Amsterdam vs Madrid

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Madrid is roughly 21% more affordable than Amsterdam (index 38 vs 48, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Madrid
More affordable overall
21% cheaper than Amsterdam · Cost index: 38 vs 48

Life Power at $3,000/mo

The same salary ranks differently depending on where you live — from Beggar to King.

Head-to-Head Stats

48Cost Index38
3,650Median Income /mo2,200
78Safety Index71
36Income Tax %22
200Internet (Mbps)271
350Coworking /mo200

Price Breakdown

AmsterdamCategoryMadrid
$2,100/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
43% ← cheaper
$1,200/month
$1.15/liter
Meal for One
4% ← cheaper
$1.1/liter
$18/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
33% ← cheaper
$12/meal
$115/month
Monthly Transit Pass
58% ← cheaper
$48/month
$200/month
Utilities (Monthly)
30% ← cheaper
$140/month
$90/visit
Doctor Visit
33% ← cheaper
$60/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

Amsterdam

Internet200 Mbps
Coworking$350/mo
Café WiFiexcellent
Englishhigh
Communitylarge
Walkability92/100

Madrid

Internet271 Mbps
Coworking$200/mo
Café WiFigood
Englishmoderate
Communitygrowing
Walkability75/100

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Amsterdam cheaper than Madrid?

Madrid is cheaper than Amsterdam. Madrid has a cost of living index of 38/100 compared to 48/100 for Amsterdam (New York = 100), making it roughly 21% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Madrid than Amsterdam?

Madrid is approximately 21% cheaper than Amsterdam based on cost index scores (38 vs 48, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in Amsterdam could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $2,372/month in Madrid.

What is the rent comparison between Amsterdam and Madrid?

In Amsterdam, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $2,100/month. In Madrid, the equivalent is around $1,200/month.

Which city is better for digital nomads — Amsterdam or Madrid?

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. Amsterdam offers 200 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$350/month. Madrid offers 271 Mbps and coworking at ~$200/month. Madrid has a cost advantage of 21%.

What is the average income in Amsterdam vs Madrid?

The median net monthly salary in Amsterdam is approximately $3,650 USD, compared to $2,200 USD in Madrid.

Compare Amsterdam with…

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