Madrid vs Gothenburg
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Gothenburg is ~13% cheaper overall
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · Reviewed April 2026
Madrid
Spain
COL+Rent
42.5
Rent Index
27.1
Groceries
50.2
Restaurant
45.6
Gothenburg
Sweden
COL+Rent
37
Rent Index
18.5
Groceries
47.7
Restaurant
45
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Madrid | Gothenburg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $1,203 | $819 | +$384 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $922 | $644 | +$278 |
| Groceries | $280 | $271 | +$9 |
| Restaurant Meal | $16 | $14 | +$2 |
| Transit Pass | $35 | $75 | $40 |
| Utilities | $133 | $82 | +$51 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Madrid | Gothenburg |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $1,350/mo | $1,047/mo |
| Typical | $1,891/mo | $1,457/mo |
| Comfortable | $2,367/mo | $1,844/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Madrid | ≈ in Gothenburg | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $1,306/mo | -$194 |
| $2,000/mo | $1,741/mo | -$259 |
| $3,000/mo | $2,612/mo | -$388 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
Analysis: Madrid vs Gothenburg for Expats & Remote Workers
Our data shows Gothenburg is approximately 13% more affordable than Madrid when combining rent and daily living costs. Madrid's COL+Rent Index of 42.5 vs Gothenburg's 37 (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 Madrid costs $1,203/month versus $819/month in Gothenburg — giving Gothenburg a $384/month advantage on housing alone. Over a full year, this rent difference alone amounts to $4,608 in annual savings.
Day-to-day costs tell a more nuanced story. Groceries in Madrid ($280/mo) vs Gothenburg ($271/mo) reflect Gothenburg's lower food prices, while restaurant meals at $16 vs $14 show Gothenburg 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, Gothenburg offers meaningfully better value — your typical monthly budget of $1,457 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.