Both Spain and Italy sit in Europe, but their tax structures take different paths. On a 65.000 € gross, the effective tax burden in Italy is roughly 7.5% higher than in Spain — driven by differences in Seguridad vs INPS, bracket structure, and personal allowance.
Same nominal gross applied to both tax systems. Currencies aren't FX-converted — compare structures, not purchasing power.
Spain combines a national IRPF income tax with a regional tranche — Madrid taxes lighter than Catalonia, sometimes by 4–5 points. The flat 6.45% Seguridad Social is split between common contingencies, unemployment, and training. The Beckham Law lets new residents tax foreign income at 24% flat for six years.
Italy uses a three-band IRPEF income tax (23/35/43%) plus regional and municipal surcharges of 1–3.3%. The 9.49% INPS social contribution funds pension and unemployment. The regime impatriati offers returning workers a 50–70% tax base reduction for several years.
Pre-calculated breakdowns at common pay levels in Spain — open either side for the full page.
Last updated: 2026. Estimates only — see the disclaimer above.