🇬🇧 United Kingdom vs 🇪🇸 Spain
Side-by-side early retirement comparison — taxes, cost of living, healthcare, and FIRE number.
Key Takeaway
Spain is significantly cheaper than United Kingdom for retirees. With a cost of living index of 60 vs 85, your money goes 29% further in Spain. Capital gains tax is 19% in Spain vs 18% in United Kingdom. Use the calculator to see your personalized FIRE number for both countries.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Tax Comparison for Retirees
🇬🇧 United Kingdom Taxes
🇪🇸 Spain Taxes
Special Tax Regimes for Expats
Beckham Law
24% flat tax on Spanish income up to €600k. Foreign income exempt except employment.
Remittance Basis
Only UK-source and remitted foreign income taxed
Calculate Your Exact FIRE Number
Enter your portfolio, spending, and retirement age to see a personalized comparison between United Kingdom and Spain — with Monte Carlo simulations and tax modeling.
🔥 Open Calculator — United Kingdom vs SpainFAQ: United Kingdom vs Spain for Retirement
Is it cheaper to retire in Spain or United Kingdom?
Spain has a cost of living index of 60 compared to United Kingdom's 85(where US = 100). Spain is significantly cheaper than United Kingdom for retirees. Your money goes approximately 29% further in Spain.
How do taxes compare between United Kingdom and Spain?
Capital gains tax is 19% in Spain vs 18% in United Kingdom. The top income tax rate is 47% in Spain vs 45% in United Kingdom. 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 United Kingdom?
Estimated annual healthcare costs are $0 in Spainvs $0 in United Kingdom. Spain offers public healthcare access for residents. United Kingdom offers public healthcare access for residents.