NLVNet Life Value

Moving from
to

Complete relocation analysis: taxes, real prices, quality of life, and what salary to ask for.

The verdict

Italy is 10% more expensive. Tax rate goes from 24.1% to 29.3%. Quality of life drops by 5 points.

An analysis of Italy versus Spain shows Spain with a distinct lead in quality of life at 68/100, five points above Italy's 63/100. The climate emerges as a primary differentiator, with Spain scoring 74 (average 15.5°C) against Italy's 63 (average 14°C), reflecting Spain's generally warmer conditions. Taxation presents another notable gap, albeit smaller, with Spain's score of 31 surpassing Italy's 26, suggesting a slightly less burdensome tax regime. Both nations are closely matched on cost of living, with Italy at 66 and Spain at 70, indicating similar affordability. Spain also offers marginally higher safety (87 vs 85) and healthcare quality (66 vs 62).

Spain is the clear winner, primarily driven by its superior climate and marginally better scores across taxation, safety, and healthcare.

Moving to Italy? NLV varies by city.

Rome51Florence50Milan46

Tax Comparison

At $36,517 USD equivalent gross salary

🇪🇸 Spain

Gross€33,502
Income Tax-€5,951
Social-€2,127
Net€25,424
Effective Rate24.1%

🇮🇹 Italy

Gross€33,502
Income Tax-€6,411
Social-€3,414
Net€23,677
Effective Rate29.3%

Net difference: $1,903/year in Italy.Full calculator →

What Things Actually Cost

Price Index: Spain = 81, Italy = 89 (US = 100)

🍔

Big Mac

$5.10→$5.20
+2%
☕

Starbucks Tall Latte

$3.80→$4.20
+11%
🍺

Beer 500ml (bar)

$4.50→$6.00
+33%
📱

iPhone 16 128GB

$900.00→$900.00
0%
🎬

Netflix Standard (monthly)

$12.99→$12.99
0%
⛽

1L Gasoline (95)

$1.65→$1.90
+15%
🚇

Single Transit Ticket

$1.70→$2.00
+18%
🏠

Airbnb Studio (city center)

$80.00→$85.00
+6%
See all 30 products →

What Salary to Ask For

If you earn €33,502 gross in Spain ($36,517USD), here's what you need in Italy depending on your goal:

Same net income (tax only)

€36,620

You keep the same $27,712/yr net in both countries. But Italy taxes 6.6% more.

Same purchasing power (recommended)

€40,237

Accounts for the fact that Italy is 10% more expensive than Spain. This is the number to negotiate.

Net Life Value at $37K

🇪🇸 Spain

56

-6

🇮🇹 Italy

50

NLV combines net income, cost of living, and quality of life into one score. Your overall quality of life may decrease — but other factors (visa, climate, lifestyle) might compensate.

Calculate with your exact salary →

Quality of Life

Spain: 68/100 vs Italy: 63/100

Cost of Living
70
66
-4
Climate
74
63
-11
Safety
87
85
-2
Healthcare
66
62
-4
Internet
76
73
-3
Taxation
31
26
-5

Moving to Italy: Practicalities

Visa Openness

55/100

English Level

48/100

Expat Community

10.5%

Digital Nomad Visa

Available

Frequently Asked Questions

How much tax do I save moving from Spain to Italy?▾
The effective tax rate changes from 24.1% in Spain to 29.3% in Italy. You keep about $1,903.22 less per year in Italy.
Is Italy cheaper to live in than Spain?▾
No. Italy is about 10% more expensive across 30 everyday products. Budget accordingly.
What salary do I need in Italy to match my lifestyle in Spain?▾
Use our salary calculator to find the exact amount. It accounts for income tax, social contributions, and cost of living differences between Spain and Italy. As a rule of thumb: a similar gross salary should maintain your lifestyle.
Is it worth moving from Spain to Italy?▾
It depends on your priorities. The financial difference is small. Consider quality of life, climate, healthcare, and personal factors.

Also Consider

🇪🇸 → 🇺🇸 United States🇪🇸 → 🇬🇧 United Kingdom🇪🇸 → 🇫🇷 France🇪🇸 → 🇩🇪 Germany🇪🇸 → 🇵🇹 Portugal🇪🇸 → 🇳🇱 Netherlands