Edinburgh vs Madrid

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Madrid is roughly 9% more affordable than Edinburgh (index 38 vs 42, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Madrid
More affordable overall
9% cheaper than Edinburgh · Cost index: 38 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 Index38
2,650Median Income /mo2,200
78Safety Index71
29Income Tax %22
67Internet (Mbps)271
200Coworking /mo200

Price Breakdown

EdinburghCategoryMadrid
$1,545/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
22% ← cheaper
$1,200/month
$1.35/liter
Meal for One
19% ← cheaper
$1.1/liter
$23/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
48% ← cheaper
$12/meal
$90/month
Monthly Transit Pass
47% ← cheaper
$48/month
$330/month
Utilities (Monthly)
58% ← cheaper
$140/month
$0/visit
Doctor Visit
$60/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

Edinburgh

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

Madrid

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Edinburgh cheaper than Madrid?

Madrid is cheaper than Edinburgh. Madrid has a cost of living index of 38/100 compared to 42/100 for Edinburgh (New York = 100), making it roughly 9% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Madrid than Edinburgh?

Madrid is approximately 9% cheaper than Edinburgh based on cost index scores (38 vs 42, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in Edinburgh could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $2,720/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 $1,200/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 271 Mbps and coworking at ~$200/month. Madrid has a cost advantage of 9%.

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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