The Italian government has also established programs and benefits to help foreign entrepreneurs to set up businesses in the country, particularly in the agrotourism industry. Comparisons improve with every new data that you enter. A small town in Italy could be cheaper to live in than Madrid or Barcelona. The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes. of prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans), 1 month of gym membership in business district. For instance, a family of 4 can live very comfortably in Spain for around 2,200 Euros per month, excluding rent, while a single person can live for under 650 Euros per month, excluding rent. Use the link below to embed the infographic from our site and automatically keep the data layer up to date. Most business is conducted in English, and the language is commonly spoken in the bigger cities. Each country has a lot to offer in the realms of history, culture, and cuisine. On the other hand, Americans take home 54% more than Italians and the average monthly disposable income is ranked 12th in the world with $3,258 per person ( Italy features at number 39th with an average of $2,117 per month.) Maybe you'll find something you can do alongside your studies, such as volunteering with abused and abandoned greyhounds in Spain or excavating ancient ruins in Italy. Cost of living in Spain compared to Italy. Professional expats need to be aware that the job market is still not very lucrative, and that incomes tend to be lower compared to other parts of Europe. In 2021, the average rent in Italy was 579 per month. A person living in Spain may pay around 200 to 350 per month but the price range depends on the location where you choose to live. Each country has regions with different dialects, and this is something you should research further once you select your destination. I created this website to write about moving to Italy, buying & renovating property in Italy and life in Italy. Now, theyre catching up. Italy has a reputation for being an expensive place, but once you actually live there, you'll find that monthly costs aren't too exorbitant. So what is cohousing and just how communal is it? Attractions If it's attractions you are looking for, then you will find that both countries have many. Music is an important part of Spanish culture. Italy. 47.4M. The cost of living in Italy varies considerably from place to place. Some of the most popular Spanish foods include chorizo, a spicy sausage; and jamon serrano, a cured ham. This is especially prevalent in the rural areas. It is common in destinations where the weather is warm. Perhaps this means choosing a program or finding a location that offers volunteer or internship opportunities, or directly enrolling in a national university, as opposed to one that caters mostly to study abroad students. Discover best places to live in Spain. Were going to talk through some common considerations for women when it comes to moving abroad in your 30s, what new work and visa opportunities are available for US citizens in Europe, and what Cepee sees as the 4 key elements to a successful move abroad. For any culture vulture, there is no comparison between Italy and Spain. In Spain, the culture and lifestyle are a bit more hedonistic. Learn what you need to do regarding tax when leaving the UK in this free online course from Expat Focus. Rome and Milan are especially expensive cities to live in. Students give a boost to the nightlife scene in all three cities. In fact, Italy is the 4th cheapest country in Western Europe. However, there really isnt too much difference between Italy and Spain when it comes to the bureaucratic red tape that you will have to navigate while you live there. Privacy Policy, Copyright 2009-2023 Numbeo. Great Ways Of Getting Italian Student Visa From India, The Best Universities In Italy For Indian Students, The Most Popular Towns In Sardinia For Relocation, Complete Guide To The Best Expat Clubs In Milan, Complete Guide To The Best Expat Clubs In Rome, The Most Important Hospitals In Rome Italy. Share your experiences in the comments below, or answer the questions here to be featured in an interview! I split time between Volterra (Italy) and Philadelphia. The average cost of living in Italy ($1320) is 6% more expensive than in Spain ($1246). Spain has a reputable healthcare system and has both public and private medical care facilities. The average after-tax salary is enough to cover living expenses for 1.4 months in Spain compared to 1.9 months in the United States. Most programs in Spain require some knowledge of Spanish or that you take a language class. (0.33 liter), Bottle of water (65 m2 apartment). Cost of Living > Compare Countries > . It emphasizes the importance of presenting oneself well -- dressing well and acting confidently and appropriately. Expats usually prefer to send their children to international schools, of which there are a number in Spains larger cities. Whichever you decide, both countries have much to offer and are hugely popular expat destinations. We also discuss Greeces golden visa scheme, how much it costs to join a cohousing community, and what happens if one day you decide to leave. In Italy, immersive study abroad programs are less common. In fact, the expat population in Italy comprises almost six percent of the total population. Privacy Policy. By logging in or registering, you agree to our. Low-budget airlines allow for simple travel from both countries to all over the continent. It's a free, question-and-answer based forum to discuss Like Italy, Spains cuisine involves plenty of locally grown ingredients. Discover best places to live in Italy. (1 liter), Boneless chicken breast Many expats come to Spain to start tourist businesses such as opening clubs and cafs. Your use of this service is subject to our But many factors complicate worldwide comparisons. Spain, Italy, or Portugal: How to choose? Both countries have family-centric cultures, strong religious ties, and both are suffering from declining populations. Its unlikely you'll regret your choice of destination either. Cost of living Cities Comparison in Italy vs the United States New York City $3723 vs $1617 Rome Milan $1826 vs $3723 New York City Los Angeles $2975 vs $1617 Rome Los Angeles Theres also a vast diversity of food in Italy, with each region having its own unique culinary traditions, ingredients and specialties. 