Berlin vs Madrid

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Berlin is roughly 11% more affordable than Madrid (index 35 vs 39, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Berlin
More affordable overall
11% cheaper than Madrid · Cost index: 35 vs 39

Life Power at $3,000/mo

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

Head-to-Head Stats

35✓Cost Index39
3,050✓Median Income /mo2,200
79✓Safety Index71
28Income Tax %25✓
127Internet (Mbps)200✓
175✓Coworking /mo200

Price Breakdown

BerlinCategoryMadrid
$1,250/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
9% cheaper →
$1,370/month
$1.39/liter
Meal for One
14% ← cheaper
$1.2/liter
$14/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
18% cheaper →
$17/meal
$73/month
Monthly Transit Pass
4% cheaper →
$76/month
$300/month
Utilities (Monthly)
25% ← cheaper
$224/month
$0/visit
Doctor Visit
$87/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

Berlin

Internet127 Mbps
Coworking$175/mo
Café WiFigood
Englishhigh
Communitylarge
Walkability78/100

Madrid

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

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 39/100 for Madrid (New York = 100), making it roughly 11% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Berlin than Madrid?

Berlin is approximately 11% cheaper than Madrid based on cost index scores (35 vs 39, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in Madrid could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $2,657/month in Berlin.

What is the rent comparison between Berlin and Madrid?

In Berlin, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $1,250/month. In Madrid, the equivalent is around $1,370/month.

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

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. Berlin offers 127 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$175/month. Madrid offers 200 Mbps and coworking at ~$200/month. Berlin has a cost advantage of 11%.

What is the average income in Berlin vs Madrid?

The median net monthly salary in Berlin is approximately $3,050 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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