Cost Comparison 2025

MadridvsTaipei

Spain
Taiwan

Overall

πŸ’°

0.0%

Madrid is 0.0%same cost

Rent

🏠

-20.0%

Housing is 20.0% lower

Dining

🍽️

-11.3%

Restaurants 11.3% cheaper

Groceries

πŸ›’

+25.0%

Food shopping 25.0% more

Comparing the cost of living between Madrid, Spain and Taipei, Taiwan reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Madrid is similarly priced than Taipei. This comparison covers essential living expenses including housing, food, transportation, and utilities, providing you with a complete picture of what to expect financially in each city.

Key Cost Differences

Housing costs in Madrid are higher than in Taipei by 25%. A one-bedroom apartment in Madrid's city center costs around €1,200, while the same in Taipei is approximately NT$25,000.

Dining out in Madrid is notably more expensive compared to Taipei. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs €12 in Madrid versus NT$120 in Taipei.

Public transportation in Madrid is more affordable, with monthly passes at €55 compared to NT$1,280 in Taipei.

Purchasing power in Madrid is notably stronger, meaning residents can afford more goods and services with their local salaries compared to Taipei.

Grocery shopping in Madrid is more affordable by approximately 20%. Basic items like milk, bread, and eggs show lower prices across the board.

Monthly Budget Breakdown

When breaking down monthly expenses, a single person in Madrid can expect to spend approximately €419 per month (excluding rent), while in Taipei, the same lifestyle would cost around NT$9,880. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about €1,466 monthly in Madrid versus NT$34,580 in Taipei. These estimates include groceries, dining out, transportation, utilities, and entertainment, providing a realistic picture of day-to-day living costs in each city.

Detailed Cost Comparison

Item
Madrid, Spain
Taipei, Taiwan

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
€1,200
NT$25,000
1BR Outside Center
€900
NT$15,000
3BR City Center
€2,300
NT$50,000

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
€12
NT$120
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
€60
NT$800
Cappuccino
€3
NT$120
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
€4
NT$80

πŸ›’ Groceries

Milk (1L)
€1
NT$95
Bread (500g)
€1
NT$50
Eggs (12)
€2
NT$80
Cheese (1kg)
€11
NT$600

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
€2
NT$25
Monthly Pass
€55
NT$1,280
Taxi Start
€4
NT$85
Gasoline (1L)
€2
NT$32

πŸ’‘ Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85mΒ²)
€120
NT$2,500
Internet (60 Mbps)
€35
NT$900
Mobile Minute
€0
NT$5

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Taipei to Madrid, the cost savings can be substantial, particularly in housing and daily expenses. However, it's important to factor in salary differences and job opportunities. Conversely, moving from Madrid to Taipei requires careful financial planning. Consider negotiating salary adjustments that reflect the higher cost of living, and research neighborhoods outside the city center for more affordable housing options while maintaining reasonable commute times.

Quality of Life Indices

Madrid

Cost of Living Index65
Rent Index50
Purchasing Power Index85

Taipei

Cost of Living Index65
Rent Index40
Purchasing Power Index70

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Madrid more expensive than Taipei?

The cost of living in Madrid and Taipei is relatively similar, with only minor differences in specific categories. Your actual expenses will depend on your lifestyle choices.

How much salary do I need in Madrid compared to Taipei?

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 100% of your Taipei salary when living in Madrid. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Taipei, you'd need about $50,000 in Madrid for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Madrid and Taipei?

The most significant cost difference is in housing. Rent prices differ by approximately 25%, making it a major factor in your budget planning. Transportation and utilities show notable variations between the two cities.

Which city is better for expats and digital nomads?

Madrid offers better purchasing power, making it more attractive for those earning in strong currencies. However, Taipei provides lower living costs, which benefits budget-conscious travelers. Consider Madrid if you prioritize earning potential, or Taipei for affordability.

What's a reasonable monthly budget for Madrid vs Taipei?

In Madrid, a single person needs approximately €1,319 per month (including rent), while a family of four requires about €3,166. In Taipei, these figures are NT$24,880 for singles and NT$64,580 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

The cost of living comparison between Madrid and Taipei in 2025 shows moderate differences across various expense categories. Whether you're planning a relocation for work, considering retirement options, or simply curious about living costs, understanding these differences is crucial for making informed financial decisions.

Need to calculate salary equivalence?

Find out how much you need to earn in Taipei to maintain your lifestyle from Madrid

Calculate Salary Equivalence

Last updated: 2025-01-15 β€’ Data sourced from multiple providers