It’s no secret that Spain is a country where people know how to live well. But here’s something even more impressive: Spain now has the highest life expectancy in Europe, averaging 84 years. If you’re thinking of moving to Spain, retiring here, or simply curious about what makes this lifestyle so special, the numbers are fascinating.
Recent research by Funcas, reported by Sur in English just last week, shows that Spain’s average life expectancy reached 84 years in 2023, which is more than two years longer than the EU average of 81.7 years (Sur in English, Funcas).
There is a slight gender gap which has narrowed over the decades. Spanish women top the entire EU ranking with a life expectancy of 86.7 years, outliving their European neighbours by around 2.4 years. Whereas Spanish men live on average 81.3 years, placing them fifth in Europe but still two years ahead of the EU male average.
Back in 1990, Spanish women lived 7.3 years longer than men. By 2023, that difference dropped to 5.4 years, with men catching up faster.
Regional differences within Spain
Longevity in Spain is not evenly spread. Madrid leads all EU regions with a life expectancy of 86.1 years, followed by Navarre and Castilla y León, which both rank among the European top ten.
Why is life expectancy so high in Spain?
There’s no single reason, but rather a combination of lifestyle, environment, and healthcare:
Mediterranean diet: Fresh fruit and vegetables, olive oil, fish, and a culture of balanced eating support cardiovascular health.
Climate and outdoor living: With mild winters and long summers, life happens outdoors, encouraging more physical activity and social interaction.
Healthcare system: Spain’s public healthcare system is known as one of the best in the world, widely accessible and plays a key role in prevention and treatment. Read more: (Healthcare on the Costa del Sol)
Family and social ties: Only 23% of older Spaniards live alone, compared to 32% across Europe, which means many enjoy the benefits of daily companionship and support.
Of course, challenges remain. The Covid-19 pandemic caused a dip in life expectancy across Europe, and Spain was no exception. And while Spaniards are living longer, maintaining healthy years of life (without disability or chronic illness) will be the real challenge in the decades to come (WHO).
Moving to Spain
Spain’s life expectancy isn’t just a statistic, it’s a reflection of how people live here: close to family, enjoying fresh food, sunshine, and community life. Read more: (The Marbella Effect)
Are you planning a move to Spain, or maybe already looking for a home in Marbella and the Costa del Sol? Panorama has over 55 years of experience in helping people find their dream homes - we’d love to help you find a property where you can enjoy every one of those extra years. For any enquiry, contact us here.
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