Hi! We’re Stefan and Natalie, we’ve lived in Andalusia for a year and 2 months respectively, and we run Tricks and Trips, an Andalucia travel guide!

Living in Andalusia Everything you must know in 2025 Spain sevilla
Seville

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Our life in Andalusia

A few years ago, I moved to Andalusia, and it’s been a life-changing journey. I remember stepping off the train in Seville, feeling the warmth on my skin and the excitement bubbling up inside me.

I lived a few months in Seville (moving from Utrecht, in the Netherlands) and feeling the warmth coming from the cold and gray weather was such a nice change. After Seville, I moved to Malaga, where Natalie joined me for a couple of months. We both work in digital marketing online.

Those first weeks were filled with exploration, enjoying delicious and cheap tapas, and taking morning walks among orange trees (do yourself a favor and do not eat those oranges, they’re really bitter).

I lived in an Airbnb while in Seville for different reasons. For one, I couldn’t find a place to stay for a few months only. Secondly, I didn’t even know if I wanted to stay a year in Seville. Same in Malaga, and we eventually moved to Georgia for a total of 6 months.

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Why we chose Andalusia

I wanted a place filled with history and natural beauty. Andalusia offered exactly that – Plus, incredible food and cheap cost of living.

Before making the move, I did visit a few times, of course. After researching a bit, I took the plunge. I packed my bags, left my old life behind, and never looked back. Now, I call Andalusia home.

Pretty much everything is pleasant in this part of Spain, so it’s hard to find cons of living here, especially if you don’t live here at first. People are really friendly, the food’s great, I love how authentic it is, and the quality of life is generally excellent. Probably the highest quality of life in Europe.

Living in Andalusia Everything you must know in 2025 Spain
Horse carriage ride in Ronda

What makes Andalusia special?

Andalusia feels alive with color, sound, and history. Its Moorish heritage blends seamlessly with modern Spanish life, and that creates a truly unique vibe.

You’ll see old palaces with intricate arches, narrow streets lined with potted flowers, and lively plazas that come alive at sunset. Honestly speaking, even the bigger cities like Malaga and Seville have their own charm and authenticity; the thing that I find is a little lost in the biggest cities in Europe. I also enjoy the slower pace.

What I personally love and make me always go back are the white villages, the Pueblos Blancos in southern Spain. Ronda, Setenil de las Bodegas, Mijas, and so on. If you’ve never been to one of these cute villages, I urge you to go asap.

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Making friends in Southern Spain

What I have noticed is that friendships in Andalusia often begin over food or a casual coffee in a shaded plaza. People here love chatting, and you can easily talk to strangers at a tapas bar or coffee shop.

Even if you speak only a little Spanish, a warm smile and a friendly “hola” open countless doors. In tourist areas, locals speak decent English, but of course, it’s always good to try your best to speak Spanish.

It’s good to keep an open mind and join local events, like street fairs or flamenco nights (yes, those are designed for tourists, but it’s part of the culture nonetheless, right?).

I’ve met some of my closest friends while sharing plates of tapas at a busy bar! If you like a particular hobby, like hiking or photography, search for local groups. Facebook is a great tool, as groups are pretty active, which is convenient.

Andalusians enjoy meeting new people who appreciate their land and culture. It may take time, but once you’ve earned a friend here, you have a friend for life

Living in Andalusia Everything you must know in 2025 Spain
The main beach in Torremolinos

Andalusian food

Here’s my hot take: Food in southern Spain is one of the best in Europe, if not in the world. That’s right, the food here is simple yet bursting with flavor. Fresh olive oil is a must, and you’ll want to drizzle it on almost everything. It’s on the table on most restaurants so you won’t need to ask for it.

I love starting my day with toasted bread, tomatoes, and a drizzle of that golden oil. Other than that, as expected, tapas are a huge part of life, too.

Smaller portions mean you can taste a variety of dishes without getting too full. Fried fish, known as “pescaíto frito,” is very popular along the coast. And don’t miss out on Gazpacho and Salmorejo. These are cold tomato soups (Salmorejo is made with jamon, egg, and bread) that feel incredibly refreshing on hot afternoons.

When friends visit, I often recommend we wander through markets first. You’ll see stalls piled high with fresh produce, jamón, and local cheeses. Andalusian food isn’t fancy; it’s honest, welcoming, and as delicious as delicious as it gets! Oh, and if you end up staying in Granada, many tapas bars will give you a free portion when you buy a drink, and that’s an amazing way to save money.

Living in Andalusia Everything you must know in 2025 Spain tapas
Tapas in Malaga!
Living in Andalusia Everything you must know in 2025 Spain tapas

Cost of living and salaries in Andalusia

Andalusia usually costs less than other parts of Spain, especially compared to big cities, but that doesn’t mean it’s cheap. Groceries, basic utilities, and restaurants feel affordable though. When I first arrived, I was pleasantly surprised by how much I could stretch my money.

