Moving from Madrid to Austin (2026)
Austin has a COL index of 122 vs 65 for Madrid (100 = US average). Expect to pay about 87% more for the same lifestyle.
Pay ~$713 more/mo
on rent + taxes · $75K salary baseline
Change cities
Key differences
COL index
65 → 122
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,200 → $1,800
per month
State tax
21% → None
income tax
COL difference
65 → 122
87% more expensive
Salary needed in Austin to match your Madrid lifestyle
Based on the 87% cost of living increase between the two cities.
| Your salary in Madrid | Equivalent in Austin |
|---|---|
| $40K | $74,618 |
| $50K | $93,272 |
| $60K | $111,927 |
| $75K | $139,908 |
| $80K | $149,235 |
| $100K | $186,544 |
| $120K | $223,853 |
| $150K | $279,817 |
Adjust your salary
Pay ~$597/mo moreon core expenses at $75K
Monthly budget at $75K — Madrid vs Austin
| Expense | Madrid | Austin |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $3,428 | $4,741 |
| 1BR rent | $1,200 | $1,800 |
| Groceries | $380 | $372 |
| Transport | $150 | $50 |
| Utilities | $95 | $170 |
| Internet | $35 | $65 |
| Left after essentials | $1,568 | $2,284 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Austin cheaper than Madrid?
No. Austin has a cost of living index of 122 vs 65 for Madrid (100 = US average). That's about 87% more expensive.
How much will I save moving from Madrid to Austin?
On a $75K salary, moving from Madrid to Austin saves roughly $713/month on core expenses. That's ~$8,556/year.
What salary do I need in Austin to match my Madrid lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Madrid, you'd need roughly $139,908/year in Austin. This is based on the overall COL index difference.
Moving from Austin to MadridMadrid vs Austin — full comparisonMadrid cost of livingAustin cost of living
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only