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Madrid vs London

Madrid runs about 71% cheaper than London for this household, a difference of 1,685 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
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
Madrid monthly
$2,366
Index 37 (NYC = 100)
London monthly
$4,050
Index 63 (NYC = 100)
Difference
+71%
London relative to Madrid
Rent gap
$1,200
London costs more for a central 1-bed
By category

Where the gap actually is

MadridLondon
  • Housing
    Housing: Madrid $1,400, London $2,600. Cheaper in Madrid.
  • Food
    Food: Madrid $512, London $617. Cheaper in Madrid.
  • Transport
    Transport: Madrid $93, London $282. Cheaper in Madrid.
  • Utilities
    Utilities: Madrid $136, London $267. Cheaper in Madrid.
  • Healthcare
    Healthcare: Madrid $35, London $8.03. Cheaper in London.
  • Lifestyle
    Lifestyle: Madrid $119, London $169. Cheaper in Madrid.
  • Other
    Other: Madrid $72, London $107. 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

MetricMadridLondon
Cost
Total monthly cost2,366 USD✓4,050 USD
Cost index (New York = 100)37✓63
Housing1,400 USD✓2,600 USD
Utilities136 USD✓267 USD
Food512 USD✓617 USD
Transport93 USD✓282 USD
Healthcare35 USD8 USD✓
Lifestyle119 USD✓169 USD
Income & tax
Take-home on 100,000 USD/yr5,316 USD5,953 USD✓
Effective tax + social rate36.2%28.6%✓
Left over each month2,950 USD✓1,902 USD
Average local net salary1,900 USD3,600 USD✓
Housing
1-bed rent, city centre1,400 USD✓2,600 USD
3-bed rent, city centre2,500 USD✓5,200 USD
Buy price per m², centre6,500 USD✓15,000 USD
Quality of life
Safety76/100✓66/100
Healthcare84/10084/100
Air quality64/100✓60/100
Public transport92/10092/100
Walkability90/10090/100
English proficiency58/100100/100✓
Nightlife94/10094/100
Family friendliness80/100✓72/100
Median broadband220 Mbps✓90 Mbps
Climate
Average temperature15°C12°C✓
Summer high32°C23°C✓
Winter low3°C3°C
Sunshine hours per year2,770 h✓1,480 h
Annual rainfall440 mm✓600 mm
Practicalities
Remote-work visaYes✓No
Beach access330 min90 min✓
CurrencyEURGBP
Time zoneEurope/MadridEurope/London

Madrid runs about 71% cheaper than London for this household, a difference of 1,685 USD a month.

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FAQ

Frequently asked

Is Madrid or London cheaper?

Madrid runs about 71% cheaper than London for this household, a difference of 1,685 USD a month.

What salary do you need in London compared with Madrid?

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

Which has better quality of life, Madrid or London?

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