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Cost of living in Madrid: Food, transport, and more
Calculate the cost of living in Madrid for 2025 and move to the Spanish capital with an accurate budget.
Spain’s capital is one of Europe’s most exciting cities thanks to its quality of life, multicultural community, available services, and outstanding leisure options. Every day brings new activities to enjoy. In this article, we’ll explore the cost of living in Madrid in 2025, so you’ll know what expenses to expect if you plan to live here for a while.
Madrid, although still more affordable than other European capitals like London or Paris, is among Spain’s priciest cities together with Barcelona. We’ll check rental costs, food prices, transport, healthcare services, and internet. Finally, we’ll review the city’s cultural activity and ticket prices for top attractions like museums, theatres, and popular events. As locals say: From Madrid to heaven!
Average cost of accommodation in Madrid
To understand Madrid’s living costs, focus on rental prices, now the most significant expense, as they keep rising steadily. This year, average rents increased by 12.2% compared to last year, reaching record highs.
There’s also a mismatch between supply and demand due to the arrival of international students, digital nomads, and professionals seeking opportunities. On top of that, tourist rentals absorb much of the residential offer. So, what options do you have? Prices change depending on the Madrid neighbourhood you choose:
- Shared flat room: The cheapest option. For $693 (€600), you can live in Carabanchel or Tetuán with great connections.
- Furnished studio: In Arganzuela or Chamberí, rent a small studio from $1,155 (€1,000).
- Private apartment: A one-bedroom flat in Salamanca, Chamartín, or the Historic Centre costs around $1,500 (€1,300).
- Coliving: Digital nomads love coliving. From $808 (€700) monthly, stay at Far Home near Plaza Mayor with coworking facilities.
Food costs in Madrid
Food doesn’t weigh heavily on Madrid’s living costs since you’ll find reasonable prices in popular supermarkets like Mercadona, Lidl, or Carrefour. Get ready to fill your basket with this selection of common products so you can compare:
- Milk (1 litre): $1.50 (€1.30)
- Rice (1 kg): $1.85 (€1.60)
- Chicken (1 kg): $8.65 (€7.50)
- Beef (1 kg): $15 (€13.00)
- Eggs (dozen): $3.45 (€3.00)
- Potatoes (1 kg): $1.85 (€1.60)
- Bread (loaf): $1.25 (€1.10)
- Oil (1 litre): $6.00 (€5.20)
- Apples (1 kg): $3.25 (€2.80)
- Bananas (1 kg): $2.20 (€1.90)
- Sugar (1 kg): $1.95 (€1.70)
- Ground coffee (250 g): $4.50 (€3.90)
- Chocolate (bar): $1.73 (€1.50)
What about dining out in Madrid? You’ll discover a wide range of options: traditional tapas bars, vegetarian restaurants, and international cuisine. One local favourite is Bar Brillante, opposite Atocha station, famous for its calamari sandwich:
| Type of Meal | Dish | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Breakfast | Toast with tomato and coffee | $5.30 (€4.60) |
| Food | Madrilenian stew, drink, bread, and dessert | $15 (€13) |
| Dinner | Calamari sandwich | $9.80 (€8.50) |
Typical menu in a Madrid local restaurant.
Transport prices in Madrid
Now let’s cover transport costs in Madrid, one of Europe’s most efficient and extensive systems. Travel across the city using metro, buses, commuter trains, and public bikes. You’ll also find monthly passes and reduced fares that’ll help your budget.
Move around Madrid with public transport
Madrid’s metro ranks among the continent’s largest and stands out for punctuality and frequency, with trains every three to four minutes, beating Paris or Berlin’s coverage. These are their fares:
- Metro ticket (zone A): $1.73–2.30 (€1.50–2.00). Ten-trip pass costs $14.10 (€12.20).
- Monthly pass: $73.60 (€63.70) for zone A.
Another option is the commuter train, connecting nearby towns like Alcalá de Henares or Aranjuez, with frequencies between 5 and 15 minutes. Prices range from $2.10 (€1.80) to $8.10 (€7.00), depending on distance.
The bus service, run by EMT, covers the city with over 200 day and night routes. Fares start at $2.10 (€1.80) for a single ticket, $63.10 (€54.60) for a monthly pass, or $25.75 (€22.30) for under-26 passes.
Book a taxi, Uber, or Cabify
The fastest way to get around Madrid is with a taxi, Uber, or Cabify. Each company uses an app where you select your route and confirm a fixed fare. It’s safe and reliable.
- Approximate prices: Taxi: a 10 km ride costs about $18.50 (€16.00).
- UberX: the same ride costs around $15.60 (€13.50).
- Cabify Lite: slightly higher at $22.35 (€19.35).
Go green and rent a bike
Although bike lanes have expanded, some sections remain unsafe or share space with traffic. The city council plans to add more kilometres, including safe areas like Madrid Río and the Green Belt. Rent public or private bikes with these prices:
- Public bike (BiciMAD): annual pass $17 (€15). First 30 minutes free, then €0.05 per extra minute.