A typical monthly food bill stayed within reason, and local restaurants didn’t break my wallet. I used to spend around 300 euros for groceries and eating out in Seville, and about 400 for 2 people when Natalie joined in Malaga.

Yes, you might spend a bit more in popular spots like Seville or Malaga, but even then, you can find cheaper options if you shop around. Overall, you can live comfortably without spending a fortune, even with a local salary. I’ll go a little deeper into the topic here below.

Living in Andalusia Everything you must know in 2025 Spain Ronda
White houses in Ronda from a viewpoint.
Living in Andalusia Everything you must know in 2025 Spain
View over Ronda from the Iglesia de Santa María la Mayor Church

Rent & daily expenses

When I looked for my first apartment, I learned that rent depends on location. City centers cost more, but you can still find cozy one-bedroom places on the outskirts or in smaller towns for less.

For the rent, expect to pay between 600 and 800 euros per month for an apartment in bigger cities. For the utility bills, expect to spend about 100 euros per month, everything included. Keep in mind that utility bills, such as electricity and water, can rise in summer when you use more air conditioning.

You can live in smaller places like Ronda and you’ll spend much less, probably around 500 euros, but I wouldn’t recommend it unless you have a car and agree to be in a more remote area.

Public healthcare can be free or low-cost if you’re eligible, which helps too. Dining out is affordable. For example, you can enjoy a satisfying menu del día at a modest price. Overall, you’ll find life manageable on a mid-range salary, as long as you keep within your budget.

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Average salaries in Andalusia

Salaries here vary by industry, with tourism and agriculture being common fields. Some jobs pay lower than the national average, but daily expenses also tend to be lower. You can also find jobs in IT, digital marketing, or even customer service, but you’ll most likely need a good level of Spanish to be considered.

Teachers and administrative workers can see paychecks of around 1,200 to 1,500 euros (if you work for the government, that’s much higher).
Jobs in tech or specialized fields can reach 2,000 or more, but those roles might be harder to come by in smaller towns.
If you work online, you can probably do better while enjoying lower living costs.

Public transport in Andalusia

Public transport here works well enough for everyday needs. You’ll find decent bus networks in major cities like Seville, Malaga, and Granada.

Trains, known as Renfe, connect you between larger hubs, so you can easily bounce around the region. I used to take the train from Seville to Cordoba or Malaga, which is quite comfortable and pretty cheap. You can also take the train to remote places: I did take the train from Malaga to Caminito Del Rey, and it was convenient and easy to follow.

Smaller villages might have fewer connections, so you’ll have to check schedules carefully. To be fair, if you can drive, rental cars are very cheap in Andalusia (less than 50 euros per day) so I suggest you go for that option.

Note: Taxis aren’t too pricey for short trips, even in the cities, though they add up if you rely on them daily.
If you prefer your own ride and stay long term, you can always buy a car. However, consider that parking in busy centers can be tricky and sometimes expensive.

Living in Andalusia Everything you must know in 2025 Spain
Tuk tuk in Setenil de las Bodegas
Living in Andalusia Everything you must know in 2025 Spain Granada
Granada

Pros of living in Andalusia

Personally, I find many perks here, and overall, I loved my time in southern Spain. The year-round sunshine lift my mood, and I rarely worried about rainy days.

Food is another plus. Fresh, local produce brightens every meal. Also, did I love the region’s laid-back approach. People chat with neighbors, linger over lunch, and truly enjoy the moment. I do speak Spanish with an Andalucian accent, so it made daily life and conversations easy and very convenient.

Cultural variety stands out too. Cities like Seville, Granada, and Cordoba each have a unique flavor, so you never run out of places to see. Another tourist attraction that I personally loved and visited a few times was the Alhambra in Granada, so please do yourself a favor and go!

As we discussed previously, living costs remain lower compared to major European cities, which frees up money for fun (I moved from the Netherlands and everything was probably like 50% off).
And let’s not forget the festivals. There’s always a fair (ferias in Andalucia) or local celebration happening somewhere. If you enjoy a relaxed pace with a warm community, this might be your spot.

Living in Andalusia Everything you must know in 2025 Spain camino
Caminito Del Rey
Living in Andalusia Everything you must know in 2025 Spain

Cons of living in Andalusia

Now, I might sugarcoat life in this part of Spain, but there are some drawbacks that you might not consider at first.

Summers can get extremely hot, and you’ll feel the burn if you don’t find shade or air conditioning. Also, wages may not match those in bigger cities like Barcelona and Madrid, especially if you work in certain fields.

Jobs might be scarce in smaller towns, which will force you to commute or focus on tourism-related roles.
Other than that, bureaucracy can drag out longer than expected. If you’re European, that’s going to be easier to register and settle down, but if not, bureaucracy isn’t the most advanced and fast. You might have to chase paperwork or wait in lines at government offices.

