City Comparison · Updated May 2026
Netherlands
COL index 78.4
Spain
COL index 54.9
Amsterdam vs Madrid — Cost of Living, Salary & Tax Compared (2026)
The verdict
Living in Madrid is 30.0% cheaper than Amsterdam for the same lifestyle.
Based on Q1 2026 COL index and median single-person expenditure.
Side-by-side stats
| Amsterdam | Metric | Madrid | Δ |
|---|---|---|---|
| 78.4 | Cost of living index | 54.9 | -30.0% |
| €50,000 | Median gross salary | €50,000 | 0.0% |
| €31,898 | Net at €50,000 gross | €33,783 | +5.9% |
| €2,100 | Rent — 1BR centre | €1,380 | -34.3% |
| €2,836 | Monthly COL (single) | €1,953 | -31.1% |
| €40,686 | PPP — net / COL | €61,535 | +51.2% |
| 36.2% | Effective tax @ €50,000 | 32.4% | -10.4% |
Monthly expenses — paired
Salary equivalence
€50,000 gross in Netherlands = €2,658 net monthly.
To have the same purchasing power in Madrid, you would need roughly €31,291 gross in Spain (≈ €1,861 net monthly, adjusted for cost-of-living index).
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Pros & cons
- −High cost of living (index 78)
- −High rent-to-income ratio (79.0%)
- +Significantly cheaper rent (€1,380)
- −High rent-to-income ratio (57.2%)
- +14-month salary structure
The verdict
Across the data, Madrid delivers a higher take-home on a €50,000 gross salary; Madrid carries a lower cost-of-living index; Madrid has the lighter effective tax burden; Madrid wins on purchasing power after costs are netted out. If purchasing power is your north star, Madrid edges it.
Frequently asked
Is Amsterdam cheaper than Madrid?+
Madrid is cheaper. Cost-of-living index: Amsterdam 78.4, Madrid 54.9 — a 30.0% difference (Q1 2026).
What is the cost of living difference between Amsterdam and Madrid?+
Amsterdam sits at 78.4 on our COL index, Madrid at 54.9. That works out to roughly 30.0% — Madrid being the cheaper of the two.
Is Amsterdam a good place to live compared to Madrid?+
It depends on priorities. Amsterdam delivers €31,898 net on a €50,000 gross salary at a 36.2% effective tax rate. Madrid delivers €33,783 at 32.4%. Centre 1-bed rent: €2,100 vs €1,380.
How do salaries compare in Amsterdam vs Madrid?+
On a €50,000 gross salary, take-home is €31,898/year (€2,658/month) in Amsterdam and €33,783/year (€2,413/month) in Madrid.
Which city has lower taxes, Amsterdam or Madrid?+
Spain has the lower effective rate at €50,000: Netherlands 36.2%, Spain 32.4%.