Spain is generally cheaper for food. cf prices Lidl Spain UK more or less equal, France more expensive. 1st class protein chicken, port, fish, more chicken, more pork. There is beef, very little lamb, more chicken, more pork. Tax on wine slightly more in Spain, but tax on spirits is less. If there is a local Coviran very competitive on quality and price plus the benefit of local surplus tomatoes etc. I have seen french cars fill tank and multiple jerry cans with diesel in Spain because 20 – 30 centimes less than in France. My experience is Spanish restaurants cheaper than French BUT it will depend on what and where. Whitegoods are be more expensive (can be 50%) in both France and Spain than UK. Tradesman cheaper in Spain than France and I understand do what the customer wants. Spanish workman work hard. I take my garden equipment from France to Spain for service, cheaper, better work. DIY shops wider range in Spain and France than UK. Spanish prices often cheapest. If there is a Spanish chain and a French chain Expect Spanish chain to be cheaper
Village social life very active especially around Christmas, often several village festivals a year that go on till early hours. Very child focused. The village ladies make a very effective neighborhood watch, they will know the gossip before the misdemeanor has happened
Suggest village rather than villa or apartments ( Little boxes on the hillside, Little boxes made of ticky tacky, Little boxes on the hillside,Little boxes all the same. ) Spanish village houses may not have land registration – do not buy until obtained. Estate agents often handle lets as well as sales. May be possible to rent for a month for the same cost as a gite in France for a week. and staying in the area for one – two months before you make a choice recommended
Rates cheaper in Spain, Solicitors rather than Notaires, Spanish are very friendly. There is a national complaints customer complaints that covers from the service station to solicitiors and accountants, ( try complaining about a Notaire in France)
Spanish traffic police hold spot checks. Spanish pedestrians REQUIRE cars to stop at zebra crossing. Spanish do not drive in your boot. Spanish law has zero tolerance to drink driving.
Have no experience of, but told Portugal worth consideration.
Hope the list of pros useful. The con. Often little outdoor space in a village (there may be a an interior courtyard) and in July and August it is HOT.