Brussels vs Madrid

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Brussels is roughly 15% more affordable than Madrid (index 32 vs 38, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Brussels
More affordable overall
15% cheaper than Madrid · Cost index: 32 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

32Cost Index38
3,030Median Income /mo2,200
44Safety Index71
32Income Tax %22
130Internet (Mbps)271
220Coworking /mo200

Price Breakdown

BrusselsCategoryMadrid
$1,200/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
$1,200/month
$1.4/liter
Meal for One
21% ← cheaper
$1.1/liter
$16/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
25% ← cheaper
$12/meal
$58/month
Monthly Transit Pass
17% ← cheaper
$48/month
$210/month
Utilities (Monthly)
33% ← cheaper
$140/month
$60/visit
Doctor Visit
$60/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

Brussels

Internet130 Mbps
Coworking$220/mo
Café WiFigood
Englishmoderate
Communitylarge
Walkability68/100

Madrid

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Brussels cheaper than Madrid?

Brussels is cheaper than Madrid. Brussels has a cost of living index of 32/100 compared to 38/100 for Madrid (New York = 100), making it roughly 15% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Brussels than Madrid?

Brussels is approximately 15% cheaper than Madrid based on cost index scores (32 vs 38, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in Madrid could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $2,559/month in Brussels.

What is the rent comparison between Brussels and Madrid?

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

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

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. Brussels offers 130 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$220/month. Madrid offers 271 Mbps and coworking at ~$200/month. Brussels has a cost advantage of 15%.

What is the average income in Brussels vs Madrid?

The median net monthly salary in Brussels is approximately $3,030 USD, compared to $2,200 USD in Madrid.

Compare Brussels with…

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

Cities that cost about the same as Brussels

Same spending tier, different part of the world — the head-to-heads people actually weigh when relocating.

Explore this comparison interactively

See radar charts, detailed category breakdowns, and compare any two cities in real time.

Free to start · No credit card needed