Rio de Janeiro vs Madrid

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Rio de Janeiro is roughly 54% more affordable than Madrid (index 17 vs 38, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Rio de Janeiro
More affordable overall
54% cheaper than Madrid · Cost index: 17 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

17Cost Index38
762Median Income /mo2,200
45Safety Index71
27.5Income Tax %22
65Internet (Mbps)271
350Coworking /mo200

Price Breakdown

Rio de JaneiroCategoryMadrid
$680/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
43% cheaper →
$1,200/month
$1.13/liter
Meal for One
3% ← cheaper
$1.1/liter
$7.2/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
40% cheaper →
$12/meal
$39/month
Monthly Transit Pass
19% cheaper →
$48/month
$72/month
Utilities (Monthly)
49% cheaper →
$140/month
$60/visit
Doctor Visit
$60/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

Rio de Janeiro

Internet65 Mbps
Coworking$350/mo
Café WiFifair
Englishlow
Communitygrowing
Walkability70/100

Madrid

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Rio de Janeiro cheaper than Madrid?

Rio de Janeiro is cheaper than Madrid. Rio de Janeiro has a cost of living index of 17/100 compared to 38/100 for Madrid (New York = 100), making it roughly 54% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Rio de Janeiro than Madrid?

Rio de Janeiro is approximately 54% cheaper than Madrid based on cost index scores (17 vs 38, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in Madrid could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $1,368/month in Rio de Janeiro.

What is the rent comparison between Rio de Janeiro and Madrid?

In Rio de Janeiro, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $680/month. In Madrid, the equivalent is around $1,200/month.

Which city is better for digital nomads — Rio de Janeiro or Madrid?

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. Rio de Janeiro offers 65 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$350/month. Madrid offers 271 Mbps and coworking at ~$200/month. Rio de Janeiro has a cost advantage of 54%.

What is the average income in Rio de Janeiro vs Madrid?

The median net monthly salary in Rio de Janeiro is approximately $762 USD, compared to $2,200 USD in Madrid.

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