Moving from to
Complete relocation analysis: taxes, real prices, quality of life, and what salary to ask for.
The verdict
United States is 23% more expensive. Tax rate goes from 24.1% to 15.8%. Quality of life drops by 5 points.
Comparing Spain and the United States reveals Spain holding an advantage in overall Quality of Life, scoring 68/100 against the US's 63/100. A critical difference lies in safety, where Spain's score of 87 significantly outperforms the US's 62, a substantial 25-point gap indicating a safer environment. Taxation presents another major differentiator; the US scores 63 compared to Spain's 31, representing a 32-point difference where the US tax environment is notably more favorable. While Spain's price level is 78 against the US's 100, making it generally more affordable, this only translates to an 11-point difference in cost of living (Spain 70, US 59). Healthcare in Spain, at 66, also slightly edges out the US's 59. Climate scores are relatively close, Spain at 74 (15.5°C) and the US at 64 (14°C).
Spain emerges as the stronger option, primarily driven by its significantly higher safety rating and more accessible cost of living.
Moving to United States? NLV varies by city.
Tax Comparison
At $36,517 USD equivalent gross salary
🇪🇸 Spain
🇺🇸 United States
Net difference: +$3,047/year in United States.Full calculator →
What Things Actually Cost
Price Index: Spain = 81, United States = 100 (US = 100)
Big Mac
Starbucks Tall Latte
Beer 500ml (bar)
iPhone 16 128GB
Netflix Standard (monthly)
1L Gasoline (95)
Single Transit Ticket
Airbnb Studio (city center)
What Salary to Ask For
If you earn €33,502 gross in Spain ($36,517USD), here's what you need in United States depending on your goal:
Same net income (tax only)
$32,555
You keep the same $27,712/yr net in both countries. United States taxes 9.3% less.
Same purchasing power (recommended)
$40,191
Accounts for the fact that United States is 23% more expensive than Spain. This is the number to negotiate.
Net Life Value at $37K
🇪🇸 Spain
56
🇺🇸 United States
45
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.
Quality of Life
Spain: 68/100 vs United States: 63/100
Moving to United States: Practicalities
Visa Openness
45/100
English Level
100/100
Expat Community
15.3%
Digital Nomad Visa
No