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Rome vs Madrid

Rome and Madrid cost within a few percent of each other for this household — decide on everything except money.

l'Olimpico
Rome
$2,314/month · Italy
ildirettore · CC BY 3.0
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
Rome monthly
$2,314
Index 36 (NYC = 100)
Madrid monthly
$2,366
Index 37 (NYC = 100)
Difference
+2%
Madrid relative to Rome
Rent gap
$150
Madrid costs more for a central 1-bed
By category

Where the gap actually is

RomeMadrid
  • Housing
    Housing: Rome $1,250, Madrid $1,400. Cheaper in Rome.
  • Food
    Food: Rome $572, Madrid $512. Cheaper in Madrid.
  • Transport
    Transport: Rome $85, Madrid $93. Cheaper in Rome.
  • Utilities
    Utilities: Rome $170, Madrid $136. Cheaper in Madrid.
  • Healthcare
    Healthcare: Rome $32, Madrid $35. Cheaper in Rome.
  • Lifestyle
    Lifestyle: Rome $126, Madrid $119. Cheaper in Madrid.
  • Other
    Other: Rome $79, 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

MetricRomeMadrid
Cost
Total monthly cost2,314 USD✓2,366 USD
Cost index (New York = 100)36✓37
Housing1,250 USD✓1,400 USD
Utilities170 USD136 USD✓
Food572 USD512 USD✓
Transport85 USD✓93 USD
Healthcare32 USD✓35 USD
Lifestyle126 USD119 USD✓
Income & tax
Take-home on 100,000 USD/yr4,505 USD5,316 USD✓
Effective tax + social rate45.9%36.2%✓
Left over each month2,191 USD2,950 USD✓
Average local net salary1,750 USD1,900 USD✓
Housing
1-bed rent, city centre1,250 USD✓1,400 USD
3-bed rent, city centre2,300 USD✓2,500 USD
Buy price per m², centre6,800 USD6,500 USD✓
Quality of life
Safety64/10076/100✓
Healthcare80/10084/100✓
Air quality58/10064/100✓
Public transport66/10092/100✓
Walkability84/10090/100✓
English proficiency44/10058/100✓
Nightlife84/10094/100✓
Family friendliness74/10080/100✓
Median broadband110 Mbps220 Mbps✓
Climate
Average temperature16°C15°C✓
Summer high31°C✓32°C
Winter low4°C✓3°C
Sunshine hours per year2,470 h2,770 h✓
Annual rainfall800 mm440 mm✓
Practicalities
Remote-work visaYesYes
Beach access45 min✓330 min
CurrencyEUREUR
Time zoneEurope/RomeEurope/Madrid

Rome and Madrid cost within a few percent of each other for this household — decide on everything except money.

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Cost of living in RomeCost of living in MadridConvert a salary between themFlip the comparison
Rome vs ManchesterRome vs BerlinRome vs Barcelona
FAQ

Frequently asked

Is Rome or Madrid cheaper?

Rome and Madrid cost within a few percent of each other for this household — decide on everything except money.

What salary do you need in Madrid compared with Rome?

On a $100,000 gross salary you would take home $4,505 a month in Rome and $5,316 in Madrid, before local costs. Use the salary converter for an exact equivalent.

Which has better quality of life, Rome or Madrid?

Rome scores 64/100 on safety and 80/100 on healthcare; Madrid scores 76 and 84. Rome averages 16°C against 15°C in Madrid.