The Kingdom of Spain or Spain is a country located in southwestern Europe. It is located on the Iberian Peninsula, where Portugal, Gibraltar and Andorra are. To the northeast it borders France and the small principality of Andorra. Only 14 kilometers south of Spain is the coast of Morocco. Spain includes the Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean and the Canary Islands in the Atlantic Ocean. With an area of 504,645 km², Spain is the fourth largest country in Europe after Russia, Ukraine and France and second in the European Union. The population of Spain is 47,450,795. In 2023, the Spanish economy is seriously concerned about the problems of reducing unemployment. According to statistics, the unemployment rate in the country reaches 16.3% of the number of working citizens. We will look in detail at the minimum and average wages, pay by professions and regions, taxes on wages and living costs in Spain.
Minimum wage
Spain is among the ten countries in the EU with the highest minimum wage, which in 2023 is 1,080 euros, given that 14 salaries are paid per year, as is the case by Spanish standards and not 12, as in most European countries. The lowest salaries are in the hotel industry and services, and the highest are in the financial and insurance sectors and in the field of education. The older and better educated the workers, the higher their pay. 61% of employees under the age of 25 receive a monthly salary of less than 1,336 euros, while 1/4 of people over the age of 55 receive 2,295 euros.
Average salary
According to official data from the Spanish Statistical Institute, the average salary in Spain in 2023 is €2,075.43 per month before taxes. In annual terms, the amount is equivalent to EUR 24 905. Women earn an average of 23% less than men. Given the high share of the shadow sector of the economy, Spanish citizens often receive significantly more than indicated in official sources. In addition, the average salary in Spain differs depending on the region. For example, working in Barcelona will provide an income in the region of 2,700 euros per month. In Madrid, the average salary is about 3,000 euros. Significantly less is obtained in Alicante and Murcia, 1,850 and 1,650 euros respectively. The highest average salaries in Spain are for bankers, financiers, insurers, management companies and programmers – from 3,000 to 4,500 euros. Unskilled workers, including migrant workers, earn no more than EUR 1 000–1 500. In addition to education and experience, the level of remuneration in Spain is influenced by the age of the specialist.
Pay by occupation
The average salary in Spain is related to a person’s profession. The highest salaries are offered to managers and executives, doctors, engineers, bank employees, financiers and programmers. Minimum pay is paid to employees in services and agriculture. Here are some of the professions and pay in euros per month:
§ Managers & executives 4 300
§ Engineers 4 200
§ Doctors 3 400
§ Programmers 3 200
§ Lawyers 2 500
§ Teachers 2 300
§ Security officers 1 900
§ Builders 1 750
§ Nurses 1 580
§ Agricultural workers 1 520
§ Unskilled personnel 1 080
Payroll taxes
It is the employer’s responsibility to collect income tax (IRPF) and social contributions on the wages of Spanish workers. The total amount of deductions may vary depending on salary and marital status – the presence of children and dependants. Locals (residents) pay taxes on income earned both in Spain and abroad. Foreigners (non-residents) with only income from activity on Spanish territory. Tax rates are set at state and regional level.
Income tax in Spain in 2023
Annual income (EUR) Tax rate (%)
Do 12 450 19
From 12,450 to 20,200 24
From 20,200 to 35,200 30
From 35,200 to 60,000 37
From 60,000 to 300,000 45
More than 300 thousand. 47
Taxes in Spain for non-residents
For foreign professionals residing in Spain for no more than 6 months during the year (183 days), there is a fixed income tax rate of 24%, and for citizens of EU countries and the Single Economic Area – 19%. Capital gains, investment interest and dividends – 19%. Fees – 24%. Pensions are taxed at progressive rates – from 8 to 40%. Real estate tax in Spain depends on the region and ranges from 0.5 to 1.1% of the cadastral value of the property.
Monthly expenses in Spain
Spain is a country that most people include on their wish list – for living or visiting. Its history, diverse landscapes, food, wine and climate attract people from all over the world. There are 49 UNESCO sites in Spain, ranking it third in the world after Italy and China. If you are considering moving to Spain, the various costs listed below will help you make an informed decision about the costs associated with moving and living in that part of the world.
§ Rent a home per month:
One-bedroom apartment in the city center: €500 – €1,200
One-bedroom apartment outside the city center: €400 – €900
§ Food costs:
Cheap restaurant: €8.00 – €17.00
Homebrew: €1.50 – €4.00
Coca-Cola/Pepsi: €1.20 – €2.50
1L мляко: €0.59 – €1.05
Bread: €0.50 – €2.32
12 eggs: €1.20 – €3.10
1 kg chicken fillets: €3.00 – €8.95
1 kg of beef: €6.67 – €15.99
1 kg apples: €1.00 – €3.00
1 kg white rice: €1.80 – €2.00
§ Urban transport costs
One-way ticket (local transport) – €1.05 – €2.40
Monthly pass, (regular price) – €25.95 – €54.60
§ Internet
Spain has excellent internet with availability of 99.77% and internet speed of 16 Mbps in the country.
Vodafone- 32,99 €/ Mass. for 2 Mbps
DIGI- 25,00 €/ Mass. for 1 Gbps
§ Expenses for clothing, personal belongings, fitness and leisure
Pair of jeans (Levis 501 or similar): €30 – €100
Summer dress: €15 – €45
Running shoes (sneakers): €45.00 – €100
Business shoes: €50 – €130
Gym membership: €25 – €53
Cinema ticket: €6.50 – €10
Short visit to the doctor (15 minutes): €55
Deodorant: €2.00 – €4.20
Shampoo: €2.50 – €5.50
Toilet paper (4 rolls): €3.40 – €4.45