City Comparison · Updated May 2026
Spain
COL index 54.9
Italy
COL index 60.8
Madrid vs Rome — Cost of Living, Salary & Tax Compared (2026)
The verdict
Living in Madrid is 9.7% cheaper than Rome for the same lifestyle.
Based on Q1 2026 COL index and median single-person expenditure.
Side-by-side stats
| Madrid | Metric | Rome | Δ |
|---|---|---|---|
| 54.9 | Cost of living index | 60.8 | +10.7% |
| €50,000 | Median gross salary | €50,000 | 0.0% |
| €33,783 | Net at €50,000 gross | €32,873 | -2.7% |
| €1,380 | Rent — 1BR centre | €1,480 | +7.2% |
| €1,953 | Monthly COL (single) | €2,103 | +7.7% |
| €61,535 | PPP — net / COL | €54,068 | -12.1% |
| 32.4% | Effective tax @ €50,000 | 34.3% | +5.6% |
Monthly expenses — paired
Salary equivalence
€50,000 gross in Spain = €2,413 net monthly.
To have the same purchasing power in Rome, you would need roughly €58,061 gross in Italy (≈ €3,118 net monthly, adjusted for cost-of-living index).
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Pros & cons
- +Lower rent (€1,380 vs €1,480)
- −High rent-to-income ratio (57.2%)
- +14-month salary structure
- −High rent-to-income ratio (54.0%)
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 Madrid cheaper than Rome?+
Madrid is cheaper. Cost-of-living index: Madrid 54.9, Rome 60.8 — a 9.7% difference (Q1 2026).
What is the cost of living difference between Madrid and Rome?+
Madrid sits at 54.9 on our COL index, Rome at 60.8. That works out to roughly 9.7% — Madrid being the cheaper of the two.
Is Madrid a good place to live compared to Rome?+
It depends on priorities. Madrid delivers €33,783 net on a €50,000 gross salary at a 32.4% effective tax rate. Rome delivers €32,873 at 34.3%. Centre 1-bed rent: €1,380 vs €1,480.
How do salaries compare in Madrid vs Rome?+
On a €50,000 gross salary, take-home is €33,783/year (€2,413/month) in Madrid and €32,873/year (€2,739/month) in Rome.
Which city has lower taxes, Madrid or Rome?+
Spain has the lower effective rate at €50,000: Spain 32.4%, Italy 34.3%.