Cost of Living in Madrid, Spain

Showing Madrid. Change city above.

Housing:€1,371•Utilities:€220•Transport:€58See full breakdown
🏛️About Madrid

Madrid, Spain's vibrant capital, offers a dynamic urban lifestyle with world-class culture, dining, and nightlife. While housing costs are among Spain's highest, the city provides excellent public transportation and career opportunities.

🏘️

Neighborhoods

Historic Center
€€€€
Salamanca
€€€€
Chamberí
€€€
Malasaña
€€€
Lavapiés
€€
Usera
€€
Outskirts
€
💰

Money-saving tips

Get a monthly Metro pass (€54.60) for unlimited public transport

Shop at local markets like Mercado de San Miguel for fresh produce

Take advantage of free museum visits on certain days and times

🏠

Rent overview

Studio apartments in Madrid center average €1,200-1,800, while 1-bedroom units range €1,500-2,200. Outside the center, expect 30-40% lower prices.

👥

Best for

Young professionals seeking career opportunities and networking

Culture enthusiasts who want access to world-class museums and events

International workers who need English-speaking business environment

Madrid is about 57% more expensive than Alicante overall. Biggest deltas: housing, transport, utilities.

Preferences

Household

Household Type

Home & Getting Around

Housing Location

Apartment Size

Transportation Type

Lifestyle

Groceries

Dining Habits

Entertainment

Shopping

Healthcare

Last updated: Apr 2025 • Sources: INE, municipal transport, listings

Monthly Expenses in Madrid

€2,543

All monthly expenses will be converted to selected currency

* These monthly expenses estimates are based on city averages and may vary for a single person or family based on lifestyle choices, housing location preferences (city center vs outskirts), and market conditions. Use this as a general guide for budget planning.

Housing & Living Costs Distribution

Monthly Living Costs Breakdown

Detailed Monthly Costs in Madrid

Housing, Utilities, Transportation, Food, Entertainment & More

CategoryMadridAlicanteDifference%
Housing€1,371€650€721110.9%
Utilities€220€175€4525.7%
Transportation€58€38€2051.6%
Dining€202€150€5234.7%
Entertainment€105€74€3242.9%
Shopping€225€225€00.0%
Groceries€251€200€5025.0%
Healthcare€0€0€00.0%
Total€2,543€1,624€91956.6%
Export detailed cost breakdown

Rent by Location & Size

LocationStudio1-Bed3-Bed
City Center€1,050€1,371€2,299
Outside Center€800€976€1,547

Tip: City center rent in Madrid is typically 40% higher than outside center.

Quality of Life & Living Standards

Economic Conditions
6473
9.0 points higher in Madrid
Work
7086
16.0 points higher in Madrid
Health
4496
52.0 points higher in Madrid
Education & Skills
5372
19.0 points higher in Madrid
Leisure & Recreation
5355
2.0 points higher in Madrid
Safety & Security
6437
27.0 points higher in Alicante
Trust in Institutions
10076
24.0 points higher in Alicante
Environment
5958
1.0 points higher in Alicante
Life Satisfaction
8862
26.0 points higher in Alicante

Want to see more insights?

Sign in to access detailed quality of life indicators and monthly costs comparisons for budget friendly planning

Sign in to explore more

Key Takeaways

  • Monthly Budget: €2,543 for a single person in Madrid
  • Housing Share: 54% of total expenses, making it the largest cost category
  • Transportation: €58 monthly for public transport
  • Quality of Life Score: 68/100 overall
  • Cost Comparison: Madrid is more expensive than Alicante by €919 (57%)

Frequently Asked Questions

Help us improve

Found this calculator helpful? Have suggestions for improvement? We'd love to hear from you!