Why Living in Spain is Changing Forever

In this podcast, we explore some the changes that are reshaping the experience of living in Spain. Whether you're an expat considering a move to Spain or a local navigating the evolving landscape, understanding life in Spain today is essential. From updates on Spain immigration policies to insights on working in Spain, we cover it all. Discover how education in Spain is adapting to new challenges and what it means for families and students. We also delve into the current job market and working hours in Spain, providing valuable information for those seeking employment. Join us as we discuss the latest Spain news and what it means for expat living and travel in this beautiful country.
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I film my videos on #lumix and GoPro cameras and lenses and sometimes on an iPhone.

[@drguylenegigitree1044]

Thanks again for sharing a wonderful interview with Mark. The two of you present some down to earth, realtime facts.

[@goldgeologist5320]

Cost of living has increased worldwide!

[@krbulldog]

I’ve been to Spain 5 times and when I went this April I was surprised at how high the costs are. Still cheaper than the U.S. but a lot higher since I was there in ‘18

[@alexwyler4570]

you should have had a Spanish native in this conversation.

[@ALf-mn3qe]

You are talking, as is almost always the case when talking about Spain, about the Mediterranean coast and the South of Spain. I hope that at some point this other part of Spain will also be considered, the Cantabrian, the Atlantic, the interior. The part with the rainy months and the cold winters, that also exists and should be known.

[@shinyshinythings]

No, no, it shouldn’t. Please let’s keep the North between ourselves! :)

[@moonmist9]

It is known and passed over :)

[@erikamartin-wallace5991]

In the Basque country, there are 3 types of schools which parents can choose from. One only Castellano, second a mix of Castellano & Euskera and then finally, the Ikastola which is only Euskera. In Catalonia, Catalan is the main language of tuition, with Spanish and now English. Valencia, there are changes where Valenciano is also taught as well as Spanish. Galicia follows a similar model to Valencia.

[@goldgeologist5320]

Stupid and not efficient. I understand the desire to preserve heritage but it is not logical to survive in a larger economic environment.

[@josebazocosta9341]

As someone born in South America, I find it so difficult to understand all these languages segregations..! Imagine if we did the same in the Americas..!! There's more than 700 different native languages.... The new Torre de Babel..?!!! Divide y vencerás...?!!!

[@marclajeunesse3890]

I was in Malaga in November and it is exactly how it was, 40 to 50 percent less expensive than Canada at the grocer. I find meals in restaurants have not gone up in Spain as much as Canada . Spain might be more expensive but it's gone up much more in Canada .

[@newsmonger77]

Oranges are cheap in Spain, lumber is cheap in Canada! Horses for courses!!!

[@Seii-FPV]

@@newsmonger77 - lol, you obviously have no idea what you're talking about. Lumber is one of the most expensive items in Canada right now. I'll ask you when you have to pay $49 for kg of pork in your country, $6 for the worst possible bread you can ever taste, 5-6 dollars for 1 liter of milk, $12 for 150 grams of genoa salami which BTW is one of the cheapest around, etc.

[@marclajeunesse3890]

@@Seii-FPV Yup ☹ prices are crazy here . Plus -20 last night

[@davidkgreen]

@@newsmonger77 Lumber in Canada is not cheap.Nothing is affordable in Canada since the Carbon Tax.A fish rots from the head down.We have no real leader!

[@newsmonger77]

@@marclajeunesse3890 Lumber is cheap in Canada in comparison to other countries. I am Canadian!!!!!!

[@peteymax]

Hola Stuart. Feliz Navidad y próspero año. Mark seems like such a nice, positive fellow. He is right about Ireland and Wales, after generations of decline the Irish and Welsh languages are in resurgence. Irish has lots of KZbinrs broadcasting ‘as Gaeilge’ (in Irish) making the language accessible, cool, and more relevant to modern day life. I am sure the same is happening in Welsh, and hopefully, too in Scots, in Scottish Gaelic, in Cornish and Manx. I have tried to learn some words and phrases in Vàlenciana which I think shows respect. There is no disadvantage to knowing or learning an additional language. It is important to keep the world varied and diverse in the face of the vanillaification of everything. You say the need (problem) of having to know local languages doesn’t exist in Australia, but at what expense to the indigenous peoples of Australia? The attempts to obliterate the local cultures is not a positive and remains something that present day Australians need to face up to.