1. Despite religious ties, Spanish society has evolved and witnessed much social change in the form of legalization of same-sex marriages and abortion on demand. Want to learn Spanish? Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behaviour or unique IDs on this site. ), You want a lively culture highlighted by flamenco music and dance, religious festivals, and strong regional identity, Pasta, pizza, and gelato are your reason for getting out of bed in the morning, You want to experience a close, family-centric culture focused on the beauty of art, food, and nature, You are set on seeing and studying the works of the great painters, sculptors, and architects where they originated. Both Italy and Spain are ancient cultures and have a wide range of tourist attractions, important museums and world-class collections of art. However, fortunately the Italian public transport system is punctual, affordable and efficient, especially in the cities. Travel abroad: For regional travel, Spain allows easy access to France, Andorra, Portugal, and Morocco. Basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district, Combo meal in fast food restaurant (big mac meal or similar), 500 gr (1 lb.) A crowdsourced database with a cost of living calculator for prices comparison in 9294 cities in 197 countries all over the world. You will gain a glimpse of a slightly more relaxed way of living in both countries, where the quality of life is valued over work, with most shops and businesses shutting down in the afternoons (siesta time!) 790. It is based on 9,921 prices entered by 1,267 different people. No matter which nation you choose to relocate to youll be spoilt for choice and always be guaranteed an abundance of options when it comes to entertainment and the arts. This may sound pretty off-putting but once you understand the local regulations and rules its quite easy to get around, particularly in Italy. The average cost of living in Spain ( $1246) is 44% less expensive than in the United States ( $2213 ). A furnished one-bedroom apartment in the center of Madrid will average USD$925-$1,150 per month. Spain is also known for its many vibrant street festivals. Cities with large numbers of tourists and international students will probably be easier to navigate, with more English speakers, but might not be to your liking if you're looking for a truly immersive language and cultural experience. MyLifeElsewhere is a collaborative project. A great deal of time is spent in examining every section of the contract so that it is clear to both parties. The good news is that food in Italy, apart from being delicious, is also very affordable, and there are plenty of inexpensive supermarkets located across the country, even in the smallest towns. Outside of the cities, you can expect to pay around 600 Euros per month for a 1 bedroom apartment and 930 Euros per month for a 3 bedroom apartment. Expats with children will find that Italy has a high standard of education and state-provided schooling is free. Both countries boast charming cities, renowned sites, scrumptious food, and fantastic weather. Average yearly expenses for a single person (excluding rent) come in under 10,000, even in cities like Rome and Milan. (1 kg), Bananas Basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district. Expats from outside the EU may find living costs quite high. Signing in allows you to change your location, ask questions in our community, contribute to our cost of living database, and more. If youre considering Italy as your expat destination, it is important to keep in mind that the country has a high cost of living compared to other countries in Europe. It is based on 10,031 prices entered by 1,268 different people. Our level of care is excellent! Spain is famous for its magnificent flamenco music which is steeped in the culture of the nation, however, the modern nightlife and music scene are also thriving. Madrid vs. Rome, Basic meal with drink at inexpensive restaurant, Bottle of Coca-Cola Its no surprise youve narrowed down your study abroad search to two of Europes most iconic countries, both filled to the brim with culture and beauty. In general, living in Rome or Milan is comparable to living somewhere like New York City or London. Overall, each country offers a different atmosphere, with varying attractions, activities, and conveniences. Todays guest, Cepee Tabibian, tried and failed a few times to move from the USA to her dream life in Spain. Remote, internet-based work, means that many digital nomads, IT professionals, freelancers and small online business owners can choose where they want to live without being too concerned about the availability of jobs in the host country. Spain ranked 41st vs 5th for the United States in the list of the most expensive countries in the world. Rent a small one-bedroom apartment near the city center in a major city, and you're likely to spend around USD$1,150-$1,400 per month. If you're looking to move into one of the cities instead, this could increase to 1,048.75 (906.86). Cost of Living Comparison Between Italy and Spain . However, in the bigger cities like Madrid, professionals and businesspeople tend to usually skip the siesta. Signing in allows you to change your location, ask questions in our community, contribute to our cost of living database, and more. Parades, fireworks, and even bullfights take place during the festivities. Italy is one of the cheapest countries to live in. for 2 people in 85m2 flat. The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district, Combo meal in fast food restaurant (big mac meal or similar), 500 gr (1 lb.) (0.33 liter), Local cheese During holidays and celebrations, Spaniards can be seen partying out in the streets until dawn. The cost