Madrid

SpainGMT+1

Information

A composite score evaluating the city's appeal to digital nomads, on a scale of 0-100. Calculated using a weighted formula considering factors like cost, internet quality, nomad community strength, climate suitability, and visa flexibility, derived from all relevant data points.

84.2/ 100

Information

Estimated number of digital nomads in the city. Based on nomad platforms and community estimates, reflecting its popularity among remote workers.

50,000+

Information

The total monthly cost of living, combining housing, utilities, food, transport, workspace, and leisure expenses. Sourced from cost-of-living databases and adjusted for exchange rates, rounded to the nearest dollar.

$2,177/mo

Information

Median download speed in Mbps in public, work-friendly spaces like libraries and cafes. Measured using recent crowdsourced data from platforms like Speedtest, excluding private residences.

135Mbps

About Madrid

Madrid, the capital of Spain, is a vibrant hub blending historical charm with modern infrastructure, making it an attractive destination for digital nomads and expats. Located centrally on the Iberian Peninsula, it offers excellent connectivity through two major airports, Madrid-Barajas (MAD) and a smaller regional one, facilitating travel across Europe and beyond. The city’s Mediterranean climate provides hot summers and mild winters, appealing to those seeking a comfortable year-round environment.

For remote workers, Madrid shines with its robust digital infrastructure. High-speed internet, averaging 135 Mbps in public spaces like libraries and cafes, supports seamless online work. With around 80 coworking spaces, including Impact Hub and Nomad Coworking, the city caters to diverse professional needs. Neighborhoods like Malasaña and Chueca are popular for their lively atmospheres, walkable streets, and proximity to work-friendly venues, enhancing the remote work experience.

The cost of living in Madrid is notably affordable compared to other European capitals, with a single digital nomad’s monthly expenses averaging $2,200. Rent for a furnished 1-bedroom apartment in a central area costs about $1,300, while utilities and food remain reasonable. The efficient public transport system, including metro and buses, keeps commuting costs low at around $60 monthly, making it easy to explore the city’s rich cultural offerings, from the Prado Museum to bustling tapas bars.

Madrid’s expat and nomad community is thriving, with an estimated 50,000 digital nomads bolstered by Spain’s digital nomad visa, introduced in 2023. Regular meetups, events, and a welcoming social scene foster connections, particularly in English- and Spanish-speaking circles. Combined with its vibrant nightlife, diverse food scene, and visa-friendly policies, Madrid offers a balanced lifestyle for those blending work and leisure.

Demographics

Population6,900,000
LanguagesSpanish

Location

CountrySpain
TimezoneGMT+1
Airport to City25 minutes
TransportMetro, Bus, Taxi, Train, Uber

Visa & Travel Info

Tourist Stay90 days
Visa Cost$91
Digital Nomad VisaAvailable

Cost of Living

$2,177
/mo
22.6% higher than average

The total monthly cost of living in Madrid, Spain is $2,177, which is 22.6% higher than the global average of $1,776. This combines housing, utilities, food, transport, workspace, and leisure expenses. Data is sourced from cost-of-living databases and adjusted for exchange rates, rounded to the nearest dollar.

housing
$1,296
59.5% of total
Monthly rent for a furnished 1-bedroom apartment in a central, expat-friendly area.
utilities
$173
7.9% of total
Monthly cost for electricity, water, high-speed internet, and a mobile plan.
food
$378
17.4% of total
Monthly food budget covering groceries, 8-12 restaurant meals, and occasional takeout.
transport
$60
2.8% of total
Monthly transportation cost, including public transit passes and occasional taxis or ride-sharing.
workspace
$162
7.4% of total
Monthly budget for coworking space membership or cafe working sessions.
leisure
$108
5.0% of total
Monthly spending on fitness, entertainment, events, and activities.

Internet & Community

Madrid boasts reliable high-speed internet with a median download speed of 135 Mbps in public, work-friendly spaces like libraries, cafes, and university libraries open to the public, based on recent Speedtest data. Major providers—Movistar, Orange, Vodafone, and MasMovil—ensure widespread coverage, while 5G mobile networks enhance connectivity for remote workers on the go. The infrastructure is robust, though occasional congestion in peak areas like Gran Vía can slightly affect speeds.

Madrid’s digital nomad community, estimated at 50,000, thrives with support from Spain’s digital nomad visa and a robust expat network. About 80 coworking spaces, such as Impact Hub and The Shed, host workshops and networking events, while groups like Digital Nomads Madrid on Facebook and Meetup’s Afterwork gatherings connect freelancers. Neighborhoods like Malasaña buzz with social activity, offering a mix of English- and Spanish-speaking circles.

135Mbps
5G
4providers
50,000
Nomads
80+
Coworking Spaces

Weather & Climate

Temperate
Madrid’s Mediterranean climate features hot, dry summers peaking at 31°C in July and cool, rainy winters averaging 5°C in January. Elevated at 650 meters, it experiences less humidity than coastal Spain, with rainfall peaking in spring and autumn (up to 60 mm monthly). Summers are ideal for outdoor pursuits, while mild spring and autumn months suit cultural exploration. Winters can bring occasional snow, adding charm but rarely disrupting daily life.
Temperature Range
5°C - 23°C
Avg: 13°C
Annual Rainfall
480mm
Monthly Avg: 40mm
Jan
01
5°C
🥶
40 mm
Feb
02
6°C
30 mm
Mar
03
8°C
40 mm
Apr
04
11°C
50 mm
May
05
15°C
☀️
60 mm
Jun
06
19°C
☀️
30 mm
Jul
07
23°C
☀️
20 mm
Aug
08
22°C
☀️
20 mm
Sep
09
18°C
☀️
40 mm
Oct
10
13°C
60 mm
Nov
11
9°C
50 mm
Dec
12
6°C
40 mm
🥵 Hot☀️ Warm🥶 Cold💧 Rain❄️ Snow

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