[@GillianHutton-Brown]

I live in southern Spain, own house so no mortgage. Live very comfortably on far less than they are talking about.

[@mattwoodhead2441]

We live in North Wales we have welsh schools and non welsh schools so you have the choice as to where the kids go! I’m from Yorkshire originally so non welsh speaker but sent my kids through welsh system starting at nursery !

[@peteymax]

@@mattwoodhead2441 Fairs dues to you for embracing the local culture in Wales. In Ireland we have English language dominant schools where Irish is taught as the second language or a choice of Irish language school where English is taught as the second language. Kids are fluent in English either way. The Irish speaking schools often introduce Spanish or French from an early age. Lots of English people who have moved to Ireland chose the Gaelscoil (Irish speaking) option which I think show guts and a willingness to respect the culture of their new home.

[@nasserspain]

Merry Christmas gentlemen, really enjoyed the chat today was full of current information which was spot on! Keep up the good work

[@MikiEverett-yc5fg]

Just watching your podcast here and you were talking about gin and tonic at 14 euros yes their are bars charging that but they are buying gins like Hendricks ect. Most places are in a decent bar 7 ruros for gordons. Tanqueray. The people who ask for expensive gis are stupid and shouldn't complain A gin like Hendricks cost the bar 36 euros for a small bottle so they have to charge those prices

[@ajdrums8075]

Enjoyed the chat gentlemen!

[@joymenis1048]

THKS Stuart again for another year of news. Merry Christmas (Felices Fiestas) and see you in the NewYear.

[@DPost-bx6jv]

This was an interesting, informative and excellent conversation. Thank you.

[@k.9228]

dont understand some of the negative comments here!! 😭 specially with two people who have lived in Spain for over twenty years who obviously understand the culture, politics and both speak the language. in my humble opinion, it's refreshing to hear such a realistic and objective point of view. these conversations give people an insight on how it REALLY is to live in spain. keep it up and hope to see Mark back soon!!! Happy Christmas 🙌

[@IsabelCoenen]

Actually 48 million people live in Spain. Most of them were born there.

[@ADF-js9vi]

Cost of living is such a subjective thing as it depends on how you spend your money. 🤨

[@ah84868]

but more importantly on how much money you earn. the earnings dictate the spending

[@moonmist9]

Very useful conversation on education. Thanks.

[@mr-vet]

I know someone in Barcelona who earns around €1800/month in his job but works on the side doing some plumbing work and is paid under the table. He earns an additional €300-500/month under the table.

[@zeastburg]

7:23 Whats crazy is a fresh squeezed orange juice ALONE costs $5-9 in any major city USA. A plate of decent breakfast in a decent neighborhood without the a drink would cost $18-30 before tip. RIP

[@teddydavis2339]

That is so true !

[@KrlKngMrtssn]

In my humble opinion, if you put a 10% increase in the economy you'll get rewarded with pensioners consuming more, travelling more etc. it will be fed back into the economy. It's not that bad. Last quarterly figures came out today and it shows that consumer spending has a lot to do with the booming Spanish economy. It reflects the positive effects of the minimum wage increase of the last months or so. A Purchasing power increase helps the economy. Austerity is dead.

[@milabaigar]

If people have more money they’ll enjoy life , so more taxes for guv , but when the solution for all problems is to increase taxes it’s a shooting in the foot syndrome!!

[@marygeraldinereyes7313]

Merry Christmas 🎄🎁 and a Happy New Year to You Gents!!! 🎉🎉

[@MaartenSFS]

Before coming to Spain I asked a Spaniard if there was a mafia problem like in Italy and he said no, in Spain the government is the mafia and they legally take your money! 😅

[@IsabelCoenen]

BS.

