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Are you considering a move to Madrid, Spain, and wondering about the cost of living? Madrid is a diverse city with a lot to offer, but like any city, it comes with its own set of expenses. In this page, we'll break down the cost of living in Madrid and help you understand whether $2535 per month is moderately priced, given the average monthly salary of $2666.07.
Restaurants |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant |
14.11 $ |
|
|
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course |
54.27 $ |
|
|
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal) |
8.68 $ |
|
|
Domestic Beer (1 pint draught) |
3.26 $ |
|
|
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) |
3.8 $ |
|
|
Cappuccino (regular) |
2.17 $ |
|
|
Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle) |
2.48 $ |
|
|
Water (12 oz small bottle) |
1.64 $ |
|
Markets |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Milk (regular), (1 gallon) |
1.13 $ |
|
|
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb) |
1.66 $ |
|
|
Rice (white), (1 lb) |
1.59 $ |
|
|
Eggs (regular) (12) |
2.96 $ |
|
|
Local Cheese (1 lb) |
14.62 $ |
|
|
Chicken Fillets (1 lb) |
8.12 $ |
|
|
Beef Round (1 lb) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat) |
15.03 $ |
|
|
Apples (1 lb) |
2.58 $ |
|
|
Banana (1 lb) |
1.97 $ |
|
|
Oranges (1 lb) |
1.86 $ |
|
|
Tomato (1 lb) |
2.58 $ |
|
|
Potato (1 lb) |
1.48 $ |
|
|
Onion (1 lb) |
1.58 $ |
|
|
Lettuce (1 head) |
1.23 $ |
|
|
Water (1.5 liter bottle) |
0.9 $ |
|
|
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) |
6.16 $ |
|
|
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) |
1.23 $ |
|
|
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) |
1.86 $ |
|
|
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro) |
5.81 $ |
|
Transportation |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
One-way Ticket (Local Transport) |
1.63 $ |
|
|
Monthly Pass (Regular Price) |
44.5 $ |
|
|
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) |
3.8 $ |
|
|
Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff) |
1.11 $ |
|
|
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff) |
23.88 $ |
|
|
Gasoline (1 gallon) |
1.78 $ |
|
|
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car) |
31477.43 $ |
|
|
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car) |
27914.08 $ |
|
Utilities (Monthly) |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment |
132.03 $ |
|
|
1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans) |
-- |
|
|
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) |
31.64 $ |
|
Sports And Leisure |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult |
43.11 $ |
|
|
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend) |
11.76 $ |
|
|
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat |
9.77 $ |
|
Childcare |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child |
528.41 $ |
|
|
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child |
9102.09 $ |
|
Clothing And Shoes |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar) |
56.0 $ |
|
|
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...) |
26.02 $ |
|
|
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) |
73.75 $ |
|
|
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes |
78.39 $ |
|
Rent Per Month |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre |
1201.03 $ |
|
|
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre |
859.75 $ |
|
|
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre |
1979.71 $ |
|
|
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre |
1419.49 $ |
|
Buy Apartment Price |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre |
4338.9 $ |
|
|
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre |
2685.89 $ |
|
Salaries And Financing |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) |
2666.07 $ |
|
|
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate |
1.98 % |
|
The cost of dining varies with the type of establishment. A meal at an affordable restaurant averages around 14.11 USD, while a three-course dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant generally costs 54.27 USD.
Basic grocery prices are accessible for most essentials. For instance, a gallon of milk costs about 1.13 USD, a loaf of bread 1.66 USD, and a dozen eggs approximately 2.96 USD.
Public transport is relatively affordable, with a single trip priced at about 1.63 USD and a monthly pass around 44.5 USD. If you plan to use public transit regularly, these passes offer great value.
For an 85 m² apartment, monthly utility bills—including electricity, heating, water, and waste services—average around 132.03 USD.
For those interested in fitness and leisure, a monthly gym membership averages around 43.11 USD, while an hour on a tennis court on weekends costs about 11.76 USD.
Families looking for private childcare services will find that a month at a local preschool or kindergarten costs around 528.41 USD. For international schooling options, annual tuition can reach approximately 9102.09 USD.
Clothing and shoe prices vary widely. A pair of Levi's 501 jeans, for example, costs about 56.0 USD, and mid-range Nike sneakers are priced around 73.75 USD.
Rental prices depend on location, with a one-bedroom apartment in the city center averaging 1201.03 USD per month, while one outside the center costs around 859.75 USD.
If you're considering buying property, prices per square foot vary as well. In central areas, the price per square foot is roughly 4338.9 USD, while in the suburbs, it's closer to 2685.89 USD.
The average monthly net salary here is about 2666.07 USD after taxes, and mortgage interest rates for a 20-year fixed-rate loan average around 1.98% annually.
