Austin vs Madrid

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Madrid is roughly 29% more affordable than Austin (index 39 vs 55, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Madrid
More affordable overall
29% cheaper than Austin · Cost index: 39 vs 55

Life Power at $3,000/mo

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

Head-to-Head Stats

55Cost Index39✓
4,375✓Median Income /mo2,200
45Safety Index71✓
0✓Income Tax %25
184Internet (Mbps)200✓
350Coworking /mo200✓

Price Breakdown

AustinCategoryMadrid
$2,814/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
51% ← cheaper
$1,370/month
$1.1/liter
Meal for One
8% cheaper →
$1.2/liter
$18/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
6% ← cheaper
$17/meal
$41.25/month
Monthly Transit Pass
46% cheaper →
$76/month
$172.6/month
Utilities (Monthly)
23% cheaper →
$224/month
$120/visit
Doctor Visit
28% ← cheaper
$87/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

Austin

Internet184 Mbps
Coworking$350/mo
Café WiFiexcellent
Englishhigh
Communitylarge
Walkability68/100

Madrid

Internet200 Mbps
Coworking$200/mo
Café WiFigood
Englishmoderate
Communitygrowing
Walkability74/100

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Austin cheaper than Madrid?

Madrid is cheaper than Austin. Madrid has a cost of living index of 39/100 compared to 55/100 for Austin (New York = 100), making it roughly 29% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Madrid than Austin?

Madrid is approximately 29% cheaper than Austin based on cost index scores (39 vs 55, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in Austin could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $2,143/month in Madrid.

What is the rent comparison between Austin and Madrid?

In Austin, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $2,814/month. In Madrid, the equivalent is around $1,370/month.

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

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. Austin offers 184 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$350/month. Madrid offers 200 Mbps and coworking at ~$200/month. Madrid has a cost advantage of 29%.

What is the average income in Austin vs Madrid?

The median net monthly salary in Austin is approximately $4,375 USD, compared to $2,200 USD in Madrid.

Compare Austin with…

Popular head-to-heads — see exactly where Austin wins or loses.

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