[@janetlombardi2314]

Thank you for another great chat. I have to say the breakfast price was a bargain for what Mark had. 😊

[@kennielsen3896]

In Valencian community, school is in Valenciano, but in the elementary school where I was an Aux, several classes are taught in English: Art, English, and computer tech. I was told that I understood Valenciano, as the kids speak that to me and I'd respond 1st in English, and Spanish if they didn't understand. I was surprised that the kids were not speaking Spanish to me, but on reflection that made sense as I did have a hard time understanding them. But as an Aux, you're supposed to only Speak English.

[@Guapaahi]

I also live in Valencia Community not everyone speaks Valenciano but speak Castellan ( spanish) Some jobs need Valenciano as well as Castellan

[@hoosomio]

Puff

[@JoanUnterwegs]

Merry Christmas!

[@mlabofski]

I live in a Valencian village where all communication from the town hall is now only in Valenciano.

[@junuc10]

Just spent a month on a road trip in Spain........Prices vary where you are in Spain.

[@rappers5719]

Here on Rhodes, you would pay 2 to 3.50 for a coffee. Petrol is 1.90e. Spirits here are also expensive. Beers in a bar, 3 to 4.50e.

[@stevehaysham4678]

Mark is an Oxford United fan I see. what's his opinion about Des's sacking and Gary's appointment. My son, Pablo, is the U18 coach at the OUFC Academy

[@Faranzo14]

Problem with cost of living is when food prices increase at a rate greater than your earned salary. The free/subsidized transport has been a life line.

[@69spook]

After last week, I'm only here for the beer chat 🍺😂👍

[@michaelthatcher3825]

Reduce VAT to 10%, and the black economy would disappear overnight.

[@duncaninglis3806]

I suppose that would help; it would also help if they adjusted the self-employment rates like in other EU countries. Too expensive here for many people to be self-employed.

[@burnett288]

Wishing you a happy Christmas 🎅 Stuart and a healthy 2025

[@paulafitz532]

Thank you

[@geraldineleegibson1187]

I had a business in Andalucía….OMG, what an experience. :-(

[@MrJip65]

You make me curious… is it that different compared to other regions/countries..?

[@nicolasb.henry294]

The problem with Spain 2:27 is...the government they do their best to make people poor and depending on their "aid" this is just a way to create people in need of "Papa Estados". Here people prefer to "functionarios" than creating their own business or being creative. Spain is a country of the 21 century with a government stuck in the mid 80's during the Brejnev era in the former USSR.

[@williamkemball1300]

There are plenty of these type of bars around vlc

[@dudeleboski2692]

Canary isles 1 pound/litre diesel

[@houseofroos]

Who is Mark? A non-Spanish expert on Spain?

[@frutosrojos777]

desde el punto de vista de una española, mark y stu tienen mucha razón sobre lo que pasa en el país. y yo he visto a otros españoles que no se enteran de na. deja ya de racistadas, que para ser educado puedes ser de cualquier lado del mundo. im sure both of these gentlemen will understand my comment. merry christmas stu y compañía 🎄

[@anthonyferris8912]

@houseofroos Is there a problem?

[@houseofroos]

@ Frankly I’m sensitive to “westerners” who live in enclaves and don’t assimilate into the culture where they’re living. At least demonstrate a modicum of effort by learning the basics of Spanish pronunciation. It would be helpful if Stuart were to introduce his guest and establish his credibility, otherwise he comes off as just another British bloke.

[@MikiEverett-yc5fg]

In Mallorca chiringuitos are all controlled by councils here they pay very high rents you should investigate what they have to pay before critising the prices they charge

[@patriciavandevelde5469]

Rent in alicante 800 euros + bills,so what do the locals eat!!!!!!!!!!!

[@hoosomio]

You guys? Don't you think there are too many foreigners in Spain?

