Budapest vs Madrid

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Budapest is roughly 19% more affordable than Madrid (index 31 vs 38, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Budapest
More affordable overall
19% cheaper than Madrid · Cost index: 31 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

31Cost Index38
1,629Median Income /mo2,200
77Safety Index71
15Income Tax %22
128Internet (Mbps)271
190Coworking /mo200

Price Breakdown

BudapestCategoryMadrid
$790/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
34% cheaper →
$1,200/month
$1.1/liter
Meal for One
$1.1/liter
$10/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
17% cheaper →
$12/meal
$45/month
Monthly Transit Pass
6% cheaper →
$48/month
$120/month
Utilities (Monthly)
14% cheaper →
$140/month
$55/visit
Doctor Visit
8% cheaper →
$60/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

Budapest

Internet128 Mbps
Coworking$190/mo
Café WiFiexcellent
Englishmoderate
Communitygrowing
Walkability72/100

Madrid

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Budapest cheaper than Madrid?

Budapest is cheaper than Madrid. Budapest has a cost of living index of 31/100 compared to 38/100 for Madrid (New York = 100), making it roughly 19% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Budapest than Madrid?

Budapest is approximately 19% cheaper than Madrid based on cost index scores (31 vs 38, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in Madrid could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $2,426/month in Budapest.

What is the rent comparison between Budapest and Madrid?

In Budapest, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $790/month. In Madrid, the equivalent is around $1,200/month.

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

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. Budapest offers 128 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$190/month. Madrid offers 271 Mbps and coworking at ~$200/month. Budapest has a cost advantage of 19%.

What is the average income in Budapest vs Madrid?

The median net monthly salary in Budapest is approximately $1,629 USD, compared to $2,200 USD in Madrid.

Compare Budapest with…

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

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