With many parts of Spain enjoying over 300 days of sunshine a year, it is no wonder retirees have been flocking there for years. And now, the country has officially been named as one of the top 10 places to retire to globally! So, other than the wonderful weather, what makes it such a great place to spend your retirement?

If you would like further advice on the selling process in Spain, download your free Spain Guide.

Low cost of living

Warm weather and affordable living, does it get any better? Spain’s cost of living is one of the lowest in Western Europe. According to research by International Living magazine, a couple living in a coastal town could live comfortably for about €2,300 if they are renting and do not have a car. Your monthly costs would be higher if you chose to live in a city. A single person could live in Madrid for about €1,700 if they were renting and did not have a car.

Public transport is also incredibly cheap, and very efficient! Eating out at restaurants is also far cheaper than in the UK. If you do your research, a meal for two can be as little as €26. Tip: Spain’s menú del día (menu of the day/lunchtime menu) is a great-value way of eating out – you can enjoy up to three courses and a drink for anywhere between €10 to €20.

Excellent healthcare

Spanish healthcare is one of the best in the world and actually came in first place in the World Economic Forum’s 2020 Global Competitiveness Report.

There are 22 hospitals that are accredited by the Joint Commission International, the gold standard of healthcare.

While most non-working expats require private healthcare, retirees who receive a UK State pension can enjoy free healthcare in Spain on the same basis as a Spanish citizen. Just fill in an S1 form. And it gets even better – this free healthcare covers dependents/spouses under retirement age and children up to the age of 26!

Why not split the cost and double the fun of owning a holiday in Spain by buying with family or friends? Read our guide to Buying Abroad with Family

A safe place to live

Spain is a very safe country, particularly for women. Spain came out as the safest country for solo females in 2019 in the Women’s Danger Index. The index looked at several factors including how safe it is to walk alone at night, violence against women and gender inequality.

Spain has a lower incidence of crime than many other OECD countries and in 2021, Spain’s crime rate fell to an all time low. Some 82% of people in Spain say that they feel safe walking alone at night, more than the OECD average of 68%. In addition, Spain’s homicide rate is 0.6, lower than the OECD average of 3.7.

–

Are you looking for a property in Spain? Search on Green-Acres

Want to sell your property on Green-Acres? Advertise on Green-Acres