The monthly expenses for living in Madrid come to a total of approximately $2535. This includes an average monthly rent of around $1201 for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center, along with utilities costing about $147 per month. Additionally, other expenses such as groceries, transportation, dining out, and leisure activities for one person amount to approximately $705 per month.
Living in Madrid appears to be relatively budget-friendly when considering the average monthly income of $2666.07. However, to enjoy a comfortable standard of living in Madrid, you would likely need an income exceeding $2666.07.
In Madrid, the average monthly post-tax salary hovers around $2666.07, and it isn't tied to any particular skillset or qualification.
The typical monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the central area of Madrid is approximately $1201. If you're open to living in a location outside the city center, you can expect to pay around $859.75 for such an apartment.
The expense for groceries in Madrid can fluctuate based on personal choices and shopping patterns. Typically, an individual can budget around $542 per month for groceries. Nevertheless, the actual costs may change depending on various factors, including the specific items bought, the choice of stores, and the availability of discounts or special offers.
The cost of living in Spain can vary significantly depending on the particular city you have in mind. Using a nationwide average might not provide accurate information. To get a more precise understanding, it's crucial to examine the cost of living in various cities throughout Spain.
Madrid, Spain
Madrid is very safe to visit. Apart from the pickpockets, which are common in this city due to an enormous amount of visitors, tourists should encounter no other problems. Use your common sense and your trip should go smoothly.
Transportation in Madrid is very safe and reliable, even though taxi drivers might try to overcharge their services or demand a tip. Also, be careful on public transport, as it's the place where pickpockets operate.
Madrid, much like Barcelona, is filled with tourists, and naturally, it attracts a bunch of pickpockets so watch out in crowded places such as bus and train stations. There is even a message played on repeat at stations, reminding you to be wary of pickpockets. Be careful when carrying your valuables and never leave them out of your sight.
There are no threats of natural disasters, apart from an occasional avalanche which can only be a threat when skiing in the Pyrenees.
There's no need to be afraid of getting mugged or kidnapped in Madrid since it is a rare occurrence here. Still, do not accept any unsolicited help or drinks from anyone you don't know (even though drink spiking is also not an issue in this city).
There haven't been recent terrorist attacks in Madrid, but in the light of recent events in Barcelona, they shouldn't be ruled out, so you should remain vigilant and be aware of your surroundings at all times.
There are a couple of ways to get scammed in Madrid. You should avoid gypsy women offering you some rosemary: they will read your future and ask for some money or pick your pockets with the help of another gypsy woman. Be wary of "trileros" and their "shell game" where you might get ripped off or stolen from. Always check the bill twice in restaurants and bars since the staff may try to overcharge you or charge for something you did not order.
Women traveling alone should have no problems in Madrid. You should use your common sense, and be careful at night, avoid desert and poorly lit streets, and finding yourself alone with strange people in abandoned areas. Apart from that, you should have no safety problems in Madrid.
Most countries do not need a visa to enter Spain for any stays shorter than 90 days. Any longer than that, you will have to obtain a visa. Also, make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months after your planned date of return. However, if you are not sure about your visa status, visit www.doyouneedvisa.com which will let you know whether or not you need a visa based on your nationality and the country you want to visit.
Euro is the official currency in Madrid. ATMs are widely available throughout the city, and credit cards accepted in most establishments such as hotels and restaurants. Allow yourself a budget of around 150e per day, including accommodation.
Spain has three different climate zones, due to its size, but if you go to Madrid, you can expect continental climate, mainly dry and sometimes pretty extreme when it comes to temperature. It has perpetual sunshine and during spring and summer it is mainly sunny, but winters are fairly cold and sometimes you can expect frost and even an occasional snowfall.
Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport, also referred to as Madrid–Barajas Airport is the main international airport serving Madrid in Spain. It is located merely 9 km from the city's financial district and 13 km northeast of Plaza Mayor, Madrid's historic center.
Just like anywhere else, we recommend getting travel insurance when traveling to Madrid, since it covers not only medical problems but also theft and loss of valuables.
| Average | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 51°F | 54°F | 61°F | 65°F | 73°F | 84°F | 91°F | 90°F | 81°F | 69°F | 58°F | 51°F |
| Temp | 41°F | 44°F | 50°F | 54°F | 61°F | 72°F | 78°F | 77°F | 69°F | 58°F | 48°F | 42°F |
| Low | 33°F | 34°F | 39°F | 43°F | 50°F | 58°F | 63°F | 63°F | 56°F | 48°F | 40°F | 34°F |
| Average | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 10°C | 12°C | 16°C | 18°C | 22°C | 28°C | 32°C | 32°C | 27°C | 20°C | 14°C | 10°C |
| Temp | 5°C | 6°C | 10°C | 12°C | 16°C | 22°C | 25°C | 25°C | 20°C | 14°C | 8°C | 5°C |
| Low | 0°C | 1°C | 3°C | 6°C | 10°C | 14°C | 17°C | 17°C | 13°C | 8°C | 4°C | 1°C |