Cost of Living: Las Palmas vs Madrid (2026)

Spain vs Spain — relocation comparison

TL;DRLas Palmas is 30% cheaper on rent ($1049/mo vs $1498/mo). Madrid summers average 31°C vs 26°C. Both countries will let you complain about the government in public — and mean it.
70
Livability Score
🇪🇸 Las Palmas
Spain
Full profile
69
Livability Score
🇪🇸 Madrid
Spain
Full profile
Las Palmas and Madrid are almost suspiciously well-matched. Flip a coin.
💰
Cost of Living
Las Palmas
$449/mo cheaper on rent alone
☀️
Weather
26°C vs 31°C summers
Las Palmas
Metric
Madrid
$1049/mo
🏠
Rent (1BR centre)
$1498/mo
$462/mo
🛒
Living costs (no rent)
$627/mo
🧳
Cost to land
$7,448
0.6 / 100k
🔒
Homicides
0.6 / 100k
🚨
Crime perception
lower is better
29 / 100
26°C
☀️
Summer high
31°C
16°C
❄️
Winter low
1°C
Internet speed
94 Mbps
8.1 / 10
🗳️
Democracy
8.1 / 10
High (62/100)
🗣️
English ease
High (62/100)
$58k
💼
GDP per capita
$58k
2.8%
📈
Inflation
2.8%
70 / 100
🏅
Livability Score
69 / 100
Grid reliability
70/100 — Mostly stable
🗽
Freedom House
90/100
📋
Time to PR
5 years

For the Kids

Schools, pediatric care, and whether your children can actually enroll

477
PISA
country avg
477
15
Intl schools
3
Public school
Yes (Spanish)
Pediatric care
Pediatric coverage included in public system
Specialist wait
4–12 weeks
$499/mo
Childcare
full-day
$720/mo

Sources: OECD PISA 2022 · Wikipedia · Numbeo · official health systems

Settler Essentials

stable
Democracy trend
stable
Industries
financeconsultingtechmedia
Startup ecosystem
hub
Grid reliability
70/100
Time to PR
5 yrs
EU visa
Easy
RU visa
Complex
UA visa
Moderate
Spouse works
Your partner can also work

Sources: EIU · Freedom House · Startup Genome · IEA · official immigration portals

The Short Version

  • Rent is 30% cheaper in Las Palmas ($1049/mo vs $1498/mo for a 1BR city centre).
  • Summers are noticeably warmer in Madrid (31°C vs 26°C).

Las Palmas vs Madrid — Common Questions

Is Las Palmas cheaper than Madrid?

Las Palmas is cheaper. A 1-bedroom apartment in city centre costs around $1049/month in Las Palmas vs $1498/month in the other city (Numbeo data).

Which is safer, Las Palmas or Madrid?

Madrid is statistically safer based on UNODC homicide data. Las Palmas has a rate of 0.61 per 100,000 and Madrid has 0.61 per 100,000.

Should I move to Las Palmas or Madrid?

Las Palmas and Madrid are almost suspiciously well-matched. Flip a coin. See the full comparison above for rent, safety, internet speed, climate, and democracy scores to decide which city fits your priorities.

Is it easier to get residency in Las Palmas or Madrid?

Las Palmas: no specific remote work visa. Madrid: Spain Digital Nomad Visa (moderate requirements, 1 year (renewable to 5)). See each city's profile page for full requirements.

Which has better weather, Las Palmas or Madrid?

Madrid is warmer in summer (31°C vs 26°C). Las Palmas has milder summers, which suits those who prefer cooler weather. Climate preference is personal — use the weather section above to compare seasons.

Don't agree? Take the quiz and see what fits you.

Factor in your salary, family size, weather preferences, and deal-breakers.