Edinburgh vs Madrid: cost of living for digital nomads
Edinburgh, United Kingdom and Madrid, Spain, line by line from the catalogue: what a month costs, rent, food, coworking, safety and internet. Every figure links back to its source on the city page.
The short version
- Madrid is about 6% cheaper than Edinburgh for a month of nomad living ($2,400 vs $2,560).
- Madrid scores higher on safety (9/10 vs 8/10).
- Internet is faster in Madrid: 300 Mbps typical against 200 Mbps.
- Edinburgh is temperate; Madrid is mediterranean.
Edinburgh wins 0 of the measured lines; Madrid wins 7.
Frequently asked questions
Which city is cheaper, Edinburgh or Madrid?
Madrid is cheaper: about $2,400/month against $2,560/month in Edinburgh, roughly 6% less for a typical remote worker's budget.
Which city is safer, Edinburgh or Madrid?
Madrid scores higher on safety: 9/10 against 8/10 for Edinburgh.
Which has faster internet, Edinburgh or Madrid?
Madrid has faster typical internet: 300 Mbps against 200 Mbps in Edinburgh.
| Line | Edinburgh | Madrid |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly total (USD) | $2,560 | $2,400 |
| Rent | $1,250 | $1,250 |
| Food | $560 | $520 |
| Transport | $100 | $55 |
| Coworking | $170 | $150 |
| Safety (out of 10) | 8/10 | 9/10 |
| Internet (Mbps) | 200 | 300 |
| Climate | temperate | mediterranean |
| City size | mid | metro |
| Setting | coast | inland |
| Nomad score (out of 10) | 7/10 | 9/10 |
Costs are typical monthly figures for one person in USD, from the sources named on each city page; safety and internet are the catalogue's own ratings. Cost figures verified (Eastern Time): Edinburgh September 11, 2026, Madrid November 1, 2026.