A Cuban woman took to TikTok to share how her life transformed after her husband moved from the United States to join her in Spain. Her story, which has sparked a wide array of reactions, highlights a common sentiment among migrants: though they may earn less, the quality of life in Europe is often superior.
The TikTok user @melany_mena14 posted a video detailing the changes in her life since her husband decided to leave the U.S. to be with her in Spain. She recalls people questioning his choice, saying things like, "Spain? It's just like Cuba with development. You're crazy to leave the U.S. for Spain." Despite these comments, she explains that he felt isolated in America and chose Spain to stay together. "He had no one there; he was alone. At least here, we are together," she elaborated.
While acknowledging that "you earn a lot in the U.S.," she emphasizes that "expenses are equally high." In their European life, "with the little money my husband makes, we live well." They may not take extravagant trips, but they enjoy "small luxuries that were unaffordable in the U.S., like dining out, going to the movies, and spending time together."
Her testimony has garnered support, with many echoing similar experiences. Some users agreed that, although the U.S. offers higher salaries, it comes with greater stress. "Here in the U.S., it's all about debt and stress," one user commented, while another noted, "In the U.S., you live to work and pay bills, and it’s never enough."
Questions about immigration processes also arose, like whether American residency could lead to Spanish residency. The creator admitted she believes it might be possible but was not certain.
This type of content is increasingly common on social media, where more Latin American migrants share how their priorities shifted after relocating to Europe. In other viral accounts, former U.S. residents highlight how daily stress, high living costs, and lack of free time diminish life quality, despite higher earnings.
A Puerto Rican living in Galicia shared how grocery shopping transformed from a daunting task to a favorite pastime, enjoying fresh products and cooking more delightfully while spending less. Similarly, a newly arrived Cuban woman described her first day in Spain as "a movie," amazed by the variety of available goods and services.
Other stories delve into work life in Spain, even from those in less-than-ideal jobs. A Cuban doctor now cleaning houses justified her choice, stating she emigrated out of necessity and prefers peace and security over a perfect job. "I'll do whatever it takes to put food on the table, and I won’t go back," she declared firmly.
These narratives reveal a trend: more migrants are prioritizing family time, peace, access to basic services, and cultural closeness over the higher economic gains offered in the United States.
Understanding Migrant Experiences Between the U.S. and Spain
Why did the Cuban woman's husband leave the United States?
He left the United States to be with his wife in Spain, as he felt isolated and alone there.
How do the couple's experiences in Spain differ from those in the U.S.?
In Spain, they live well on less money and enjoy small luxuries like dining out and spending time together, which were unaffordable in the U.S. despite higher earnings.
What common concerns do people have about moving from the U.S. to Europe?
Many worry about the financial implications and cultural adjustments, but find that quality of life improvements, like reduced stress and closer family ties, outweigh financial concerns.