Spain has achieved an impressive milestone in the Quality of Life Index 2025, moving up to 18th place worldwide, compared to 24th in 2015, according to data compiled by Numbeo. This six-position improvement underscores Spain’s growing international reputation as a country that offers both a high standard of living and an affordable lifestyle — a combination increasingly hard to find elsewhere.
This progress positions Spain ahead of major economies such as Canada (27th), France (29th), and Israel (30th), confirming that Spain is not only a leading travel destination but also one of the best places to live in 2025.
Understanding the Quality of Life Index
Numbeo’s Quality of Life Index measures overall living conditions by combining data on:
- Cost of living
- Safety and crime rates
- Healthcare quality
- Pollution and environmental factors
- Property affordability
- Traffic and commute times
- Climate comfort
- Purchasing power
Each country receives a composite score reflecting how well these factors translate into day-to-day life satisfaction.
Spain’s 2025 score of 187.2 represents a major leap from its 2015 score of 134.9, signaling improvements across several categories, including healthcare, safety, and public perception of quality of life.
Global Quality of Life Index 2015 vs 2025
The table below, based on Numbeo data, illustrates how global rankings have evolved over the last decade:
| Rank | Country (2015) | Score (2015) | Rank | Country (2025) | Score (2025) | Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Switzerland | 222.9 | 1 | Luxembourg | 218.2 | New #1 |
| 2 | Germany | 195.9 | 2 | Netherlands | 216.5 | +12 |
| 3 | Sweden | 193.9 | 3 | Denmark | 215.1 | +3 |
| 4 | U.S. | 192.5 | 4 | Oman | 215.1 | +8 |
| 5 | Finland | 190.2 | 5 | Switzerland | 210.9 | -4 |
| 6 | Denmark | 190.2 | 6 | Finland | 208.3 | -1 |
| 7 | Austria | 182.6 | 7 | Norway | 198.2 | +4 |
| 8 | Australia | 180.8 | 8 | Iceland | 197.7 | New Top 10 |
| 9 | Canada | 177.6 | 9 | Austria | 197.7 | = |
| 10 | New Zealand | 175.5 | 10 | Germany | 195.2 | -8 |
| 11 | Norway | 175.1 | 11 | Australia | 195.1 | = |
| 12 | Saudi Arabia | 169.4 | 12 | New Zealand | 194.7 | -2 |
| 13 | Japan | 168.3 | 13 | Sweden | 192.2 | -10 |
| 14 | Netherlands | 166.8 | 14 | U.S. | 192.1 | -10 |
| 15 | Turkmenistan | 157.1 | 15 | Estonia | 189.8 | +6 |
| 16 | UK | 156.9 | 16 | Qatar | 189.4 | +4 |
| 17 | Cyprus | 154.9 | 17 | Japan | 188.8 | = |
| 18 | UAE | 153.7 | 18 | Spain | 187.2 | +7 |
| 19 | Ireland | 148.9 | 19 | Slovenia | 182.4 | +6 |
| 20 | Qatar | 144.9 | 20 | Croatia | 181.7 | +5 |
| 21 | Estonia | 144.6 | 21 | Lithuania | 178.8 | New Top 30 |
| 22 | France | 139.3 | 22 | UK | 177.2 | -6 |
| 23 | Belgium | 136.0 | 23 | Czech Republic | 176.3 | +3 |
| 24 | Spain | 134.9 | 24 | UAE | 174.2 | -6 |
| 25 | Slovenia | 134.5 | 25 | Saudi Arabia | 173.7 | -13 |
| 26 | Portugal | 129.2 | 26 | Belgium | 173.7 | -3 |
| 27 | Czech Republic | 127.5 | 27 | Canada | 170.5 | -18 |
| 28 | Puerto Rico | 125.7 | 28 | Ireland | 169.6 | -9 |
| 29 | Kuwait | 123.4 | 29 | France | 169.5 | -7 |
| 30 | Israel | 120.4 | 30 | Israel | 169.5 | = |
Spain’s Rise: A Reflection of Progress and Stability
Spain’s advancement in the ranking — a six-position improvement over the last decade — aligns with an international trend of recognizing countries that provide safety, affordability, and well-being for residents.
