Cost of Living in Madrid: Prices and Budget Tips in 2025

The Price of Living in Madrid in 2025

Madird, the bustling capital of Spain, full of vibrant culture, busy nightlife and of course, sunshine. As a leading European capital, you can get a pretty good lifestyle at a relatively low price compared to other capitals in Western Europe such as London or Paris. But prices may differ based on lifestyle, location and personal preferences. This article details the major costs of living in Madrid in 2025 including housing, food, transportation and more.

Housing

Madrid's biggest cost is usually housing. Prices vary greatly by neighborhood, and whether you rent or buy.

Renting by Zipple

The cost of renting a one-bedroom apartment in the city center is around €900-€1,400 a month. Rents are higher to the north in districts like Salamanca or Chamberí, and to the south, in more-affordable neighborhoods like Usera or Carabanchel, renting can be closer to €700 to €900. A piso compartido (shared flat) might help keep costs down, with rooms going for around €400-€600 per month.

Buying: The price of an apartment in central Madrid averages €4,000-€6,000 a square meter. In high end areas such as Chamartín the price may reach €7,000 per square meter while in certain dormitory towns in the periphery such as Getafe costs are lower, around €2,500–€3,500 per square meter.
Utilities: For a typical 85m² apartment, utilities (electricity, water, gas, internet) amount to approximately €100–€150 per month. It’s about €30–€40 for internet only for high-speed plans.

Food and Groceries

Dining and Groceries Madrid is a city of many tastes and budgets.

Groceries: The average monthly food bill for an individual is between €150 and €250. Local markets such as Mercado de Maravillas have fresh produce at prices lower than in supermarkets such as Carrefour or Mercadona. Milk costs €1–€2 per liter, eggs €2–€3 a dozen and meat €5–€8 per kilo.
Eating Out: A meal in a low-cost restaurant will be around €10-€15, whilst a three-course meal for two in a mid-range restaurant costs around €40-€60. Madrid is renowned for its tapas culture, and cheap eating is a reality with tapas dishes priced around €2-€5 each. A cafe coffee is around €1.50-€2.50.
Menu del Día: Some eateries provide a prix-fixe lunch menu (menu del día) for €10–€15, typically comprising two courses, dessert, and a drink.
Transportation: The Madrid metro system is fast and low-priced, and will help you easily get around the city.

Public Transport: A combined monthly ticket for Madrid´s metro, buses and suburban trains (Zone A) is out at €54.60. One-way tickets on the metro or bus cost €1.50–€2 per trip. For regular users, the Abono Transportes pass can be a good option, providing unlimited travel.
Taxis and Ridesharing: A 10-minute taxi ride will set you back €8–€12. Uber or Cabify rideshares are also comparably priced (and can surge at rush hour).

Cycling and Hiking: The bike-friendly city of Madrid features BiciMAD (electric bike rentals) for €2 an hour and €25 annually. Manhattan is also pedestrian-friendly, and many residents opt to walk to locations nearby.

Healthcare
The public healthcare available in Spain is top-notch, and you're likely to find private options well used to avoid the queue.

Free healthcare: EU citizens can get free or low-cost medical treatment with their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) and if you have been making contributions to social security in Spain. Clawbacks:Non-Residents may be required to hold private insurance - €50-€150/month (depending on cover) by 78 uts taxpayers for health cover.

Private healthcare: A trip to the private doctor costs €50-€100 Intelligent selection of folder It stands to reason that the most polite method of management would be to list ahead of time what you need and the way to ship it and perceive accurately what you desire and take time to examine affordable Medical insurance coverage quotes. Out of pocket and private insurance are popular among expats to secure faster appointments.

Entertainment and Leisure
The cultural scene in Madrid is also a major attraction, and it offers inexpensive forms of entertainment.

Museums and Attractions: Admission to top museums such as the Prado or Reina Sofía set you back €10–€15 per ticket, with free entry during certain times (i.e., the Prado is gratis from 6–8 PM Monday to Saturday). Monthlong cultural subscriptions like JOBO (for under-26-year-olds) include free access to some of the venues.
Nightlife: A beer in a bar: €2–€4 Cocktails: €7–€12 Cover charges for clubs typically range from €10 to €20, with a free drink thrown in.
Fitness: Gym contracts are available for an average €30–€50 per month. You can go running in Retiro Park for free.

Education
For families, what they spend on education will be highly dependent on whether they opt for public, private or international schools.

Public Schools: Free for residents, though parents may be charged €50–€100 annually for supplies or extracurricular activities.
International Schools: International schools (for example American School of Madrid) charge about €10,000-€20,000 per annum depending on grade.
Miscellaneous

Apparel: For cheap stores, try the fast fashion of Zara (a Spanish favorite) where you can find jeans for €20–€40 and dresses for €30–€60. High-end Salamanca brands are more expensive.
Mobile Plans: A low-end mobile plan package including 20GB data and unlimited calling costs €10–€20 per month from companies such as Movistar or Vodafone.

Average Monthly Costs
Here is a back-of-the-envelope estimate for a single person living comfortably in Madrid:

Rent (room in a shared apartment): €400–€600
Utilities: €50–€80
Groceries: €150–€200
Transport: €50–€60
Dining/Leisure: €100–€200
Total: €750–€1,140

For a couple or young family, the cost is likely to range between €1,500-€2,500, depending on housing and lifestyle.

Conclusion
Madrid is a reasonably cost-effective place to live, providing value despite the high quality of life. Although housing in the city centre can be expensive, the strong public transport network, inexpensive food, and fun culture make it a place that residents and expats alike are attracted to. The frugal might consider living in outer neighborhoods, sharing an apartment or relying on local markets and public services. Schedule a call with us!