The Verdict
Living in Birmingham is 2% more expensive than Madrid.
If you move from Birmingham to Madrid, you will pay more for housing and less for daily groceries. To maintain the same standard of life as a £40,000 salary in Birmingham, you would need to earn about £38,857 in Madrid.
of 6 categories
categories
of 6 categories
Category Breakdown
Compare costs across 6 key categories
City Profiles
What makes each city unique
Why people love Birmingham:
Why people love Madrid:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on London baseline prices
| Expense | Birmingham | Madrid | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city centre) | £1,000 | £1,160 | +£160 |
| Monthly groceries | £329 | £252 | £-77 |
| Dining out (10 meals) | £195 | £163 | £-32 |
| Public transport pass | £131 | £120 | £-11 |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | £158 | £148 | £-10 |
| Total Monthly | £1,814 | £1,842 | +£28 |
* Estimates based on London = 100 index. Actual costs vary by lifestyle and location within city.
Who Should Choose Which City?
Recommendations based on your priorities
- Are looking for more affordable housing
- Want higher earning potential (£2,400/mo avg)
- Want lower overall living costs (2% cheaper)
- Prioritize safety (score: 78/100)
- Have children (lower childcare costs)
Quality of Life & Safety
Beyond just costs - what matters for daily life
Quality of Life Score
Quality of Life Score
Safety Score
Safety Score
Salary Equivalence
How much you'd need in Madrid to match a Birmingham salary
| Salary in Birmingham | Equivalent in Madrid | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| £30,000 | £29,143 | £857 less |
| £40,000 | £38,857 | £1,143 less |
| £50,000 | £48,571 | £1,429 less |
| £60,000 | £58,286 | £1,714 less |
| £80,000 | £77,714 | £2,286 less |
| £100,000 | £97,143 | £2,857 less |
Birmingham vs Madrid: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 2%. Madrid is the more affordable option.
Rent: Birmingham has a rent index of 50, while Madrid has 58.
Average Salaries: Birmingham: £2,400/month vs Madrid: £1,978/month (both in GBP).
Out of 6 categories, Birmingham wins 1, while Madrid wins 5.
Compare more cities or calculate your UK take-home pay.