Spain
Key information you need to know before you go
25% cheaper
vs. United States
186/200(Excellent)
8.8 million
Quick Facts
Capital
Madrid
Languages
Spanish, Catalan, Basque, Galician
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Cost of Living
25% below US
Avg. Salary
EUR24k/yr
Timezone
UTC+1/+2
Population
48 million
Expats
8.8 million
Quality of Life
Based on Numbeo Quality of Life Index
Cost of Living & Salary Benchmarks
Compare expenses and earning potential across major cities
| City | Rent | Total |
|---|---|---|
| Madrid | €1,297 | €1,805 |
| Barcelona | €1,400 | €1,915 |
| Valencia | €950 | €1,395 |
Rent based on 1-bedroom apartment in city center. All values in EUR/month.
Language & Culture
What to expect when living in Spain
Official Languages
English Proficiency
MediumLanguage Requirements
A2 Spanish for some residence permits
Good to Know
Catalan is co-official in Catalonia; digital nomad visa may waive language
Most Popular Visa Pathways
Top immigration routes to Spain
Find out which visas you qualify for in under 2 minutes
Data Sources
Last updated: 2026-02
Disclaimer: The information on this page is for general guidance only and should not be considered legal or financial advice. Cost of living, salary, and quality of life data are estimates based on third-party sources and may vary. Always verify current information with official government sources before making immigration decisions.