Key Cost of Living Data
Madrid 2026 · NYC baseline = 100
| Category | Value | Notes | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CoL Index | 78.5 | NYC baseline = 100 · global avg 87.2 | GlobalCostData 2026 |
| Rent Index | 72.1 | Avg rent vs NYC | GlobalCostData 2026 |
| 1-BR City Centre | $464 | Monthly rent, USD | GlobalCostData 2026 |
| 1-BR Outside Centre | $302 | Monthly rent, USD | GlobalCostData 2026 |
| Cheap Restaurant Meal | $6 | Per person, USD | GlobalCostData 2026 |
| Monthly Groceries | $234 | Single person, USD | GlobalCostData 2026 |
| Monthly Transport | $62 | Transit pass, USD | GlobalCostData 2026 |
Madrid's cost of living index of 78.5 places it 22% below New York City's baseline, and 67% above the global average (approx. index 47).
Affordability snapshot
Rent / Salary ratio
10%
Share of average net salary absorbed by 1-bed city-centre rent. Lower = more disposable income.
Country context · Spain
Avg net salary
$4,806
Food basket /mo
N/A
Avg rent /mo
$464
Internet speed
98 Mbps
Safety index
8.1
HDI
0.911
Life expectancy
76.0 yrs
Purchasing power
55.1
Housing & Rent
USD per month · 2026
| Type | USD / month | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1-bed, city centre | $464 | Capital city avg. |
| 1-bed, outside centre | $302 | Suburbs avg. |
| Country avg rent | $464 | Spain (national) |
Food & Dining
Per-item prices in USD
| Item | Price (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cheap restaurant meal | $6 | Per person |
| Mid-range restaurant (2p) | $18 | 3-course |
| Monthly groceries (single) | $234 | Single person estimate |
| Country food basket | N/A | Spain (national avg) |
Transport
Monthly costs in USD
| Type | Price (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly transit pass | $62 | Public transport avg. |
City Insight
In Madrid, a 1-bedroom city-centre apartment ($464/mo) absorbs approximately 10% of the average net salary ($4,806/mo). This leaves solid disposable income.
Country profile
Full cost of living guide for Spain
Related · TaxRatesByCountry.com
Tax Rates in Spain for Expats 2026
Income tax, corporate rates, capital gains & special regimes
Read guide →
Free resource
Planning a move to Madrid?
Get our Expat Budget Calculator — personalised monthly cost estimate for your lifestyle and city.
Monthly Budget Estimates
Madrid · 2026 · Single person
| Lifestyle | Monthly Budget (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Frugal | $632 | Shared room, basic lifestyle |
| Comfortable | $1,117 | 1-bed apt, normal expat lifestyle |
| Western expat | $1,899 | Private apt, regular travel |
Monthly Budget Calculator
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Frequently Asked Questions
Madrid cost of living
Is Madrid cheap to live in?
Madrid is moderately affordable with a CoL Index of 78.5. It is cheaper than most Western cities, making it popular with digital nomads and expats. A comfortable single-person lifestyle typically costs $785–$1,099/month.
What is the average rent in Madrid?
A 1-bedroom apartment in the centre of Madrid costs approximately $464/month, while outside the city centre it averages $302/month. Prices vary significantly by neighbourhood and property quality.
How much money do you need to live comfortably in Madrid?
A comfortable single-person lifestyle in Madrid requires approximately $1,117/month, covering rent, food, transport, and leisure. On a tight budget (shared housing, cooking at home), $632/month is feasible. A Western expat lifestyle with private accommodation costs $1,899+/month.
Is Madrid, the capital, more expensive than other cities in Spain?
As the capital of Spain, Madrid tends to command a premium over smaller regional cities. Its CoL Index of 78.5 (NYC=100) reflects the concentration of government, business, and international institutions that typically drive up housing and service costs. Secondary cities in Spain are often 20–40% cheaper for rent.
What is the average salary in Madrid?
The average net monthly salary in Madrid is approximately $4,806, equivalent to around $57,672/year after taxes. Technology, finance, and international companies typically pay above average. Expat packages often include housing allowances on top of the base salary.
Cities With Similar Cost of Living
Comparable CoL Index (+/- 10 points) to Madrid
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Sources: World Bank Open Data 2026 · GlobalCostData Research 2026. Data verified April 2026. Not financial or legal advice.
Disclaimer: Prices are indicative and vary by neighbourhood and individual lifestyle. Verify with local sources before relocating.