Wondering how far your salary goes in Madrid? Here’s what everyday life costs, in local prices — the numbers that matter when you’re deciding to move or negotiating a package.
What things cost
1-bed apartment (centre)€1,100-1,600 / mo
Menú del día (set lunch)€13-18
Caña (small beer)€2-3.50
Café con leche€1.80
Monthly transit pass (Abono)€54.60 (zone A)
Est. single-person monthly€700 (excl. rent)
Good to know
Population
~3.4 million (city), ~6.7 million (metro)
Official language
Spanish (Castilian)
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Work week
Monday–Friday
Power plug
Types F/C, 230V
Climate
Hot dry summers, cold winters (continental)
A note on budgeting
Rent is usually the swing factor — location and whether bills are included move the number most. Build your estimate from the rent band above, add a monthly living figure, and keep a buffer for one-off setup costs (deposits, a residence permit, a local SIM, first-month transport). Globe Quest turns this into a personalized Madrid checklist so nothing setup-related catches you off guard.
Plan your move to Madrid
A free, AI-personalized plan — the language, culture, and setup steps timed to your move date.