Graz vs Madrid
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Graz is ~7% cheaper overall
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · Reviewed April 2026
Graz
Austria
COL+Rent
39.4
Rent Index
18.1
Groceries
61.7
Restaurant
58
Madrid
Spain
COL+Rent
42.5
Rent Index
27.1
Groceries
50.2
Restaurant
45.6
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Graz | Madrid | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $821 | $1,203 | $382 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $630 | $922 | $292 |
| Groceries | $370 | $280 | +$90 |
| Restaurant Meal | $15 | $16 | $1 |
| Transit Pass | $47 | $35 | +$12 |
| Utilities | $170 | $133 | +$37 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Graz | Madrid |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $1,166/mo | $1,350/mo |
| Typical | $1,633/mo | $1,891/mo |
| Comfortable | $2,055/mo | $2,367/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Graz | ≈ in Madrid | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $1,618/mo | +$118 |
| $2,000/mo | $2,157/mo | +$157 |
| $3,000/mo | $3,236/mo | +$236 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
Analysis: Graz vs Madrid for Expats & Remote Workers
Our data shows Graz is approximately 7% more affordable than Madrid when combining rent and daily living costs. Graz's COL+Rent Index of 39.4 vs Madrid's 42.5 (both measured against New York City = 100) reflects a relatively small gap, meaning the decision between these cities often comes down to lifestyle preferences rather than pure cost.
Housing is the biggest differentiator: a city-center one-bedroom in Graz costs $821/month versus $1,203/month in Madrid — giving Graz a $382/month advantage on housing alone. Over a full year, this rent difference alone amounts to $4,584 in annual savings.
Day-to-day costs tell a more nuanced story. Groceries in Graz ($370/mo) vs Madrid ($280/mo) reflect Madrid's lower food prices, while restaurant meals at $15 vs $16 show Madrid offers cheaper dining. For digital nomads and remote workers who eat out frequently, this difference compounds quickly.
Bottom line: If you earn in a strong currency (USD, EUR, GBP) and work remotely, Graz offers meaningfully better value — your typical monthly budget of $1,633 buys a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings. Use the purchasing power table above to see exactly how far your specific budget stretches in each city.