France Saves Me $8K a Year: Why Do People Still Choose Spain & Portugal?

Why I Chose France Over Spain & Portugal: The Tax Secret No One Tells You Why are so many American expats moving to Spain and Portugal for retirement when France might actually be the cheaper option? In this video, I break down the "hidden" numbers behind the tax treaties that changed my mind. I compare the actual tax burden for a US retiree across France, Spain, Portugal, and Italy using a real-world scenario of $45,000 in annual income. You might be shocked to find out that France's tax agreement with the USA could save you over $8,000 a year compared to its neighbours. In this video, you’ll learn: ✅ The truth about Portugal’s 10% flat tax (and what replaced it). ✅ Why Italy’s 7% flat tax wasn't right for my lifestyle. ✅ A breakdown of Spain’s complex regional and national tax brackets. ✅ How the US-France tax treaty treats Social Security and why it’s a game-changer for Americans. If you are planning to retire in Europe and want to maximise your budget, this data-driven comparison is an eye-opener. Disclaimer: I am a photographer, not a tax professional. This video represents my personal research and experience. Always consult with a certified tax advisor before making a move abroad. timestamps 00:00 - France vs. Spain & Portugal 01:19 - Why I chose France: The numbers 02:26 - My $45,000 income breakdown 03:13 - How US federal taxes affect expats 04:40 - Portugal’s tax shift (the end of 0%) 06:08 - The catch with Italy’s 7% flat tax 07:44 - Spain’s complicated tax brackets 09:12 - Why France is actually the cheapest 11:28 - Final thoughts: Beyond the taxes ⸻ Subscribe for more Moving to France, cost of living, and real decisions about retiring in Europe. 👉 Finding an Apartment in Nice, France 🇫🇷 (2026 Guide) | Why It’s So HARD & How to Succeed    • Finding an Apartment in Nice, France 🇫🇷 (2...   👉 Good Isn’t Enough: Why These French Cities Didn’t Make My Retirement Move List 🇫🇷    • Good Isn’t Enough: Why These 7 Cities in t...   👉 I Chose Between Nice vs Montpellier… Here’s Why I’m Moving to France 🇫🇷 (Big Decision)    • I Chose Between Nice vs Montpellier… Here’...   #RetireInFrance #ExpatTaxes #MoveToEurope #LivingInPortugal #LivingInSpain #AmericanExpats #RetirementPlanning #FranceVsSpain #ExpatLife #FinancialFreedom #USFranceTaxTreaty #RetireAbroad #TravelEurope #LiveLongAndTravel