Madrid vs Edinburgh

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

38Cost Index42
2,200Median Income /mo2,650
71Safety Index78
22Income Tax %29
271Internet (Mbps)67
200Coworking /mo200

Price Breakdown

MadridCategoryEdinburgh
$1,200/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
22% cheaper →
$1,545/month
$1.1/liter
Meal for One
19% cheaper →
$1.35/liter
$12/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
48% cheaper →
$23/meal
$48/month
Monthly Transit Pass
47% cheaper →
$90/month
$140/month
Utilities (Monthly)
58% cheaper →
$330/month
$60/visit
Doctor Visit
100% ← cheaper
$0/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

Madrid

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

Edinburgh

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Madrid cheaper than Edinburgh?

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 Madrid and Edinburgh?

In Madrid, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $1,200/month. In Edinburgh, the equivalent is around $1,545/month.

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

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. Madrid offers 271 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$200/month. Edinburgh offers 67 Mbps and coworking at ~$200/month. Madrid has a cost advantage of 9%.

What is the average income in Madrid vs Edinburgh?

The median net monthly salary in Madrid is approximately $2,200 USD, compared to $2,650 USD in Edinburgh.

Compare Madrid with…

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

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