This weekend there was a post shared on the Australians in Spain facebook group which you can read by CLICKING HERE, which triggered me into writing this post.
Here’s how I see it—there’s an economic war going on almost everywhere right now. Most countries are struggling in some way, and you can see it in the frustrations people have with their home countries.
But here’s the thing: there are ways to navigate through this and give yourself a bit of an advantage. For example, earning an income in a country that pays well while working remotely and living in a more affordable country. That’s exactly what we’re doing, thanks to Spain's digital nomad visa.
It’s honestly a win-win. Spain benefits financially without needing to create extra jobs for locals, and the local economy gets a boost from our "top dollar" spending. We don’t take away opportunities from locals, and they benefit from our presence.
Of course, this isn’t a reality for everyone—remote work isn’t accessible to all. But there’s another way to look at it, and I often joke, "Would you rather struggle in Australia or Spain?"
Jokes aside, let’s break this down. If you’ve come to terms with the fact that financial hardships exist no matter where you live, it’s time to ask yourself:
Weather: Firstly, would you rather face your hardships in the harsh sun and antartic winds of Australia’s climate or Spain’s Mediterranean?
Community: Would you prefer being part of a kind-hearted, community-oriented society like Spain, or do you thrive in the often isolating and surface-level interactions we’ve experienced in Australia?
Travel: In Spain, you can hop over to another country for as little as $300 on a weekend trip, or drive just an hour and feel like you're in a completely different world. In Australia, leaving the country will cost you at least $1000 (and that’s if you’re lucky and traveling solo). Plus, if you want to visit another major city within Australia, you’re often looking at an 8-hour drive just to get there.
Food: And food—Spain’s quality of fresh, locally sourced ingredients versus Australia’s more processed options (unless you can afford to go fully organic all the time). The difference is staggering.
Healthcare: Spain boasts a world-class healthcare system with affordable and accessible services, whereas in Australia, healthcare can get expensive, especially if you're relying on private insurance for specialist or dental care.
Work-Life Balance: Spain emphasizes work-life balance with a slower pace of life, long lunch breaks, and more public holidays. It’s a culture built around enjoying life, not just working through it. In Australia, while work-life balance is decent, it tends to be more career-driven.
Public Transport: Spain’s public transport is extensive, affordable, and efficient. You can easily get around the country or travel between cities with the high-speed trains. In Australia, public transport outside major cities can be limited and far more expensive, especially for long-distance travel.
Cultural Richness: Spain’s rich cultural heritage offers centuries-old history, art, and traditions to explore. In comparison, Australia is a relatively young country, and while it has unique indigenous culture and modern attractions, it lacks the same depth of historical landmarks.
Leisure and Outdoor Activities: Spain has endless outdoor activities to enjoy, from beaches to mountains, hiking, and skiing, all within a short distance. Australia has great outdoor options too, but the distances between destinations can be much greater.
Education: Spain offers affordable public education and lower university fees compared to Australia, where higher education and private schooling can get expensive.
Sport: If you’re a football (soccer) fan, Spain is a dream come true. The passion for the sport is everywhere, and you can catch a top-tier match almost any weekend, with some of the best football teams in the world right on your doorstep. Even if football isn’t your thing, Europe offers easy access to a variety of sports. You can take a quick weekend trip to watch rugby, Formula 1, tennis, or any other sport you love being played at the highest level, all within a short distance.
Entertainment: For concert lovers, Spain and Europe offer unmatched convenience. Artists tour frequently, and you don’t have to wait years for them to make the long trip to Australia. You can catch your favorite musicians live more often, and if your favorite act isn’t performing in Spain, it’s easy and affordable to hop over to another country for a show without waiting forever or breaking the bank.
These are just a few of the many perks of living in Spain. There are countless others.
Now, let’s talk about space. In Spain, the population is spread out across numerous major cities. You don’t feel the same kind of overcrowding you might in Australian cities. In Australia, the population is concentrated in just a few urban centers, with vast, barren lands between them. This not only adds to the feeling of being boxed in but also makes it harder to find affordable housing or job opportunities.
Here’s a bit of perspective: Remember, Australia’s population is only half that of Spain, yet the cities feel much more congested. Have a look at the numbers:
Spain
Madrid – 6,783,241
Barcelona – 5,711,917
Valencia – 839,770
Zaragoza – 740,938
Seville – 700,513
Málaga – 594,050
Granada – 238,285
Australia
Sydney – 5,184,896
Melbourne – 5,315,600
Brisbane – 2,536,449
Perth – 2,143,491
Adelaide – 1,379,280
Gold Coast – 743,000
Tweed Heads – 742,600
Canberra – 477,567
You can see just how lopsided it is. In Australia, most people are funneled into the major cities. It’s difficult to live further out without facing long commutes, and lack of infrastructure. In Spain, even if you’re living in a rural area, you can still be within 45 minutes of a major city.
There’s so much more to the quality of life than just the money you make and spend. I hope this gives people a little perspective—especially those considering a change.
There’s always more to consider when it comes to finding the right balance for your life, and for us, Spain ticks all the boxes and is the clear winner in the Australia vs Spain Showdown.
Adios!
Jasmine & Andrew
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