🇪🇸 Madrid vs 🇮🇹 Rome
Cost of living comparison · 2026
🇪🇸
Madrid
Spain
$2,092–$3,313/mo
€1,937 – €3,068 / month (local)
🇮🇹
Rome
Italy
$2,277–$3,605/mo
€2,108 – €3,338 / month (local)
Rome is 9% more expensive
Madrid wins on affordability
Cost breakdown
| Category | Madrid (USD) | Rome (USD) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed, city center) | $1,569–$2,441 | $1,708–$2,656 | 🟢 Madrid |
| Rent (1-bed, outside center) | $828–$1,308 | $901–$1,423 | 🟢 Madrid |
| Utilities | $65–$126 | $71–$138 | 🟢 Madrid |
| Groceries | $331–$497 | $361–$541 | 🟢 Madrid |
| Eating out (mid-range meal) | $44–$78 | $47–$85 | 🟢 Madrid |
| Public transport (monthly) | $83–$100 | $90–$109 | 🟢 Madrid |
| Internet & Mobile | $26–$44 | $28–$47 | 🟢 Madrid |
| Gym membership | $31–$57 | $33–$62 | 🟢 Madrid |
| Cinema ticket | $12–$16 | $13–$17 | 🟢 Madrid |
| Monthly total (single) | $2,092–$3,313 | $2,277–$3,605 | 🟢 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 · 5.6 / 10
Madrid▲ better
Rome
Safety9.3 / 10 · 9.3 / 10
Madrid
Rome
Healthcare9.3 / 10 · 9.3 / 10
Madrid
Rome
Education8.9 / 10 · 8.9 / 10
Madrid
Rome
Environment8.0 / 10 · 8.0 / 10
Madrid
Rome
Economy8.0 / 10 · 8.0 / 10
Madrid
Rome
Culture8.6 / 10 · 8.6 / 10
Madrid
Rome
Internet9.0 / 10 · 9.0 / 10
Madrid
Rome
Who should choose which city?
Choose Madrid if…
- ✓You want lower typical monthly costs than Rome
- ✓Lifestyle
- ✓Healthcare
- ✓Nightlife
- ✓EU mobility
Choose Rome if…
- ✓You're happy to pay more for what Rome offers vs Madrid
- ✓History
- ✓Food
- ✓Climate
- ✓Tourism
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📊
Full Madrid guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Madrid →📊
Full Rome guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Rome →