Currency
EUR
€
Healthcare
Public + Private common
€0/mo
Work Visa
1-3 months
processing time
Deposit
2 mo
of rent
Visa & Work Permits
Which city in Spain?
What the taxman takes: USA vs Spain
Same gross salary in both places: €3,500 (EUR) per month.
USA
1480.0%
effective tax rate
Net: $2,982/mo
Spain
2520.0%
effective tax rate
Net: €2,619/mo
Rough numbers for a single filer with standard deductions. Your actual rate shifts with income, city, and your own situation.
What daily life costs in Spain
The up-front bill, moving to Spain
Rental Deposit
2 month(s) of rent
Agency Fee
1 month(s) of rent
Registration & Admin
€0
Typically 2 months deposit. Agent fee usually 1 month. Furnished common in expat areas.
Also considering leaving USA for somewhere else?
See what your salary looks like in Spain
Type in your gross pay. We'll show what lands after tax, which neighborhoods you can actually afford, and how much is left over each month.
Questions people actually ask
How does Spain compare to USA on cost of living?
It depends on the city. In Barcelona, a one-bed runs €800 to €2,000 and groceries land around €300 a month. In Madrid, a one-bed runs €750 to €1,800 and groceries land around €280 a month. In Valencia, a one-bed runs €750 to €1,700 and groceries land around €250 a month.
Do I need a visa to work in Spain from USA?
Digital Nomad visa available (2023). Standard work visa requires employer sponsorship. If you hold an EU passport: Free to work. NIE (foreigner ID) required for working.. Expect processing to take 1-3 months. Double-check the current rules with the Spain immigration authority before you book anything.
How does healthcare work in Spain once you arrive?
Spain runs a Public + Private common system. Public healthcare if employed. Private very affordable (~€50-100/month). Often faster for specialists. Public coverage is roughly €0 a month. Private sits around €60.
How much tax will I pay in Spain?
On €3,500 gross a month, you're looking at roughly 2520.0% effective. That leaves about €2,619 in your account. The real number moves with your income, your city, and your situation.
What up-front money do I need to move from USA to Spain?
Budget 2 month(s) of rent for the deposit, plus another 1 month(s) for the agency fee. Registration and paperwork usually come in around €0. Typically 2 months deposit. Agent fee usually 1 month. Furnished common in expat areas.