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Spain vs USA is an important comparison for study abroad aspirants choosing the best higher education destination. While the USA is known for its prestigious universities and research, Spain boasts affordable education and a growing number of English-taught programs. Both countries provide experienced faculty and unique opportunities for international students. So, if you are confused about your ideal study abroad destination, this blog is for you. In this blog on Spain vs USA, you will read a detailed comparison of both countries based on numerous aspects. +2 points will be awarded to the one which is better in a particular aspect. Finally, we will calculate the total scores, and the country with the highest score will be deemed a better study-abroad destination in this blog.
This Blog Includes:
| Spain vs USA Parameters | Spain | USA |
| Area | 506,030 KM² | 9.834 Million KM² |
| Currency | The Euro (€) | United States Dollar ($) |
| Capital | Madrid | Washington, D.C. |
| Total Higher Education Providers | 86 | 4,313 |
| Total Indian Students Studying | 1,500 | 211,930 |
| Average Cost of Living | €689.4 – €2,430.9 | $2,500 – $3,500 Per Month |
| Average Cost of Studying | €750 to €3,500 Per Year | $7,000 – $55,000 Per Year |
| Popular Job Sectors | Law, Data Science, Real Estate, Food Industry, Clothing Industry, Information and Communications Technology, and Business Development | Tech and IT, Energy, Marketing/Creative, Life sciences, Healthcare, Retail, E-commerce, and Business Services |
| Permitted Part-Time Working Hours | 20 Hours Per Week / 4 Hours Per Day | Up To 20 Hours Per Week During School Sessions and Full Time During Holidays |
Top-Ranked Universities: Spain vs USA
When it comes to the ranking of universities, the USA obviously leads with a great advantage. 4 of its many prestigious universities are included in the top 10 list of QS World University Rankings 2025. This highlights the country’s dominance in providing world-class education.
Universities in Spain
Here are some of the top universities in Spain:
| Top Universities in Spain | QS World University Rankings 2025 |
| Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona | 175 |
| Universitat de Barcelona | 165 |
| Complutense University of Madrid | 164 |
| Universidad Autónoma de Madrid | =198 |
| University of Navarra | 249 |
| Universitat Pompeu Fabra (Barcelona) | =265 |
| Universidad Carlos III de Madrid (UC3M) | 285 |
| Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya · BarcelonaTech (UPC) | 354 |
| University of Granada | =431 |
| IE University | 435 |
Universities in the USA
Here are some of the highest-ranked universities in the US:
Which Country is Better?
The above comparison shows that the universities in the USA are ranked higher than the universities in Spain. Hence, we will grant +2 points to the USA in this round of Spain vs USA.
Admission Requirements: Spain vs USA
Before applying to universities abroad, understanding the admission criteria is crucial. Let’s dive into the requirements for Spain and the USA to help you make an informed decision.
Admission Requirements for Spain
- For bachelor’s programs, you must have completed your high school education
- For postgraduate courses, you need an undergraduate degree
- In the PCE exams you take, you must score a minimum grade of 5 in the general core subject.
- You must score at least 90-100 on TOEFL and 6.5 on IELTS.
Moreover, you need to provide the following documents during your admission process:
- A valid passport
- A valid student visa
- Medical insurance
- Travel Insurance
- Proof of sufficient funds to cover your living expenses during your studies
Admission Requirements for the USA
- You need to have a minimum TOEFL score of 55 to 79, or equivalent for courses of bachelor’s level.
- You need to have a TOEFL score of 55 to 89 or the equivalent for degrees of master’s level.
- Candidates are required to have a GPA of 2.5 to 3.5 or more in their previous studies.
- They also need to have a minimum PTE Academic score of 50-70, a SAT score of 1500-1600, an IELTS score of 6-6.5, an ACT score of 25, and an iTEP score of 3.7.
- The students must have finished high school or the equivalent.
- The applicants need to have a four-year bachelor’s degree or its equivalent if they are applying for a master’s degree course.
- You also need to submit a resume, an essay, recommendations, and a copy of your current passport.
- Students also need to provide proof of financial support, which is needed for the I-20 Form.
Which Country is Better?
