24th of 192 countries in the Sovereo Index, and 20th of 46 in Europe.
Pillar scores
Europe average. Scores run from 0 to 100. How the Index is built.
Who Spain suits
Spain scores 78.8 out of 100 and ranks 24th of 192 countries in the Sovereo Index. Its Health and Longevity score (96.2) is among the highest anywhere and far above the Europe average of 84.5. Lifestyle and Belonging (80.5) is also strong. Legacy and Sovereignty (71.4) trails the regional average.
For a US retiree, the barrier is the income test. The non-lucrative visa asks for 400 percent of IPREM, about $2,690 a month for one person, plus more for a spouse. The average Social Security check covers about three quarters of it, so most applicants add savings. After a year of residence, public health cover costs 60 to 157 euros a month.
Retirement visa: does the average Social Security check qualify?
Non-lucrative residence visa. 400 percent of IPREM for the main applicant plus 100 percent per family member. With IPREM at EUR 600 a month, that is EUR 2,400, about $2,690 at 1.1208 dollars per euro (October 15, 2026).
The average US Social Security retired-worker benefit ($2,085.98, July 2026) covers it 0.78 times. IPREM has been frozen since 2023 and a new budget could raise it. Some consulates use the 14-payment IPREM, which lifts the bar to about $3,140.
Source: Consulate General of Spain in Los Angeles, non-lucrative residence visa. Confirm the current minimum with the consulate before you act.
Cost of living
One person in Madrid or Valencia needs roughly $1,500 to $2,200 a month for rent, food, transport and public health cover; a couple about $1,950 to $2,900 (October 2026). Full answer with sources.
Nearby alternatives
| Country | Score | Rank | Region |
|---|---|---|---|
| Malta | 81.7 | 16th | Europe |
| Portugal | 79.6 | 22nd | Europe |
| France | 78.9 | 23rd | Europe |
| Spain | 78.8 | 24th | Europe |
| Greece | 78.4 | 26th | Europe |
| Italy | 76.6 | 30th | Europe |
Latest from the SITREP
The Retirement Decision LabDeciding whether Spain fits your retirement?
A live four-week lab for Americans 55 and older deciding when, whether and where to retire, at home or abroad. Your own numbers, worked live, including whether a country like Spain fits your income.
See the Lab and join the waitlist →Answers about Spain
- How much does it cost to live in Spain in 2026?
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Go deeper on Spain
The Spain Country Dossier runs the full research: rules, institutions, costs and risks, verified and dated. Or get the free daily SITREP.
Get the Spain Dossier →Questions about Spain
How does Spain score in the Sovereo Index?
Spain scores 78.8 out of 100, 24th of 192 countries. Its highest pillar is Health & Longevity and its lowest is Environment.
Can the average Social Security check qualify for Spain's retirement visa?
Non-lucrative residence visa: 400 percent of IPREM for the main applicant plus 100 percent per family member. With IPREM at EUR 600 a month, that is EUR 2,400, about $2,690 at 1.1208 dollars per euro (October 15, 2026). The average US Social Security retired-worker benefit ($2,085.98, July 2026) covers it 0.78 times. IPREM has been frozen since 2023 and a new budget could raise it. Some consulates use the 14-payment IPREM, which lifts the bar to about $3,140.
How much does it cost to live in Spain?
One person in Madrid or Valencia needs roughly $1,500 to $2,200 a month for rent, food, transport and public health cover; a couple about $1,950 to $2,900 (October 2026).
Cite this page
Educational research, not legal, tax, immigration or financial advice. Index scores are built from public datasets; see the methodology for sources and dates.