EUROCOSTSCOUNTRY COMPARISON · UPDATED 2026-07-16
Romania vs Spain: taxes, salary and cost of living
Romania and Spain present two different cost profiles: the first question is whether the salary gap compensates for housing and daily expenses.
Romania vs Spain at a glance
| Indicator | Romania | Spain |
|---|---|---|
| Standard VAT | 21% | 21% |
| Income tax | 10% | 19-47% |
| Social contributions | 37.25% | 36.25% |
| Tax burden | 42% | 39.5% |
| Average monthly salary | €1,750 | €2,642 |
| Studio rent | €450 | €950 |
| Monthly food estimate | €300 | €320 |
| Gasoline | 1.75 €/L | 1.57 €/L |
| Electricity | 0.27 €/kWh | 0.24 €/kWh |
How far does the local salary go?
Spain records the higher listed monthly salary. The gap is €892, approximately 33.8% relative to the lower figure. Within the numeric EuroCosts sample, Romania ranks 19 of 27 for salary and Spain ranks 13 of 27. That ranking is useful context, but gross and net labels must be checked in the source record.
What recurring living costs reveal
Romania has the lower listed studio rent by €500, a 52.6% difference relative to the higher rent. Romania sits 7 of 37 and Spain 28 of 37 in the available low-to-high rent ranking. Romania also has the lower food estimate, so the housing result is reinforced by groceries.
After subtracting only the listed rent and food estimates, the simplified remainder is €1,000 in Romania and €1,372 in Spain. This leaves €372 more in Spain, before utilities, transport, healthcare, childcare or personal taxes not already reflected in salary.
Tax profile for employees
Spain has the lower listed tax burden by 2.5 percentage points. Standard VAT is 21% in Romania versus 21% in Spain. Allowances, tax brackets and employment status can reverse a headline comparison.
Fuel-price impact
Spain has the lower listed gasoline price by €0.18 per litre. For a driver buying 50 litres a month, that headline difference is about €9 monthly, before insurance, parking and road charges.
The answer depends on your profile
For Romania and Spain, short stays are influenced heavily by rent and restaurant prices; permanent relocation adds payroll, healthcare and administrative costs. These figures work best as a shortlist, not a final decision model.
Final view: Romania or Spain?
Spain produces the stronger simplified monthly remainder in this dataset, while Romania leads on listed rent. That split explains why there is no universal winner.
Sources and data references
- PwC standard VAT rates
- PwC personal income tax rates
- PwC corporate income tax rates
- EuroCosts data scope and generation process
Explore Romania comparisons · Explore Spain comparisons