A single person can live comfortably in most Spanish cities for €1,500–€2,000 per month, including rent, food, transport, healthcare, and entertainment. Couples should budget €2,200–€3,000. In Barcelona or central Madrid, add 20–30% to these figures.

Yes, significantly. The cost of living in Spain is roughly 30–40% lower than the United States. The biggest savings are in healthcare, rent (outside major cities), and dining out. Groceries are 20–30% cheaper.

Among cities with good infrastructure and expat communities, Alicante, Murcia, Granada, and Salamanca consistently rank as the most affordable. You can live well on €1,200–€1,500/month in these cities.

For a single applicant, you need to demonstrate approximately €2,400/month (400% of the IPREM indicator) in passive income or savings. For a couple, add roughly €600/month per additional family member.

Public healthcare is free for those registered in the social security system (workers, retirees). If you’re on a visa that requires private insurance (NLV, DNV, student visa), you’ll pay €50–€180/month depending on age.

The Beckham Law allows qualifying expats to pay a flat 24% tax rate on Spanish income instead of progressive rates up to 47% for 6 years. It’s available to new tax residents who haven’t lived in Spain in the past 5 years. For full details, see our Beckham Law guide.