MDFIRE2024 wrote:@Dunkelheit
I live in the south of Germany.
How would you rate the quality of life between Germany and Spain? I'm interested, because I think about living in Spain someday. Are there big differences in quality of life in Spain?
As an individual I don't really find it challenging. Well, I guess it is different. I am used to do things for myself, like motivation... It would be difficult for me if I had a girlfriend who doesn't support the FIRE goal at all.
Do you live in Spain right now or are you travelling around?
Cheers
Hi again MDFIRE2024 (nice name!),
Sorry for the delay. I am living right now in Spain. Defining the quality of life is quite subjective, but I will try it. If we talk about weather, food, nature or culture I find Spain superior to Germany, but if we talk about working, burocracy, social system, Germany would be my favourite. IMO, Spain is a great country to retire or to live-with-less, but wouldn't be my option to get the money you need to do it.
Besides, we should differ between the different spanish regions. It is funny, because most of the times I had a conversation with a german, he/she uses to know only some areas of Spain, the south, the islands or the mediterranean coast. These areas share the typical spanish stereotypes: a lot of sun, good food, many tourists...I use to think that most people use to look for what they miss in their countries, and it makes these areas the perfect antipode in contrast with Germany, and just 3 hours away.
North Spain is more similar to Germany. Better organized, better job opportunities, rainy and cold weather, nice landscapes, serious but trustworthy people...
If we look for a balance between the quality to enjoy life and the quality to earn life, I think that Spain is a great option if:
a) You give more importance to enjoying your days than to earning more money.
b) You already have the money you need to live, or you need little money to do it.
c) You can work from anywhere.
I hope that it can help you, although I don't know if my explanation was clarifying or more hesitant, maybe because I wake up each day with the same doubt
Cheers,
Dunkelheit