Spain or Italy – where is the best place to buy a flat and live?

Written by Aleksandra Kobus on 03.10.2025 - 6m reading

Written by Aleksandra Kobus on 03.10.2025 - 6m reading

Are you thinking of buying a property in a warm country and wondering which is the better choice: Italy or Spain? Both countries have a lot to offer, but one of them is better not only for holidays but also for living. Find out more!

Contents:

Spain or Italy – this question is asked not only by holidaymakers, but also by investors who want to buy property abroad. Both countries attract visitors with their picturesque views, architecture, beaches and delicious cuisine. However, one of them is also an excellent location for luxury investments – whether you want to buy an apartment to rent out or a villa for yourself and your family. Where is the better place to live? Spain or Italy – that is the question!

Spain or Italy – the dilemma between sentiment and strategy

The decision to purchase property abroad – especially in the premium market – involves significant financial outlay. When considering which is the better choice – Italy or Spain – there is often a dilemma between the charm of tradition and a wise investment in quality of life and long-term prospects. Considering that you are certainly interested not only in a seaside lifestyle, but also in a stable capital investment, Spain is the more sensible option.

When it comes to a luxury home, you should not be guided solely by your emotions. Of course, the views, culture and available attractions are important, but they should not be the deciding factors. Much more important are hard data, primarily related to the comfort of living, the ease of finding a job and the value of the property – both now and in the future.

Luxury that pays off. Where does your money have greater value?

What should you consider when deciding between Spain and Italy? Both countries use the euro as their official currency, but the cost of living is lower in Spain. As a result, you can enjoy luxury every day without worrying about unnecessary expenses. Real estate is also cheaper, including premium properties equipped with numerous luxury amenities. Prices per square metre in Spain, with a comparable standard and location, are often more competitive than in Italy.

Speaking of real estate, Spain offers a greater number of modern and ready-to-move-in premium villas and apartments. What is more, the choice is extremely diverse – investors can opt for both a flat in a bustling tourist city and a house with a swimming pool in a peaceful natural setting. The Italian property market, on the other hand, often relies on charming and atmospheric properties, but these require costly renovations – from refurbishment to complete refurbishment of the property. You will find different types of properties in both countries, but the construction boom is more noticeable in Spain.

Living costs are also an important factor to consider when deciding where to buy a flat. Italy or Spain – which country is cheaper when it comes to property ownership? Once again, the Iberian Peninsula wins, where you will pay less for:

  • rent,
  • utilities,
  • transport,
  • and certain taxes.

 

Added to this is the issue of a transparent and investor-friendly property purchase process in Spain, which, unlike the complex Italian bureaucracy, ensures peace of mind and security at every stage of the transaction.

Read also: Why are flats in Spain cheap compared to other Western European countries

Although Italy, with its rich cultural heritage and unique atmosphere of historic towns, is rightly considered the cradle of European civilisation, many investors today are looking for more than just romantic scenery. The decision to move is a choice of where to live on a daily basis, not just for holidays.

That is why real comfort becomes the foundation: efficient infrastructure, high-quality medical care and, most importantly, a sense of stability and security in the property market. And it is in these key categories for the future that Spain presents an offer that is hard to match, combining Mediterranean style with modern standards.

Italy or Spain – everyday life. Comfortable integration or a charming challenge?

Investment and financial issues – although among the most important – should go hand in hand with quality of life. And this can vary significantly depending on which country you choose. Spain or Italy – where can you expect better conditions for everyday life? Definitely the former, especially if you decide on one of the luxury enclaves on the Iberian Peninsula, such as the Costa del Sol.

These Spanish enclaves are cosmopolitan centres where you will feel at home from day one. The prevalence of English, the international community and the constant development of the property market for foreign investors – all this and more guarantees that integration after moving will not be a problem for you.

What's more, Spain is also a place where it is much easier to establish business and social contacts. The relaxed approach to life, friendly atmosphere and openness of the local community make it an excellent choice for digital nomads, families with children and even senior citizens. Spain attracts active people with its dynamic environment.
 

Italy or Spain? Everyday life on the Iberian Peninsula is the perfect balance between relaxation and getting things done efficiently, which, contrary to appearances, is extremely important. Italian charm often goes hand in hand with a lack of haste, which can be enjoyable on holiday, but on a daily basis – together with the pace of work in government offices – can be frustrating.

The foundations of comfort, or why modern infrastructure matters

Daily comfort is influenced not only by the community and the prevalence of English, but also by infrastructure. In this category, Spain has a clear advantage, boasting a fast train network, modern airports and fibre optic cables, which have become standard in recent years. Thanks to them, you can enjoy uninterrupted connectivity with the world.

Which country performs better in terms of healthcare – Spain or Italy? Once again, the former wins (albeit slightly), providing top-notch public and private medical care. The same is true for renowned international schools and world-class sports facilities. Together with the Spanish climate, it provides ideal conditions for an active, healthy lifestyle all year round, not just seasonally.

Where is it better to live: Spain or Italy? The verdict

Where to buy a flat? Italy or Spain – which country to choose? Although sunny Italy is a beautiful and romantic destination, ideal for holidays, Spain is a much better option if you care about a comfortable life and a secure long-term investment.

That is why, for many investors who value comfort, modernity and transaction security, Spain proves to be a more pragmatic and satisfying choice. It is in Spain that you can count on modern infrastructure, world-class medical care, low living costs and a Mediterranean lifestyle.

If you want to buy property in Spain, be sure to check out the list of available apartments and villas on the Costa del Sol and Costa Blanca. You will find the best offers straight from the luxury premium market at Elite World Estates. Learn more about the Polish real estate agency in Spain!

TOP TOWNS IN COSTA BLANCA

TOP TOWNS IN COSTA BLANCA

TOP TOWNS IN COSTA BLANCA

TOP TOWNS IN COSTA BLANCA

NOT SURE WHAT YOU ARE LOOKING FOR?

Let us narrow down the search among the properties available through us, by contacting us and finding the best options for you

NOT SURE WHAT YOU ARE LOOKING FOR?

NOT SURE WHAT YOU ARE LOOKING FOR?

NOT SURE WHAT YOU ARE LOOKING FOR?

Send

We are here to help you! Please enter your contact details below and we will contact you as soon as possible.

Let us narrow down the search among the properties available through us, by contacting us and finding the best options for you. 
We are here to help you!
Please enter your contact details below and we will contact you as soon as possible.

Let us narrow down the search among the properties available through us, by contacting us and finding the best options for you. We are here to help you! Please enter your contact details below and we will contact you as soon as possible.

Let us narrow down the search among the properties available through us, by contacting us and finding the best options for you. We are here to help you!
Please enter your contact details below and we will contact you as soon as possible.

ATTENTION: This website uses cookies. You can accept or refuse our cookies by clicking on the buttons below. A refusal will not limit your experience as a visitor. Find out more about the use of cookies by clicking on the "More Information" button below.

Accept
Reject
More information