Salary & Cost of Living:
Italy vs Spain (2025)

🔎 Quick Summary (TL;DR)

  • Spain is 6% cheaper than Italy overall.
  • For each $1,000 earned in Italy, you get $1,058 of purchasing power in Spain.
  • Best for: Remote IT, Geo-Arbitrage, and Digital Nomads.

📊 Cost of Living Breakdown

(Monthly average for single person in capital city)

Category Italy (Est) Spain (Est)
Rent (Studio/1BR)$1,825$1,725
Groceries$438$414
Eating Out$584$552
Co-working$219$207
Internet$58$55
Transport$73$69

Key Insight

Spain offers dramatically better housing economics, while Italy typically requires a significantly higher salary to maintain the same baseline infrastructure.

💰 Salary & Purchasing Power

Enter your monthly income to see its value:

$
Same Job in Spain
$ PPP Value

If you earn $ remotely in Italy currency, it feels like earning $ in Spain. Your purchasing power increases by 6%.

🌍 Lifestyle Comparison

Italy

  • Higher baseline services & stability
  • Stronger career opportunities locally
  • Established banking & infrastructure

Spain

  • Lower cost & higher flexibility
  • Potential for warmer climate & adventure
  • Growing digital nomad community

📜 Visa & Legal Considerations

Italy ➝ Spain

Visa Type Nomad Visa Available
Duration Typically 30-90 Days (Check Embassy)
Official Source Check Insurance Requirements

*Always verify with the official embassy. Requirements for income and insurance change frequently.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Is Spain cheaper than Italy?

Yes — on average Spain is 6% cheaper for residents and digital nomads.

Can I work remotely from Spain?

Yes — remote income is generally permitted under the Nomad Visa Available, provided you do not enter the local labor market.

Is it safe?

Safety varies by city. We recommend checking specific city guides for Spain to find safe neighborhoods and local tips.

🧭 Related Destinations

If you are leaving Italy, consider these alternatives:

📊 Data Methodology

Data sourced from: World Bank PPP metrics, OECD economic data, and community-reported nomad pricing ranges (2024-2025).