The above comparison shows that getting admission to US universities is a bit harder than the universities in Spain. As a result, we will grant +2 points to Spain in this round of Spain vs US.
Tuition Fees: Spain vs USA
The cost of education is another major factor that determines whether or not a study destination is suitable for you. In this section, we will compare Spain vs US based on their estimated annual tuition costs.
Tuition Fees in Spain
As per the websites of the universities in Spain, the average annual tuition costs in the country are as follows:
| Study Program | Average Annual Tuition Fee |
| Undergraduate | €750 to €2,500 |
| Postgraduate | €1,000 to €3,500 |
| Doctoral | €3,300 |
Tuition Fees in USA
This is what the average annual tuition costs in the USA look like according to the websites of the universities in the nation:
| Study Program | Average Annual Tuition Fee |
| Undergraduate | $8,000 – $40,000 |
| Postgraduate | $10,000 – $60,000 |
| Doctoral | $28,000 – $55,000 |
Which Country is Better?
The tables above show that the tuition fees in the US are more than the tuition fees in Spain. Hence, Spain will receive +2 points in this round of Spain vs US.
Cost of Living: Spain vs USA
The cost of living is a significant factor for study abroad aspirants. According to NUMBEO, the cost of living in the USA is 48% higher than in Spain. Rent prices in the USA are notably 60% higher, and groceries are also more expensive, with a 65.5% price difference. This makes Spain a more budget-friendly option for students looking to manage living expenses while studying abroad.
Cost of Living in Spain
| Parameters | Details (in EUR) |
| 1 bedroom apartment outside city centre | 719.05 |
| 1 bedroom apartment in city centre | 950.03 |
| Meal in an inexpensive restaurant | 14 |
| Taxi 1km | 1.29 |
| Basic utilities (electricity, garbage, heating, cooling, etc) | 131.88 |
Cost of Living in the USA
| Parameters | Details |
| 1 bedroom apartment outside city centre | 1,436.10 |
| 1 bedroom apartment in city centre | 1,739.72 |
| Meal in an inexpensive restaurant | 20 |
| Taxi 1km | 1.74 |
| Basic utilities (electricity, garbage, heating, cooling, etc) | 206.76 |
Which Country is Better?
The cost of living in the US is lower than in Spain, and hence, we will grant +2 points to Spain in this round of Spain vs USA.
Work Permit and PR: Spain vs USA
The ease of receiving a work permit and permanent residency is also an important consideration one should have while opting for a study-abroad destination. So, in this section, we will compare Spain and the USA based on their ease of granting work permits and PR.
Work Permit in Spain
Eligibility Requirements for a Work Permit in Spain:
- Original work permit/training permit obtained by the Spain-based employer,
- Original Passport with a validity of more than six months and a minimum of three blank pages for visa stamp (Attach all your old passports if any),
- Two recent passport-sized coloured photographs on a white background with 80% face cover on a matt or semi-matt finished paper (35mm x 45mm),
- Personal ITR for the last 3 years,
- Original Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) issued by the Regional,
- Pay slips,
- Bank Statement for the last six months,
- Passport Office, and
- Travel insurance.
Process for a Spain Work Permit:
You have to first secure a job if you want to get a Spanish work visa. This is because your employer finishes most of the Work Visa Application Process on your behalf and they must begin by applying for authorisation from the Single Desk for Immigration at their local Prefettura. Your local embassy will grant you an entry visa, which usually takes less than thirty days.
PR in Spain
To get the Spanish Permanent Residency, you must have stayed lawfully in Spain for five years. You can apply for Permanent Residency and receive the right to remain in the country as a permanent resident.
Work Permit in the USA
Here is how a work permit is given in the US:
Eligibility for a Work Permit in the US
- DACA recipients,
- Immigrants with extraordinary abilities,
- Immigrants with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) or Deferred Enforced Departure (DED),
- K-1 Fiance Visa holders,
- Asylees,
- Immigrants with pending adjustment of status (green card) applications,
- Certain exchange visitors,
- Spouses of some visa holders,
- F-1 students who are experiencing financial hardship who want to apply for optional practical training (OPT), and
- Approved temporary workers.
Apply for a Work Permit in the US
To apply for a work permit in the US, follow the processes given below:
Step 1: Apply for an immigration status that enables you to work in the USA.
