Skip to content

London vs Madrid

Madrid runs about 42% cheaper than London for this household, a difference of 1,685 USD a month.

Palace of Westminster, Big Ben, and Westminster Bridge as seen from the south bank of the River Thames.
London
$4,050/month · United Kingdom
Terry Ott from Washington, DC Metro Area, United States of America · CC BY 2.0
Vistas de Madrid desde la azotea del Edificio España (Sky Bar 360º, del Hotel Riu Plaza España). Imagen tomada el 7 de junio de 2021
Madrid
$2,366/month · Spain
Zarateman · CC0
London monthly
$4,050
Index 63 (NYC = 100)
Madrid monthly
$2,366
Index 37 (NYC = 100)
Difference
-42%
Madrid relative to London
Rent gap
$1,200
London costs more for a central 1-bed
By category

Where the gap actually is

LondonMadrid
  • Housing
    Housing: London $2,600, Madrid $1,400. Cheaper in Madrid.
  • Food
    Food: London $617, Madrid $512. Cheaper in Madrid.
  • Transport
    Transport: London $282, Madrid $93. Cheaper in Madrid.
  • Utilities
    Utilities: London $267, Madrid $136. Cheaper in Madrid.
  • Healthcare
    Healthcare: London $8.03, Madrid $35. Cheaper in London.
  • Lifestyle
    Lifestyle: London $169, Madrid $119. Cheaper in Madrid.
  • Other
    Other: London $107, Madrid $72. Cheaper in Madrid.
Each row is one category priced in both cities for the same household. The bar is the gap; exact figures are in the table below.
Interactive — adjust the household

Full comparison

MetricLondonMadrid
Cost
Total monthly cost4,050 USD2,366 USD✓
Cost index (New York = 100)6337✓
Housing2,600 USD1,400 USD✓
Utilities267 USD136 USD✓
Food617 USD512 USD✓
Transport282 USD93 USD✓
Healthcare8 USD✓35 USD
Lifestyle169 USD119 USD✓
Income & tax
Take-home on 100,000 USD/yr5,953 USD✓5,316 USD
Effective tax + social rate28.6%✓36.2%
Left over each month1,902 USD2,950 USD✓
Average local net salary3,600 USD✓1,900 USD
Housing
1-bed rent, city centre2,600 USD1,400 USD✓
3-bed rent, city centre5,200 USD2,500 USD✓
Buy price per m², centre15,000 USD6,500 USD✓
Quality of life
Safety66/10076/100✓
Healthcare84/10084/100
Air quality60/10064/100✓
Public transport92/10092/100
Walkability90/10090/100
English proficiency100/100✓58/100
Nightlife94/10094/100
Family friendliness72/10080/100✓
Median broadband90 Mbps220 Mbps✓
Climate
Average temperature12°C✓15°C
Summer high23°C✓32°C
Winter low3°C3°C
Sunshine hours per year1,480 h2,770 h✓
Annual rainfall600 mm440 mm✓
Practicalities
Remote-work visaNoYes✓
Beach access90 min✓330 min
CurrencyGBPEUR
Time zoneEurope/LondonEurope/Madrid

Madrid runs about 42% cheaper than London for this household, a difference of 1,685 USD a month.

Next

Go deeper

Cost of living in LondonCost of living in MadridConvert a salary between themFlip the comparison
London vs DublinLondon vs ZurichLondon vs Amsterdam
FAQ

Frequently asked

Is London or Madrid cheaper?

Madrid runs about 42% cheaper than London for this household, a difference of 1,685 USD a month.

What salary do you need in Madrid compared with London?

On a $100,000 gross salary you would take home $5,953 a month in London and $5,316 in Madrid, before local costs. Use the salary converter for an exact equivalent.

Which has better quality of life, London or Madrid?

London scores 66/100 on safety and 84/100 on healthcare; Madrid scores 76 and 84. London averages 12°C against 15°C in Madrid.