Quito vs Madrid

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Quito is roughly 46% more affordable than Madrid (index 21 vs 39, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Quito
More affordable overall
46% cheaper than Madrid · Cost index: 21 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

21✓Cost Index39
550Median Income /mo2,200✓
52Safety Index71✓
12✓Income Tax %25
55Internet (Mbps)200✓
135✓Coworking /mo200

Price Breakdown

QuitoCategoryMadrid
$560/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
59% cheaper →
$1,370/month
$1.2/liter
Meal for One
$1.2/liter
$8/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
53% cheaper →
$17/meal
$27/month
Monthly Transit Pass
64% cheaper →
$76/month
$65/month
Utilities (Monthly)
71% cheaper →
$224/month
$40/visit
Doctor Visit
54% cheaper →
$87/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

Quito

Internet55 Mbps
Coworking$135/mo
Café WiFigood
Englishmoderate
Communitygrowing
Walkability65/100

Madrid

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Quito cheaper than Madrid?

Quito is cheaper than Madrid. Quito has a cost of living index of 21/100 compared to 39/100 for Madrid (New York = 100), making it roughly 46% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Quito than Madrid?

Quito is approximately 46% cheaper than Madrid based on cost index scores (21 vs 39, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in Madrid could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $1,629/month in Quito.

What is the rent comparison between Quito and Madrid?

In Quito, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $560/month. In Madrid, the equivalent is around $1,370/month.

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

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. Quito offers 55 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$135/month. Madrid offers 200 Mbps and coworking at ~$200/month. Quito has a cost advantage of 46%.

What is the average income in Quito vs Madrid?

The median net monthly salary in Quito is approximately $550 USD, compared to $2,200 USD in Madrid.

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