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I calculated the real cost of moving to Spain.
Reality turned out to be pricier than expected.

I moved apartments 9 times, paid unnecessary fees, and overpaid on internet and health insurance. Eventually I documented everything and built this calculator to show the real picture — not the brochure version.

Calculate my move →

What the calculator covers

✓
One-time startup costs: security deposit, agent fee, first month's rent, government fees
✓
Recurring monthly expenses: rent, food, transport, health insurance, schools
✓
6- and 12-month savings buffer — with or without ongoing income
✓
Rough Spanish income tax estimate (~23% — informational only, not tax advice)
✓
Splits costs per person vs. total household
✓
Shows the real picture — not a best-case scenario
This is not a forecast. It's a reality check so you don't arrive underprepared.

How to use it

Four steps to a clear picture of what you'll actually spend

1

Your household

Enter the number of adults and children. The calculator auto-adjusts food, health insurance, and school costs accordingly.

2

Pick a city

Barcelona, Madrid, Valencia, or other. Rent and short-term rental estimates pre-fill automatically — all values are editable.

3

Choose a lifestyle level

Budget, Comfort, or Premium. Sets baseline spending per category — each line is adjustable to match your actual habits.

4

Decide on taxes

If you plan to become a Spanish tax resident (183+ days/year), toggle this on. The calculator applies a rough 23% estimate. US citizens: this does not replace IRS obligations — see your tax adviser.

Jump to the calculator →

Three lifestyle levels

Pick yours — or dial in each category manually

🟢 Budget

A modest apartment, cooking at home most of the time, public transit, minimal eating out.

For those who plan smart and spend intentionally.

🟡 Comfort

A proper apartment, unrestricted food budget, sports, occasional trips. Balance between living well and being sensible.

Comfortable living without the financial heroics.

🔴 Premium

Good neighborhood, restaurants, private schools, flights. Everything you're accustomed to.

For those who moved to Spain with no intention of downgrading.

Relocation Calculator

All figures are editable. Results update instantly.

👤 Your Household ▼
1
0
Barcelona
Madrid
Valencia
Other
None
2 mo.
6 mo.
None
1 mo.
Average short-term rental cost — pre-filled by city, adjustable.
🌴 Lifestyle ▼
🟢 Budget
🟡 Comfort
🔴 Premium

Adjust any value manually for greater accuracy.

🧾 Residency Permit (DNV) ▼
Government fees
Document preparation
Total DNV costs
Exclude
Standard
Complex
🧮 Taxes (rough estimate) ▼

Flat 23% applied as a rough baseline — no deductions. Spanish tax residency generally triggers at 183+ days/year in Spain. US citizens: you remain subject to IRS filing obligations regardless of Spanish residency. Informational only — not tax advice.

Include taxes
📌 Results ▼
All figures are estimates. Government fees may change — verify before filing. EUR is the reference currency; $/£ conversions are approximate and FX-dependent.
If income continues during the move, the buffer only needs to cover the monthly shortfall.

Once you've run the numbers

  • ✓ Review the estimate with someone who has been through it
  • ✓ Understand which residency permit fits your situation
  • ✓ Explore tax optimization options (including Beckham Law)
  • ✓ Reduce your one-time startup costs
Book a free consultation →

Or reach us on WhatsApp — we reply in English. Based in Valencia, Spain.