Houston vs Madrid

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Madrid is roughly 27% more affordable than Houston (index 38 vs 52, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Madrid
More affordable overall
27% cheaper than Houston · Cost index: 38 vs 52

Head-to-Head Stats

HoustonvsMadrid
52Cost Index38✓
4,800✓Median Income /mo3,150
35Safety Index65✓
10✓Income Tax %25
313✓Internet (Mbps)95
274Coworking /mo250✓

Price Breakdown

HoustonCategoryMadrid
$1,225/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
1% ← cheaper
$1,210/month
$1.15/liter
Meal for One
13% ← cheaper
$1/liter
$12/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
20% cheaper →
$15/meal
$65/month
Monthly Transit Pass
8% ← cheaper
$60/month
$185/month
Utilities (Monthly)
11% ← cheaper
$165/month
$200/visit
Doctor Visit
65% ← cheaper
$70/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

Houston

Internet313 Mbps
Coworking$274/mo
Café WiFigood
Englishhigh
Communitygrowing
Walkability48/100

Madrid

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Houston cheaper than Madrid?

Madrid is cheaper than Houston. Madrid has a cost of living index of 38/100 compared to 52/100 for Houston (New York = 100), making it roughly 27% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Madrid than Houston?

Madrid is approximately 27% cheaper than Houston based on cost index scores (38 vs 52, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in Houston could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $2,194/month in Madrid.

What is the rent comparison between Houston and Madrid?

In Houston, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $1,225/month. In Madrid, the equivalent is around $1,210/month.

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

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. Houston offers 313 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$274/month. Madrid offers 95 Mbps and coworking at ~$250/month. Madrid has a cost advantage of 27%.

What is the average income in Houston vs Madrid?

The median net monthly salary in Houston is approximately $4,800 USD, compared to $3,150 USD in Madrid.

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