of living in Spain is also relatively low compared to the United States and the rest of Western Europe. The biggest differences in cost are in rent, utilities, groceries, daycare, and health insurance. Its worth noting that there are some issues with housing shortages in some urban parts of Spain which have led to high rents in certain locations. In Rome youll find the legendary Colosseum, voted one of the New 7 Wonders of the World, while in Granada you can explore the breathtaking Alhambra, also a top contender for the title. Suggested programs in Spanish mid-size cities: Suggested programs in Italian mid-size cities: If you prefer the pace of life in smaller towns, you might appreciate Siena, Italy which offers a unique glimpse of Tuscany. But even in Madrid, housing is inexpensive when compared to similar European cities such as Paris and London. Study in Italy. Family of four estimated monthly costs: 3,175 Single person estimated monthly costs: 1,574 Spain is the 2nd cheapest country in Western Europe (17 out of 18) Cost of living in Spain is cheaper than in 52% of countries in the World (38 out of 73) Change the currency: If youre a foodie, Italy never disappoints with endless offerings of pizza, pasta, and gelato. The statistics used to build this comparison are calculated using data from users just like you. Spain has 17 political regions, each with its own laws, making it quite a task to navigate the Spanish bureaucratic waters. of boneless chicken breast, 0.5 l (16 oz) domestic beer in the supermarket, Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in expensive area, Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in normal area, Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ) for 2 people in 85m2 flat, Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in expensive area, Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in normal area, Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ) for 1 person in 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio, Microwave 800/900 watt (bosch, panasonic, lg, sharp, or equivalent brands), 1 summer dress in a high street store (zara, h&m or similar retailers), 1 pair of sport shoes (nike, adidas, or equivalent brands), Volkswagen golf 1.4 tsi 150 cv (or equivalent), with no extras, new, Cold medicine for 6 days (tylenol, frenadol, coldrex, or equivalent brands), Short visit to private doctor (15 minutes), Standard men's haircut in expat area of the city, Basic dinner out for two in neighborhood pub, 2 tickets to the theater (best available seats), Dinner for two at an italian restaurant in the expat area including appetisers, main course, wine and dessert, 1 beer in neighbourhood pub (500ml or 1pt. Join the Elsewhere community and ask a question about Spain or Italy. For something more understated, small cities like Lecce in the southern regions offer apartments with monthly . 17. On average, the cost of living in Spain is 123% cheaper than in the USA. Are you curious about your Italian heritage, or do you feel like you were born to dance flamenco? Want to learn Italian? Switch to metric measurement units. 2022 MyLifeElsewhere.com All rights reserved. 1.89 Water (12 oz small bottle) 1.84 1.29 -30.2 % Milk (regular), (1 gallon) 4.00 3.41 -14.8 % Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb) 1.43 1.00 -30.2 % Rice (white), (1 lb) 0.90 However, in other ways these two countries can seem worlds apart. Whether it's housing, food, or entertainment, it is a very affordable place to live. Cost of living Italy vs Spain Italy vs Spain - Cost of Living Comparison The average cost of living in Italy ( $1320) is 6% more expensive than in Spain ( $1246 ). In Italy, the top international airports are located in Rome, Milan, and Venice. Cost Of Living Comparison Between Spain And Italy Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant 12.00 15.00 Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course 45.00 60.00 McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal) 8.00 8.50 Domestic Beer (1 pint draught) 2.50 5.00 Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) 3.00 4.00 Cappuccino (regular) 1.74 In fact, the two countries have the most UNESCO World Heritage sites in the world. Between the months of May and September, a great deal of outdoors entertainment takes place. In Rome you'll find the legendary Colosseum, voted one of the New 7 Wonders of the World, while in Granada you can explore the . As in Italy, every region in Spain has its own specialties. Hungry for more? Both countries offer study abroad opportunities in a range of locations both large and small. In the future, when you're out looking for a job, a degree of fluency in another language could give you a competitive edge. Italy ranked 36th out of 197 countries by cost of living and the 31st best country to live in. Expat families will find that the country is extremely family-friendly, and that the locals are warm and welcoming. This is why many avoid driving and rely on public transportation instead. pay 13.4% less for entertainment and sports. The average salary after taxes in Italy is $1675, which is enough to cover living expenses for 1.3 months. Or perhaps you're fascinated by Gaud and dream of examining his work up close at the Sagrada Familia and Parc Gell. (1 kg), Gasoline (at least for now, it can always change) Bottom line = It is currently cheaper for you to Live in Spain or your $ will go a lot further than it used to. (1 liter), Boneless chicken breast The nation is also famous for its delicious chorizo, Jamon serrano, seafood, chicken and rabbit dishes as well as the use of rice in recipes, such as the beloved paella. In fact, Italian cuisine is seen as a refined art form by many of its fans from around the globe. Italy has more UNESCO World Heritage Sites than any other country in the world, with an amazing total of 58 official sites. Italy ranked 36th vs 41st for Spain in the list of the most expensive countries in the world. Spain has also developed its own style of cuisine that combines the best of Mediterranean and North Africa ingredients and