Spain · Capital city · 3.5M people
A lively capital with big jobs, green parks and late nights.
Overview
Spain's energetic capital, with the country's biggest job market and a welcoming vibe.
Madrid sits on a high plateau in the centre of Spain. It is the headquarters of many Spanish and international companies, and has a large, diverse population with strong Latin American communities.
Last reviewed September 2026
Housing
Central areas are pricey and competitive, while metro-connected districts offer better value.
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.
Idealista and Fotocasa dominate. Many flats are listed by agencies, and good ones go within days.
Last reviewed September 2026
Cost of living
Good value outside housing, with cheap transport and plenty of affordable eating out.
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.
Last reviewed September 2026
Jobs
Spain's largest job market for corporate, finance, consulting and tech roles.
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.
LinkedIn and InfoJobs are the main platforms. International companies often hire in English, but Spanish helps for promotion and client-facing roles.
Last reviewed September 2026
Transportation
A huge, efficient metro, Cercanías trains and very affordable monthly passes.
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.
Central Madrid is a low-emission zone. Parking is limited and expensive in the centre.
Last reviewed September 2026
Lifestyle
World-class art, great parks, tapas culture and a nightlife that starts very late.
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.
Madrid is easy to join. Language exchanges, sports clubs and professional networks are active, and locals are generally open to newcomers.
Last reviewed September 2026
Education
Our editors have not published a education guide for Madrid yet. People who live there can help in the meantime.
Ask the communityHealthcare
Our editors have not published a healthcare guide for Madrid yet. People who live there can help in the meantime.
Ask the communityVisas
Our editors have not published a visas guide for Madrid yet. People who live there can help in the meantime.
Ask the communityTypical prices in EUR, reviewed by our editors. Use the calculators to shape them to your household.
| Item | Group | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Rent, 1 bedroom in the centre | Housing | €1,400 |
| Rent, 1 bedroom outside the centre | Housing | €1,000 |
| Rent, 3 bedrooms in the centre | Housing | €2,800 |
| Rent, 3 bedrooms outside the centre | Housing | €1,800 |
| Utilities (electricity, heating, water) | Utilities | €130 |
| Home internet | Utilities | €35 |
| Mobile phone plan (per person) | Utilities | €15 |
| Groceries (per person) | Food | €300 |
| Eating out (per person) | Food | €200 |
| Monthly public transport pass (per person) | Transport | €25 |
| Health insurance and medical costs (per person) | Health | €60 |
| Gym membership (per person) | Health | €40 |
| Leisure and going out (per person) | Leisure | €120 |
| Childcare or school fees, per child | Education | €400 |
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Meal at an inexpensive restaurant | €14.00 |
| Cappuccino | €2.50 |
| Local beer at a bar | €3.00 |
| Taxi ride, 5 km | €11.00 |
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