Kathmandu vs Madrid

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Kathmandu is roughly 54% more affordable than Madrid (index 18 vs 39, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Kathmandu
More affordable overall
54% cheaper than Madrid · Cost index: 18 vs 39

Life Power at $3,000/mo

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

Head-to-Head Stats

18✓Cost Index39
217Median Income /mo2,200✓
63Safety Index71✓
5✓Income Tax %25
71Internet (Mbps)200✓
175✓Coworking /mo200

Price Breakdown

KathmanduCategoryMadrid
$300/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
78% cheaper →
$1,370/month
$0.65/liter
Meal for One
46% cheaper →
$1.2/liter
$2/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
88% cheaper →
$17/meal
$20/month
Monthly Transit Pass
74% cheaper →
$76/month
$30/month
Utilities (Monthly)
87% cheaper →
$224/month
$30/visit
Doctor Visit
66% cheaper →
$87/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

Kathmandu

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

Madrid

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

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 39/100 for Madrid (New York = 100), making it roughly 54% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Kathmandu than Madrid?

Kathmandu is approximately 54% cheaper than Madrid based on cost index scores (18 vs 39, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in Madrid could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $1,371/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 $1,370/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 200 Mbps and coworking at ~$200/month. Kathmandu has a cost advantage of 54%.

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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