Cost of Living: Madrid vs Rome (2026)
Spain vs Italy — relocation comparison
For the Kids
Schools, pediatric care, and whether your children can actually enroll
Sources: OECD PISA 2022 · Wikipedia · Numbeo · official health systems
Settler Essentials
Sources: EIU · Freedom House · Startup Genome · IEA · official immigration portals
The Short Version
- •Rent is 10% cheaper in Rome ($1355/mo vs $1498/mo for a 1BR city centre).
- •Summers are slightly warmer in Madrid (31°C vs 30°C).
Madrid vs Rome — Common Questions
Is Madrid cheaper than Rome?▾
Rome is cheaper. A 1-bedroom apartment in city centre costs around $1355/month in Rome vs $1498/month in the other city (Numbeo data).
Which is safer, Madrid or Rome?▾
Rome is statistically safer based on UNODC homicide data. Madrid has a rate of 0.61 per 100,000 and Rome has 0.55 per 100,000.
Should I move to Madrid or Rome?▾
Madrid and Rome 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 Madrid or Rome?▾
Madrid: Spain Digital Nomad Visa (moderate requirements, 1 year (renewable to 5)). Rome: Italy Digital Nomad Visa (moderate requirements, 1 year (renewable)). See each city's profile page for full requirements.
Don't agree? Take the quiz and see what fits you.
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