Moving from Madrid to Scranton (2026)

Scranton has a COL index of 83 vs 65 for Madrid (100 = US average). Expect to pay about 27% more for the same lifestyle.

Pay ~$1,269 more/mo
on rent + taxes ยท $75K salary baseline

Change cities

Key differences

COL index
65 โ†’ 83
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,200 โ†’ $1,050
per month
State tax
21% โ†’ 3.1%
income tax
COL difference
65 โ†’ 83
27% more expensive

Salary needed in Scranton to match your Madrid lifestyle

Based on the 27% cost of living increase between the two cities.

Your salary in MadridEquivalent in Scranton
$40K$50,765
$50K$63,456
$60K$76,147
$75K$95,183
$80K$101,529
$100K$126,911
$120K$152,294
$150K$190,367

Adjust your salary

Save ~$164/moon core expenses at $75K

Monthly budget at $75K โ€” Madrid vs Scranton

ExpenseMadridScranton
Monthly take-home$3,428$4,547
1BR rent$1,200$1,050
Groceries$380$361
Transport$150$58
Utilities$95$165
Internet$35$62
Left after essentials$1,568$2,851

30-Year Wealth Builder

If you invest your monthly savings of $164 in a low-cost index fund (7% avg return), you'd accumulate an extra:

$200,075

over 30 years compared to staying in Madrid โ€” that's the real price of a city.

$164/mo invested

Frequently asked questions

Is Scranton cheaper than Madrid?

No. Scranton has a cost of living index of 83 vs 65 for Madrid (100 = US average). That's about 27% more expensive.

How much will I save moving from Madrid to Scranton?

On a $75K salary, moving from Madrid to Scranton saves roughly $1,269/month on core expenses. That's ~$15,228/year.

What salary do I need in Scranton to match my Madrid lifestyle?

To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Madrid, you'd need roughly $95,183/year in Scranton. 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 ยท BLS ยท Numbeo ยท For general guidance only