Living in Spain

Why Spain?

Spain is more than a stunning tourist destination; it is a thriving hub of research, innovation and global collaboration. Known for its exceptional food, vibrant culture, diverse landscapes and enviable climate, Spain also stands out as one of Europe’s most dynamic environments for science and innovation. Consistently ranked among the top OECD countries for work-life balance and overall well-being, Spain offers researchers a strong research ecosystem, world-class institutions and a quality of life that supports both professional growth and personal fulfilment.

Cost of living

Spain offers an excellent quality of life with a competitive cost of living, especially compared to some European and international destinations. The cost of living varies depending on region and is typically higher in large metropolitan areas.

According to the Statistics Portal for the region of Murcia, the average expenditure in Spain is between 13,000 EUR and 14,000 EUR per person annually. The average annual salary in Spain in 2023, according to the latest data from Spain’s National Institute of Statistics, was just over 28,000 EUR.

This means that AuSpire’s salaries are competitive and well above the average for postdoctoral researchers in Spain. AuSpire fellows will enjoy a higher standard of living, with not only comfortable housing and health care but also opportunities for travel and leisure. Due to Spain’s cost of living, AuSpire’s salary provides a purchasing power that compares favourably to similar roles in higher-cost locations.

AuSpire positions offer other generous benefits including paid holiday, parental and sick leave and Spanish Social Security coverage.

Research ecosystem

Spanish national agencies such as the Agencia Estatal de Investigación (AEI) and the Fundación Española para la Ciencia y la Tecnología (FECYT) drive progress by supporting scientific excellence and open collaboration across disciplines, ensuring that research in Spain thrives in a supportive, international environment.

Researchers in Spain benefit from clear career paths across universities, research centres and industry. National and European programmes, including the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA), provide opportunities for mobility, advanced training and career development at all stages. To see more about the events and initiatives MSCA coordinates, visit their events website. Adding to this environment Spain hosts the Marie Curie Alumni Association (MCAA) Spain-Portugal Chapter, a vibrant network of over 700 international researchers collaborating, growing and advancing their careers in the region.

Spain actively welcomes researchers from around the world. Through the EURAXESS Spain network, coordinated by FECYT, international scientists get support with visas, relocation, social security and career development. These services ensure that researchers moving to and working in Spain are well-supported. To discover more please visit the Euraxess website.

Through AuSpire, we build on this strong foundation, fostering mobility, innovation and world-class research opportunities in Spain.

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