Seattle vs Madrid

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Madrid is roughly 55% more affordable than Seattle (index 38 vs 85, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Madrid
More affordable overall
55% cheaper than Seattle · Cost index: 38 vs 85

Life Power at $3,000/mo

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

Head-to-Head Stats

85Cost Index38
6,400Median Income /mo2,200
68Safety Index71
0Income Tax %22
512Internet (Mbps)271
300Coworking /mo200

Price Breakdown

SeattleCategoryMadrid
$2,310/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
48% ← cheaper
$1,200/month
$1.8/liter
Meal for One
39% ← cheaper
$1.1/liter
$18/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
33% ← cheaper
$12/meal
$108/month
Monthly Transit Pass
56% ← cheaper
$48/month
$220/month
Utilities (Monthly)
36% ← cheaper
$140/month
$150/visit
Doctor Visit
60% ← cheaper
$60/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

Seattle

Internet512 Mbps
Coworking$300/mo
Café WiFiexcellent
Englishhigh
Communitygrowing
Walkability74/100

Madrid

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

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 85/100 for Seattle (New York = 100), making it roughly 55% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Madrid than Seattle?

Madrid is approximately 55% cheaper than Seattle based on cost index scores (38 vs 85, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in Seattle could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $1,342/month in Madrid.

What is the rent comparison between Seattle and Madrid?

In Seattle, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $2,310/month. In Madrid, the equivalent is around $1,200/month.

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

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. Seattle offers 512 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$300/month. Madrid offers 271 Mbps and coworking at ~$200/month. Madrid has a cost advantage of 55%.

What is the average income in Seattle vs Madrid?

The median net monthly salary in Seattle is approximately $6,400 USD, compared to $2,200 USD in Madrid.

Compare Seattle with…

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

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