in shops, cafes, and restaurants speaking English. Also, even with the challenge of adjusting to the local dialect, the grammar is still a lot easier than in languages with cases (like the Slavic language) and they of course use the same Latin Alphabet that we do.

[RamkumarChasse]

Living in Southern Spain sounds dreamy! But it's important to weigh the pros and cons. Thanks for shedding light on this topic!

[AugustoLugo]

When in Europe, we used flix bus to travel, it is very cheap and the buses run on time and have wifi and plugs for your phone, very comfortable seating and it can take you anywhere in Europe/Spain.

Real Spanish is like going to the UK and listening to their accent and trying to understand it :) Another excellent video JP AND AMELIA. excellent. Thumbs up.

[jjoel]

Excellent video, so informative! I will be in Malaga, Cordoba, Granada, Seville in 2 weeks with the goal of retiring there, possibly, so this couldn't be better timing! Thanks so much!

[BarbaraWisdom-bgul]

Great video! We are in Madrid now and planning to explore southern Spain next week. We pretty much came to the same conclusions you did so far. People in Madrid have been incredibly nice, and it is so beautiful here. The cost of living seems great compared to the U.S.
On another subject, Amelia, your hair looks adorable!

[newrytown]

many places in Spain are putting up the not welcome sign for tourists and expats. Over tourism is becoming a big problem.

[enriquesanchez]

Anda-lu-CIA stress at the end of the word ♥ not the middle portion!😀

[barbarahallowell]

😊 I don't do well in extreme heat. I found myself staying in Asturias during the peak summer months and then back to Cadiz and Malaga from late September through mid- May.