recipes. Terms of Use and Change currency (USD) pay 25.7 % more for groceries Show 8 more.. Spain vs. Italy - Cost of groceries Average monthly disposable salary > After tax: Average Monthly Disposable Salary (After Tax). The cost of living is calculated periodically in nearly representative baskets of consumer goods. Italian cuisine is very healthy and is usually made using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. You arent going to regret your decision to study abroad. (1 kg), Oranges Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant. If you find yourself drawn more to one country than the other -- whether it's the language, culture, sites to see, things to do, or just a feeling -- then listen to your gut! However, there are opportunities in both countries for English-speaking Expats. Spain is mainly popular with relocating retirees and is not really a destination that suits younger professionals and families. The key to getting the most out of your experience is to give it some thought, figure out your true purpose and priorities for studying abroad, and choose what will best fulfill those objectives. Since large cities tend to have a higher cost of living, it's better to visit specific city pages below for more relevant information. Spain also has a magical landscape that has inspired a fiery culture and a multitude of artistic and literary classics. MyLifeElsewhere is a collaborative project. A healthy and relaxed lifestyle. Business may operate at a slower pace than the one you are used to, and contract negotiations can feel tedious and lengthy. Florence, Italy, and Granada and Salamanca, Spain, are medium-sized cities that host large student populations. However, once contracts are signed, expats can expect them to carried out efficiently and by the book. Of course, this can vary tremendously depending on the location and property size. Especially if youre, say, a little bit older than fresh out of college. Is it expensive to live in Italy? Greek American Pare Gerou is building hers from the ground up in the form of a cohousing community in southern Greece. Accommodation too is priced high, and the apartments tend to be old and small, with minimal furnishings. Of course, living costs also depend on the region of Italy in which you choose to reside. We average the price of thousands of data points entered by users across the world. City in Italy: City in Spain: Indices Difference; Consumer Prices in Spain are 18.3% lower than in Italy (without rent) Consumer Prices Including Rent . 160. Expat Residency Requirements For The Dominican Republic, The Best Places In London To Celebrate Bonfire Night, Why Britains History Is Attracting US Expats To The UK, Expat Focus International Healthcare Update June 2023, Expat Focus International News Update June 2023. Join the Elsewhere community and ask a question about Italy or Spain. The overall cost of living in Italy is a little higher than it is in Spain although in practice this will depend on precisely where you live. Please go to the YouTube Feed settings page to add an API key after following these instructions. Like Italy, food is an integral part of the culture and the locals are generous about sharing food with newcomers. If youre moving to Italy to work, you may see some tough days, as it is not easy to secure a job. Privacy Policy, Copyright 2009-2023 Numbeo. Italy has an incredible number of stunning cathedrals, churches and palaces that represent numerous important periods in the development of Western architecture. Your use of this service is subject to our, Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course, McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal), Beef Round (1 lb) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat), Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car), Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car), Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment, Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data, Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL), Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child, International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child, 1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ), Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre, Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre, Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate, A family of four estimated monthly costs are, A single person estimated monthly costs are. Whether you choose to live in Italy or Spain, you will have easy, cheap and plentiful access to a fantastic range of locally sourced fruits, vegetables, cheeses, meats and seafood. Italy vs. Spain; Cost of living; Definitions. what life is like in countries and cities around the world. Everything from your national taxes to the color of your roofing tiles can be subject to bureaucratic authorization! Whether you move to Italy or Spain, the siesta may take a bit of getting used to, especially if you are unfamiliar with the concept. However, the siesta is in fact an import from Italy, and the Italian word for it is riposo. Study in Spain. Your use of this service is subject to our, Quality of Life Comparison Italy vs Spain, Property Prices Comparison Italy vs Spain, Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course, McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal), Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat), Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car), Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car), Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment, Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data, Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL), Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child, International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child, 1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ), Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre, Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre, Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate.