A British expat who left the UK for a new life in Spain three years ago has delivered a refreshingly honest assessment of the realities behind the sun-drenched dream. Duncan Ponter, who relocated from Scotland to Spain's Costa Blanca with his wife in 2023, has broken down the pros and cons in a bid to answer the question he is most frequently asked: is life truly better abroad?
The Sunshine Dividend: Weather and Wellbeing
For Duncan and his wife, the decision to move came after their children had grown up and left home, and following the passing of both sets of parents. They settled in Senorio de Roda, a small town roughly an hour from Alicante. The most immediate and impactful change was the climate. The couple now enjoys approximately 320 days of sunshine each year, with very little rainfall.
"It's nothing like we could have ever imagined," Duncan explained on his YouTube channel, 'Move to Spain - Life on the Spanish Costas'. He admits the peak summer months of July and August can be "almost unbearably hot" in southern Spain, but the overall effect on their lifestyle has been profound. "We enjoy the weather in a way I never thought possible," he said, noting it has significantly impacted their wellbeing. The pair now eat outside regularly, take strolls, and engage in outdoor activities that would be far less appealing in Scotland's cooler climate.
Community, Cost, and Public Services
Beyond the weather, Duncan highlighted several other areas where Spain excels. A strong sense of community in their residential development was a welcome surprise. However, the stark difference in the cost of living was a major advantage. He illustrated this with a recent example: a seaside lunch for five people cost just €66 (around £57). "You just can't do that in the UK," he remarked. "It's just become so expensive and cost prohibitive."
The quality of public services also impressed the expat. He praised Spain's healthcare system, where appointments are typically available within 48 hours and test results arrive within a fortnight. Duncan also stated he doesn't mind paying slightly higher income tax, as he sees the funds being "used to good effect," citing great council services and well-maintained roads without potholes.
The Trade-Offs: What You Miss When You Live the Dream
Life on the Costa Blanca isn't without its compromises. In a surprising admission, Duncan confessed that he and his wife miss going on holiday. "We used to love travelling and seeing new places," he explained. "But we've just got out of the habit of that when we've got the beach on the doorstep and the sunshine every day. It is completely different when you live here to when you go on holiday."
To maintain family connections, they visit Scotland twice a year—once in summer and again at Christmas—and have established a weekly FaceTime call with their children. They find flights can be remarkably affordable when booked outside of peak seasons.
Reflecting on the complete lifestyle shift, Duncan addressed the "elephant in the room." Taking into account the weather, community spirit, feeling of safety, health service, cost of living, and overall lifestyle, he firmly believes they have achieved a better quality of life. His final verdict was measured but positive: "So it's not perfect, but we just have a really nice life here."
