Vancouver vs Madrid

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Madrid is roughly 23% more affordable than Vancouver (index 38 vs 49, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Madrid
More affordable overall
23% cheaper than Vancouver · Cost index: 38 vs 49

Life Power at $3,000/mo

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

Head-to-Head Stats

49Cost Index38
3,500Median Income /mo2,200
75Safety Index71
26Income Tax %22
110Internet (Mbps)271
250Coworking /mo200

Price Breakdown

VancouverCategoryMadrid
$1,700/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
29% ← cheaper
$1,200/month
$2.5/liter
Meal for One
56% ← cheaper
$1.1/liter
$18/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
33% ← cheaper
$12/meal
$100/month
Monthly Transit Pass
52% ← cheaper
$48/month
$180/month
Utilities (Monthly)
22% ← cheaper
$140/month
$120/visit
Doctor Visit
50% ← cheaper
$60/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

Vancouver

Internet110 Mbps
Coworking$250/mo
Café WiFigood
Englishhigh
Communitygrowing
Walkability78/100

Madrid

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Vancouver cheaper than Madrid?

Madrid is cheaper than Vancouver. Madrid has a cost of living index of 38/100 compared to 49/100 for Vancouver (New York = 100), making it roughly 23% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Madrid than Vancouver?

Madrid is approximately 23% cheaper than Vancouver based on cost index scores (38 vs 49, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in Vancouver could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $2,318/month in Madrid.

What is the rent comparison between Vancouver and Madrid?

In Vancouver, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $1,700/month. In Madrid, the equivalent is around $1,200/month.

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

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. Vancouver offers 110 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$250/month. Madrid offers 271 Mbps and coworking at ~$200/month. Madrid has a cost advantage of 23%.

What is the average income in Vancouver vs Madrid?

The median net monthly salary in Vancouver is approximately $3,500 USD, compared to $2,200 USD in Madrid.

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