Cost of living
How Spain compares to the US
🇺🇸 Phoenix, Arizona (couple)
2BR rent$1,800/mo
Groceries$550/mo
Dining out$450/mo
Utilities$180/mo
Health insurance$750/mo
Total~$3,730/mo
🇪🇸 Valencia, Spain (couple)
2BR rent$900/mo
Groceries$300/mo
Dining out$250/mo
Utilities$120/mo
Health insurance$200/mo
Total~$1,770/mo
Cost estimates based on Numbeo March 2026 data. Illustrative only — your actual costs will vary by neighbourhood and lifestyle.
Visa for Americans
The main visa pathway for American retirees
Spain
Non-Lucrative Visa
Min. income
~$2,400/mo (couple)
Initial visa
1 year (renewable)
PR pathway
5 years typical
Health insurance
Required at application
Apply where
Spanish consulate (US)
Work allowed
No — passive income only
Spain's Non-Lucrative Visa income requirement is higher than Portugal's D7. Requirements and timelines subject to change — verify with the Spanish consulate or immigration attorney.
Other visa options: Spain also offers a Digital Nomad Visa and a Golden Visa. The Beckham Law (Régimen Especial) offers a flat 24% income tax rate for 6 years — primarily for people who haven't been Spanish residents in the past 5 years. Consult a tax specialist.
US Tax for Americans in Spain
Understanding your US tax obligations
US still taxes you on worldwide income?Yes — always
US-Spain tax treatyYes — covers income, pensions, capital gains
FEIE eligibilityYes — earned income only
Foreign Tax CreditYes — most relevant for retirees on passive income
FBAR required?Yes — if foreign accounts exceed $10,000 aggregate
Beckham Law24% flat income tax rate for 6 years · Active application required
The Beckham Law (Régimen Especial): For qualifying Americans, this offers a flat 24% Spanish income tax rate for up to 6 years — significantly lower than standard progressive rates. Requires an active application within 6 months of registering residency. Must not have been a Spanish resident in the previous 5 years. Consult a US expat tax specialist to determine if this works alongside your US obligations.
This is general educational information, not tax advice. Always verify with a qualified US expat tax professional. ExpatAce is not a tax practice.
Safety & healthcare
Safety and healthcare for American expats
Safety
GPI Rank #23
Spain ranks in the top quarter globally for safety. Violent crime is low. Petty theft is more common in major cities and tourist areas. US State Dept advisory: Level 1 — Exercise Normal Precautions.
US State Dept advisory →
Healthcare
🏥 Private recommended
Private health insurance required for visa application. Spain's public SNS system is accessible to residents. Private insurance costs are low by US standards.
Medicare abroad: Original Medicare does not cover routine care in Spain. Plan your healthcare transition carefully before you leave the US.
Top cities for Americans
Where Americans are living in Spain
🇪🇸
Valencia
From ~$1,800/mo (couple)
MediterraneanLarge expat community3rd largest city
Spain's third city is increasingly popular with Americans — affordable, sunny, walkable, and with excellent food. Lower cost than Barcelona or Madrid. Direct flights to Europe.
🇪🇸
Barcelona
From ~$2,400/mo (couple)
CosmopolitanInternationalMore expensive
Spain's most international city — but also one of its most expensive. Large English-speaking community. Direct flights to the US. Not representative of Spanish cost of living.
🇪🇸
Málaga / Costa del Sol
From ~$1,900/mo (couple)
CoastalWarmStrong expat community
Southern Andalusia's coast attracts large numbers of Northern European and American retirees. Warm year-round, strong international healthcare, international airport.
🇪🇸
Alicante
From ~$1,600/mo (couple)
AffordableCoastalBudget-friendly
One of Spain's most affordable coastal cities. Warm Mediterranean climate, good expat infrastructure, and significantly cheaper than Barcelona or Valencia.
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Cost data: Numbeo March 2026. Safety: GPI 2025. Visa data: Spanish government sources — verify current requirements. Nothing on this page constitutes legal, tax, financial, immigration, or professional advice.