🇪🇸 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
| Category | Madrid (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 →