March 20, 2026 
5 mins to read For expats coming from Northern Europe, the work-life balance in Spain hits different. Suddenly you start working to live your life, and not the other way around. This mindset comes back in all sorts of ways within the Spanish working culture. Coworkers ask and care more about your personal life, because that’s the life which is most important.
If you start living and working in Spain, you will quickly find out about the work-life balance there. But maybe it’s good to understand it before you start, so you know what to expect. In this blog we tell you all about the work-life balance in Spain. We zoom in on the specifics of this lifestyle, which will be much different than you are used to.
What the work-life balance in Spain looks like
In Spain, life outside of work is genuinely valued. People prioritize time with family and friends and social activities. Everyone agrees that it is important to enjoy your everyday life, and not only on the weekend. Work is important, but it is definitely not the center of everything in Spain.
Socializing after work
One of the most important parts of the work-life balance in Spain is the way people tend to live their social life after work. You will soon find out it’s really normal to grab some drinks or go out for dinner with your coworkers.
The work-life balance in Spain isn’t about working less long or hard. It’s about living more around your work. If you enjoy social interaction, a slower living pace, and making time for life outside the office, Spain can feel like a big upgrade. If you prefer strict schedules and clear separation, it might take some getting used to.
Working hours and daily life in Spain
Working in Spain doesn’t mean fewer working hours. In fact, the workday can feel longer because of how it’s structured:
- Many people start working around 9:00
- Long lunch breaks (1–2 hours) are common
- Workdays can stretch until 18:00–20:00
In bigger cities and international companies, schedules will be more compact, but the traditional rhythm still exists in many places.
Generous time off
In Spain you will receive solid vacation benefits:
- Averagely you receive around 22+ paid vacation days per year
- Multiple public holidays (including regional ones)
- A culture of actually using your time off
People take these breaks seriously. It’s socially accepted to disconnect from work and focus on your personal life.
Siesta culture; myth or reality?
When people think of living and working in Spain, they often imagine daily naps in the middle of the workday. In other words, they think about a siesta. But is this still a thing?
Traditionally, a siesta is a break in the early afternoon, usually after lunch, to rest during the hottest part of the day. This was more common in the past, especially in smaller towns and rural areas where shops would close for a few hours. In modern Spain, the classic siesta is no longer part of most people’s daily routine, especially in the bigger cities.
Salaries, cost of living, and lifestyle in Spain
We have to be honest. In general, the salaries in Spain are a little lower than you might be used to in Northern Europe. For entry-level positions, expect this as your salary:
- Customer service / support roles: around €1,500–€2,500 per month
- IT support roles: around €2,000–€3,000 per month
On the other hand, the costs of living in Spain are way lower as well. The average costs of living in Spain will be like this:
| What | Costs |
| Rent | 1-bedroom apartment in the city center: €650-€1,500 a month1-bedroom apartment outside the city center: €450-€100 a monthRoom in a shared apartment: €300-€600 a month |
| Groceries | €200-€400 a month |
| Beer in a bar | €2-€4 |
| Coffee in a café | €1,20-€2,50 |
| Meal in a restaurant | €10-€15 |
| Tapas dish in a restaurant | €2-€5 |
| Gym membership | €25-€50 a month |
| Cinema ticket | €7-€12 |
* Note: costs can vary depending on the location. Madrid for example is much more expensive in comparison to Valencia.
Best Cities in Spain for work-life balance
Spain is a big country, so we feel the need to point out that the work-life balance can be slightly different per city. We zoom in on the differences between four important cities:
Madrid
Madrid offers the most job opportunities in corporate roles and international companies. This international mindset can be seen in the work-life balance:
- Offices have a faster pace and longer working hours
- There is more pressure and career focus
- The salaries are higher salaries, but so are the living costs
The work-life balance is close to other European capitals.
Barcelona
Barcelona is very popular among expats, mostly thanks to the mix of work opportunities and beach lifestyle. When it comes to the work-life balance, you can expect this:
- More relaxed than Madrid, but still career-driven
- Strong international job market
- Easy access to social life, nature, and the sea
Barcelona is often seen as a “middle ground” between ambition and lifestyle.
Malaga
Málaga is ideal if your priority is quality of life:
- Very relaxed, almost holiday-like atmosphere
- Growing expat and remote work scene
- Lower stress and strong focus on social life
Job opportunities are more limited unless you work remotely or in specific industries.
Valencia
Valencia is becoming a favorite among expats looking for a more relaxed way of living:
- Slower pace of life
- Lower cost of living
- Shorter commutes and less stress
The overall lifestyle is one of the best in Spain.
Finding a job in Spain as a foreigner
Are you ready to enjoy life while working? Focus on the great parts of life and earn some money while doing that. We offer a lot of job opportunities in Spain. And the best part of this is that you can use your own language! It’s good to learn some Spanish to adapt to local life, but you don’t need those skills within your job.
