Madrid vs Wellington: cost of living for digital nomads
Madrid, Spain and Wellington, New Zealand, 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 Wellington for a month of nomad living ($2,400 vs $2,550).
- Both score 9/10 on safety.
- Internet is faster in Madrid: 300 Mbps typical against 220 Mbps.
- Madrid is mediterranean; Wellington is temperate.
Madrid wins 6 of the measured lines; Wellington wins 0.
Frequently asked questions
Which city is cheaper, Madrid or Wellington?
Madrid is cheaper: about $2,400/month against $2,550/month in Wellington, roughly 6% less for a typical remote worker's budget.
Which city is safer, Madrid or Wellington?
Madrid and Wellington score the same on safety, 9/10 each.
Which has faster internet, Madrid or Wellington?
Madrid has faster typical internet: 300 Mbps against 220 Mbps in Wellington.
| Line | Madrid | Wellington |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly total (USD) | $2,400 | $2,550 |
| Rent | $1,250 | $1,250 |
| Food | $520 | $570 |
| Transport | $55 | $70 |
| Coworking | $150 | $170 |
| Safety (out of 10) | 9/10 | 9/10 |
| Internet (Mbps) | 300 | 220 |
| Climate | mediterranean | temperate |
| City size | metro | mid |
| Setting | inland | coast |
| Nomad score (out of 10) | 9/10 | 7/10 |
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): Madrid November 1, 2026, Wellington September 11, 2026.