How Much Does It Cost To Move to Spain From the US?

The cost of moving from the United States to Spain ranges from $3,500 to $10,000, depending on a few factors:

• Distance: The farther your current home is from Spain, the higher the cost.
• Volume: The more belongings you move, the more you’ll pay.
• Container Type: The size and type of shipping container impact the price.
• Additional Services: Services like packing, unpacking, or insurance add to the cost.

Spain has a lower cost of living than the U.S.— housing, groceries, utilities, and healthcare usually cost less. You’ll likely need a non-lucrative visa, which requires proof of annual income, or a Golden Visa,  which requires investments into Spanish business or real estate.

Best Overall International Van Lines rating 4.8 / 5 Licensed Insured Price Check prices (855) 929-4120

BEST FOR CUSTOMER SERVICE JK Moving Services International rating 5 / 5 Licensed Insured Price Check prices (703) 972-1772

Best for specialty services Solomon & Sons International Relocation Services rating 4.5 / 5 Licensed Insured Price Get A Quote (888) 201-6462

Moving overseas is a big leap, and there’s lots to plan for ahead of your new adventure. For one, you’ll want to budget for living expenses once you relocate.

We’ve broken down what you need to know about the associated costs of moving to Spain, as well as how to find the best international moving company to get you there.

Our track record

Each year, 400,000+ people trust our moving recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:

• Founded in 2015
• 3,500+ moving companies analyzed
• $50,000 in moving grants delivered
• Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
• Fact-checked for accuracy

Cost to move to Spain from the US

The average cost range to move to Spain from the US is wide — anywhere from $3,500 to $10,000 or more — and depends greatly on how much you’re moving and how you ship your items.

With international moves, you have two shipping options: by sea and by air. While sea freight takes longer — usually between one and two months —it is significantly cheaper. Air freight will get your stuff to Spain in as soon as few days or up to a couple of weeks, but at a much higher price — about 10–15 times more than shipping by sea.

Sea freight costs from the US to Spain

Since it’s cheaper, sea freight is the most popular international shipping option. With ocean shipments, an international moving company will usually send a large shipping container to your current home. After the container arrives, movers will load up your household items, then transport them to the nearest port offering shipments to Spain.

In addition to being more affordable, sea freight is flexible in terms of your move size. You’ll have a 20-foot shipping container — plenty of room to pack all or most of your belongings, including heavy or large furniture pieces.

*Estimates are based on a 20-foot container

Air freight costs from the US to Spain

Air freight is certainly convenient, but you’ll pay a premium for that convenience. Unless you have a big moving budget or need your items sooner rather than later, sea freight is your best bet. In fact, international shipping by air is much less common due to exorbitant cost.

Plus, you’ll be much more limited on what you can bring with you on your move to Spain from the US, since you are limited by an aircraft’s weight restrictions.

*Estimates are based on an approximately 220-pound shipment

How much does it cost to live in Spain?

A large part of Spain’s appeal to Americans is its affordability. As of February 2025, it’s 32.5% cheaper to live in Spain than in the US, according to Numbeo’s cost of living data.

With few exceptions, most major expenses — including housing, food, and utility bills — are less expensive in Spain than in the US. However, this could be partly attributed to the lower monthly net salary in Spain of about $1,816, compared to an average monthly net salary of $4,367 in the US. If you are planning to get a job in Spain, you may also need to account for a lower income level.

That being said, the low cost of living in Spain makes the country budget friendly for remote workers and retirees. Numbeo estimates that a family of four would need about $2,636 beyond rent each month to live, and a single person’s monthly expenses are about $746 without rent.

Housing costs in Spain

You’ll spend anywhere from about 25%–50% less on housing in Spain, regardless of whether you rent or purchase property.

Source: Numbeo cost of living comparison of Barcelona and LA (January 2025)

To find housing in Spain, start your search on reliable local real estate websites like Idealista or Fotocasa.

When renting, most landlords will want to see that you have a Spanish bank account, as well as proof of income, an NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero), and references. You may also be required to pay several months’ rent in advance.

Here are some of the top cities in Spain for American expats:

• Barcelona: Barcelona is home to architectural landmarks like the Basílica de la Sagrada Família, art museums, and the popular Barceloneta Beach. Barcelona’s parks, climate, and food scene make it a popular location for expats around the globe.
• Madrid: Spain’s capital is known for its thriving nightlife and ample job opportunities, making it especially popular with students and young professionals.
• Valencia: Valencia’s pleasant climate is perfect for getting outside, so it attracts nature enthusiasts of all ages. It’s also home to many free attractions like parks, museums, and beaches,so you can explore on a budget.
• Seville: Located in Andalucia in southern Spain, Seville is known for its restaurant and bar scene (particularly its tapas). With more than 300 days of sunshine each year, you’ll also have plenty of time to explore the surrounding countryside.

Utilities costs in Spain

Utilities are slightly cheaper in Spain, averaging about 2% less than in the US for electricity, water, and trash. Internet and phone plans tend to be much less expensive, with savings as high as 70%.

Source: Numbeo cost of living comparison of Barcelona and LA (January 2025)
*Based on the combined cost of electricity, water/sewer, and trash for a 915 square foot apartment (January 2025)

Food costs in Spain

Whether you’re eating out at a restaurant or buying groceries at the supermarket, you can expect to pay much less for food in Spain than in the US. Food costs in Spain are lower across most food categories, including staples like milk, meat, and fresh fruits and vegetables. In fact, produce in Spain is anywhere from 30%–60% cheaper than buying it from a US grocery store.

