Reykjavik vs Madrid

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Madrid is roughly 41% more affordable than Reykjavik (index 39 vs 66, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Madrid
More affordable overall
41% cheaper than Reykjavik · Cost index: 39 vs 66

Life Power at $3,000/mo

The same salary ranks differently depending on where you live — from Beggar to King.

Head-to-Head Stats

66Cost Index39✓
4,600✓Median Income /mo2,200
95✓Safety Index71
31.49Income Tax %25✓
289✓Internet (Mbps)200
350Coworking /mo200✓

Price Breakdown

ReykjavikCategoryMadrid
$2,130/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
36% ← cheaper
$1,370/month
$2.1/liter
Meal for One
43% ← cheaper
$1.2/liter
$24/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
29% ← cheaper
$17/meal
$94/month
Monthly Transit Pass
19% ← cheaper
$76/month
$140/month
Utilities (Monthly)
38% cheaper →
$224/month
$120/visit
Doctor Visit
28% ← cheaper
$87/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

Reykjavik

Internet289 Mbps
Coworking$350/mo
Café WiFigood
Englishhigh
Communitygrowing
Walkability78/100

Madrid

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Reykjavik cheaper than Madrid?

Madrid is cheaper than Reykjavik. Madrid has a cost of living index of 39/100 compared to 66/100 for Reykjavik (New York = 100), making it roughly 41% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Madrid than Reykjavik?

Madrid is approximately 41% cheaper than Reykjavik based on cost index scores (39 vs 66, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in Reykjavik could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $1,780/month in Madrid.

What is the rent comparison between Reykjavik and Madrid?

In Reykjavik, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $2,130/month. In Madrid, the equivalent is around $1,370/month.

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

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. Reykjavik offers 289 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$350/month. Madrid offers 200 Mbps and coworking at ~$200/month. Madrid has a cost advantage of 41%.

What is the average income in Reykjavik vs Madrid?

The median net monthly salary in Reykjavik is approximately $4,600 USD, compared to $2,200 USD in Madrid.

Compare Reykjavik with…

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

Cities that cost about the same as Reykjavik

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

Or explore:PortlandGeneva

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