Finally, learning Spanish is key if you want deeper connections, but that can potentially be a challenge. With all that in mind, would I move back? Oh yes, in a heartbeat if I could!

Living in Andalusia Everything you must know in 2025 Spain
Cathedral of Malaga

Things to consider before moving

So you’ve made it here, which means you already thought about some aspects to keep in mind. That’s right, you must think about your reasons for relocating and the lifestyle you crave.

If you want a sunny place with a slower pace, Andalusia may be ideal. But remember, the region can feel different from larger European cities. Job opportunities vary, though working remotely or freelancing might give you more stability (consider Spain’s digital nomad visa if you’re not a EU citizen).

Housing can be cheaper but also depends on location. Smaller towns cost less, yet your options for nightlife and shopping might be limited. Figure out whether you plan to drive or use public transport. That decision shapes where you can live comfortably.
Also, research healthcare options and insurance if you aren’t covered by the public system.

Last but not least, please keep in mind that taxes in Andalusia are high. In fact, the income tax rates are progressive and you might end up paying over 40%, which is a pretty big chunk of your salary. There are deductions, yes, but that’s still a big factor to consider.




Language barrier

Spanish is key here, especially if you live outside tourist hotspots. While you’ll find English speakers in many parts of Andalusia, day-to-day life still revolves around Spanish.

Locals usually appreciate anyone who makes an effort. They’ll correct your grammar gently and cheer you on. Over time, you’ll improve naturally by chatting in cafés, reading menus, and asking for directions.
Formal classes or language exchange meetups can also speed up progress (and you get to meet expats, which is cool too).
If you ignore Spanish entirely, you might feel isolated at some point. This was the case for Natalie as she doesn’t speak Spanish, although I do.

As you learn, daily tasks, like setting up utilities or dealing with government offices, will become smoother and you don’t need to ask for help. The language can seem challenging, but I would say it’s necessary if you live here long term.

Living in Andalusia Everything you must know in 2025 Spain
Courtyard/garden at the Alcazaba fortress in Malaga

Bureaucracy & paperwork

Truth be told, dealing with Spanish bureaucracy can test your patience. Opening a bank account or setting up utilities may involve multiple visits to offices. You’ll need documents like your passport and proof of address.

If you’re from outside the EU, you’ll likely need a residence permit, which requires extra steps. Sometimes, you’ll get conflicting information from different staff members. I’ve learned to keep copies of everything and to triple-check office hours.

Also, approach each encounter with a calm smile, because getting upset rarely speeds things up. When in doubt, ask people who’ve already gone through the process or hire an agent or lawyer (yes, those cost more, but it will save you a big headache).
In short, paperwork can be frustrating, but stay steady and you’ll get through it.

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Type of people

You’ll find a big mix of personalities in Andalusia. Some very friendly, some others a little more reserved. Some folks lean toward the old ways, living simply in small villages. Others prefer modern city life, juggling work and busy social schedules.

Honestly speaking, I prefer the mindset in small towns, sharing stories and talking about daily with seniors over a coffee. However, I prefer life in big cities, which is why I ended up in Seville and Malaga.

Most Andalusians I’ve met are warm and eager to chat. Family bonds mean a lot here, and you might see large gatherings on Sundays for shared meals. Strangers may greet you openly, or offer help if you look lost. If you respect local customs and show genuine interest in their traditions, you’ll be welcomed into the community no matter what.

There’s also a lively spirit that comes out during fiestas and local events. Everyone joins in, young and old. It’s a friendly, vibrant place to call home.

Living in Andalusia Everything you must know in 2025 Spain
The main beach in Torremolinos

Best places to visit in Andalusia

Granada is home to the Alhambra, a palace unlike any other, and the Albaicín district has sunset views you’ll never forget (check out the Mirador de San Nicolás). Cordoba’s Mezquita blends cultures in one remarkable complex – You won’t see a similar place anywhere else.

If you crave the sea, Torremolinos, Malaga, and Cadiz have beautiful beaches and easygoing vibes.
Should I go on? Well, if you like hiking, you’ll love the Sierra Nevada mountain or the trails around Grazalema.

There are countless places to visit in Andalucia, and you’ll never get enough, even if you live here for years.

Living in Andalusia Everything you must know in 2025 Spain
Beach in Torremolinos

Conclusion: should you move to Southern Spain?

To summarize, I think Andalusia’s charm speaks for itself. You have rich traditions, sunny days, and a lifestyle that invites you to slow down and savor each day.

Sure, there are practical challenges, such as lower salaries or tricky paperwork, but the rewards do outweigh these. You can enjoy fresh, tasty food, a welcoming culture, and stunning scenery. Doesn’t it sound like the perfect place to live?

I hope you enjoyed the story and please let me know if you have any questions about this part of Spain or my experience, in case I missed anything! Greeting, Stefan and Natalie

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