Boston vs Madrid

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Madrid is roughly 53% more affordable than Boston (index 38 vs 82, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Madrid
More affordable overall
53% cheaper than Boston · Cost index: 38 vs 82

Head-to-Head Stats

82Cost Index38
5,333Median Income /mo3,150
68Safety Index65
21.3Income Tax %25
150Internet (Mbps)95
350Coworking /mo250

Price Breakdown

BostonCategoryMadrid
$3,400/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
64% ← cheaper
$1,210/month
$1.28/liter
Meal for One
22% ← cheaper
$1/liter
$18/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
17% ← cheaper
$15/meal
$90/month
Monthly Transit Pass
33% ← cheaper
$60/month
$330/month
Utilities (Monthly)
50% ← cheaper
$165/month
$206/visit
Doctor Visit
66% ← cheaper
$70/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

Boston

Internet150 Mbps
Coworking$350/mo
Café WiFiexcellent
Englishhigh
Communitylarge
Walkability78/100

Madrid

Internet95 Mbps
Coworking$250/mo
Café WiFiexcellent
Englishmoderate
Communitylarge
Walkability82/100

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Boston cheaper than Madrid?

Madrid is cheaper than Boston. Madrid has a cost of living index of 38/100 compared to 82/100 for Boston (New York = 100), making it roughly 53% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Madrid than Boston?

Madrid is approximately 53% cheaper than Boston based on cost index scores (38 vs 82, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in Boston could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $1,397/month in Madrid.

What is the rent comparison between Boston and Madrid?

In Boston, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $3,400/month. In Madrid, the equivalent is around $1,210/month.

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

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. Boston offers 150 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$350/month. Madrid offers 95 Mbps and coworking at ~$250/month. Madrid has a cost advantage of 53%.

What is the average income in Boston vs Madrid?

The median net monthly salary in Boston is approximately $5,333 USD, compared to $3,150 USD in Madrid.

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