🇪🇸 Madrid vs 🇮🇹 Milan

Cost of living comparison · 2026

🇪🇸

Madrid

Spain

$2,092–$3,313/mo

€1,937 – €3,068 / month (local)

🇮🇹

Milan

Italy

$2,585–$4,092/mo

€2,394 – €3,789 / month (local)

Milan is 24% more expensive

Madrid wins on affordability

Cost breakdown

CategoryMadrid (USD)Milan (USD)Winner
Rent (1-bed, city center)$1,569–$2,441$1,938–$3,015🟢 Madrid
Rent (1-bed, outside center)$828–$1,308$1,023–$1,615🟢 Madrid
Utilities$65–$126$81–$156🟢 Madrid
Groceries$331–$497$409–$614🟢 Madrid
Eating out (mid-range meal)$44–$78$54–$97🟢 Madrid
Public transport (monthly)$83–$100$102–$124🟢 Madrid
Internet & Mobile$26–$44$32–$54🟢 Madrid
Gym membership$31–$57$38–$70🟢 Madrid
Cinema ticket$12–$16$15–$19🟢 Madrid
Monthly total (single)$2,092–$3,313$2,585–$4,092🟢 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

Housing6.0 / 10 · 4.2 / 10
Madrid▲ better
Milan
Safety9.3 / 10 · 8.6 / 10
Madrid▲ better
Milan
Healthcare9.3 / 10 · 8.6 / 10
Madrid▲ better
Milan
Education8.9 / 10 · 8.2 / 10
Madrid▲ better
Milan
Environment8.0 / 10 · 9.0 / 10
Madrid
Milan▲ better
Economy8.0 / 10 · 7.3 / 10
Madrid▲ better
Milan
Culture8.6 / 10 · 7.9 / 10
Madrid▲ better
Milan
Internet9.0 / 10 · 8.3 / 10
Madrid▲ better
Milan

Who should choose which city?

Choose Madrid if…

  • You want lower typical monthly costs than Milan
  • Lifestyle
  • Healthcare
  • Nightlife
  • EU mobility

Choose Milan if…

  • You're happy to pay more for what Milan offers vs Madrid
  • Fashion
  • Finance
  • Trains to Alps
  • Luxury

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Full Madrid guide

See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores

Explore Madrid

📊

Full Milan guide

See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores

Explore Milan