Compare countries · France vs Spain
France vs Spain
Across 13 comparable indicators: France leads on 3, Spain on 4, 6 effectively tied. Which trade-offs matter is yours to weigh — the rows below show where each country wins, with sources.
Head to head
Cost of living index
Numbeo 2026 (NYC = 100)
France
67.7
Worse than 85% of countries
Spain
51.6
Worse than 70% of countries
Spain: 24% cheaper overall.
Rent index
Numbeo 2026 (NYC = 100)
France
22.3
Worse than 76% of countries
Spain
23.2
Worse than 78% of countries
France: 4% cheaper rents.
Peace — Global Peace Index
Institute for Economics & Peace (lower = more peaceful)
France
1.89
Better than 63% of countries
Spain
1.65
Better than 81% of countries
Spain: more peaceful (1.65 vs 1.89).
Perceived street safety
Numbeo Safety Index 2026
France
44.2
Worse than 77% of countries
Spain
62.4
Better than 67% of countries
Spain: higher perceived safety (62.4 vs 44.2).
Human Development Index
UNDP Human Development Report
France
0.910
Better than 86% of countries
Spain
0.911
Better than 86% of countries
Effectively tied — under 2% apart.
GDP per person (PPP)
World Bank · 2025
France
$63,975
Better than 85% of countries
Spain
$59,868
Better than 83% of countries
France: 7% higher income per person.
Life expectancy
World Bank · 2024
France
83.0 yrs
Better than 89% of countries
Spain
83.9 yrs
Better than 94% of countries
Effectively tied — under 2% apart.
Healthcare index
Numbeo Healthcare Index 2026
France
77.0
Better than 89% of countries
Spain
77.2
Better than 90% of countries
Effectively tied — under 2% apart.
Fixed broadband speed
Ookla Speedtest Global Index
France
350 Mbps
Better than 98% of countries
Spain
277 Mbps
Better than 92% of countries
France: 27% faster fixed internet.
Press freedom
RSF World Press Freedom Index
France
77/100
Better than 86% of countries
Spain
75/100
Better than 83% of countries
Effectively tied — under 2% apart.
Happiness
World Happiness Report (Cantril ladder 0–10)
France
6.59
Better than 76% of countries
Spain
6.54
Better than 72% of countries
Effectively tied — under 2% apart.
English proficiency
EF English Proficiency Index
France
539
Better than 65% of countries
Spain
540
Better than 66% of countries
Effectively tied — under 2% apart.
Climate pleasantness
Numbeo Climate Index 2026
France
89.6
Better than 73% of countries
Spain
92.8
Better than 83% of countries
Spain: more pleasant climate rating (92.8 vs 89.6).
Deciding between France and Spain for real?
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Find your match →Full France profile →
70+ indicators: economy, safety, governance, climate and visas.
Full Spain profile →
70+ indicators: economy, safety, governance, climate and visas.