Houston vs Madrid

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

Houston
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
3,850Median Income /mo2,200
42Safety Index71
0Income Tax %22
315Internet (Mbps)271
274Coworking /mo200

Price Breakdown

HoustonCategoryMadrid
$1,225/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
2% ← cheaper
$1,200/month
$1.15/liter
Meal for One
4% ← cheaper
$1.1/liter
$14/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
14% ← cheaper
$12/meal
$70/month
Monthly Transit Pass
31% ← cheaper
$48/month
$180/month
Utilities (Monthly)
22% ← cheaper
$140/month
$120/visit
Doctor Visit
50% ← cheaper
$60/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

Houston

Internet315 Mbps
Coworking$274/mo
Café WiFigood
Englishhigh
Communitysmall
Walkability42/100

Madrid

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Houston cheaper than Madrid?

Houston is cheaper than Madrid. Houston 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 Houston than Madrid?

Houston 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 Houston.

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 $1,200/month.

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

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. Houston offers 315 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$274/month. Madrid offers 271 Mbps and coworking at ~$200/month. Houston has a cost advantage of 15%.

What is the average income in Houston vs Madrid?

The median net monthly salary in Houston is approximately $3,850 USD, compared to $2,200 USD in Madrid.

Compare Houston with…

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

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