Question
“Why are so many people moving to Spain… if the cost of living is higher?
I am excited—being near family and friends, the kids learning Spanish, and experiencing a slower, more connected pace of life.
But now that I’m crunching the numbers, I’m really wondering how it all adds up.
Here’s what I’ve found so far:
• Rent is about $1,000/month cheaper
• I bought five bags of groceries for $35(!)
• Healthcare: $1,200/year for private or $3,800 for public—I currently pay $6,000
• University: €1,000–€10,000/year vs $40,000/year in the U.S.
• Summer camp might be €102/month vs $700/week
• We may not need a car (or $2,400/year in car insurance), or gas
• And maybe… fewer heavy coats?
Maybe I won’t need to travel as much either.
Right now, I escape to the sun—Florida, Atlanta. But if I’m already living in sunshine, maybe I won’t feel that pull. Maybe it really is cheaper… or just lighter.
But again—those taxes. So is it truly more affordable?
Or is it simply a better life, even if the finances are a wash?
If you’ve already made the move—what made it worth it for you?
Did it end up costing more, costing less… or just feeling better?
I’d genuinely love to hear your real stories.”
Answers
“Myself and family are hoping to move to Spain next year from the UK, while the tax implications aren’t the same we would pay more tax and be on lower wages. This still is worth it, for us the pull is the way of life.
Life is centered around families. Parents sat at a bar with friends while the children play on the beach or park. It feels safe, the weather is fantastic, the locals are so friendly.”
“It is a million times cheaper for me in many ways as a solo mom with 3 kids. My girls all go to public school, starting at 2 years old, so no crazy high daycare bills!
Free healthcare in Spain. Yes, I pay taxes and a good amount as an autonomo, but unlike the USA, I actually get things for my taxes.”
“Did you just say rent is $12k a year cheaper and you’re worried because taxes are $14k higher? Even in your own calculations you’re actually saving thousands. And you see the benefits of your taxes, good roads, good services, good public transport.”
“For Americans, our tax dollars are like a sack of cash we quietly agree to part with with no real benefits. I don’t understand how the OP doesn’t see that their cost of living savings are far outweighing their additional tax burden.”
“Some things are cheaper, but it is definitely a wash in the end. I love our life here for many reasons but moving to Spain to live a cheaper life is not one of them.”
“If your rent will be 12k/year cheaper, then you basically break even on your extra taxes with just that. Add health insurance and no additional math is necessary.”
“My life in Spain is significantly more expensive, less stable, and more uncertain. It’s been a lot of work and stress, but I also love my life here. It’s not all roses—a lot of people last a year or two and move back. Just make the decision with your eyes open!”
“Get a second opinion on your taxes. Many tax specialists in Spain are not familiar with US taxes. Many USA citizens in Spain overpay due to bad advice.”
Tax & Financial Planning Experts
Top professionals for Spanish/USA/UK and international tax filings, financial planning, pension transfers, and expat tax compliance.
Contact Tax Advisors“I feel like the math is clear, but each person must make that decision for themselves. You may want to engage the help of a professional or advisor, as you are definitely missing some pieces.”
“Overall, including taxes, our cost of living -apples to apples- is about 35% less. Taxes are the second highest line item after rent. We rent a 3-bedroom apartment for $1,200. In the US the same flat would cost $3,500.”
“$14,000 is an emergency room visit in the United States. College tuition? $200,000 maybe? Host of living is not that high compared to a lot of other places.”
“Yes we don’t pay any income tax where we came from, but we’re paying ridiculous prices for school fees & housing. So in the end it kind of evens itself out.”
“My taxes are already higher in the US, and we don’t have public transit or public healthcare. Daily life is so much more expensive.”
“For us, it is about peace of mind and safety as a Black mom to a toddler. We will be saving money personally based on downsizing, lower cost healthcare, and not needing cars any longer.”
“We moved here a few months ago. The key elements are the fast citizenship, food quality, overall vibes, and health. Almost everything is cheaper, except gas and utilities.”
“People come to Spain because they want to enjoy life, not because they save on taxes. If you’re crunching numbers maybe your priorities are elsewhere.”
“It’s what you get for your taxes and your family & community too.”
“It probably depends where you are. Groceries and rent can vary. We live in Malaga province and pay €2,700 for rent. Food costs have gone up. But we’re lucky because we started renting years ago.”
“For me it costs almost exactly the same – maybe a bit more – to live here after taxes and the horrible exchange rate. I prefer to raise my kids outside of the US.”
“To me, it’s worth it. Just be aware that most of the people who say ‘everything is cheap’ are either affluent or not currently raising children. I’m a single mom too, and I absolutely have to grind to make it here.”
“Simply better life!”
Conclusion
The Spainguru community shows there is no one-size-fits-all answer to the cost of living in Spain versus the U.S. or other countries.
Many members confirm that while taxes in Spain may be higher, significant savings in housing, healthcare, education, and everyday expenses often balance or outweigh those costs. Quality of life improvements—from family time and healthcare access to cultural richness and safety—are major factors driving the move.
However, several members caution that Spain isn’t universally cheaper, especially in high-demand areas or for families with specific needs.
Some acknowledge that the financial savings are marginal or even nonexistent, but believe the emotional and lifestyle benefits far outweigh the monetary considerations.
The overarching takeaway: Moving to Spain may not always be cheaper, but for many, it’s worth every euro for the lifestyle upgrade.
Visual comparison table listing the top differences in cost of living and lifestyle between Spain and the U.S..
| Category | Spain | USA | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent | ~€800–€1,200/month for a 3-bedroom | ~$3,000–$3,500/month for a similar space | ✔ Spain is significantly cheaper |
| Healthcare | ~€1,200/year (private) or ~€3,800/year (public) | ~$6,000/year per person (private) | ✔ Spain has more affordable and accessible care |
| Education | €1,000–€10,000/year (university) | $40,000+/year (university) | ✔ Massive savings in Spain |
| Summer Camp | ~€100/month | ~$700/week | ✔ Drastically cheaper in Spain |
| Car Expenses | Often unnecessary; public transport is solid | ~$2,400/year in insurance + fuel + maintenance | ✔ Spain can eliminate car costs |
| Groceries | €35 for 5 bags reported | Often $100+ for similar quantity | ✔ Spain noticeably cheaper |
| Public Services | Paid via taxes; widely used and efficient | Paid separately; mixed quality | ✔ Better value for taxes in Spain |
| Utilities | Higher than expected in some regions | Region-dependent, often cheaper per unit | ✖ Mixed – Spain can be more costly here |
| Taxes | Higher (e.g., $14k more/year in some cases) | Lower in some U.S. states | ✖ U.S. may win here, depending on state |
| Quality of Life | Slower pace, family-oriented, safe | Fast-paced, often stressful | ✔ Many report Spain feels “lighter” and more relaxed |
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