Beijing vs Madrid

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Beijing is roughly 34% more affordable than Madrid (index 25 vs 38, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Beijing
More affordable overall
34% cheaper than Madrid · Cost index: 25 vs 38

Life Power at $3,000/mo

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

Head-to-Head Stats

25Cost Index38
2,200Median Income /mo2,200
66Safety Index71
30Income Tax %22
87Internet (Mbps)271
300Coworking /mo200

Price Breakdown

BeijingCategoryMadrid
$1,055/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
12% cheaper →
$1,200/month
$0.85/liter
Meal for One
23% cheaper →
$1.1/liter
$5/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
58% cheaper →
$12/meal
$25/month
Monthly Transit Pass
48% cheaper →
$48/month
$53/month
Utilities (Monthly)
62% cheaper →
$140/month
$60/visit
Doctor Visit
$60/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

Beijing

Internet87 Mbps
Coworking$300/mo
Café WiFigood
Englishmoderate
Communitygrowing
Walkability70/100

Madrid

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Beijing cheaper than Madrid?

Beijing is cheaper than Madrid. Beijing has a cost of living index of 25/100 compared to 38/100 for Madrid (New York = 100), making it roughly 34% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Beijing than Madrid?

Beijing is approximately 34% cheaper than Madrid based on cost index scores (25 vs 38, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in Madrid could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $1,985/month in Beijing.

What is the rent comparison between Beijing and Madrid?

In Beijing, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $1,055/month. In Madrid, the equivalent is around $1,200/month.

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

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. Beijing offers 87 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$300/month. Madrid offers 271 Mbps and coworking at ~$200/month. Beijing has a cost advantage of 34%.

What is the average income in Beijing vs Madrid?

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

Compare Beijing with…

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

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