[@gamingtonight1526]

Record floods and record droughts affect farms and food production, hence food inflation. And with the world corporations using one year's worth of Earth's resources every SEVEN MONTHS, all non-food products are going up too!

[@CristhianItu]

You need to learn spanish

[@marilynvallance]

It's not pronounce FUNgirola.

[@k.9228]

unnecessary to point out

[@moonmist9]

"Pronounced."

[@goldgeologist5320]

Spain has become too popular. Obviously it is not USA citizens flocking there. It is Brits, Northern Europeans, Russians, Ukraines, North Africans, and some Chinese. I hardly meet USA citizens in my visits except for some on cruises or tours. Not residents.

[@Invisiblehand123]

Define too popular? A lot of countries would kill to have such popularity. The demographics in most European countries are horrific and the attempts to mitigate it with migration from outside Europe have been increasingly unpopular. So migration of people who can actually support themselves financially and are educated in the West is something most European countries want. The problems in Spain are mostly due to government incompetence, they are just not moving with the times fast enough. Goes without saying that the fragmented nature and regionalism does not make it easy, it's like an EU within the EU.

[@Faranzo14]

It’s time we built a few cricket pitches in each popular city… 😅. Two generations from today Spain wins an ICC World Cup!

[@nataliemercier2031]

I’m planning to move to Galicia in the next few years. But as a Canadian, I can’t exchange my 40 years of experience driver’s license. It makes no sense to go back to driving school and have to past exams. Just a basic written exam about the Spanish Code would be enough on my opinion… It’s a major turn off.

[@goldgeologist5320]

@@nataliemercier2031 thanks for telling me about this issue. I am 68 and having to go through all that would be painful.

[@goldgeologist5320]

@@Invisiblehand123 an EU within an EU is an interesting analogy. I am sure there is some research about percentages of immigration and impact to culture. I have always held it is not color of skin or religion preference but about culture and getting along with people. Acceptance of differences, respect of existing culture and not making it into what you left behind is critical. If I moved to Spain i want it to be Spain. I so dislike seeing American fast food when I travel overseas.

[@lindaburke2774]

Sorry Stuart but I prefer you on your own it's more interesting 😢

[@georgefarrington895]

Price gouging, a lot of it going on

[@peteymax]

I agree, I ordered 2 beers in Elx and received two tiny cañas priced at 5.20 euro for the two. I questioned it and the barman was appalled. Volume for price it was more expensive than a pint in Dublin.

[@paradoxparade1]

Mark sure does complain a lot about Spaniards... If he doesn't like Spain, just move back home.

[@anthonyferris8912]

@paradoxparade1 Are you affronted? 😂

[@moonmist9]

Where does he complain about Spaniards??

[@Juanfernandez-sm8jl]

👍👍👍👍👍👍Spain every year, best country according to surveys for expatriates, best country in economic development in the EU 2024, 2nd best country in the world in life expectancy, good food, good prices, and good medicine and hospitable people... and I hope Spain continues like this for many years... by the way, in the last 30 months more than 1.6 million immigrants from Latin America, Africa and Asia have entered Spain, whether I like it or not, Spain is trendy!!

[@banksiasong]

Two Brexit-Brits talking about life in Spain, having already destroyed their own country, now they’re after the whole peninsula.

[@michaeljones3774]

2? Who do you mean?

[@moonmist9]

Stu is Australian, didn't you know? People like you assume too much.

[@anthonyferris8912]

@banksiasong You've made yourself look foolish...But for you it's probably easily done. 😄

[@goldgeologist5320]

Shorter work week hours is not a good thing but 6 day a week with 48 hours is too much. Black economy exists everywhere in the world there is taxation. Which is why governments want digital currency with blockchain so they can track the money. Cash is your friend if you want to participate in black economy practices.

[@moonmist9]

What would you call barter?

[@goldgeologist5320]

@ not efficient hence why currency was invented.

[@dudeleboski2692]

1000 Pesetas= 10 Aussie dollars or 6€