Kathmandu vs Madrid

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Kathmandu is roughly 53% more affordable than Madrid (index 18 vs 38, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Kathmandu
More affordable overall
53% cheaper than Madrid · Cost index: 18 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

18Cost Index38
217Median Income /mo2,200
63Safety Index71
5Income Tax %22
71Internet (Mbps)271
175Coworking /mo200

Price Breakdown

KathmanduCategoryMadrid
$300/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
75% cheaper →
$1,200/month
$0.65/liter
Meal for One
41% cheaper →
$1.1/liter
$2/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
83% cheaper →
$12/meal
$20/month
Monthly Transit Pass
58% cheaper →
$48/month
$30/month
Utilities (Monthly)
79% cheaper →
$140/month
$30/visit
Doctor Visit
50% cheaper →
$60/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

Kathmandu

Internet71 Mbps
Coworking$175/mo
Café WiFigood
Englishmoderate
Communitygrowing
Walkability62/100

Madrid

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Kathmandu cheaper than Madrid?

Kathmandu is cheaper than Madrid. Kathmandu has a cost of living index of 18/100 compared to 38/100 for Madrid (New York = 100), making it roughly 53% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Kathmandu than Madrid?

Kathmandu is approximately 53% cheaper than Madrid based on cost index scores (18 vs 38, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in Madrid could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $1,412/month in Kathmandu.

What is the rent comparison between Kathmandu and Madrid?

In Kathmandu, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $300/month. In Madrid, the equivalent is around $1,200/month.

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

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. Kathmandu offers 71 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$175/month. Madrid offers 271 Mbps and coworking at ~$200/month. Kathmandu has a cost advantage of 53%.

What is the average income in Kathmandu vs Madrid?

The median net monthly salary in Kathmandu is approximately $217 USD, compared to $2,200 USD in Madrid.

Compare Kathmandu with…

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