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Madrid vs Athens

Athens runs about 25% cheaper than Madrid for this household, a difference of 600 USD a month.

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
View of the Ancient Agora of Athens from Apostolou Pavlou Pedestrian Street on February 16, 2021
Athens
$1,766/month · Greece
George E. Koronaios · CC BY-SA 4.0
Madrid monthly
$2,366
Index 37 (NYC = 100)
Athens monthly
$1,766
Index 28 (NYC = 100)
Difference
-25%
Athens relative to Madrid
Rent gap
$650
Madrid costs more for a central 1-bed
By category

Where the gap actually is

MadridAthens
  • Housing
    Housing: Madrid $1,400, Athens $750. Cheaper in Athens.
  • Food
    Food: Madrid $512, Athens $520. Cheaper in Madrid.
  • Transport
    Transport: Madrid $93, Athens $95. Cheaper in Madrid.
  • Utilities
    Utilities: Madrid $136, Athens $183. Cheaper in Madrid.
  • Healthcare
    Healthcare: Madrid $35, Athens $28. Cheaper in Athens.
  • Lifestyle
    Lifestyle: Madrid $119, Athens $114. Cheaper in Athens.
  • Other
    Other: Madrid $72, Athens $75. 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

MetricMadridAthens
Cost
Total monthly cost2,366 USD1,766 USD✓
Cost index (New York = 100)3728✓
Housing1,400 USD750 USD✓
Utilities136 USD✓183 USD
Food512 USD✓520 USD
Transport93 USD✓95 USD
Healthcare35 USD28 USD✓
Lifestyle119 USD114 USD✓
Income & tax
Take-home on 100,000 USD/yr5,316 USD✓4,267 USD
Effective tax + social rate36.2%✓48.8%
Left over each month2,950 USD✓2,501 USD
Average local net salary1,900 USD✓1,150 USD
Housing
1-bed rent, city centre1,400 USD750 USD✓
3-bed rent, city centre2,500 USD1,400 USD✓
Buy price per m², centre6,500 USD2,600 USD✓
Quality of life
Safety76/100✓66/100
Healthcare84/100✓72/100
Air quality64/100✓52/100
Public transport92/100✓72/100
Walkability90/100✓80/100
English proficiency58/10064/100✓
Nightlife94/100✓88/100
Family friendliness80/100✓72/100
Median broadband220 Mbps✓90 Mbps
Climate
Average temperature15°C✓19°C
Summer high32°C✓33°C
Winter low3°C7°C✓
Sunshine hours per year2,770 h2,850 h✓
Annual rainfall440 mm400 mm✓
Practicalities
Remote-work visaYesYes
Beach access330 min30 min✓
CurrencyEUREUR
Time zoneEurope/MadridEurope/Athens

Athens runs about 25% cheaper than Madrid for this household, a difference of 600 USD a month.

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FAQ

Frequently asked

Is Madrid or Athens cheaper?

Athens runs about 25% cheaper than Madrid for this household, a difference of 600 USD a month.

What salary do you need in Athens compared with Madrid?

On a $100,000 gross salary you would take home $5,316 a month in Madrid and $4,267 in Athens, before local costs. Use the salary converter for an exact equivalent.

Which has better quality of life, Madrid or Athens?

Madrid scores 76/100 on safety and 84/100 on healthcare; Athens scores 66 and 72. Madrid averages 15°C against 19°C in Athens.