How much does it cost to live in Madrid?

The complete guide 2025

Madrid is one of the most dynamic, accessible and full of opportunities European capitals for students, workers and digital nomads.

But how much does it cost to live in Madrid in 2025?

In this guide you will find a complete overview of the updated costs of rent, food, transport and entertainment, with practical advice for saving and living well without sacrificing quality.

Also discover Spain and its colours in our guides to Spain!

Why more and more people moving to Madrid?

Madrid attracts thousands of expats every year thanks to:

  • Job opportunities in the tech, marketing, finance and tourism sectors;
  • University of international prestige;
  • Pleasant climate all year round;
  • Vibrant culture and nightlife.
  • Lower cost of living than other European capitals such as London or Paris.

How much does it cost to live in Madrid? Average cost of rent

The monthly fee depends on the area and type of accommodation.

Here are the updated average prices:

Type of AccommodationCenterOutskirts
Room in shared apartment€550-700€400-500
Studio apartment€1.000-1.400€700-900
2 bedroom apartment€1.400-1.800€1.000-1.300

Source: Idealista.es, Spacest.com

📌 Tip: Up Spacest.com, you can find safe and verified homes with regular contracts and guaranteed payments.

Daily cost of living in Madrid

🟢 Monthly food expense: €200-300;

🟢 Public transport pass: €54/month (zone A);

🟢 Coffee at the bar: €1.50;

🟢 Dinner for two: €40-60;

🟢 Gym membership: €35-50/month.

💡 A single person can live comfortably on €1,200-1,500 per month, all included.

How much does it cost to live in Madrid? Student life

Madrid is one of the most popular Erasmus destinations in Europe, thanks to its excellent universities.

Students spend on average:

Expenditure itemAverage monthly cost
Room rental€500
Transport€20 (student rate)
Shopping and expenses€250-300
Estimated total€800-1.000

🎓 Universities offer many agreements and access to canteens, cultural events and discounts.

How much does it cost to live in Madrid? Life as a Worker

For those who work, costs rise slightly:

  • Studio apartment rent: €1,100;
  • Spending: €300;
  • Transport and various expenses: €200;
  • Free time and entertainment: €150-200.

💼 A single worker needs around €1,600-1,800 per month to live well.

The cheapest and most expensive areas

Madrid has many neighborhoods suitable for every need and budget.

Below are the main ones in terms of quality/price ratio:

How to save money living in Madrid

  1. Rent shared or in semi-central areas.
  2. Use public transport and discount cards (youth/students).
  3. Shop at local markets.
  4. Take advantage of free or low cost events (museums, concerts, etc.).

How to find a house in Madrid online safely

  1. Use trusted platforms like Spacest.com;
  2. Look for ads with verified and clear contracts;
  3. Check photos, location and conditions before booking;
  4. Never send money off-platform;
  5. See ads that contain professional photos.

✅ Spacest.com offers long-term rentals throughout Madrid, with secure payment and support in Italian.

FAQ – Frequently asked questions about the cost of living in Madrid

 1. How much does it cost on average to live in Madrid as a student? Around €800-1,000 per month, if sharing accommodation.

 2. Is Madrid cheaper than other European capitals? Yes, it’s more accessible than London, Amsterdam or Paris.

 3. In which area is it best to live? Lavapiés, Carabanchel and Usera are excellent in terms of quality/price ratio.

 4. Is it better to rent a studio apartment or a room? To save money, a room in a shared apartment is the best option.

 5. How can I find a house before moving? With Spacest.com you can book and sign remotely with confidence.

 6. Is there assistance for expats? Yes, many platforms (including Spacest.com) offer multilingual support.

Conclusion: is living in Madrid sustainable?

Absolutely yes! Madrid offers an excellent compromise between quality of life and low costs, especially for students, young professionals and smart workers.

With good organization and the use of reliable tools such as Spacest.com, it is possible to live well in the Spanish capital even with an average budget.