Question
Moving Back from Spain: How do other expat parents cope with high living costs, remote US work schedules, and family life challenges in Barcelona?
Anyone here living in Spain with kids, and working a US job remotely, and is not super happy? Anyone here considering to move back to the US? Or just confused about what to do?
A bit more info: lived in Spain for a few years in my early twenties (dual citizenship), now in my mid thirties with a husband and a toddler. Moved to Barcelona about six months ago with our US remote jobs. I’m more flexible with my start and end time so I usually start working in the morning, but my husband starts around 2pm (not his choice, he has a lot of calls) and works til 10pm every night, which means I do most of the childcare after picking up our toddler from daycare (so from 4pm til he goes to bed around 8/8:30).
So I feel like I can’t even do much at all, at least not during the week. I’m either working or watching our child (of course I take my child out and sometimes meet other people with him, but I can never just meet a friend for dinner, or get a drink etc).
Second, I knew that Barcelona wouldn’t be cheap but I didn’t expect to pay as much as in the US. Sure, healthcare and childcare are much cheaper, but our rents are actually a lot more expensive, even though we just have a regular apartment. We also only found a short term rental so we had to pay an agency fee and have to move again in a few months. And even IF we pay less here overall, we do pay much higher taxes here.
I’m not glorifying the US at all. There is a reason we left in the first place, and the US is far from perfect. But I have to admit I do miss the space we have in the US, the possibility to have a house and a yard, less crowds, the nature and greenery, the convenience. I can’t help but feel like Spain is a little overrated. Again, I lived in Spain for several years, but that was when I was really young, totally different experience.
At the same time, I also can’t see us just packing up and going back just yet. I wouldn’t even know where in the US we’d go.
Anyone feel the same? Anyone maybe moved to Spain and went back to the US in the end, or is considering it? Why, or why not? Thanks.
Answers
These are the answers from Spainguru’s Facebook group members:
“If you have remote jobs, you don’t need to live in Barcelona. You can have a lovely apartment in a smaller city for less than a thousand euros a month. Or you can go to an urbanization and have a house with a yard, but then you’d need to have a car. In any case, your life would not be better or easier in the US. You would struggle to survive there, and things are sliding into chaos very rapidly there now. You have escaped to a safe place; don’t endanger your child by returning.”
“My wife and I are from the US working remotely with US clients. We have to be available 4p to midnight to be in line with business hours there. Fortunately we do have some flexibility and aren’t tied to a desk the whole time so we’re able to care for our 3 kids (7 year old and twin 2 year olds). It’s definitely difficult and we wish we didn’t have to work in the evenings. But we enjoy Spain and there are too many reasons we left the US to seriously consider returning at this point.
If you’re in temporary housing I would definitely recommend looking at the surrounding towns/cities for housing as they tend to cost less. We are in Premiá de Mar…”
“Agree, Spain is great for holidays especially with an American salary, and you are fortunate because you work for an American company—imagine having a regular Spanish salary!”
“We have a 3-story house with 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 2 gardens, pool, and jacuzzi for €1600 a month, 2 minutes from the beach… perhaps move to a different city?”
“If you’re digital nomads and can live wherever you want, as others have said—why don’t you move somewhere else in Spain? I pay €850 for a three-bedroom house with a large patio. There are lots of alternatives to Barcelona!”
“Life with a toddler is demanding no matter where you live. Add an external job to that and you get (usually) a stressed mom. Go somewhere cheaper. Find a good ‘mother’s helper’ with the extra money you save on rent.”
“It’s not Spain’s fault that US time zones make your schedule tough. Your husband could take mornings for childcare so you have more balance. Also, Spain is big—consider greener and cheaper northern areas.”
“Our friends moved back because the PST hours were not sustainable long-term. Maybe the real issue is the work schedule, not the country.”
“If you like space and a yard, Barcelona is the NYC of Spain. Try anywhere else—there are thousands of gorgeous towns with affordable rents.”
“It sounds like you are lonely in a city surrounded by people. Maybe you’re in the wrong city for this stage of life—consider a smaller, family-friendly area.”
(…and many more community responses highlighting alternative locations, childcare solutions, adjusting work schedules, and the realities of expat life with young children.)
Conclusion
From the conversation, the main theme is that many expats in Spain—especially parents working US hours—find Barcelona one of the most challenging and expensive places to settle. While the city has its charm, its high rent, limited space, and tourist crowds can make family life harder, particularly without a local support network.
Most community members advised not to rush into moving back to the US. Instead, they suggested exploring smaller or more affordable Spanish cities, adjusting work schedules, and arranging childcare to improve quality of life. Towns outside major cities often offer more space, lower rents, and a slower pace, while still allowing access to urban amenities.
Ultimately, moving back from Spain should be a well-considered decision. Many agreed that the challenges described may be tied more to location choice and work patterns than to Spain itself. With adjustments, expat life here can still be rewarding. This article is based on personal opinions from the Spainguru community and is not legal advice.
Join our community!
Spain Immigration and Residency Questions – SpainGuru.es
What should expats consider before making the decision to return to the US from Spain?
Expats should weigh factors such as cost of living, work flexibility, family support, housing options, and lifestyle preferences. Careful planning and exploring alternatives might provide solutions without immediately relocating.
Is it feasible to consider moving back to the US from Spain due to challenges faced?
While moving back to the US is a possibility many consider, community insights suggest exploring options like relocating within Spain or adjusting work arrangements first, as challenges are often related to location and work schedules rather than the country itself.
How do remote US work schedules impact family life for expats in Spain, and what solutions are suggested?
Remote US work schedules often require late-night hours, which can strain family life. Solutions include adjusting work hours where possible, sharing childcare duties, and choosing locations with more convenient time zones or better work-life balance.
What are some recommended alternatives for living in Spain to reduce expenses and improve quality of life?
Expats are advised to consider moving to smaller or less touristy Spanish towns where rents are more affordable, and the environment is more family-friendly, which can enhance their overall living experience.
How do other expat parents manage high living costs and family life challenges in Barcelona?
Many expat parents in Barcelona cope by exploring smaller cities with lower rent, adjusting work schedules, and seeking local childcare solutions, all while considering the balance between cost, lifestyle, and support networks.
