Madrid vs Edinburgh

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Madrid is roughly 7% more affordable than Edinburgh (index 39 vs 42, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Madrid
More affordable overall
7% cheaper than Edinburgh · Cost index: 39 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

39✓Cost Index42
2,200Median Income /mo2,650✓
71Safety Index78✓
25✓Income Tax %29
200✓Internet (Mbps)67
200Coworking /mo200

Price Breakdown

MadridCategoryEdinburgh
$1,370/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
11% cheaper →
$1,545/month
$1.2/liter
Meal for One
11% cheaper →
$1.35/liter
$17/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
26% cheaper →
$23/meal
$76/month
Monthly Transit Pass
16% cheaper →
$90/month
$224/month
Utilities (Monthly)
32% cheaper →
$330/month
$87/visit
Doctor Visit
100% ← cheaper
$0/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

Madrid

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

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 39/100 compared to 42/100 for Edinburgh (New York = 100), making it roughly 7% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Madrid than Edinburgh?

Madrid is approximately 7% cheaper than Edinburgh based on cost index scores (39 vs 42, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in Edinburgh could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $2,800/month in Madrid.

What is the rent comparison between Madrid and Edinburgh?

In Madrid, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $1,370/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 200 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$200/month. Edinburgh offers 67 Mbps and coworking at ~$200/month. Madrid has a cost advantage of 7%.

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.

Cities that cost about the same as Madrid

Same spending tier, different part of the world — the head-to-heads people actually weigh when relocating.

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