The Verdict
Living in London is 32% more expensive than Madrid.
If you move from London to Madrid, you will pay less for housing and less for daily groceries. To maintain the same standard of life as a £40,000 salary in London, you would need to earn about £27,200 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 London:
Why people love Madrid:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on London baseline prices
| Expense | London | Madrid | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city centre) | £2,000 | £1,160 | £-840 |
| Monthly groceries | £350 | £252 | £-98 |
| Dining out (10 meals) | £250 | £163 | £-87 |
| Public transport pass | £160 | £120 | £-40 |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | £180 | £148 | £-32 |
| Total Monthly | £2,940 | £1,842 | £-1,098 |
* 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
- Prioritize safety (score: 82/100)
- Want higher earning potential (£3,800/mo avg)
- Want lower overall living costs (32% cheaper)
- Are looking for more affordable housing
- 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 London salary
| Salary in London | Equivalent in Madrid | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| £30,000 | £20,400 | £9,600 less |
| £40,000 | £27,200 | £12,800 less |
| £50,000 | £34,000 | £16,000 less |
| £60,000 | £40,800 | £19,200 less |
| £80,000 | £54,400 | £25,600 less |
| £100,000 | £68,000 | £32,000 less |
London vs Madrid: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 32%. Madrid is the more affordable option.
Rent: London has a rent index of 100, while Madrid has 58.
Average Salaries: London: £3,800/month vs Madrid: £1,978/month (both in GBP).
Out of 6 categories, London wins 0, while Madrid wins 6.
Compare more cities or calculate your UK take-home pay.