Cost of living in Madrid (Spain) is about the same as in Karlsruhe (Germany)
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This comparison has some inconsistent or sparse data. It already provides a reliable comparison but it is not bullet-proof. It is based on 1,451 prices entered by 182 different people.
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Currency:
| Food | - 5% | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Food in Madrid (Spain) is 5% cheaper than in Karlsruhe (Germany) | ||||
| Update prices | Update prices | |||
| Madrid | Karlsruhe | Diff | ||
| Basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district | €17 | €16 | + 8% | |
| Combo meal in fast food restaurant (big mac meal or similar) | €10 | €9 | + 14% | |
| 500 gr (1 lb.) of boneless chicken breast | €3.79 | €6 | - 37% | |
| 1 liter (1 qt.) of whole fat milk | €1.05 | €1.45 | - 28% | |
| 12 eggs, large | €3.16 | €3.71 | - 15% | |
| 1 kg (2 lb.) of tomatoes | €2.16 | €2.34 | - 8% | |
| 500 gr (16 oz.) of local cheese | €7 | €5.55 | + 33% | |
| 1 kg (2 lb.) of apples | €2.25 | - | - | |
| 1 kg (2 lb.) of potatoes | €1.69 | €1.47 | + 15% | |
| 0.5 l (16 oz) domestic beer in the supermarket | €1.13 | €0.75 | + 51% | |
| 1 bottle of red table wine, good quality | €8 | €9 | - 13% | |
| 2 liters of coca-cola | €1.97 | €1.80 | + 9% | |
| Bread for 2 people for 1 day | €0.86 | €1.33 | - 36% | |
| Housing | + 14% | |||
| Housing in Madrid (Spain) is 14% more expensive than in Karlsruhe (Germany) | ||||
| Update prices | Update prices | |||
| Madrid | Karlsruhe | Diff | ||
| Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in expensive area | €1,867 | €1,563 | + 19% | |
| Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in normal area | €1,295 | €1,025 | + 26% | |
| Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 2 people in 85m2 flat | €118 | €225 | - 47% | |
| Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in expensive area | €1,270 | €833 | + 52% | |
| Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in normal area | €882 | €656 | + 35% | |
| Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 1 person in 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio | €78 | €121 | - 35% | |
| Internet 8 mbps (1 month) | €27 | €28 | - 4% | |
| 40” flat screen tv | €314 | €426 | - 26% | |
| Microwave 800/900 watt (bosch, panasonic, lg, sharp, or equivalent brands) | €101 | €106 | - 4% | |
| Laundry detergent (3 l. ~ 100 oz.) | €10 | €6 | + 61% | |
| Hourly rate for cleaning help | €12 | €15 | - 20% | |
| Clothes | - 19% | |||
| Clothes in Madrid (Spain) is 19% cheaper than in Karlsruhe (Germany) | ||||
| Update prices | Update prices | |||
| Madrid | Karlsruhe | Diff | ||
| 1 pair of jeans (levis 501 or similar) | €77 | €96 | - 20% | |
| 1 summer dress in a high street store (zara, h&m or similar retailers) | €29 | €38 | - 23% | |
| 1 pair of sport shoes (nike, adidas, or equivalent brands) | €82 | €88 | - 7% | |
| 1 pair of men’s leather business shoes | €90 | €110 | - 18% | |
| Transportation | - 21% | |||
| Transportation in Madrid (Spain) is 21% cheaper than in Karlsruhe (Germany) | ||||
| Update prices | Update prices | |||
| Madrid | Karlsruhe | Diff | ||
| Volkswagen golf 1.4 tsi 150 cv (or equivalent), with no extras, new | €29,578 | €20,272 | + 46% | |
| 1 liter (1/4 gallon) of gas | €1.65 | €1.78 | - 8% | |
| Monthly ticket public transport | €31 | €55 | - 43% | |
| Taxi trip on a business day, basic tariff, 8 km. (5 miles) | €20 | €21 | - 6% | |
| Personal Care | - 11% | |||
| Personal Care in Madrid (Spain) is 11% cheaper than in Karlsruhe (Germany) | ||||
| Update prices | Update prices | |||
| Madrid | Karlsruhe | Diff | ||
| Cold medicine for 6 days (tylenol, frenadol, coldrex, or equivalent brands) | €9 | - | - | |
| 1 box of antibiotics (12 doses) | €8 | - | - | |
| Short visit to private doctor (15 minutes) | €57 | €115 | - 51% | |
| 1 box of 32 tampons (tampax, ob, ...) | €3.94 | - | - | |
| Deodorant, roll-on (50ml ~ 1.5 oz.) | €3.44 | €2.15 | + 60% | |
| Hair shampoo 2-in-1 (400 ml ~ 12 oz.) | €3.72 | €3.71 | + 0% | |
| 4 rolls of toilet paper | €2.29 | €1.71 | + 34% | |
| Tube of toothpaste | €2.78 | €2.11 | + 32% | |
| Standard men's haircut in expat area of the city | €18 | €16 | + 7% | |
| Entertainment | + 13% | |||
| Entertainment in Madrid (Spain) is 13% more expensive than in Karlsruhe (Germany) | ||||
| Update prices | Update prices | |||
| Madrid | Karlsruhe | Diff | ||
| Basic dinner out for two in neighborhood pub | €44 | €38 | + 15% | |
| 2 tickets to the movies | €19 | €21 | - 10% | |
| 2 tickets to the theater (best available seats) | €51 | €84 | - 39% | |
| Dinner for two at an italian restaurant in the expat area including appetisers, main course, wine and dessert | €55 | €79 | - 30% | |
| 1 cocktail drink in downtown club | €14 | €9 | + 43% | |
| Cappuccino in expat area of the city | €3.66 | €3.89 | - 6% | |
| 1 beer in neighbourhood pub (500ml or 1pt.) | €5.41 | €3.23 | + 67% | |
| Ipad wi-fi 128gb | €528 | €440 | + 20% | |
| 1 min. of prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans) | €0.21 | €0.10 | + 115% | |
| 1 month of gym membership in business district | €61 | €50 | + 22% | |
| 1 package of marlboro cigarettes | €5.64 | €7 | - 17% | |
 |
TOTAL | - 3% | ||
This comparison has some inconsistent or sparse data. It already provides a reliable comparison but it is not bullet-proof. It is based on 1,451 prices entered by 182 different people.
These prices were last updated on March 23, 2025.
Detailed prices for each city individually
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