← Back to WhereToFIRE Calculator

🇺🇸 United States vs 🇪🇸 Spain

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

Key Takeaway

Spain is significantly cheaper than United States for retirees. With a cost of living index of 60 vs 100, your money goes 40% further in Spain. Capital gains tax is 19% in Spain vs 0% in United States. Use the calculator to see your personalized FIRE number for both countries.

Side-by-Side Comparison

🇺🇸
United States
🇪🇸
Spain
Cost of Living
Overall Index
100
60
Rent (City)
$2,500/mo
$1,100/mo
Rent (Suburb)
$1,800/mo
$700/mo
Taxes
Capital Gains (LT)
0%
19%
Top Income Tax
37%
47%
Healthcare
Est. Annual Cost
$3,000
$0
Public Access
No
Yes
Other
Currency
$ USD
€ EUR

Tax Comparison for Retirees

🇺🇸 United States Taxes

$0–$11,92510%
$11,925–$48,47512%
$48,475–$103,35022%
$103,350–$197,30024%
$197,300–$250,52532%
$250,525–$626,35035%
$626,350+37%

🇪🇸 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 United States and Spain — with Monte Carlo simulations and tax modeling.

🔥 Open Calculator — United States vs Spain

FAQ: United States vs Spain for Retirement

Is it cheaper to retire in Spain or United States?

Spain has a cost of living index of 60 compared to United States's 100(where US = 100). Spain is significantly cheaper than United States for retirees. Your money goes approximately 40% further in Spain.

How do taxes compare between United States and Spain?

Capital gains tax is 19% in Spain vs 0% in United States. The top income tax rate is 47% in Spain vs 37% in United States. 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 States?

Estimated annual healthcare costs are $0 in Spainvs $3,000 in United States. Spain offers public healthcare access for residents.

More Comparisons

More about retiring in United StatesMore about retiring in Spain