Source: Numbeo cost of living comparison of Barcelona and LA (January 2025)

Transportation costs in Spain

Transportation is one area where costs tend to be higher in Spain than in the US. While monthly public transportation passes are cheaper in Spain, most other options — like one-way local transport tickets, gasoline, and most taxis — cost more than in the US.

Source: Numbeo cost of living comparison of Barcelona and LA (January 2025)
*Based on the cost of a Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (or equivalent new vehicle) as of January 2025

Education costs in Spain

If you’re taking the whole family to Spain, you’re in luck — education expenses for private and international schools are typically half what they cost in the US.

Source: Numbeo cost of living comparison of Barcelona and LA (January 2025)

Spain’s visa & immigration requirements

As part of the Schengen Area, you can actually stay in Spain for up to 90 days without a visa during a single 180 day period. The Schengen Area is a designated border-free area that guarantees free movement for European Union (EU) citizens and non-EU visitors.

If you plan to stay for the long-term, you have a few primary visa options to choose from:

• Standard employee/work visa: This kind of visa is available to people with a job offer from an employer in Spain. The future employer must act as the visa sponsor.
• Self-employed visa: Entrepreneurs who want to live in Spain while they run their own business elsewhere can apply for a one-year stay. To be approved, you must show a business plan that includes projected profits, as well as proof that you have the financial resources to stay in Spain for a year.
• Digital nomad visa: If you’re a remote worker employed by a company outside of Spain, the digital nomad/teleworker visa lets you stay in Spain for up to five years. You’ll need to have health insurance first, and you must have worked for your employer for at least three months prior to submitting your application.
• Non-lucrative visa: This option is typically used by retirees and is renewed annually. You cannot work in Spain with this visa, but you must have annual financial resources (such as retirement savings) equal to 400% or more of Spain’s Public Multiple Effects Income Indicator, an index the Spanish government uses to determine eligibility for benefits and visas
• Golden Visa: If you invest at least €500,000 in Spanish business or real estate (including through buying a home), you can obtain this visa. However, the Golden Visa program is set to end in April 2025.

After living in Spain continuously for five years, you’ll be able to apply for permanent residency.

Moving to Spain from the US

There’s a lot that goes into moving to Spain from the US, including:

• Finding housing
• Deciding which type of visa to apply for
• Looking for work or making arrangements to continue working abroad
• Obtaining airline tickets

In the midst of all this, you’ll also need to figure out how to get your belongings overseas. Finding the right moving company can make all the difference in helping your global relocation go as smoothly as possible.

Top international moving companies

Working with a full-service mover experienced in overseas relocations can go a long way toward streamlining your move to Spain from the US. International moving companies are well-versed in the logistics and shipping options for moving to Spain. They can also help handle customs clearance and oversee necessary documentation and paperwork.

If you need help moving to Spain, here are our picks for top international movers based on key factors like pricing, services, and customer feedback:

Best Overall International Van Lines rating 4.8 / 5 Licensed Insured Price Check prices (855) 929-4120

BEST FOR CUSTOMER SERVICE JK Moving Services International rating 5 / 5 Licensed Insured Price Check prices (703) 972-1772

Best for specialty services Solomon & Sons International Relocation Services rating 4.5 / 5 Licensed Insured Price Get A Quote (888) 201-6462

BEST FOR ACCURATE PRICING northAmerican International rating 4.5 / 5 Licensed Insured Price Check prices (844) 950-2963

Best Add-on Services Allied International Van Lines rating 4.45 / 5 Licensed Insured Price Check prices (260) 429-2511

Shipping your vehicle to Spain

Some international moving companies — including International Van Lines and North American Van Lines — can coordinate car shipping as part of your international move. In other cases, you may prefer to work with an auto transport company to ship your car overseas.

Many of the best car shipping companies can arrange international sea freight transportation for your car, either directly or with the help of partner companies. As with full-service movers, they’ll handle customs and other logistical challenges, as well.

Based on customer satisfaction, cost, global service area, and international services, we recommend these car for your move to Spain:

Best for accurate pricing Sherpa Auto Transport rating 4.5 / 5 Licensed Insured Price Price lock promise Free car wash Get a quote (833) 775-1461

Best for discounts AmeriFreight Car Transport rating 4.3 / 5 Licensed Insured Price Services all 50 states Ships most vehicles Get a quote (770) 501-9057

Best for quick pickup Easy Auto Ship rating 4.9 / 5 Licensed Insured Price No deposit Quick pickup Get a quote (888) 259-6046

FAQ

Our rating methodology

At moveBuddha, we understand that all moving and car shipping companies aren’t created equal. We undertake a rigorous review process to rate and review companies to ensure we provide accurate recommendations.

This is the breakdown of the methodology we use to rate moving companies:

• Customer satisfaction: In addition to looking at reviews with the BBB, Google, and other third-party sites, we rely heavily on interviews with Better Moves Project participants to understand the pros and cons of each company.
• Standard services: The services that are included as part of a company’s standard offerings — and which ones you can only get for an additional fee — affect a company’s rating.
• Reputation: We evaluate a company’s industry ratings, including aspects like carrying sufficient insurance coverage and compliance with applicable regulations.
• Add-on services: We look at any add-on services that can simplify a move — such as customized crates and special handling of large or fragile items — as well as services that aren’t offered by all moving companies.
• Availability: The areas a company serves — as well as whether they offer local, long-distance, or international services — is another important consideration. Widespread availability is most useful.
• Payment: Ease of making a payment (including submitting a deposit) with multiple options (credit card, check, cash, etc.) can also make moving easier.
• Scheduling: How easy is it to book a moving container? What kind of lead time is needed? Readily available booking services and streamlined scheduling will help get your move underway.

Read our rating standards for car shipping companies