Edinburgh vs Madrid

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Madrid is roughly 7% more affordable than Edinburgh (index 39 vs 42, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Madrid
More affordable overall
7% cheaper than Edinburgh · Cost index: 39 vs 42

Life Power at $3,000/mo

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

Head-to-Head Stats

42Cost Index39
2,650Median Income /mo2,200
78Safety Index71
29Income Tax %25
67Internet (Mbps)200
200Coworking /mo200

Price Breakdown

EdinburghCategoryMadrid
$1,545/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
11% ← cheaper
$1,370/month
$1.35/liter
Meal for One
11% ← cheaper
$1.2/liter
$23/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
26% ← cheaper
$17/meal
$90/month
Monthly Transit Pass
16% ← cheaper
$76/month
$330/month
Utilities (Monthly)
32% ← cheaper
$224/month
$0/visit
Doctor Visit
$87/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

Edinburgh

Internet67 Mbps
Coworking$200/mo
Café WiFigood
Englishhigh
Communitysmall
Walkability72/100

Madrid

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Edinburgh cheaper than Madrid?

Madrid is cheaper than Edinburgh. Madrid has a cost of living index of 39/100 compared to 42/100 for Edinburgh (New York = 100), making it roughly 7% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Madrid than Edinburgh?

Madrid is approximately 7% cheaper than Edinburgh based on cost index scores (39 vs 42, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in Edinburgh could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $2,800/month in Madrid.

What is the rent comparison between Edinburgh and Madrid?

In Edinburgh, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $1,545/month. In Madrid, the equivalent is around $1,370/month.

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

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. Edinburgh offers 67 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$200/month. Madrid offers 200 Mbps and coworking at ~$200/month. Madrid has a cost advantage of 7%.

What is the average income in Edinburgh vs Madrid?

The median net monthly salary in Edinburgh is approximately $2,650 USD, compared to $2,200 USD in Madrid.

Compare Edinburgh with…

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

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