I left Florida for Spain. It’s cheaper, but I miss being able to order from Amazon.
In a bold leap towards a more fulfilling life, Jennifer Cody Kemp, a 53-year-old marketing specialist from Florida, has embraced the digital nomad lifestyle by relocating to Alicante, Spain. Inspired by her travels and a desire for adventure, Kemp’s decision was spurred by the rising cost of living in the U.S. and a longing to escape the relentless grind of corporate life. After a transformative trip to Egypt, where she felt a stark contrast between her vacation bliss and her corporate responsibilities, Kemp realized that life is too short to remain on the proverbial “hamster wheel.” With the encouragement of her financial advisor, who confirmed her financial readiness for this significant change, she set her sights on Spain, a country that had captivated her during previous visits.
Kemp’s transition involved selling her home in Florida and securing a digital nomad visa, which allowed her to settle in the picturesque city of Alicante. The financial benefits of living in Spain were immediately apparent; her new two-bedroom apartment costs $925 a month, significantly less than her previous mortgage. Furthermore, the absence of hefty housing taxes and the availability of universal healthcare in Spain have eased her financial burden. Daily expenses, such as groceries and dining out, are also much lower, allowing her to enjoy a glass of wine for just $3.50 and buy two dozen eggs for $2.50. This newfound financial freedom has enabled Kemp to explore her surroundings, meet new people, and enjoy a more leisurely lifestyle.
However, adapting to the slower pace of life in Spain has presented its own challenges. Kemp has found it essential to embrace the local culture of “tranquilo,” which encourages relaxation and patience—qualities that starkly contrast with the fast-paced, immediate gratification culture she experienced in the U.S. Adjusting to the Spanish siesta and the limited hours of operation for shops requires a shift in mindset, but Kemp is learning to appreciate the benefits of slowing down. As she navigates the nuances of her new life, including the occasional frustration of finding specific products, she has discovered a deeper sense of happiness and fulfillment. Kemp’s journey illustrates the transformative power of stepping outside one’s comfort zone and embracing a life that prioritizes joy and well-being over the relentless pursuit of success.
Jennifer Cody Kemp is living the good life in Alicante, Spain.
Courtesy of Jennifer Cody Kemp
Jennifer Cody Kemp left her home in Florida to become a digital nomad in southern Spain.
The marketing specialist was motivated by adventure and the lower cost of living in Europe.
She found it difficult to transition from “running on a hamster wheel” to a slower pace of life.
This story is based on a conversation with marketing specialist Jennifer Cody Kemp, 53, a mother of one, who lives in Alicante, Spain. It has been edited for length and clarity.
My mind was racing wildly as I waited at the Cairo airport for my flight back to the US in October 2024.
I’d spent nearly two weeks on a girls’ trip to Egypt: the thought of returning to everyday life and my corporate job in
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
, filled me with dread.
I wondered if I should make a permanent move abroad
A voice in my head said, “You don’t have to stay on the hamster wheel and deserve to be happy.” My thoughts went back and forth. My cost of living was getting ridiculous in the US, and the more money I made, the more money I needed.
I’d traveled all over the world and particularly enjoyed visiting Europe, where things were cheaper, more fun, and less demanding. What if I made a permanent move to one of my favorite countries, Spain?
TJTJ
Courtesy of Jennifer Cody Kemp
First, I booked an appointment with my
financial advisor
to review the numbers. He said I’d set myself up well for the change, and there was absolutely no reason for me to put it off.
Do you have a story about life as an expat? Please send details to jridley@insider.com
He understood when I said I didn’t want to work another 15 years and miss out on the things I wanted to do right now. My father died at just 67 in 2020. I’d already lost a couple of friends who were my age, too.
Next, I sought advice from the online agency
Move Overseas Now
to secure a
digital nomad
visa in Spain.
I decided to live in Alicante on the Costa Blanca
I quit my job, which I’d held for 28 years, in April of this year, put my 2,600-square-foot, four-bedroom house on the market, and flew to Europe the following month. My son, Mark, 24, joined me for a long vacation.
I decided to settle in the
city of Alicante
, on the Costa Blanca, in southern Spain, because of its great climate and the nearby beaches and mountains.
Cody Kemp kayaking with her son, Mark, 24, in Europe.
Courtesy of Jennifer Cody Kemp
My first step was to rent a 1,300-square-foot, two-bedroom apartment in the city center. It costs the equivalent of $925 a month, compared to my mortgage in Florida, which was $1,600.
I was glad to no longer pay my annual $7,300 housing tax, nor my $450-a-month health insurance, co-pays, and referral fees. Spain has a universal healthcare system.
A glass of wine costs the equivalent of $3.50
Giving up my car saved me $450 a month in motor
vehicle insurance
. People walk everywhere in Alicante. And it’s a 12-minute bus ride from my home to the beach.
You can enjoy a glass of wine here for the equivalent of $3.50, and groceries are significantly less expensive. For example, I recently bought two dozen eggs for $2.50, compared to the $12 I spent in the US.
Cody Kemp
Courtesy of Jennifer Cody Kemp
My income — generated from my work with individual clients, including a
publishing company
— goes a lot further. I can eat out when I like, which is a great opportunity to meet new people.
I’m single and use
dating apps
, but I much prefer to start a conversation with someone in a restaurant or bar instead. It comes more easily in Spain.
You need to be patient in Spain
Still, it hasn’t all been plain sailing. The biggest challenge was adjusting to the so-called “tranquilo” lifestyle, which is designed to promote relaxation and calmness.
The culture I experienced in the US was immediate gratification. If I wanted something, I could order it on Amazon. The item could be there the same day, or at least two days later. Here, you’ve got to learn patience and wait.
Many stores in Florida are open 24 hours a day. The Spanish siesta usually lasts two or three hours. There’ll be a sign on the door saying, “We’ll be back at 5 p.m.”
Cody Kemp lives a 12-minute bus ride from the beach.
Courtesy of Jennifer Cody Kemp
Most supermarkets are closed on Wednesdays, so it’s best to do your shopping by Tuesday night.
It can also be frustrating to find the products that you want. But it pays to have a sense of humor about it. I don’t drink regular coffee — I only drink
mushroom coffee
— and had used up the 90-day supply I’d bought from home.
I visited various stores to see if anyone stocked it. I joked that my day couldn’t get started without a mushroom coffee. Nobody knew what I was even talking about.
As the months have passed, I’m learning to take a deep breath and slow myself down, just as the locals do. It’s good for your soul, and I’ve never felt happier.
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Business Insider
