Compare countries · Spain vs United States
Spain vs United States
Spain(Europe)·
United States(North America)
Across 13 comparable indicators: Spain leads on 8, United States on 4, 1 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)
Spain
51.6
Worse than 70% of countries
United States
68.8
Worse than 90% of countries
Spain: 25% cheaper overall.
Rent index
Numbeo 2026 (NYC = 100)
Spain
23.2
Worse than 78% of countries
United States
40.7
Worse than 95% of countries
Spain: 43% cheaper rents.
Peace — Global Peace Index
Institute for Economics & Peace (lower = more peaceful)
Spain
1.65
Better than 81% of countries
United States
2.39
Worse than 79% of countries
Spain: more peaceful (1.65 vs 2.39).
Perceived street safety
Numbeo Safety Index 2026
Spain
62.4
Better than 67% of countries
United States
50.8
Worse than 63% of countries
Spain: higher perceived safety (62.4 vs 50.8).
Human Development Index
UNDP Human Development Report
Spain
0.911
Better than 86% of countries
United States
0.927
Better than 90% of countries
Effectively tied — under 2% apart.
GDP per person (PPP)
World Bank · 2025
Spain
$59,868
Better than 83% of countries
United States
$90,027
Better than 95% of countries
United States: 50% higher income per person.
Life expectancy
World Bank · 2024
Spain
83.9 yrs
Better than 94% of countries
United States
78.9 yrs
Better than 75% of countries
Spain: 5.0 years longer on average.
Healthcare index
Numbeo Healthcare Index 2026
Spain
77.2
Better than 90% of countries
United States
67.0
Better than 59% of countries
Spain: better-rated healthcare (77.2 vs 67.0).
Fixed broadband speed
Ookla Speedtest Global Index
Spain
277 Mbps
Better than 92% of countries
United States
308 Mbps
Better than 96% of countries
United States: 11% faster fixed internet.
Press freedom
RSF World Press Freedom Index
Spain
75/100
Better than 83% of countries
United States
63/100
Better than 64% of countries
Spain: freer press (75 vs 63 of 100).
Happiness
World Happiness Report (Cantril ladder 0–10)
Spain
6.54
Better than 72% of countries
United States
6.82
Better than 85% of countries
United States: happier on the Cantril ladder (6.82 vs 6.54).
English proficiency
EF English Proficiency Index
Spain
540
Better than 66% of countries
United States
700
Better than 94% of countries
United States: stronger English proficiency (700 vs 540).
Climate pleasantness
Numbeo Climate Index 2026
Spain
92.8
Better than 83% of countries
United States
75.8
Worse than 60% of countries
Spain: more pleasant climate rating (92.8 vs 75.8).
Deciding between Spain and United States for real?
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Find your match →Full Spain profile →
70+ indicators: economy, safety, governance, climate and visas.
Full United States profile →
70+ indicators: economy, safety, governance, climate and visas.