🇬🇧 London vs 🇪🇸 Madrid
Cost of living comparison · 2026
🇬🇧
London
United Kingdom
$3,015–$4,774/mo
£2,374 – £3,759 / month (local)
🇪🇸
Madrid
Spain
$2,092–$3,313/mo
€1,937 – €3,068 / month (local)
London is 44% more expensive
Madrid wins on affordability
Cost breakdown
| Category | London (USD) | Madrid (USD) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed, city center) | $2,262–$3,518 | $1,569–$2,441 | 🟢 Madrid |
| Rent (1-bed, outside center) | $1,194–$1,885 | $828–$1,308 | 🟢 Madrid |
| Utilities | $94–$182 | $65–$126 | 🟢 Madrid |
| Groceries | $477–$716 | $331–$497 | 🟢 Madrid |
| Eating out (mid-range meal) | $63–$113 | $44–$78 | 🟢 Madrid |
| Public transport (monthly) | $119–$144 | $83–$100 | 🟢 Madrid |
| Internet & Mobile | $38–$63 | $26–$44 | 🟢 Madrid |
| Gym membership | $44–$82 | $31–$57 | 🟢 Madrid |
| Cinema ticket | $18–$23 | $12–$16 | 🟢 Madrid |
| Monthly total (single) | $3,015–$4,774 | $2,092–$3,313 | 🟢 Madrid |
See how your salary compares in both cities
Enter monthly take-home in USD. We compare to our estimated budget range for your household (not financial advice).
Quality of life comparison
Housing2.8 / 10 · 6.0 / 10
London
Madrid▲ better
Safety8.1 / 10 · 9.3 / 10
London
Madrid▲ better
Healthcare8.1 / 10 · 9.3 / 10
London
Madrid▲ better
Education7.7 / 10 · 8.9 / 10
London
Madrid▲ better
Environment8.5 / 10 · 8.0 / 10
London▲ better
Madrid
Economy6.8 / 10 · 8.0 / 10
London
Madrid▲ better
Culture7.4 / 10 · 8.6 / 10
London
Madrid▲ better
Internet7.8 / 10 · 9.0 / 10
London
Madrid▲ better
Who should choose which city?
Choose London if…
- ✓You're happy to pay more for what London offers vs Madrid
- ✓Global finance
- ✓Culture
- ✓Transit
- ✓Finance
Choose Madrid if…
- ✓You want lower typical monthly costs than London
- ✓Lifestyle
- ✓Healthcare
- ✓Nightlife
- ✓EU mobility
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📊
Full London guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore London →📊
Full Madrid guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Madrid →