Italy vs Spain
Spain costs roughly 17% less than Italy, though Italy has significantly faster internet infrastructure. Use our tool below to personalize the estimate based on your income and lifestyle.
Spain is approximately 17% less expensive than Italy based on cost of living including rent. This makes Spain a more budget-friendly option for expats considering a move.
Spain has a FIRE Score of 55/100, indicating its suitability for financial independence and early retirement. The country's safety index is 63.4, which is relatively safe.
Recommended profile: Spain is well-suited for retirees seeking a balanced lifestyle.
About Italy
Retirees with steady income fare better here than remote workers chasing savings. Rent outside the center runs $660.88/mo, cheap by European standards, but income tax climbing to 43% erodes any freelance upside fast. The Elective Residence Visa requires $2,895/mo in passive income, and citizenship stays complex even after years of residency.
$1,138/mo
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About Spain
Retirees and remote workers get a genuine European base without the Northern Europe price tag: rent for a 1-bed outside the center averages $804/mo, well under NYC costs. Healthcare scores 77.3, life expectancy is among the highest in the EU, and a large expat community softens the medium English proficiency. The catch is tax: standard rates climb to 47%, though the Beckham Law flat 24% option changes the math for qualifying newcomers.
$1,148/mo
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Living Costs (excl. rent)
Rent Per Month
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Country Details →Battle of Lifestyles
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| Metric | Italy | Spain |
|---|---|---|
| Travel Advisory | Level 2: Increased Caution | Level 2: Increased Caution |
| Quality of Life Index | 151 | 184.4 +33.4 |
| Healthcare Index | 65.1 | 77.3 +12.2 |
| Safety Index | 53.1 | 63.4 +10.3 |
| Cost of Living Index | 51 | 43.5 +7.5 |
| Living Costs (Single, excl. rent) | $1,017.2 | $823.4 +193.8 |
| Living Costs (Family, excl. rent) | $3,632.9 | $2,975.9 +657 |
| 1BR Apartment (Center) | $845.17 +183.26 | $1,028.43 |
| 1BR Apartment (Outside) | $660.88 +143.49 | $804.37 |
| 3BR Apartment (Center) | $1,474.53 +161.89 | $1,636.42 |
| 3BR Apartment (Outside) | $1,091.27 +140.88 | $1,232.15 |
| Avg Internet Speed | 285.05 Mbps +21.7 | 263.31 Mbps |
Expat taxes filed by specialists
Greenback Expat Tax handles US taxes for Americans living in Spain. File confidently from abroad.
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