Spain vs Vatican City
Spain costs roughly 24% less than Vatican City, though Vatican City scores higher on safety. Use our tool below to personalize the estimate based on your income and lifestyle.
Spain is approximately 24% less expensive than Vatican City 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 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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About Vatican City
Vatican City is best for ultra-wealthy retirees seeking extreme safety, with a Safety Index of 88.4. Its cost of living is moderate, with a Cost of Living Plus Rent Index of 85, but rent for a 1BR in the city center averages $2,000/month. The key trade-off is no digital nomad or retirement visa and no pathway to citizenship or residency, making residency nearly impossible.
$-100/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 | Spain | Vatican City |
|---|---|---|
| Travel Advisory | Level 2: Increased Caution | Level 2: Increased Caution |
| Quality of Life Index | 184.4 | 185.7 +1.3 |
| Healthcare Index | 77.3 +5.2 | 72.1 |
| Safety Index | 63.4 | 88.4 +25.0 |
| Cost of Living Index | 43.5 +10.5 | 54 |
| Living Costs (Single, excl. rent) | $823.4 +276.6 | $1,100 |
| Living Costs (Family, excl. rent) | $2,975.9 +224.1 | $3,200 |
| 1BR Apartment (Center) | $1,028.43 +971.57 | $2,000 |
| 1BR Apartment (Outside) | $804.37 +695.63 | $1,500 |
| 3BR Apartment (Center) | $1,636.42 +2,163.58 | $3,800 |
| 3BR Apartment (Outside) | $1,232.15 +1,767.85 | $3,000 |
| Avg Internet Speed | 263.31 Mbps +113.3 | 150 Mbps |
Expat taxes filed by specialists
Greenback Expat Tax handles US taxes for Americans living in Vatican City. File confidently from abroad.
File your taxes →International health insurance from $45/mo
Get covered before you move to Vatican City. Genki Traveler offers insurance designed for nomads and expats.
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