| Moving abroad from the U.S. with kids takes a lot of planning. |
When I tell people I moved to Spain with my two daughters (now 5 and 11) on a **student visa**, the reactions range from “You’re so brave!” to “Wait… how did you do that with kids?!”.
The truth? I planned! I started my research on moving abroad as soon as the political climate was changing (again) and Kamala Harris lost the election. With growing safety concerns in the U.S. and the economy becoming increasingly difficult, and the real threat of women’s rights reverting, I decided to leave the U.S., but Trump’s win was the little push I needed to go from, can I move abroad? To how and when.
Everything going on was keeping me up at night. I wanted a childhood for my girls where they could walk to school, play outside, and just *be kids* without that constant, familiar anxiety many parents in the U.S. feel every day and are growing accustomed to. It is not right. It’s not okay to kiss your kid goodbye at drop-off, praying it won’t be the last time. The cost of living was becoming increasingly high. Regular things started feeling like luxuries, and I didn’t want to give them up. I knew we deserved better.
I am so glad I followed my heart, and now, with a growing community of 6k+ moms on TikTok following our life as a U. S. family living in Spain, I share the behind-the-scenes of what it’s really like to move abroad with kids. The good, the stressful, the beautiful, and the challenging.
If you’re considering moving to Spain with your family, this is the realistic, mom-to-mom guide you need.
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1. Real talk: Save your money! Money gives you access and reduces the stress of moving abroad. We didn’t like our chosen #1 option (Zaragoza) and went to check out our #2 choice, Alicante. Thankfully, we never had to make it to our #3 option, Valencia.
The Real Cost of Living in Spain for American Families (Housing, Healthcare, Food & More)
Spain can be incredibly affordable compared to the United States, if you move to the right cities or towns. Living in Madrid or Barcelona will feel like New York City or San Francisco to your budget. So keep that in mind.
Affordability is one of the reasons so many American expat families and people living in the United States choose Spain. But the true “cost of living in Spain” depends on your city, lifestyle, and how attached you are to American conveniences.
Housing in Spain (What to Expect as an Expat Mom)
If you’re researching: family housing in Spain, ignore the Airbnbs. They’re not real long-term prices.
Here’s what the average rents actually look like:
Madrid & Barcelona family apartments:** €1,100–€2,500
* **Valencia, Málaga, Sevilla:** €700–€1,500
* **Smaller towns / coastal areas:** €400–€1,000
But here’s the kicker: finding housing as an American on a student visa takes patience. Spanish landlords prefer long-term residents and stable income proof, so expect:
* Extra deposits
* Paperwork (so much paperwork)
* Slow replies
I talk about this process more in my **Moving to Spain Housing Guide for Families**.
Healthcare in Spain (Why So Many Moms Move Here)
One of the biggest perks of living in Spain as an American family is the healthcare system.
In Spain:
* Private health insurance: €40–€80/month
* Pediatric visits: €0–€30
* Dental cleanings: around €50
* Public healthcare is accessible and of high quality for residents
Compared to U.S. healthcare, it feels like stepping into an alternate universe where medical care doesn’t make you broke. It’s not supposed to!
Food & Groceries (Family-Friendly & Affordable)
A huge win for American moms living in Spain is the quality and cost of food.
No preservatives, healthy, no GMO.
Groceries for a family of three? Around **€40–€70’per week
Eating out in Spain is also affordable:
* Menu del día (lunch specials): €10–€17
* Family dinners out: much cheaper than in the U.S.
Plus, kids here eat real meals. Fresh fish, soups, and vegetables. It’s part of why many families rave about the kid-friendly lifestyle in Spain.
Transportation (You Probably Won’t Need a Car)
If you want a car, however, prepare to take a very extensive exam (many don’t pass on the first try). You will have to go to driving school. Your U. S. driver’s license won’t transfer to Spain.
If you’re planning to move to Spain with kids, know this: Most Spanish cities are very walkable. Public transportation is clean, safe, affordable, and kid-friendly.
Monthly passes average €20–€55, depending on the city.
No car = huge savings.
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2. How to Handle U.S. Taxes While Living in Spain (Without Losing It)
When becoming an American expat in Spain, the tax part is what most families feel anxious about, but don’t worry, it’s manageable.
What to Know About U.S. Taxes as an American Living Abroad
* You still file U.S. taxes every year
* You may need to file an **FBAR** if your foreign bank accounts exceed $10,000
* Spain taxes based on residency, not nationality
* The U.S.–Spain tax treaty helps avoid double taxation
* The **Foreign Earned Income Exclusion** may apply
* The **Foreign Tax Credit** can prevent paying double
I recommend a tax professional who specializes in expat tax filing. Regular U.S. CPAs usually aren’t trained in this.
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3. Banking, Investing & International Money Transfers for American Expats in Spain
This is the part no one warns you about when you’re Googling: how to move to Spain with kids.
Banking in Spain as an American
You’ll need:
* Passport
* NIE number
* A Spanish address
Some banks are easier for expats, while others make it feel like solving a bilingual escape room. Check out this post I made about my experience on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@yourmomfriendv/video/7549088146177133854
Sending Money From the U.S. to Spain
Absolutely avoid your U.S. bank’s international wire transfers.
Most **Americans living in Spain** use:
* Wise
* Revolut
* XE
These offer the best exchange rates for international money transfers.
Investing as an American Abroad (Read This Twice)
Many Spanish investment platforms won’t accept U.S. citizens because of FATCA.
Most Americans in Spain stick with:
* Existing U.S. brokerage accounts
* IRAs/401(k)s
* U.S.-based ETFs (if purchased before moving)
If you’re moving long-term, consider talking to a cross-border financial advisor (yes, that’s a thing).
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4. Lifestyle Pros & Cons of Living in Spain as an American Mom
This is where moving abroad with kids becomes real.
The Pros (Why Spain Is Amazing for Kids)
If you’re searching for the best countries for families, Spain deserves to be on your list:
* Extremely safe for kids
* Schools encourage independence
* Affordable healthcare
* A strong community vibe
* Kids are included in everything, dinners, festivals, late nights
* Slow, joyful, connected living
My girls walk ahead of me without fear. We stroll to school. We eat churros at a packed playground at 9 p.m. Life feels lighter here.
The Cons (Because Moving Abroad Isn’t Instagram Perfect)
* Spanish bureaucracy will test your patience (Cita previa (appointment) for EVERYTHING)
* Language barriers are real
* Businesses close during siesta and on Sundays (and you will never remember)
* Kids stay up way later
* Everything takes longer
But even with the frustrations, the quality of life in Spain for families is worth it.
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5. Should Your Family Move to Spain? My Honest Advice as a Mom Abroad
Moving abroad is not a perfect fairytale, but it IS doable, beautiful, and life-changing.
Ask yourself:
* Do you want a safer, slower childhood for your kids?
* Are you open to a new culture and learning a new language?
* Can you handle the messy middle of starting over?
* Do you have a plan? or do you need help creating one?
This blog, my TikTok, and all my digital guides were created to help families like yours.
I want you to feel confident, supported, and informed as you plan your move.
I’m living it, raising two girls here, and sharing everything I learn along the way so you can feel empowered instead of overwhelmed.
Book a 1:1 call with me, if you have questions or need to set a plan.
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