Mexico City vs Madrid

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Mexico City is roughly 39% more affordable than Madrid (index 24 vs 39, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Mexico City
More affordable overall
39% cheaper than Madrid · Cost index: 24 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

24Cost Index39
1,695Median Income /mo2,200
55Safety Index71
17Income Tax %25
67Internet (Mbps)200
170Coworking /mo200

Price Breakdown

Mexico CityCategoryMadrid
$1,149/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
16% cheaper →
$1,370/month
$1.1/liter
Meal for One
8% cheaper →
$1.2/liter
$12/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
29% cheaper →
$17/meal
$28/month
Monthly Transit Pass
63% cheaper →
$76/month
$69/month
Utilities (Monthly)
69% cheaper →
$224/month
$60/visit
Doctor Visit
31% cheaper →
$87/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

Mexico City

Internet67 Mbps
Coworking$170/mo
Café WiFigood
Englishmoderate
Communitylarge
Walkability72/100

Madrid

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Mexico City cheaper than Madrid?

Mexico City is cheaper than Madrid. Mexico City has a cost of living index of 24/100 compared to 39/100 for Madrid (New York = 100), making it roughly 39% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Mexico City than Madrid?

Mexico City is approximately 39% cheaper than Madrid based on cost index scores (24 vs 39, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in Madrid could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $1,843/month in Mexico City.

What is the rent comparison between Mexico City and Madrid?

In Mexico City, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $1,149/month. In Madrid, the equivalent is around $1,370/month.

Which city is better for digital nomads — Mexico City or Madrid?

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. Mexico City offers 67 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$170/month. Madrid offers 200 Mbps and coworking at ~$200/month. Mexico City has a cost advantage of 39%.

What is the average income in Mexico City vs Madrid?

The median net monthly salary in Mexico City is approximately $1,695 USD, compared to $2,200 USD in Madrid.

Compare Mexico City with…

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

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