Seattle vs Madrid

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Madrid is roughly 53% more affordable than Seattle (index 38 vs 80, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Madrid
More affordable overall
53% cheaper than Seattle · Cost index: 38 vs 80

Head-to-Head Stats

80Cost Index38
6,429Median Income /mo3,150
40Safety Index65
0Income Tax %25
150Internet (Mbps)95
350Coworking /mo250

Price Breakdown

SeattleCategoryMadrid
$2,365/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
49% ← cheaper
$1,210/month
$4.84/liter
Meal for One
79% ← cheaper
$1/liter
$18/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
17% ← cheaper
$15/meal
$99/month
Monthly Transit Pass
39% ← cheaper
$60/month
$208/month
Utilities (Monthly)
21% ← cheaper
$165/month
$120/visit
Doctor Visit
42% ← cheaper
$70/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

Seattle

Internet150 Mbps
Coworking$350/mo
Café WiFiexcellent
Englishhigh
Communitylarge
Walkability72/100

Madrid

Internet95 Mbps
Coworking$250/mo
Café WiFiexcellent
Englishmoderate
Communitylarge
Walkability82/100

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Seattle cheaper than Madrid?

Madrid is cheaper than Seattle. Madrid has a cost of living index of 38/100 compared to 80/100 for Seattle (New York = 100), making it roughly 53% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Madrid than Seattle?

Madrid is approximately 53% cheaper than Seattle based on cost index scores (38 vs 80, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in Seattle could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $1,417/month in Madrid.

What is the rent comparison between Seattle and Madrid?

In Seattle, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $2,365/month. In Madrid, the equivalent is around $1,210/month.

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

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. Seattle offers 150 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$350/month. Madrid offers 95 Mbps and coworking at ~$250/month. Madrid has a cost advantage of 53%.

What is the average income in Seattle vs Madrid?

The median net monthly salary in Seattle is approximately $6,429 USD, compared to $3,150 USD in Madrid.

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