Spain vs the UK: Which Is Actually Better?

People often ask me a simple question.

Which country is better. Spain or the UK?

It sounds straightforward, but the answer is not that simple.

Spain has a lot going for it. Amazing weather, great food and a lifestyle that many people dream about. But there are definitely some things that the UK does better too.

I have now been living in Spain for more than four years. Before that I spent most of my life in the UK. I was born in Luton and lived mainly in Bedford, so I know that part of the country very well.

So in this article I want to look at some of the real differences between living in Spain and living in the UK and see if we can answer the question.

Which country is actually better?

Spanish Weather vs UK Weather

The most obvious difference between Spain and the UK is the weather.

Down here on the Costa del Sol the weather is one of the biggest reasons people move. Even in March the days are sunny and warm enough to be outside.

When the weather is like this you naturally spend more time outdoors. People walk more, socialise more and generally live more of their lives outside.

I easily walk more than 10,000 steps most days just wandering around town in the sunshine.

Of course there is a downside. Summers in southern Spain can be very hot. Temperatures regularly go above 30°C and sometimes much higher.

When it is that hot it can actually make work difficult. It is harder to stay productive when the heat is intense.

In that sense the UK climate can be better for getting things done. But when it comes to lifestyle and spending time outside, Spain definitely wins.

Spanish Lifestyle vs UK Lifestyle

One of the biggest differences I have noticed is the overall lifestyle.

Life in Spain runs at a slower pace. People take long lunches, sit outside cafés enjoying coffee and take time to enjoy the weather.

You often see people simply relaxing in the shade or walking along the beach.

In the UK life can feel much more rushed. People are often focused on work and careers. There is a lot of rushing to work, rushing home and rushing from one thing to the next.

In Spain people seem more comfortable taking time to enjoy life.

If you value simple things like sunshine, walking, coffee with friends and spending time outside, the Spanish lifestyle can be very appealing.

Things the UK Does Better

As much as I enjoy living in Spain, there are definitely areas where the UK does things better.

One example is bureaucracy and administration.

In the UK government systems often feel more efficient. Paperwork is usually quicker and there are fewer hoops to jump through.

In Spain there can be a lot of appointments, forms and processes. Things can move more slowly and it sometimes feels like you need to speak to the right person at the right time to get anything done.

Of course language can also play a role. I speak English fluently but my Spanish is not perfect, so that can make some processes more difficult.

Another area where the UK often does better is customer service.

In my experience the phrase “the customer is always right” does not really exist in Spain. If you have a problem with a company or shop it can sometimes take effort to resolve it.

Online systems are also generally stronger in the UK. Although to be fair, once you get set up in Spain with things like a digital certificate, many government services do work quite well online.

Spanish Food vs UK Food

Food is an area where Spain clearly shines.

Fresh produce is everywhere. Fruit, vegetables and seafood are usually local, seasonal and very good quality.

Meals are also treated differently.

In Spain lunch and dinner are events. People take their time, sit together and enjoy the food.

In the UK meals can sometimes feel more like fuel. Something you eat quickly before moving on to the next thing.

Supermarkets also reflect this difference. Spanish supermarkets tend to focus more on fresh ingredients. Ready meals exist but they are not nearly as dominant as they are in many UK supermarkets.

For me personally, Spain definitely wins when it comes to food.

Cost of Living in Spain vs the UK

Another reason people consider moving to Spain is the cost of living.

In many ways Spain is cheaper.

Fresh food is often cheaper, eating out is cheaper and drinks are usually cheaper as well. Even things like tobacco cost significantly less.

Property prices vary depending on the area. In places like Estepona there has been a lot of foreign investment which has pushed prices up.

However in other parts of Spain property can still be relatively affordable.

Energy prices are increasing in Spain as they are in many countries, but they still tend to be slightly lower than in the UK.

One important factor is salaries.

Wages in Spain are generally lower, which balances the lower cost of living. But if you earn income from outside Spain or work remotely, living here can be very attractive.

Taxes are another thing to consider. Spain does tax worldwide income, so if you are planning to move it is worth getting professional advice.

Spain Is Noisier

One thing that surprises many people about Spain is how lively it is.

Because so much life happens outdoors, towns and cities can be quite noisy.

People stay out later, children stay up later and the streets remain busy well into the evening.

Personally I enjoy the atmosphere. It feels vibrant and social.

But if you prefer absolute peace and quiet, Spain might not be the best fit.

In areas like Estepona there is also a lot of construction due to investment and development. That can add extra noise from building work and traffic.

Compared with Spain, many parts of the UK feel much quieter.

Safety in Spain vs the UK

Another question people often ask is whether Spain is safe.

In my experience, it is.

Here in Estepona I feel very comfortable walking around and I am happy for my children to go out and explore.

One thing I have noticed is that there seems to be a strong police presence. You regularly see national police, local police and the Guardia Civil.

Interestingly there are fewer CCTV cameras than you might expect, yet the overall feeling of safety is still strong.

That said, I would not say the UK is particularly unsafe either. It depends a lot on the area.

Places like Bedford where I lived generally felt safe to me.

Overall both countries are fairly safe, although the visible police presence in Spain can make it feel slightly more reassuring.

A Reality Check About Spain

Before getting carried away with the positives, it is important to be realistic.

Spain is not perfect.

I know quite a few people who moved here, stayed for a couple of years and then returned to their home countries.

The lifestyle is wonderful, but life here is still normal life. It is not a permanent holiday.

You still have to deal with bureaucracy, language differences and slower systems.

For some people those frustrations eventually outweigh the benefits.

If you want to see some of the potential downsides, I recently made another video about the dangers of living in Spain.

So Which Country Is Better?

In the end the answer really depends on what you value most.

If you enjoy sunshine, social life, fresh food and spending time outdoors, Spain might be the better choice for you.

If you prefer efficiency, structured systems and cooler weather, the UK may suit you better.

Spain is not a magical perfect place, but many people find a lot of happiness here.

Personally I love the lifestyle in Spain, but I can also appreciate the things the UK does well.

What do you think?

If you have lived in both Spain and the UK, which country do you prefer and why?

Let me know in the comments.