Spain or Turkey: Where is It Better to Live?

When choosing a Mediterranean country to call home—whether as a full-time resident, retiree, or seasonal expat—the two countries that frequently top the list are Spain and Turkey. With sunny coastlines, rich cultures, and relatively affordable lifestyles, both offer a unique charm that attracts global citizens.

But if you’re asking yourself: Spain or Turkey—where is it better to live? The answer depends on your priorities. Are you looking for low property prices, excellent healthcare, a peaceful retirement, or vibrant city life? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the pros and cons of living in Spain versus Turkey across the most important aspects, including holiday homes, climate and culture, cost of living, property prices, healthcare, and more.

Buying a Holiday Home: Spain or Turkey?

Both Spain and Turkey are popular destinations for those looking to own a holiday home by the sea. However, the appeal, style, and cost of properties in each country vary significantly.

Spain has long been a hotspot for second homes among European buyers, especially in the Costa del Sol, Costa Blanca, and Balearic Islands. From beachfront apartments to rustic villas, the variety suits many tastes. If you're considering a summer escape, buying a holiday home in Spain offers a balanced lifestyle with reliable rental potential.

For a complete overview of what to expect, this guide on a second home in Spain explains the legal and lifestyle aspects in detail.

In Turkey, the holiday home market is booming due to its excellent value and straightforward buying process for foreigners. Popular locations include Bodrum, Fethiye, Alanya, and Kaş, where you can enjoy scenic beaches, historical towns, and a lower cost of living. Whether for personal use or rental income, buying a holiday home in Turkey is a smart option for many expats.

Discover ideal coastal towns in our blog on peaceful cities to buy a summer house in Turkey.

Landscapes, Weather, and Culture

Spain and Turkey are both blessed with geographical and cultural diversity, making them desirable for different reasons.

Spain boasts beautiful beaches, lively cities, and iconic landmarks such as Barcelona's Sagrada Familia, the Alhambra in Granada, and the bustling streets of Madrid. The Mediterranean coastline enjoys hot summers and mild winters, especially in southern regions like Andalusia.

Turkey offers a fascinating blend of continents and cultures. From the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia to the ancient city of Ephesus and the vibrant metropolis of Istanbul, the country is filled with historical marvels. Coastal towns like Antalya and Izmir enjoy a Mediterranean climate, while central Anatolia experiences more continental weather patterns.

Daily Life: Mediterranean Vibes in Spain and Turkey

Both Spain and Turkey offer a relaxed lifestyle that appeals to retirees, remote workers, and families alike. Life moves slower, with long meals, sunny afternoons, and an emphasis on social gatherings.

In Spain, life revolves around family, food, and sunshine. Many expats enjoy the relaxed pace, long lunches, and emphasis on social life. The best cities to live in Spain—such as Málaga or Alicante—combine urban amenities with a laid-back vibe.

In Turkey, daily life is equally warm and welcoming. From sipping Turkish tea on a terrace to shopping at local bazaars, the culture values the community. The coastal towns are particularly calm and perfect for a slow, seaside lifestyle. The expat life in Turkey often includes friendly neighbors, fresh produce markets, and a close connection to nature.

Healthcare in Focus: Access, Quality, and Cost

Healthcare in Spain is ranked among the best in the world. Residents and legal long-term visa holders have access to the public healthcare system, which offers high standards of care. Private healthcare is also affordable and often used to supplement public services.

The healthcare system in Turkey has made substantial improvements over the past two decades. While public healthcare is available, many expats opt for private hospitals, which are modern, efficient, and relatively inexpensive. Affordable healthcare in Turkey makes it a strong contender for retirees or families.

Comparing Daily Expenses: Which Country is More Affordable?

Spain

Wondering how much it costs to live in Spain? While still affordable by Western European standards, the cost of living in Spain is generally higher than in Turkey. Major cities like Madrid and Barcelona come with a bigger price tag, but there are plenty of cheap places to live in Spain, particularly in inland provinces or smaller coastal towns away from tourist hubs.

According to Numbeo (2025), monthly expenses (excluding rent) for a single person in Spain average between €800 and €1,000. For a family of four, the cost of life in Spain is estimated at around €2,906. Prices rise noticeably in popular tourist destinations, whereas rural and inland areas remain much more affordable.

Turkey

Is it expensive to live in Turkey? Not at all. Life expenses in Turkey are significantly lower compared to Spain. A single person can live comfortably on €500–€700 per month (excluding rent), particularly in budget-friendly cities like Antalya, Mersin, or Bursa.

From utilities and groceries to transportation and eating out, everyday costs remain low, making Turkey especially appealing for retirees, digital nomads, and remote workers. To illustrate, Madrid is currently 38.2% more expensive than Istanbul (excluding rent), highlighting just how much more affordable life expenses in Turkey can be.

Real Estate Overview: What to Expect in 2025

Spain's property market offers strong long-term value. While major cities and popular coasts like Marbella or Palma de Mallorca are more expensive, there are still affordable options in regions like Murcia and Valencia.

Turkey's property market, meanwhile, continues to attract foreign buyers thanks to its low entry prices and flexible investment laws. Coastal regions such as Antalya, Alanya, and Bodrum offer attractive modern apartments and villas at a fraction of the price of Western Europe.

If you're considering a move, both countries offer appealing opportunities, but Turkey remains more budget-friendly for most buyers.

Retiring Comfortably: Spain or Turkey?

Retiring in Spain has long been a favorite among European pensioners. With a mild climate, modern infrastructure, and excellent healthcare, it's easy to see why. The country also offers a non-lucrative visa for retirees, and after five years of residency, you can apply for permanent residency.

Spain's healthcare system is especially attractive for retirees—public care is free or low-cost, and private care is widely accessible. These advantages make retirement in Spain a stable and comfortable option.

Retiring in Turkey is also gaining popularity due to the cost advantages, natural beauty, and welcoming lifestyle. The residence permit process is relatively easy, and retirees enjoy access to both public and private healthcare. For those making a significant real estate purchase, Turkey also offers a pathway to citizenship.

Visa & Residency for Retirees

• Spain

Retiring in Spain is a well-trodden path for European and North American expats. The Spanish non-lucrative visa is ideal for retirees, allowing you to live in Spain without working. After five years, you can apply for permanent residency.

• Turkey

Retiring in Turkey is even easier. The Turkish residence permit is straightforward to apply for, and renewable annually or biannually. Those who invest in Turkey property of $400,000+ can also apply for Turkey citizenship by property investment.

Investment Opportunities in Spain and Turkey

Property investment in Spain is well established, particularly in tourist-heavy regions. It offers stable long-term returns and rental income opportunities, especially in high-demand coastal and urban areas.

Turkey's investment market is dynamic, with growing tourism and urban development. For foreign investors, the combination of low prices and high demand makes it an attractive option. Buying investment property in Turkey can also support a citizenship application, making it a strategic move for investors.

If you're interested in finding an investment property for sale in Spain or exploring how to invest in Turkey property, both markets offer exciting potential based on your goals.

Where is it Better to live?

So, Spain or Turkey—where is it better to live? The choice depends on what matters most to you:

• Choose Spain for stronger public services, EU residency benefits, and a vibrant urban culture.
• Choose Turkey for affordability, flexible residency options, and investment opportunities.

Wherever you choose, both countries offer beautiful lifestyles that embrace the sun, sea, and serenity of Mediterranean living.

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