Cost of Living in Madrid, Spain
Spain · Europe
$2,200
Monthly Cost
avg/person
64
Cost Index
NYC=100
60
Rent Index
NYC=100
82
Quality of Life
Excellent
62
Safety Index
Moderate
3.2M
Population
EUR
Quality Indices
Currency
Data collected from contributors and public sources.
Updated Monthly
Prices are indicative.
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Meal (inexpensive) | $12 |
| Meal for 2 (mid-range) | $50 |
| McMeal at McDonald's | $9 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5L) | $3 |
| Imported Beer (0.33L) | $3.5 |
| Cappuccino | $2 |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33L) | $2.5 |
| Water (0.33L) | $1.5 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Milk (1L) | $0.9 |
| Bread (500g) | $1.3 |
| Rice (1kg) | $1.4 |
| Eggs (12) | $2.5 |
| Chicken (1kg) | $7 |
| Beef (1kg) | $12 |
| Apples (1kg) | $2 |
| Banana (1kg) | $1 |
| Tomato (1kg) | $1.8 |
| Potato (1kg) | $1 |
| Onion (1kg) | $0.9 |
| Water (1.5L) | $0.7 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1-way Ticket (local) | $1.5 |
| Monthly Pass | $54 |
| Taxi 1km | $1.5 |
| Gasoline (1L) | $1.8 |
| Volkswagen Golf | $26000 |
| Toyota Corolla | $22000 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Basic (85m² apt) | $120 |
| Mobile Plan | $18 |
| Internet (60 Mbps) | $35 |
| Fitness Club/month | $38 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1BR Center | $1,400/mo |
| 1BR Outside | $950/mo |
| 3BR Center | $2,900/mo |
| 3BR Outside | $1,800/mo |
| Price/m² Center | $5,500/m² |
| Price/m² Outside | $3,500/m² |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Average Net Salary | $2100 |
| Mortgage Interest Rate | 3.8% |
Cost of Living in Madrid — Complete Guide (2026)
Monthly Budget Overview
The average cost of living in Madrid, Spain is approximately $2,200 per month for a single person. This includes rent, groceries, local transport, and utilities. Compared to New York City (index 100), Madrid has a cost index of 64, making it around 36% more affordable.
Rent and Housing
Renting a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center in Madrid costs around $950/month, while a one-bedroom in the center is approximately $1,400/month. A three-bedroom apartment in the center averages $2,900/month. The rent index is 60 compared to New York City.
Quality of Life and Safety
Madrid scores 82/100 on the quality of life index and 62/100 on safety. Healthcare is rated 88/100. The climate index is 82/100. These scores are based on factors including infrastructure, pollution levels, healthcare access, and crime rates reported by residents and contributors.
Salaries and Purchasing Power
The average net salary in Madrid is approximately $2,100/month. With a purchasing power index of 72/100, residents can cover basic expenses and save modestly. The local currency is EUR, though all prices on this page are displayed in USD for easy international comparison.
Cost of Living vs Salary in Madrid
The average monthly salary in Madrid is approximately $2,100. Compared with the average monthly living cost of $2,200, residents generally enjoy a purchasing power score of 72/100.
Healthcare Costs in Madrid
Healthcare quality in Madrid is rated 88/100. Medical expenses vary depending on insurance coverage and healthcare providers, but overall healthcare access remains an important factor when evaluating the total cost of living.
Quality of Life in Madrid
Madrid has a quality of life score of 82/100, supported by factors such as healthcare, safety, climate, purchasing power, infrastructure, and public services.
Cost of Living for Students in Madrid
Students living in Madrid should budget for accommodation, food, transportation, internet, and study-related expenses. Shared housing and student discounts can significantly reduce monthly costs.
Cost of Living for Expats in Madrid
Expats moving to Madrid often consider rent, healthcare, transportation, taxation, and lifestyle costs. Worldlivingcost data helps compare living expenses with other cities worldwide before relocation.
Quick Answer
The average cost of living in Madrid, Spain is approximately $2,200 per month for a single person including rent, groceries, transportation, utilities and healthcare. The city's cost index is 64 compared with New York City (100).
