⚖️ City comparison
Barcelona vs Madrid
Two cities in Spain, compared on what matters when you move from the US: cost, weather, safety, internet and how easy it is to stay.
The short version
- They cost about the same: $2,618 vs $2,529 a month all-in.
- Rent is lower in Madrid: $1,584 vs $1,678 for a 1-bedroom in the centre.
- Barcelona has more pleasant weather: 7 pleasant months a year vs 6.
- Similar temperatures: coldest-month highs 58°F vs 51°F, hottest 85°F vs 95°F.
- Residents rate Madrid safer: a safety index of 71 vs 48 out of 100 (Numbeo survey).
- Same country, same visa and tax rules: the Digital Nomad Visa (Startup Act) covers both.
Side by side
| Measure | 🇪🇸 Barcelona | 🇪🇸 Madrid |
|---|---|---|
| ⭐ Fit score (default weights) | 64 | 71 |
| 💰 All-in / month | $2,618 | $2,529 |
| 🏠 1BR rent, centre | $1,678 | $1,584 |
| 🛒 Living costs, no rent | $940 | $945 |
| ☀️ Pleasant months | 7 | 6 |
| 🌡️ Highs, coldest–hottest month | 58–85°F | 51–95°F |
| 🛡️ Safety | 48/100 (residents) | 71/100 (residents) |
| 📶 Internet, median download | 357 Mbps | 401 Mbps |
| 🌬️ Air, PM2.5 per year | 9.2 µg/m³ | 8.5 µg/m³ |
| 🗣️ English | Moderate (EF) | Moderate (EF) |
| 🏥 Healthcare access (WHO) | Very high | Very high |
| 👩 Women's safety & rights | Very high | Very high |
| 🏳️🌈 LGBTQ+ equality | Very high | Very high |
| ✈️ Flight to the US (est.) | ~8h to New York | ~7.5h to New York |
| 🕘 US work-hour overlap | 1 h | 1 h |
| 🗓️ Visa-free stay (US passport) | 90 days | 90 days |
| 🛂 Nomad visa | Digital Nomad Visa (Startup Act) | Digital Nomad Visa (Startup Act) |
| 🧾 Tax if resident | 🔴 Heavy · Worldwide income, top 47% | 🔴 Heavy · Worldwide income, top 47% |
Best months to be there
🇪🇸 Barcelona
4 best months
🇪🇸 Madrid
3 best months
Colour is each month's typical temperature; ticked months are the most comfortable. Full detail: Barcelona climate · Madrid climate.
Data last updated · Source: Numbeo cost data, measured climate history, Ookla, UNODC/Numbeo safety and curated visa research
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