Berlin vs Madrid

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Berlin is roughly 9% more affordable than Madrid (index 35 vs 38, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Berlin
More affordable overall
9% cheaper than Madrid · Cost index: 35 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

35Cost Index38
2,900Median Income /mo2,200
75Safety Index71
28Income Tax %22
109Internet (Mbps)271
250Coworking /mo200

Price Breakdown

BerlinCategoryMadrid
$1,533/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
22% ← cheaper
$1,200/month
$1.19/liter
Meal for One
8% ← cheaper
$1.1/liter
$12/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
$12/meal
$86/month
Monthly Transit Pass
44% ← cheaper
$48/month
$411/month
Utilities (Monthly)
66% ← cheaper
$140/month
$65/visit
Doctor Visit
8% ← cheaper
$60/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

Berlin

Internet109 Mbps
Coworking$250/mo
Café WiFigood
Englishhigh
Communitylarge
Walkability75/100

Madrid

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Berlin cheaper than Madrid?

Berlin is cheaper than Madrid. Berlin has a cost of living index of 35/100 compared to 38/100 for Madrid (New York = 100), making it roughly 9% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Berlin than Madrid?

Berlin is approximately 9% cheaper than Madrid based on cost index scores (35 vs 38, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in Madrid could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $2,735/month in Berlin.

What is the rent comparison between Berlin and Madrid?

In Berlin, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $1,533/month. In Madrid, the equivalent is around $1,200/month.

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

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. Berlin offers 109 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$250/month. Madrid offers 271 Mbps and coworking at ~$200/month. Berlin has a cost advantage of 9%.

What is the average income in Berlin vs Madrid?

The median net monthly salary in Berlin is approximately $2,900 USD, compared to $2,200 USD in Madrid.

Compare Berlin with…

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

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