Moving from to
Complete relocation analysis: taxes, real prices, quality of life, and what salary to ask for.
The verdict
Spain is 16% cheaper to live in. Tax rate goes from 17.6% to 25.9%. Quality of life improves by 7 points.
An examination of Spain and the United Kingdom’s Quality of Life metrics shows Spain with a distinct lead, scoring 68/100 against the UK's 61/100. The most significant divergence is found in climate, where Spain's score of 74 (averaging 15.5°C) outpaces the UK's 46 (averaging 10.5°C) by 28 points, representing a considerable difference in environmental comfort. Cost of living also plays a role, with Spain's price level at 78 versus the UK's 103, translating to Spain being considerably more affordable; this is reflected in Spain's 70 for cost of living against the UK's 60. Healthcare in Spain is also marginally stronger, scoring 66 compared to the UK's 58, an 8-point gap. Both nations maintain high safety standards, with Spain at 87 and the UK at 86, and their taxation scores are relatively close, Spain at 31 and the UK at 35.
Spain decisively wins this comparison, largely propelled by its superior climate and more favorable cost of living.
Moving to Spain? NLV varies by city.
Tax Comparison
At $42,835 USD equivalent gross salary
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
🇪🇸 Spain
Net difference: $3,578/year in Spain.Full calculator →
What Things Actually Cost
Price Index: United Kingdom = 97, Spain = 81 (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 £33,728 gross in United Kingdom ($42,835USD), here's what you need in Spain depending on your goal:
Same net income (tax only)
€44,723
You keep the same $35,311/yr net in both countries. But Spain taxes 9.9% more.
Same purchasing power (recommended)
€37,346
Accounts for the fact that Spain is 16% cheaper than United Kingdom. This is the number to negotiate.
Net Life Value at $43K
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
51
🇪🇸 Spain
60
NLV combines net income, cost of living, and quality of life into one score. Moving to Spain improves your overall quality of life.
Quality of Life
United Kingdom: 61/100 vs Spain: 68/100
Moving to Spain: Practicalities
Visa Openness
65/100
English Level
50/100
Expat Community
15.2%
Digital Nomad Visa
Available