Compare countries · Italy vs Spain
Italy vs Spain
Across 13 comparable indicators: Italy leads on 2, Spain on 7, 4 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)
Italy
61.4
Worse than 82% of countries
Spain
51.6
Worse than 70% of countries
Spain: 16% cheaper overall.
Rent index
Numbeo 2026 (NYC = 100)
Italy
20.5
Worse than 70% of countries
Spain
23.2
Worse than 78% of countries
Italy: 12% cheaper rents.
Peace — Global Peace Index
Institute for Economics & Peace (lower = more peaceful)
Italy
1.67
Better than 79% of countries
Spain
1.65
Better than 81% of countries
Effectively tied — under 2% apart.
Perceived street safety
Numbeo Safety Index 2026
Italy
52.7
Worse than 57% of countries
Spain
62.4
Better than 67% of countries
Spain: higher perceived safety (62.4 vs 52.7).
Human Development Index
UNDP Human Development Report
Italy
0.906
Better than 85% of countries
Spain
0.911
Better than 86% of countries
Effectively tied — under 2% apart.
GDP per person (PPP)
World Bank · 2025
Italy
$62,803
Better than 84% of countries
Spain
$59,868
Better than 83% of countries
Italy: 5% higher income per person.
Life expectancy
World Bank · 2024
Italy
84.0 yrs
Better than 95% of countries
Spain
83.9 yrs
Better than 94% of countries
Effectively tied — under 2% apart.
Healthcare index
Numbeo Healthcare Index 2026
Italy
64.9
Around the global middle
Spain
77.2
Better than 90% of countries
Spain: better-rated healthcare (77.2 vs 64.9).
Fixed broadband speed
Ookla Speedtest Global Index
Italy
114 Mbps
Better than 62% of countries
Spain
277 Mbps
Better than 92% of countries
Spain: 142% faster fixed internet.
Press freedom
RSF World Press Freedom Index
Italy
65/100
Better than 68% of countries
Spain
75/100
Better than 83% of countries
Spain: freer press (75 vs 65 of 100).
Happiness
World Happiness Report (Cantril ladder 0–10)
Italy
6.57
Better than 74% of countries
Spain
6.54
Better than 72% of countries
Effectively tied — under 2% apart.
English proficiency
EF English Proficiency Index
Italy
513
Around the global middle
Spain
540
Better than 66% of countries
Spain: stronger English proficiency (540 vs 513).
Climate pleasantness
Numbeo Climate Index 2026
Italy
89.8
Better than 74% of countries
Spain
92.8
Better than 83% of countries
Spain: more pleasant climate rating (92.8 vs 89.8).
Deciding between Italy and Spain for real?
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70+ indicators: economy, safety, governance, climate and visas.
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70+ indicators: economy, safety, governance, climate and visas.