The Cost of Living Index is 70.7, making Gibraltar an expensive place to live compared to New York City (100). Groceries (63.7) and restaurants (78.4) are also relatively high.

The property price to income ratio is 18.9 years, indicating a very expensive housing market. The Rent Index is 50.4, suggesting that renting is moderately expensive.

With a Purchasing Power Index of 96.9, residents have moderate buying power relative to New York City (100). The HDI of 0.961 suggests a very high level of human development.

Gibraltar operates a territorial tax system with no VAT, capital gains, wealth, or inheritance taxes. The corporate tax rate is 15% (increasing from 12.5% in July 2024), and personal income tax is progressive, with rates up to 28% under the gross income system or 40% under the allowance-based system. Mandatory social insurance contributions apply.

Gibraltar offers a stable and well-regulated business environment, particularly strong in fintech, online gaming, and blockchain technology. Company registration is streamlined, and the government actively supports startups. While globally ranked #434 in the StartupBlink Ecosystem Index, its agile regulatory framework and low corporate tax rate of 15% (from July 2024) attract specific industries.

Gibraltar has a public healthcare system (GHA) similar to the UK's NHS, funded by social insurance, providing free or low-cost care for residents and eligible expats. A mandatory workplace pension scheme requires contributions from both employers and employees. Unemployment benefits, maternity benefits, and old-age pensions are also provided through social security contributions.

Deposits are protected up to £120,000 (approx. USD 163,200) per depositor per institution under the statutory Gibraltar Deposit Guarantee Scheme (GDGS). The financial sector is well-regulated by the Gibraltar Financial Services Commission (GFSC), which ensures compliance with international standards, including FATF recommendations for AML/CTF.