An American woman moved to Spain and saves thousands a month.

Shawna Lum, 31, is originally from Los Angeles but “completely fell in love” with Spain while doing a semester abroad in 2015. She decided to relocate a year later.

She told the Mail her rent went from £1,550 for a one-bed flat in LA to just £270 a month in a small town just outside Barcelona. Shawna spends another £155 a month on food, which she says is “all organic”.

“The quality of food is much better here – fresh produce, food, and wine at prices that would shock people in the US,” she said. “My overall expenses are much lower than in the US, and I get more for my money.”

Shawna added that she gets “incredible healthcare” that “doesn’t cost a fortune”. She said private insurance costs £54 a month with no copays and no deductibles.

Shawna explained that she was drawn to the “way people socialize, the amazing food,” and how cheap and easy it is to travel to the rest of Europe.

“After studying there, I did not want to go back to my corporate job in the US, but I had a contract signed for that June so I had to go back,” she shared.

“I worked in corporate for 1.5 years before I threw the towel in to live my dream life in Spain again. I kept thinking about Spain and how amazing my experience was and how much happier I was.”

Shawna said that “life seems slower” in Spain, and added that the “work-life balance” is much better: “It’s more about living rather than just working. People prioritize connection and spontaneity (which I am huge about).

“Europeans are always willing and able to grab a coffee with friends, have long meals, and enjoy the outdoors.

“Many like to have no plan versus the US… our whole lives must be planned to a T. I love the concept that Europeans and Spanish people particularly are more at ease with the unknown and let life unfold naturally and calmly and I honestly think that is WAY better on the nervous system.

“Our nervous systems are messed up in the USA with so much go-go-go and stress. The cost of living is lower, the food is fresher, and there’s just an overall better work-life balance.”

“There’s a strong sense of community, which I really appreciate as well as an openness that I have never seen before,’ she continued. “I don’t feel like I am being judged here. Life is not a competition as it is in the USA.”