Moving from Austin to Madrid (2026)
Madrid has a COL index of 65 vs 122 for Austin (100 = US average). You'd pay about 46% less for the same lifestyle.
Change cities
Key differences
Salary needed in Madrid to match your Austin lifestyle
Based on the 46% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Austin | Equivalent in Madrid |
|---|---|
| $40K | $21,443 |
| $50K | $26,803 |
| $60K | $32,164 |
| $75K | $40,205 |
| $80K | $42,885 |
| $100K | $53,607 |
| $120K | $64,328 |
| $150K | $80,410 |
Adjust your salary
Monthly budget at $75K — Austin vs Madrid
| Expense | Austin | Madrid |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,741 | $3,428 |
| 1BR rent | $1,800 | $1,200 |
| Groceries | $372 | $380 |
| Transport | $50 | $150 |
| Utilities | $170 | $95 |
| Internet | $65 | $35 |
| Left after essentials | $2,284 | $1,568 |
30-Year Wealth Builder
If you invest your monthly savings of $597 in a low-cost index fund (7% avg return), you'd accumulate an extra:
over 30 years compared to staying in Austin — that's the real price of a city.
Frequently asked questions
Is Madrid cheaper than Austin?
Yes. Madrid has a cost of living index of 65 vs 122 for Austin (100 = US average). That's about 46% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Austin to Madrid?
On a $75K salary, core expenses in Madrid run about $712/month more than Austin. Factor this into your salary negotiation when relocating.
What salary do I need in Madrid to match my Austin lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Austin, you'd need roughly $40,205/year in Madrid. This is based on the overall COL index difference.
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only