Seoul vs Madrid

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Madrid is roughly 3% more affordable than Seoul (index 38 vs 39, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Madrid
More affordable overall
3% cheaper than Seoul · Cost index: 38 vs 39

Head-to-Head Stats

SeoulvsMadrid
39Cost Index38✓
2,800Median Income /mo3,150✓
76✓Safety Index65
22✓Income Tax %25
120✓Internet (Mbps)95
300Coworking /mo250✓

Price Breakdown

SeoulCategoryMadrid
$1,140/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
6% cheaper →
$1,210/month
$2.5/liter
Meal for One
60% ← cheaper
$1/liter
$6.5/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
57% cheaper →
$15/meal
$55/month
Monthly Transit Pass
8% cheaper →
$60/month
$170/month
Utilities (Monthly)
3% ← cheaper
$165/month
$25/visit
Doctor Visit
64% cheaper →
$70/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

Seoul

Internet120 Mbps
Coworking$300/mo
Café WiFiexcellent
Englishmoderate
Communitygrowing
Walkability82/100

Madrid

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Seoul cheaper than Madrid?

Madrid is cheaper than Seoul. Madrid has a cost of living index of 38/100 compared to 39/100 for Seoul (New York = 100), making it roughly 3% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Madrid than Seoul?

Madrid is approximately 3% cheaper than Seoul based on cost index scores (38 vs 39, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in Seoul could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $2,914/month in Madrid.

What is the rent comparison between Seoul and Madrid?

In Seoul, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $1,140/month. In Madrid, the equivalent is around $1,210/month.

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

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. Seoul offers 120 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$300/month. Madrid offers 95 Mbps and coworking at ~$250/month. Madrid has a cost advantage of 3%.

What is the average income in Seoul vs Madrid?

The median net monthly salary in Seoul is approximately $2,800 USD, compared to $3,150 USD in Madrid.

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