Moving Abroad with Kids: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of Expat Life in Spain

Thinking About Moving Abroad? Read This First.

When our family of six packed up our life in the United States and moved to Spain, we had no idea what we were really getting into. Sure, we dreamed of Mediterranean views, slower living, and delicious food, but living abroad with kids also meant dealing with unexpected culture shocks, frustrating bureaucracy, and homesickness.

In this post, we break down the real-life pros and cons of moving to Spain, the good, the bad, and the ugly, so you know exactly what to expect.

The Good: Why We Love Living in Spain as Expats

1. A Slower, Healthier Lifestyle

One of the biggest benefits of living abroad is the pace of life. In Spain, mornings begin with coffee overlooking the sea, and afternoons are reserved for long family lunches. We walk more, stress less, and enjoy a healthier, more balanced lifestyle.

2. Affordable, High-Quality Healthcare

In the U.S., we were paying over $30,000 a year for health insurance. In Spain, private insurance for our whole family costs under $5,000 annually, and that includes doctor visits, surgery, and emergency care. The healthcare system in Spain is one of the best in Europe, and it shows.

3. Real Food, Real Ingredients

Say goodbye to ultra-processed food. Grocery shopping in Spain means fewer ingredients and better quality. Add in the amazing wines, cheeses, and jamón ibérico, and let’s just say, we’re not missing American fast food.

4. Lower Cost of Living

From rent to utilities and groceries, the cost of living in Spain is significantly lower than what we paid back in the U.S. Even in a major city like Madrid, our expenses are manageable, and we’re living more fully than ever.

5. More Family Time

Living abroad has helped us reconnect. Gone are the days of commuting, sports practices, and takeout. Now we eat together, explore together, and even slow down together.

The Bad: What No One Tells You About Life Abroad

1. Language Barriers

Even if you speak some Spanish, daily life in a new language can be tough. From fast-paced group conversations to doctor visits and school meetings, we often felt lost—and that disconnect can be isolating.

2. Distance from Family and Friends

We’ve missed weddings, births, and graduations. It’s hard. No sugarcoating it. When you live abroad, especially with kids, the emotional cost of missing milestones back home can weigh heavily.

3. Bureaucracy and Visa Struggles

The visa process in Spain is notoriously slow and inconsistent. We’ve had police appointments where we were turned away over technicalities, spent months chasing paperwork, and shed more than a few tears in government offices.

4. Different Cultural Norms

Things you take for granted back home, like rental units coming with light fixtures, don’t always apply here. We've had to adjust our expectations and adapt to how things are done in Spain, from real estate to customer service.

The Ugly: The Parts of Expat Life That Made Us Want to Give Up

1. Housing Nightmares

Our first rental looked beautiful on the outside, but was a disaster behind closed doors. Broken toilets, mold, and a landlord who tried to keep our deposit. These are the kinds of expat experiences no one warns you about.

2. Surprise Waterfalls and Leaky Ceilings

Yes, we once had water pouring into our newly renovated Madrid apartment like a waterfall. Navigating condo rules in another language while trying to get it fixed? A nightmare.

3. Sports Bureaucracy

Our son couldn’t play soccer his first year in Spain because of FIFA’s federation rules. It broke our hearts to see him sidelined because we didn’t understand the system in advance.

4. Mosquito Madness

No window screens. At all. In the summer. We learned quickly why installing mosquito nets in your expat home should be a top priority.

Tips for Moving Abroad With a Family

1. Learn the Language (Before You Go)

Start learning key phrases months in advance. Watch TV in your new language. Label items around the house. And don’t expect others to speak English, you’re a guest in their country.

2. Build Your Network Early

Connect with other expats, find local Facebook groups, and ask lots of questions. Choosing the right school or neighborhood often comes down to insider knowledge you won’t find on Google.

3. Get Professional Help

Hire a relocation expert or coach to guide you through visa applications, school registration, and housing. It will save you time, money, and a mountain of stress.

4. Expect a Rollercoaster of Emotions

There’s a honeymoon phase, a crash, and (hopefully) a rise. Living abroad is an emotional journey. But once you settle in, it’s life-changing in the best ways.

Final Thoughts

This journey hasn’t been easy, but it has been worth it. We’ve built a life we’re proud of and given our kids an experience that will shape them forever. Until next time, stay curious, be brave, and keep dreaming big.

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