Madrid vs London on €80,000: take-home pay, rent and cost of living in 2026
On a gross salary of €80,000 a year, a single employee takes home €4,488 a month in Madrid (67% of gross) and £4,118 a month in London on the equivalent £67,000 (74%), after income tax and social security contributions.
London is 72% more expensive than Madrid overall (cost-of-living index 81.6 vs 47.5, New York = 100). A one-bedroom flat in the city centre rents for about £2,145 a month in London and €1,323 in Madrid, which leaves £1,974 and €3,165 of take-home pay after rent. Keeping the same standard of living and saving 15% of your pay would cost about £5,529 a month in London: £1,411 a month more than this salary pays.
By category, groceries cost 25% more in London than in Madrid, eating out 44% more and rent 93% more.
| Madrid | London | |
|---|---|---|
| Gross salary per year | €80,000 | £67,000 |
| Take-home pay per month | €4,488 | £4,118 |
| One-bedroom rent, city centre | €1,323 | £2,145 |
| Left after rent | €3,165 | £1,974 |
| Cost-of-living index (New York = 100) | 47.5 | 81.6 |
How each figure is taxed: Spain tax calculator and United Kingdom tax calculator; prices: cost of living in Madrid and in London. Single employee without children; rent and price data from Numbeo, refreshed monthly.
Questions about Madrid vs London
Is London, United Kingdom more expensive than Madrid, Spain?
London, United Kingdom is 72% more expensive than Madrid, Spain overall. On a gross salary of €80,000 a year, you take home €4,488 a month in Madrid, Spain and £4,118 a month in London, United Kingdom after income tax and social contributions.
How much can I save living in London, United Kingdom vs Madrid, Spain?
Keeping the same standard of living as in Madrid, Spain and saving 15% of your pay would cost about £1,411 a month more than this salary leaves in London, United Kingdom, because of its 72% higher cost of living.
What taxes will I pay in United Kingdom vs Spain?
On €80,000 gross a year you take home €4,488 a month in Spain and £4,118 a month in United Kingdom. The calculation applies each country's 2026 income tax and social security rules for a single employee.