Cost of Living in Madrid, Spain
Madrid is a city in Spain, where a single person can expect to spend about $2,113 per month including rent, food, and local transport. A one-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $1,528 per month, or $1,165 outside the centre. Internet is fast at around 263 Mbps median download speed, and Spain offers a digital nomad visa. On safety, Madrid scores 75/100 — generally safe for residents and visitors. Expect summer highs near 94°F and winter highs around 50°F, with roughly 258 sunny days a year.
How Madrid Ranks Among 340 Cities
Of the 340 cities Voyica tracks, Madrid ranks in the top 3% for walkability, but costs more than 68% of them.
| Metric | Madrid | World rank | Rank in Europe |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly cost | $2,113 | #234 of 340 | #65 of 91 |
| Safety | 75/100 | #107 of 340 | #60 of 91 |
| Healthcare | 80/100 | #83 of 340 | #13 of 91 |
| Internet speed | 263 Mbps | #79 of 340 | #14 of 91 |
| Walkability | 85/100 | #10 of 340 | #7 of 91 |
| Public transit | 82/100 | #17 of 340 | #9 of 91 |
| Food scene | 88/100 | #40 of 340 | #15 of 91 |
| Air quality | 90/100 | #53 of 340 | #24 of 91 |
Rank 1 = most affordable, safest, and so on. Computed across every city in Voyica's dataset (June 2026 snapshot); ties share a rank.
Cheaper Alternatives to Madrid
Cities with a similar mix of safety, food, culture, walkability and climate that cost at least 15% less per month than Madrid.
- Porto, Portugal — $1,789/mo, 15% cheaper, safety 87/100
- Seville, Spain — $1,522/mo, 28% cheaper, safety 77/100
- Split, Croatia — $1,620/mo, 23% cheaper, safety 82/100
- Zagreb, Croatia — $1,440/mo, 32% cheaper, safety 78/100
Everyday Prices in Madrid, Compared
| Item | Madrid | Against other cities |
|---|---|---|
| 1BR rent, city centre | $1,528/mo | Pricier than 70% |
| 1BR rent, outside centre | $1,165/mo | Pricier than 71% |
| Utilities | $203/mo | Pricier than 65% |
| Home internet | $33/mo | Cheaper than 58% |
| Transit pass | $41/mo | Cheaper than 54% |
| Gym membership | $52/mo | Pricier than 62% |
| Cheap restaurant meal | $17.67 | Pricier than 57% |
| Cappuccino | $2.98 | Cheaper than 51% |
| Local beer at a bar | $4.12 | Cheaper than 52% |
Compared with every other city in Voyica's price data that reports the same item.
Lifestyle & Quality of Life in Madrid
Neighborhoods in Madrid
Malasaña · Salamanca · La Latina · Chueca
Communities & Expat Groups
Barcelona Digital Nomads · BCN Digital Nomads · Barcelona Freelancer Meetup
Madrid FAQ
How much does it cost to live in Madrid?
A single person should budget around $2,113 per month in Madrid, covering rent, groceries, transport, and basic lifestyle costs. A family of four typically needs about $3,398 per month excluding rent.
How much is rent in Madrid?
A one-bedroom apartment in central Madrid averages $1,528 per month, dropping to about $1,165 outside the centre. A three-bedroom in the centre runs about $2,769.
Is Madrid safe?
Madrid scores 75/100 on safety, which is generally safe. Tourist safety is rated 68/100.
How fast is the internet in Madrid?
Median download speeds in Madrid are around 263 Mbps — fast for remote work and video calls. There are roughly 62 coworking spaces in the city.
Does Spain offer a digital nomad visa?
Yes — Spain offers a digital nomad visa. US passport holders can typically stay 90 days visa-free before applying.
What is the weather like in Madrid?
Madrid sees summer highs around 94°F and winter highs near 50°F, with about 258 mostly sunny days a year and at least 1 mm of rain on about 60 days.
Madrid in our travel guides
- What Is an Expat? Expat vs. Immigrant Explained + 10 Best Starter Cities for Expat Life in 2026
- Best Cities to Visit in Summer 2026: Top 10 Destinations for Sun, Culture & Fewer Crowds
- The Cheapest Cities to Visit in Europe in 2026: Budget City Breaks
- Best Cities for Expats to Live Abroad in 2026: Top 10 International Destinations
- Portugal vs. Spain: Which Is Cheaper for Expats in 2026?
- Best Cities with Warm Weather Year-Round in 2026
Visa Requirements for Spain
Add your passport to see whether you need a visa for Spain and how to apply.
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