Nairobi vs Madrid

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Nairobi is roughly 49% more affordable than Madrid (index 20 vs 38, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Nairobi
More affordable overall
49% cheaper than Madrid · Cost index: 20 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

20Cost Index38
675Median Income /mo2,200
41Safety Index71
30Income Tax %22
32Internet (Mbps)271
150Coworking /mo200

Price Breakdown

NairobiCategoryMadrid
$520/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
57% cheaper →
$1,200/month
$0.84/liter
Meal for One
24% cheaper →
$1.1/liter
$8/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
33% cheaper →
$12/meal
$35/month
Monthly Transit Pass
27% cheaper →
$48/month
$58/month
Utilities (Monthly)
59% cheaper →
$140/month
$50/visit
Doctor Visit
17% cheaper →
$60/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

Nairobi

Internet32 Mbps
Coworking$150/mo
Café WiFifair
Englishhigh
Communitygrowing
Walkability55/100

Madrid

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Nairobi cheaper than Madrid?

Nairobi is cheaper than Madrid. Nairobi has a cost of living index of 20/100 compared to 38/100 for Madrid (New York = 100), making it roughly 49% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Nairobi than Madrid?

Nairobi is approximately 49% cheaper than Madrid based on cost index scores (20 vs 38, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in Madrid could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $1,544/month in Nairobi.

What is the rent comparison between Nairobi and Madrid?

In Nairobi, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $520/month. In Madrid, the equivalent is around $1,200/month.

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

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. Nairobi offers 32 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$150/month. Madrid offers 271 Mbps and coworking at ~$200/month. Nairobi has a cost advantage of 49%.

What is the average income in Nairobi vs Madrid?

The median net monthly salary in Nairobi is approximately $675 USD, compared to $2,200 USD in Madrid.

Compare Nairobi with…

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

Cities that cost about the same as Nairobi

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

Explore this comparison interactively

See radar charts, detailed category breakdowns, and compare any two cities in real time.

Free to start · No credit card needed