Madrid

Neighbourhoods

• Central and lively: Malasaña, Chueca, La Latina and Lavapiés
• Upmarket: Salamanca, Chamberí and Retiro
• Family-friendly: Arturo Soria, Mirasierra, Pozuelo and Las Rozas, near international schools
• Better value: Carabanchel, Usera, Tetuán and Ciudad Lineal on the metro

What to expect

A one-bedroom in the centre typically costs 1,200 to 1,600 euros a month. Landlords often request payslips, a contract and one or two months of extra guarantee on top of the legal deposit.

Searching

Idealista and Fotocasa dominate. Many flats are listed by agencies, and good ones go within days.

Monthly budget

A single person renting a one-bedroom alone typically needs 2,000 to 2,400 euros a month. Sharing a flat can bring this down to 1,200 to 1,500 euros.

• Rent: 1,200 to 1,600 euros for a central one-bedroom
• Groceries: about 300 euros per person
• Transport: a subsidised monthly pass, usually well under 40 euros
• Eating out: menú del día 13 to 16 euros, a caña (small beer) about 2 to 3 euros

Saving money

• Shop at Mercadona, Lidl and neighbourhood markets
• Many museums, including the Prado, offer free entry at certain times
• Enjoy parks such as Retiro and Madrid Río, which are free

Main sectors

• Finance and banking: Santander, BBVA and many international banks
• Consulting and professional services: the big four and strategy firms
• Tech: growing hubs for companies such as Amazon, Google, Microsoft and many startups
• Energy and infrastructure: Iberdrola, Repsol, Ferrovial and ACS
• Public sector and international bodies: including the UN World Tourism Organization

Salaries

Madrid pays the highest average salaries in Spain. Mid-level professionals often earn 35,000 to 50,000 euros gross a year, with senior tech and finance roles higher.

Finding work

LinkedIn and InfoJobs are the main platforms. International companies often hire in English, but Spanish helps for promotion and client-facing roles.

Public transport

The Metro de Madrid is one of the largest networks in Europe, with trains every few minutes. EMT buses and Cercanías suburban trains fill the gaps.

• The Tarjeta Transporte Público holds your monthly pass (abono)
• Monthly passes are heavily subsidised, and under-26s pay a reduced flat fare
• The airport is linked by metro line 8 and Cercanías trains

Other options

• BiciMAD electric public bikes
• Uber, Cabify and Bolt alongside white taxis with a fixed fare to the airport
• Atocha and Chamartín stations for high-speed trains across Spain

Driving

Central Madrid is a low-emission zone. Parking is limited and expensive in the centre.

Everyday life

Madrileños spend a lot of time outside: terraces, tapas bars and parks are always busy. Sunday mornings often mean El Rastro flea market followed by vermouth in La Latina.

Culture

• The Prado, Reina Sofía and Thyssen-Bornemisza museums on the Paseo del Arte
• Theatre, flamenco and live music every night of the week
• Football at the Bernabéu (Real Madrid) and the Metropolitano (Atlético)

Outdoors

• Retiro Park and Madrid Río for running and cycling
• The Sierra de Guadarrama for hiking and skiing, about an hour away

Community

Madrid is easy to join. Language exchanges, sports clubs and professional networks are active, and locals are generally open to newcomers.