When choosing a new country to live in, expats often weigh lifestyle factors such as weather and culture. But equally important is the financial side: income potential, taxation, and cost of living. Spain and Georgia are two popular destinations in Southern Europe and the Caucasus that attract very different profiles of expats. Here’s how they compare in 2025.

Average Salaries and Income Potential

Spain offers higher average salaries compared to Georgia. In major cities like Madrid and Barcelona, the average net salary in 2025 hovers around €1,800–2,000 per month. Certain skilled professions, especially in IT or international companies, can earn significantly more.

Georgia, on the other hand, has a much lower average salary. In Tbilisi, the net average is closer to €500–600 per month. However, many expats in Georgia are remote workers or digital nomads earning international salaries, which gives them strong purchasing power in the local economy.

For a closer look at real salary data, see this guide: Average Salary in Tbilisi in 2025.

Taxation and Financial Benefits

Spain applies progressive tax rates, with income tax ranging from 19% to 47% depending on your earnings. While Spain offers a solid public healthcare system and social benefits in exchange, the tax burden can be high for freelancers and high-income earners.

Georgia offers one of the most attractive tax regimes in the region. With the 1% small business tax available for entrepreneurs with revenues under a certain threshold, freelancers and digital nomads can structure their income very efficiently. For larger businesses, Georgia still maintains competitive corporate and personal tax rates compared to Spain.

If you’re interested in how this works, check out: How Foreigners Can Pay 1% Tax in Georgia.

Cost of Living and Savings

The difference in cost of living between Spain and Georgia is striking. In Spain, monthly expenses for a single person in cities like Madrid or Valencia range from €1,200–1,600 including rent. Families often need at least €2,500–3,000 to live comfortably.

Georgia is far cheaper. A single expat in Tbilisi or Batumi can often live well on €700–900 per month, while families may spend around €1,500. This means expats earning in dollars or euros can save significantly more while living in Georgia.

For example, compare the rental market here: How Much Is Rent in Spain per Month.

Investment Opportunities

Spain’s real estate market is mature, stable, and regulated. Properties in Madrid, Barcelona, or coastal cities like Málaga continue to rise steadily in value, making Spain attractive for safe, long-term investments.

Georgia’s market is younger and more volatile, but the potential for higher yields is there. Cities like Batumi are booming with tourism, and Tbilisi’s demand for rentals continues to grow. Early investors can still find opportunities at relatively low entry prices compared to Spain.

Final Verdict: Which Country Wins?

For expats looking for stability, infrastructure, and long-term planning, Spain remains one of Europe’s top destinations. But for digital nomads, entrepreneurs, and location-independent workers seeking low taxes and a lower cost of living, Georgia provides unmatched advantages.

Ultimately, the choice depends on your income source: if you earn locally, Spain is better. If you earn internationally, Georgia may be the smarter financial choice.