- Private bike rental: from $4.60 (€4) per hour or daily packages.
Buy a car with insurance
If you’ll stay in Madrid long term and need to travel further, a private car works best. A popular choice, the Dacia Sandero, costs from $16,108 (€13,940).
You’ll also need to budget for annual insurance, mandatory for driving. A third-party policy starts at $173 (€150), while comprehensive cover costs $1,040 (€900). Don’t forget fuel expenses:
- Petrol (95 octane): $1.85 (€1.60) per litre in urban stations.
- Electric car charging: $0.23–$0.29 (€0.20–€0.25) per kWh on off-peak tariffs.
Cost of living in Madrid: Healthcare
In Spain, foreigners can access public healthcare under certain conditions. For instance, if you live in Madrid and register locally, you’ll access free public healthcare. This also applies if you’re working and paying Spanish social security contributions.
You’ll need to include private health insurance in your budget if you don’t meet free assistance requirements. With Sanitas International Residents, policies start at $94.50 (€84.40). With Adeslas Extranjeros, prices start at $56.60 (€49). Alternatively, you can pay for specific services. Approximate fees:
| Medical services | Approximate cost |
|---|---|
| General medical consultation | $23–57 (€20–50) |
| Blood test | $22–70 (€19–60) |
| Dentist consultation | $34–70 (€30–60) |
| Appendicitis surgery: | $2,857–5,145 (€2,500–4,500) |
| Paracetamol (500 mg): | $2.29 (€2.00) |
| Ibuprofen (400 mg): | $3.43 (€3.00) |
Healthcare service prices in Madrid.
Cost of living in Madrid: Internet and call plans
If you’re in Madrid to study or work remotely, you’ll want reliable connectivity. The city has fibre optics across most areas, reaching 1 GB at home, and up to 300 Mbps on 5G for your smartphone. Top providers include:
- Digi: 300 MB fibre and unlimited data from $28.90 (€25) monthly.
- Movilfly: 100 MB symmetric fibre from $24.15 (€20.90) monthly.
- Pepephone: 49 GB for mobiles from $17.22 (€14.90) monthly.
- Vodafone: 25 GB from $11.55 (€10) monthly.
The best option for remote professionals needing maximum 5G coverage while travelling without SIM changes are Holafly monthly plans. Activate via the app in minutes and pick the plan that suits you:
| Subscription | Details | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Light Plan 25 GB | Perfect for video calls, teamwork, and file downloads. | $49.90 |
| Unlimited Plan | The best option for remote workers and heavy users. | $64.90 |
Features of Holafly’s monthly plans
Important: If you are a frequent traveler and want to stay connected without worrying about expensive roaming or looking for a new SIM at every destination, Holafly’s subscription plans are for you. With a single eSIM, enjoy internet in more than 160 countries for a fixed price and no surprises on your bill. Travel without limits and connect easily and securely! 🚀🌍
Cost of living in Madrid: Entertainment
Entertainment is an essential factor in Madrid’s living costs since the city offers many options for every budget. You’ll also find free activities. With a tourist card, you’ll enjoy discounts and included transport. Examples include the Madrid Card from $80 (€69) or City Card from $54 (€47). Let’s check some typical prices:
- Cinema: Standard ticket $9.80 (€8.50). On Wednesdays, $6.35 (€5) for Spectator’s Day.
- Theatre: Musicals on Gran Vía start from $46 (€40).
- Museum: Prado, Reina Sofía, or Thyssen from $11.55 (€10). Some offer free entry at certain times.
- Zoo: Madrid Zoo adult entry costs $28.90 (€25).
- Royal Palace: Official residence of Spain’s king. Visit selected areas from $15 (€13).
- Cable Car: Connects Parque del Oeste with Casa de Campo for $8.10 (€7.00).
- Warner Madrid: Major theme park inspired by Warner Bros. Tickets start at $46 (€40).
- Retiro Park: Free entry. Madrid’s green heart, perfect for relaxation, Crystal Palace visits, and outdoor concerts.
In summary, Madrid’s 2025 living costs depend on your lifestyle and chosen area. For example, a modest budget for one person totals around $1,790–$2,080 (€1,550–1,800) monthly, covering rent, food, transport, and modest leisure. However, a more comfortable lifestyle with frequent activities raises the budget to $2,655–3,120 (€2,300–2,700) per month. So, it’s your choice how to enjoy Madrid’s quality of life!
Frequently asked questions about Madrid’s living costs
The cheapest option for students is sharing accommodation since rent costs remain very high. This way, you’ll save and spend on food and transport.
Madrid’s food costs average between $288–405 (€250–350) if you cook at home and shop in affordable supermarkets.
Yes, it’s one of Spain’s priciest cities, comparable to Barcelona, though cheaper than Paris or London.
Yes, Madrid offers plenty of international food such as Mexican, Chinese, Italian, or Indian, with menus from $12 (€11) per person.