Living in Madrid
Living in Madrid offers a balance between housing costs, transportation expenses, healthcare access and overall quality of life. The city has a cost of living index of 64 and a quality of life score of 82/100. Residents spend most of their monthly budget on housing, groceries and transportation, while local salaries average $2,100 per month. For expats, students, remote workers and families, Madrid provides a useful benchmark when comparing living costs with other cities in Spain and around the world.
Key Facts About Madrid
- Average Monthly Cost: $2,200
- Cost Index: 64
- Rent Index: 60
- Average Salary: $2,100
- Quality of Life: 82/100
- Safety Score: 62/100
- Country: Spain
- Currency: EUR
Is Madrid Expensive?
Madrid has a cost index of 64 compared with New York City's benchmark score of 100. This means it is more affordable than many major international cities.
How does Madrid compare to other cities?
Madrid is located in Europe with a population of approximately 3.2M. At a cost index of 64 (NYC = 100), it is a moderately affordable city, offering good value compared to most Western cities. Use the free comparison tool to see how Madrid stacks up against any other city worldwide across rent, groceries, transport, and salaries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Madrid?
The average cost of living in Madrid, Spain is approximately $2,200 per month for a single person, including rent, food, transportation, and utilities. The cost index is 64 relative to New York City (NYC = 100).
How much does rent cost in Madrid?
Rent in Madrid varies by neighborhood and apartment size. The rent index is 60 (NYC=100). Use Worldlivingcost's city comparison tool to see detailed rent prices for Madrid alongside other cities worldwide.
Is Madrid expensive to live in?
Madrid has a cost index of 64 compared to New York City (100). At 64, Madrid is moderately priced and more affordable than most Western cities. The average monthly budget for a single person is around $2,200.
What is the quality of life in Madrid?
Madrid has a quality of life index of 82/100 and a safety index of 62/100. The city is located in Europe and offers a excellent quality of life rating based on factors including safety, healthcare, climate, and infrastructure.
How does the cost of living in Madrid compare to other cities?
Use Worldlivingcost's free comparison tool to compare Madrid with any city worldwide. Madrid's cost index is 64 (NYC=100), making it cheaper than New York. Compare rent, groceries, transport, healthcare, and salaries side by side.
Can you live comfortably in Madrid?
Many residents live comfortably in Madrid with a monthly budget of around $2,200 depending on lifestyle and housing choices.
Is Madrid good for expats?
Madrid is popular among expats due to its job opportunities, quality of life, and infrastructure.
What salary is needed in Madrid?
A salary above the average monthly living cost of $2,200 is generally sufficient for a comfortable lifestyle in Madrid.
Is Madrid cheaper than New York?
Yes, Madrid has a cost index of 64 compared with New York City's benchmark index of 100.
What are the biggest expenses in Madrid?
Housing, rent, groceries, transportation, and healthcare are typically the largest monthly expenses in Madrid.
Best Time & Tips to Save Money in Madrid
Cheapest Ways to Live in Madrid
Newcomers looking to reduce their monthly budget in Madrid typically save the most on housing by choosing accommodation outside the city center, where rent runs close to $950/month compared to $1,400/month in the center. Cooking at home instead of dining out, using public transport instead of taxis, and sharing an apartment with roommates are the most effective ways to cut living expenses in Madrid, Spain.
Is Madrid Worth Moving To?
With a purchasing power index of 72/100 and a quality of life score of 82/100, Madrid is considered a highly desirable relocation destination with strong infrastructure and services. Combined with a cost index of 64 relative to New York City, Madrid remains a popular search term among people comparing the cost of living Spain has to offer against other destinations in Europe.
Madrid Cost of Living FAQ Summary
People searching for "cost of living in Madrid", "Madrid monthly expenses 2026", and "is Madrid affordable" can use this page as a complete reference. With an average monthly cost of $2,200, a safety score of 62/100, and healthcare rated 88/100, Madrid offers a data-backed answer for expats, digital nomads, students, and families planning a move to Spain.
Popular City Cost Comparisons
Last reviewed: 7/15/2026