Living in Mallorca: The Honest Pros and Cons
People ask me all the time whether living in Mallorca is as good as it looks.
My honest answer: it’s better in some ways and harder in others. I’ve lived here since December 2022, and I’d make the same choice again. But I’d go in with clearer eyes. So here’s the full picture, good and bad.
- Sunshine all year
- Sea and mountains close by
- A slower, outdoor life
- Easy flights to the rest of Europe
- High rents, few rentals
- Wages that don’t keep up
- Crowded summers, quiet winters
- Lots of paperwork
It suits people who bring their income with them and love nature more than city life.
The Pros of Living in Mallorca
The Light and the Weather
Palma averages 11 hours of sunshine a day in July, and almost 5 even in December (AEMET data).
After years of grey German winters, this is what I’d miss most.
Sea and Mountains, Both Close
The sea is never far, and the Serra de Tramuntana, a UNESCO World Heritage site, gives you hiking routes for a lifetime.
Hiking is one of my favorite things about living here.
A Slower, Outdoor Life
Life happens outside: markets, terraces, evening walks, long lunches.
Kids grow up on beaches and in village squares.
Easy to Reach the Rest of Europe
Palma’s airport has direct flights to many European cities.
Visiting family or flying in for work is usually simple, except in the quietest winter weeks.
Local and International Life
You can live among Mallorcans in a village or join the big international community around Palma and the southwest. Most people end up with a bit of both.
The Cons of Living in Mallorca
Housing Is Expensive and Scarce
This is the biggest one. Much of the island is rented to tourists, so long-term rentals go fast.
How to find a long-term rental →Wages Don’t Match the Rent
Many local jobs are in tourism and pay less than in Germany or the UK. That’s why so many people bring their income with them.
How people earn a living here →Summers Are Crowded
In July and August, beaches, roads and towns fill up, and many locals are tired of mass tourism. You learn when and where to go.
Winters Are Very Quiet
Many coastal restaurants close from November to spring, and houses can be cold inside. Some love the calm, others feel lonely.
What winter is really like →Paperwork Takes Patience
Even as an EU citizen, my NIE and padrón took far longer than expected, mostly because nobody explains the order.
Get the free checklist →Two Languages
Spanish gets you through daily life, but many locals speak Mallorquí, and public schools teach mostly in Catalan.
You’ll Probably Need a Car
Palma has good buses, but outside the city most people rely on a car.
Island Life Can Feel Small
After a while you notice you’re on an island. A trip to the mainland now and then helps more than you’d think.
Pros and Cons at a Glance
| + Pros | − Cons |
|---|---|
| Sunshine all year | High rents, few long-term rentals |
| Sea and mountains nearby | Lower local wages |
| Slow, outdoor life | Crowded summers |
| Good flights to Europe | Quiet, cold winters |
| Local and international community | Paperwork and two languages |
Who Living in Mallorca Suits
A Good Fit If You…
- Work remotely or bring your own income
- Love nature and a slower pace
- Don’t mind quiet winters
- Are willing to learn Spanish
Think Twice If You…
- Need a local job to pay a high rent
- Love big-city life
- Can’t be far from family
Before you decide, spend two weeks here in February, not August. If you still love it then, you’ll love it all year.
FAQ
Is Mallorca a Good Place to Live?
Mallorca is a good place to live if you value sunshine, nature and a slower pace, and can handle high rents, crowded summers and quiet winters.
Is Moving to Mallorca a Good Idea?
Moving to Mallorca is a good idea if you can bring your own income or find work that covers the rent, and you’re ready for slow paperwork and quiet winters. Spend some time here in low season before you decide.
Is It Expensive to Live in Mallorca?
Living in Mallorca is expensive mainly because of rent. Groceries, eating out and transport often cost less than in Germany, the UK or the US.
What Are the Downsides of Living in Mallorca?
The main downsides of living in Mallorca are expensive and scarce housing, lower local wages, summer crowds, quiet winters and slow paperwork.