Expat Survey: Almost 90% of Expats in Spain Enjoy Their Life Abroad

Expats in Spain were among those generous enough to report their opinions and share their insights about living abroad in our 2022 Best Places to Live Survey.

A whopping 89% of Expats, Retirees and Global Nomads in Spain are extremely or very satisfied with the quality of the expat experience in their city. That is 19% ABOVE the global average!

Here are some highlights about lifestyle-related responses from expatriates across the globe. Note that respondents were asked about the city or location in which they live, not the country at large.

When asked about their entertainment options (movies, concerts, museums, etc.), 88% of expats, retirees and nomads reported that they were either Extremely Satisfied (50%) or Very Satisfied (38%), which is 35% higher than the global average.

As for local dining options, 88% indicated that they were either Extremely Satisfied or Very Satisfied, which is 24% higher than the global average of 71%.

Survey respondents in Spain were also asked about Local Grocery Shopping options, and 89% of respondents said they were either Extremely Satisfied (56%) or Very Satisfied (33%), and 100% were either Extremely Satisfied (78%) or Very Satisfied (22%) with the local fresh food. These number are well above global averages.

When asked about the quality of their local water, 89% of expats globally reported being either Extremely Satisfied (67%) or Very Satisfied (22%).

Overall, two-thirds of Expats (67%) reported being either Extremely Satisfied (44%) or Very Satisfied (22%) with their social life, and 56% said that they were either Extremely Satisfied or Very Satisfied with making friends locally.

Direct Quotes From Expats in Spain

"Loved Madrid and ease of using metro. Food and wine so cheap!!!! Eating out tapas was great cheap way to have a meal. Loved having my light breakfast in taverns in morning.what a interesting way to start day. Cons: cost of apartment rent."

"Met new friends everywhere, at the University, restaurants, in my apartment building,," said one person in Salamanca, Spain.

"I find the "natives" are very kind and outgoing -- because I always keep in mind that I am a guest in their country, and I act accordingly: humble, respectful, courteous, gracious, upbeat".

"I went to language exchanges to meet local and expats."