10 Reasons We Left Philly and Moved to Spain: What Life Abroad Really Offers

Hi friends, I’m Danielle Py-Salas. Attorney, businesswoman, wife, and mom of four. A few years ago, my husband and I packed our bags, said goodbye to Philadelphia, and moved our family (and dog) across the ocean to Spain. It was a bold move, one of the best decisions we’ve ever made.

If you’ve been thinking about what life could look like abroad, I want to share the 10 key reasons we left the U.S. behind and embraced a new life in Spain.

1. Affordable Healthcare That Actually Works

In Spain, healthcare is high-quality, accessible, and affordable. I pay around €5,000 per year for private coverage for all six of us, including dental and vision, and that’s with no copays. In contrast, we used to spend over $2,500/month in the U.S., totaling around $30,000/year, plus copays for every visit. And with four kids, that’s a lot of visits.

2. Lower Cost of Living

Even in Madrid, our living expenses are more manageable. Dining out, groceries, rent, it all adds up to a lower total than what we spent in Philly. For example:

• Dinner & drinks in Philly with 4 people: $60 per person

• Dinner & drinks in Madrid with 4 people: €25 per person

• In Seville: as low as €15 per person

Spain gives you more value for your money, especially outside the major cities.

3. Real Work-Life Balance

Spaniards value their downtime, and it shows. Family life, social connection, and health all take priority. In the U.S., especially in cities like Philly, the hustle never stops. But sometimes, you need to slow down, sip your sangria, and just be.

4. Culture Around Every Corner

Yes, Philly has the Liberty Bell and incredible American history, but in Europe, you’re immersed in centuries of Roman, Moorish, and medieval heritage. Art, architecture, and tradition are built into daily life here. It’s like living inside a history book (in a good way).

5. Efficient, Safe Public Transportation

Spain’s trains, metros, and buses are on time, easy to use, and safe, even with kids. SEPTA in Philly? It does its best, but let’s be honest, delays and limited routes can wear you down.

6. Culinary Experiences That Keep Surprising Us

Spain’s cuisine is incredibly diverse, affordable, and rooted in local ingredients. Tapas, paella, jamón, churros, it’s a feast every day. And while I’ll never stop loving a proper Philly cheesesteak, Spain’s food culture is hard to beat.

7. Feeling Safe Day and Night

In Spain, I feel comfortable walking alone at night. Yes, you need to watch for pickpockets in touristy areas, but violence is rare. In contrast, parts of Philly and other U.S. cities can feel unsafe even in broad daylight. Peace of mind is priceless.

8. Community Actually Matters Here

Spanish neighborhoods thrive on community. Local festivals, shared meals, and spontaneous gatherings are the norm. During a recent blackout (“El Apagón”), people were outside, sharing food, playing music, and enjoying the moment, no panic, no rush to hoard. That spirit was humbling and beautiful.

9. Education With a Global Outlook

Spain offers bilingual and international schooling, often at a fraction of U.S. private school costs. Whether it’s Spanish, French, German, or American systems, families here can find quality education that doesn’t bankrupt them. In the U.S., school quality varies by ZIP code, and good private options are expensive.

10. Easy Travel Access to the World

From Madrid, we can be in France, Italy, Portugal (even North Africa) in just a few hours and for a fraction of the cost. Europe is wonderfully connected. In the U.S., international travel takes more money, more time, and much more planning.

Final Thoughts: Philly Will Always Be Home, But Spain Is Where We Thrive

Philadelphia will always hold a special place in my heart. It's where I grew up, built my career, and created incredible memories. But living abroad gave us a different kind of freedom, one rooted in health, happiness, and perspective.

If you’re considering a move abroad, know this: it doesn’t have to be forever to be life-changing. Sometimes, the best version of your life is waiting on the other side of a bold decision.

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