← Back to WhereToFIRE Calculator

🇩🇪 Germany vs 🇪🇸 Spain

Side-by-side early retirement comparison — taxes, cost of living, healthcare, and FIRE number.

Key Takeaway

Spain is somewhat cheaper than Germany for retirees. With a cost of living index of 60 vs 75, your money goes 20% further in Spain. Capital gains tax is 19% in Spain vs 26% in Germany. Use the calculator to see your personalized FIRE number for both countries.

Side-by-Side Comparison

🇩🇪
Germany
🇪🇸
Spain
Cost of Living
Overall Index
75
60
Rent (City)
$1,400/mo
$1,100/mo
Rent (Suburb)
$900/mo
$700/mo
Taxes
Capital Gains (LT)
26%
19%
Top Income Tax
45%
47%
Healthcare
Est. Annual Cost
$4,800
$0
Public Access
Yes
Yes
Other
Currency
€ EUR
€ EUR

Tax Comparison for Retirees

🇩🇪 Germany Taxes

0–€11,6040%
11,604–€17,00514%
17,005–€66,76024%
66,760–€277,82542%
277,825+45%

🇪🇸 Spain Taxes

0–€12,45019%
12,450–€20,20024%
20,200–€35,20030%
35,200–€60,00037%
60,000–€300,00045%
300,000+47%

Special Tax Regimes for Expats

🇪🇸

Beckham Law

24% flat tax on Spanish income up to €600k. Foreign income exempt except employment.

6 years📋 Not resident in Spain for prior 5 years. Must have Spanish employment contract.

Calculate Your Exact FIRE Number

Enter your portfolio, spending, and retirement age to see a personalized comparison between Germany and Spain — with Monte Carlo simulations and tax modeling.

🔥 Open Calculator — Germany vs Spain

FAQ: Germany vs Spain for Retirement

Is it cheaper to retire in Spain or Germany?

Spain has a cost of living index of 60 compared to Germany's 75(where US = 100). Spain is somewhat cheaper than Germany for retirees. Your money goes approximately 20% further in Spain.

How do taxes compare between Germany and Spain?

Capital gains tax is 19% in Spain vs 26% in Germany. The top income tax rate is 47% in Spain vs 45% in Germany. For FIRE retirees, the effective tax rate depends on your withdrawal strategy — use our calculator for a personalized estimate.

What about healthcare in Spain vs Germany?

Estimated annual healthcare costs are $0 in Spainvs $4,800 in Germany. Spain offers public healthcare access for residents. Germany offers public healthcare access for residents.

More Comparisons

More about retiring in GermanyMore about retiring in Spain