Step 2: Then, properly complete the USCIS Form I-765: Application for Employment Authorization to apply for a work permit in the US
Step 3: Gather and submit the needed documents, which include a duplicate of a duplicate of your passport photo page, your original Form I-94 travel record, and two 2-inch-by-2-inch passport-style photos of yourself.
Step 4: Submit your application and pay the application fee. The USCIS charges an application fee of $410 for the majority of I-765 forms.
Step 5: After you have completed Form I-765, collected all supporting papers, and paid the application cost, submit your application for the work permit to USCIS.
US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) usually processes Form I-765 in 6.7 months.
PR in the USA
Green Cards, generally known as alien registration cards, have a validity of 10 years. If a person has been a lawful permanent resident for 5 years via employment or 3 years through marriage to a US citizen, they can petition for citizenship.
Which Country is Better?
The above comparison shows that Spain grants work visas and permanent residency more easily than the USA. Hence, Spain will receive +2 points in this round of Spain vs USA.
Average Salaries: Spain vs USA
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary in the United States was approximately $55,000 in 2023. On the other hand, the average annual salary was around €27,000 in 2023. However, Spain offers a lower cost of living, which can offset the salary difference, making it an attractive destination for students seeking affordable education and living expenses.
Which Country is Better?
The average salary in the US is more than the average salary in Spain, as clear from above. Hence, we will award +2 points to the USA in this round of Spain vs USA.
Other Major Elements
Let’s look at some additional crucial factors to consider while deciding where to pursue your education. Here are a few of these significant considerations:
Climate
Spain generally experiences a Mediterranean climate, which is characterised by hot, dry summers and rainy, mild winters. On the other hand, the climate of the US varies greatly, ranging from tropical conditions in South Florida to arctic and alpine conditions in Alaska.
Safety
Spain is renowned for offering a very safe environment to its residents and internationals.
The Spanish government has a public alert system for terrorism and communicates threat-level changes online and via local media. Coming to the USA, the country is also mostly safe. Please bear in mind that the crime rate in the US varies greatly by location and city. However, both the nation is overall very safe for the residents and internationals.
Culture for International Students
Spain boasts a rich cultural heritage, with numerous museums, galleries, and historical sites to explore. Students can also experience the vibrant local culture via concerts, festivals, and other events. On the other hand, homesickness, culture shock, language problems, financial hardship, academic pressures, and social isolation are some of the difficulties that students may endure when studying in the United States. Many universities and colleges, however, offer resources and support to help students overcome these problems and succeed.
Conclusion: Spain vs USA
After computing the total scores, we find that Spain gets 8 points while the US gets 4 points. Hence, Spain is the winner in this contest of Spain vs USA. However, please bear in mind that both Spain and the United States have their advantages and disadvantages. So, before applying to the universities of any country, carefully choose a degree. Consider the educational facilities and financial aid available for the course of your choice to make a more informed decision. Having said that, both Spain and the US are excellent study-abroad destinations offering equal chances to overseas students.
FAQs
The living cost in Spain is lower than in the USA.
Yes, a lot of people speak English in Spain, but learning to speak Spanish will make your experience a lot better.
Spain is a safe and welcoming country for people who want a low cost of living, and a great quality of life, within a welcoming community.
Studying in Spain is generally more affordable than in the USA. The cost of tuition fees and living expenses in Spain is significantly lower, making it a budget-friendly option for international students. In contrast, the USA tends to have higher tuition and living costs, especially in major cities.
Yes, Spain is a fantastic study abroad destination. It offers a high-quality education, rich culture, and a diverse international community. With numerous programs available in English and relatively low living costs, Spain is an excellent choice for students seeking a balance of academic excellence and affordable living.
Choosing between the US and Europe depends on your priorities. The US offers top-ranked universities with cutting-edge research opportunities, but it’s more expensive. Europe, including Spain, provides excellent education, often at lower costs, and gives you the chance to explore multiple cultures while studying.
The US education system focuses on flexibility, allowing students to choose electives and explore a range of subjects. It emphasizes research and practical application. Spain’s education system is more structured, with less flexibility but offers a strong foundation in various academic disciplines. Both have high-quality education but differ in approach.
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