This growth can be attributed to several structural and social strengths:
1. A Strong and Accessible Healthcare System
Spain’s universal healthcare system is consistently ranked among the best in Europe. With efficient medical services and low out-of-pocket costs, both locals and foreign residents enjoy access to world-class treatment. This contributes significantly to the country’s life satisfaction scores.
2. Safety and Social Cohesion
Spain remains one of Europe’s safest countries, with low crime rates and a strong sense of community. Combined with political stability and EU membership, this creates a secure environment for families and retirees alike.
3. Climate and Lifestyle Advantages
With an average of over 300 days of sunshine per year, Spain’s Mediterranean climate is not only good for the soul but also encourages outdoor living, healthier diets, and social interaction — key factors that enhance overall happiness.
4. Affordable Living Compared to Western Europe
Despite inflationary pressures seen worldwide, Spain maintains a relatively moderate cost of living. Housing and healthcare remain affordable compared to countries like the UK, France, or Switzerland, allowing for a high quality of life even on moderate incomes.
5. Continued Investment in Infrastructure and Digitalization
Modern transportation systems, high-speed internet, and renewable energy projects have all contributed to Spain’s global competitiveness. The expansion of fiber-optic networks, in particular, supports Spain’s appeal to remote workers applying for the Spanish Digital Nomad Visa.
Spain Compared to Global Leaders
The top positions in the 2025 Quality of Life Index are held by Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and Denmark, reflecting strong economies and robust social systems. Meanwhile, Spain’s steady progress stands out in Southern Europe, where it leads over Portugal, France, and Italy (not in the top 30).
| Country | Rank 2025 | Score | Regional Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| Luxembourg | 1 | 218.2 | Small nation, high income |
| Netherlands | 2 | 216.5 | Social welfare leader |
| Denmark | 3 | 215.1 | Work-life balance focus |
| Spain | 18 | 187.2 | Affordable, high-lifestyle value |
| France | 29 | 169.5 | Cost pressures |
| Canada | 27 | 170.5 | Decline due to affordability issues |
Spain’s success lies not in extreme wealth, but in a balanced equation of affordability, safety, and quality of life.
Why Spain Is a Top Choice for Expats in 2025
For expats, retirees, and digital professionals, the findings of the Quality of Life Index 2025 reaffirm what the Spainguru community already knows — Spain offers one of the best living experiences in the world.
- Retirees benefit from excellent healthcare and a relaxed pace of life.
- Digital nomads find a thriving ecosystem of coworking spaces and connectivity.
- Families enjoy access to education, cultural richness, and safety.
Visa pathways such as the Non-Lucrative Visa and Digital Nomad Visa make relocation easier, while Spain’s relatively low cost of living helps newcomers integrate comfortably.
Spain’s Path Forward
Spain’s improvement in the Quality of Life Index is part of a broader European trend where nations focus on sustainability, social equity, and healthcare quality. The country’s performance also suggests resilience amid global challenges like inflation and climate change.
Looking ahead, Spain’s commitment to renewable energy, urban modernization, and digital innovation will likely continue to strengthen its position in global rankings — making it a long-term favorite for those seeking stability and a high standard of living.
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Conclusion
Spain’s advancement in the Quality of Life Index 2025, climbing six positions in a decade, reflects real progress in how the country supports the well-being of its people and residents. With a score of 187.2, Spain now outperforms countries traditionally seen as leaders in quality of life.
Its balance of safety, affordability, world-class healthcare, and enviable climate make Spain not just a great place to visit — but one of the best places in the world to live.
Disclaimer
This article is based on data from Numbeo and reflects public information and analysis. It does not constitute legal advice.
