Moving from Madrid to Oaxaca (2026)
Oaxaca has a COL index of 32 vs 65 for Madrid (100 = US average). You'd pay about 51% less for the same lifestyle.
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Key differences
Salary needed in Oaxaca to match your Madrid lifestyle
Based on the 51% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Madrid | Equivalent in Oaxaca |
|---|---|
| $40K | $19,572 |
| $50K | $24,465 |
| $60K | $29,358 |
| $75K | $36,697 |
| $80K | $39,144 |
| $100K | $48,930 |
| $120K | $58,716 |
| $150K | $73,394 |
💵 Household income (before tax)
Monthly budget at $75K — Madrid vs Oaxaca
| Expense | Madrid | Oaxaca |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $3,428 | $4,741 |
| 1BR rent | $1,200 | $400 |
| Groceries | $380 | $380 |
| Transport | $150 | $150 |
| Utilities | $95 | $45 |
| Internet | $35 | $25 |
| Left after essentials | $1,568 | $3,741 |
30-Year Wealth Builder
If you invest your monthly savings of $860 in a low-cost index fund (7% avg return), you'd accumulate an extra:
over 30 years compared to staying in Madrid — that's the real price of a city.
Frequently asked questions
Is Oaxaca cheaper than Madrid?
Yes. Oaxaca has a cost of living index of 32 vs 65 for Madrid (100 = US average). That's about 51% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Madrid to Oaxaca?
On a $75K salary, moving from Madrid to Oaxaca saves roughly $2,113/month on core expenses. That's ~$25,356/year.
What salary do I need in Oaxaca to match my Madrid lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Madrid, you'd need roughly $36,697/year in Oaxaca. 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