A man from Britain has shared the numerous advantages of relocating to Spain while still commuting to his job in the UK, despite the nearly 1000-mile distance.
Ethan discussed his decision-making process before undertaking the significant life change.
For most individuals, an ideal commute involves minimizing travel time as much as possible.
While this is not always achievable, one British man’s unconventional commuting strategy might intrigue you once he explains his rationale.
At 33, Ethan Spibey moved to Barcelona, Spain, with his husband Soren Scharf, 35, in May of the previous year.
In December 2024, the former PR director made the decision to leave his full-time position in London.
Half a year later, Ethan and Soren sold their semi-detached property in Lewisham and started renting a penthouse duplex in Barcelona for £1,700 ($2,273.94) per month – significantly less than their previous £2,500 ($3,344.03) monthly mortgage.
After establishing his own business to offer communications training to clients throughout the UK, Ethan now works remotely from Barcelona, although his business operates out of London.
He only travels back to the UK for meetings a couple of times each month, a transition he now appreciates.
Fluent in Spanish, Ethan explained: “I studied in Barcelona, and we’d come back here every single year.
“I did a logistics check. The criteria were: can I fly back to London regularly, are there flights? There are about 25 flights a day to London.
“Is it economically possible? Is it mentally and physically exhausting to do so?
“Barcelona seemed like a great option. Frankly, it’s cheaper than some of my colleagues who used to commute from Reading.”
Ethan elaborated not only on the work-related advantages but also on the improvements in his lifestyle.
He stated: “It’s not even just the big costs – it’s far cheaper to live, the housing is cheaper than London, but it’s everything else.
“The quality of great food, great fruit and veg – going out for dinners and lunches, which I’d never have done in London.
“It is just a completely different quality of life.
“I was just ready for a change after 12 years in London.
“Our food bill has plummeted – you can’t go to Tesco without spending £50 ($66.87) on dinner somehow it seems; the quality and standard of food here is far better.”