Moving from to
Complete relocation analysis: taxes, real prices, quality of life, and what salary to ask for.
The verdict
Spain is 19% cheaper to live in. Tax rate goes from 19.3% to 30.3%. Quality of life improves 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 Spain? NLV varies by city.
Tax Comparison
At $59,384 USD equivalent gross salary
🇺🇸 United States
🇪🇸 Spain
Net difference: $6,574/year in Spain.Full calculator →
What Things Actually Cost
Price Index: United States = 100, 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 $59,384 gross in United States ($59,384USD), here's what you need in Spain depending on your goal:
Same net income (tax only)
€64,510
You keep the same $47,945/yr net in both countries. But Spain taxes 12.6% more.
Same purchasing power (recommended)
€52,253
Accounts for the fact that Spain is 19% cheaper than United States. This is the number to negotiate.
Net Life Value at $59K
🇺🇸 United States
56
🇪🇸 Spain
68
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 States: 63/100 vs Spain: 68/100
Moving to Spain: Practicalities
Visa Openness
65/100
English Level
50/100
Expat Community
15.2%
Digital Nomad Visa
Available