What is the healthcare system like in Spain?

Spain has a healthcare quality index of 84/100. A doctor visit is listed as €40-70, and private health insurance is listed as €70-100. A comparable national English-speaker percentage is not available.

What is the climate like in Spain?

Spain has an average temperature of 14. The comparable climate indicator records 16 wet days of at least 10 mm per year. Sunshine hours and preferred travel months are not included in this dataset.

Country research

Retire in Spain

Spain offers city-level retirement planning choices across metropolitan, Mediterranean, Atlantic, and inland regions. This profile combines comparable national indicators with local cost, healthcare, safety, climate, and residence information.

At a glance Costs and planning

76.4Overall research score

98.6Safety index

At a glance

The first numbers to check before you compare destinations.

Cost of living44.2/100Relative PPP score; lower is cheaper

Safety98.6/100Safety index

Healthcare84/100Quality index

Average temperature14°CYearly average

Why Spain

A practical starting point for deciding whether the country fits your plans.

Spain may suit retirees who value regional and cultural variety, subject to non-lucrative visa requirements, local housing costs, healthcare arrangements, and tax advice.

What stands out

Public healthcare coverage; newcomer eligibility varies
Social stability
EU access.

Costs and planning

Monthly essentials, taxes, and residency details in one view.

Housing

One bedroom, city center: €800-1,300
One bedroom, suburbs: €600-900
Three bedrooms, city center: €1,400-2,200

Monthly essentials

Groceries: €300-450
Restaurant meal: Varies by city and provider
Utilities: €100-150
Health insurance: €70-100

Residency and taxes

Visa or permit: Non-Lucrative Visa
Minimum annual income: EUR 28,800
Processing time: Up to 3 months by decision deadline; consulate timing varies
Income tax: 47% Max. CGT: 28%. Inherit: 0%−34% (Regional variation).

Safety, climate, and healthcare

The conditions that shape everyday life after the move.

Safety

Safety index: 98.6/100
Intentional homicide: 0.007 per 1,000 (latest comparable national rate)
Police response: Not published as a comparable national statistic; varies by city

Climate and healthcare

Sunshine: Not listed
Rainfall days ≥10 mm: 16 days per year
Doctor visit: €40-70
English speakers: Not available as a comparable national statistic

Cities to consider in Spain

Start with the places that make the country feel real, not just the national averages.

Alicante

Sunny Costa Blanca coastal city, Modern amenities with relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle

Rent: €750-1,150/month
Safety: 70

Read city guide

Barcelona

Sagrada Familia, Gothic Quarter

Rent: €1,200/month
Safety: 71.4

Read city guide

Madrid

Royal Palace, Prado Museum

Rent: €1,000/month
Safety: 74.2

Read city guide

Malaga

Major Costa del Sol hub with international airport, Mild climate and long beachfront promenade

Rent: €800-1,300/month
Safety: 70

Read city guide

Valencia

City of Arts and Sciences, Beach access

Rent: €1,050/month
Safety: 70.1

Read city guide

Frequently asked questions

Common questions about retiring in Spain

What is the cost of living in Spain?

The relative PPP price-level score for Spain is 44.2/100 (lower means lower relative prices). Monthly rent for a one bedroom apartment in the city center is listed as €800-1,300, while health insurance is €70-100.

Is Spain safe for expats and retirees?

Spain has a safety index of 98.6/100. The latest comparable national intentional-homicide rate is 0.007 per 1,000 people; city-level crime can differ substantially.

How is the healthcare system in Spain?

The healthcare system in Spain has a quality index of 84/100. A doctor visit costs €40-70, and health insurance typically costs €70-100 per month.

What are the visa requirements for retiring in Spain?

Spain lists the route “Non-Lucrative Visa”. The published minimum-income field is EUR 28,800 per year and processing is Up to 3 months by decision deadline; consulate timing varies. Requirements can change, so confirm them with the relevant government office.

What is the tax situation for retirees in Spain?

Retirees in Spain face income tax rates of 47% Max. CGT: 28%. Inherit: 0%−34% (Regional variation).. Property tax is IBI varies by municipality and cadastral value and inheritance tax is Regional inheritance and gift tax varies sharply by autonomous community and relationship. Where applicable, tax treaties can affect double-taxation treatment.

How large is the expat community in Spain?

Spain has approximately 8,870,527 international migrants in the latest comparable estimate. A comparable national English-speaker percentage is not available. Major city profiles include Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia.