Else Beekman
Madrid has an undeniably welcoming vibe. You always hear about the weather, culture and food, but being here in person makes it easy to understand. The pace of life is relaxed, and it’s easy to slip into a comfortable routine without much effort.
What’s surprising is how affordable the city is compared to other major European capitals. Living here doesn’t feel like a financial strain. There are plenty of options for apartments, whether you want to be in the heart of the city or prefer a quieter neighbourhood. It’s easy to see why so many expats choose Madrid—it offers a great mix of work and enjoying life.
1- Rich cultural experience and quality of life
In Madrid, culture is part of the everyday experience. You’ll find small bookshops hidden in side streets and open-air concerts in local parks. The city mixes old traditions with modern life in a way that feels effortless. Things are always changing, so it never feels repetitive.
The work-life balance in Madrid just feels natural. People work hard, but there’s no rush. There’s always time to take a break, have a long lunch, or go for a walk in the park. For anyone new to the city, this slower pace can be a nice change from the usual fast-paced city life. It makes settling in a lot easier.
Madrid also gives you room to enjoy your own space. You can start your day in a quiet park, spend the afternoon exploring a museum, and then meet friends at a local bar in the evening. It’s not just about what the city offers, but how easy it is to shape your day in a way that suits you. It makes the city feel like home pretty quickly.
2- Ideal location and accessibility
Travelling outside Madrid is easy. You will be in the heart of Spain making it simple to catch a train and reach places like Barcelona or Seville in just a couple of hours. Spontaneous trips to other cities are very doable, and the train rides are smooth and efficient. The airport is well-connected with direct flights to destinations all over Europe. Very easy for expats who have to return to their country of origin every now and then. If you love travelling, it doesn’t get more convenient than this.
3- Strong expat and digital nomad community
One of the things that makes Madrid feel welcoming is the big community of expats. It’s not hard to meet people from different parts of the world, and there are plenty of social events, language exchanges, and meetups for newcomers. This makes settling in a lot easier because you don’t feel alone. The city can be big and busy, but finding a group or making friends doesn’t take too long.
For remote workers, Madrid is a great place to be. There are lots of co-working spaces, and they’re more than just places to work. They’re social spots too, with events and casual meetups happening all the time. It’s a good way to meet others who are working remotely, so the workday doesn’t feel so isolating. It’s easy to make connections in these spaces without it feeling forced.
What’s nice is that this mix of people from all over isn’t just in one part of the city. You’ll find it in every neighbourhood—cafés, bars, and parks. It’s normal to hear different languages and see people from all kinds of backgrounds. This gives the city a laid-back vibe, and it makes settling in feel much more comfortable, even if you’re new here.
4- Affordable cost of living compared to other major cities
One of the best things about Madrid is how you can live comfortably without constantly stressing about money. Compared to places like London or Paris, everything feels way more affordable. Rent for expats is manageable, and getting around the city doesn’t cost much at all. You can enjoy the perks of living in a major city without watching every euro.
It’s the everyday stuff that really makes a difference. Going out for dinner or grabbing a coffee doesn’t leave a hole in your pocket, and even things like museums or events are pretty reasonably priced. Madrid gives you the full city experience, but without the usual sky-high prices you’d expect in other European capitals.
5- Flexible housing options
Finding affordable apartments in Madrid is easier than in many other major European cities. You can find a cozy place in city centre areas such as Malasaña, or a spacious home in a quieter neighbourhood like Chamberí. The rental market isn’t brutal. That makes it easier for non-Spanish expats and digital nomads to survive here. You’ll find both short-term and long-term options, which really helps when settling into the city.
The whole process is straightforward, with plenty of choices to fit different budgets and preferences. It’s easy to find a place that offers the space and comfort you need without overspending. This flexibility makes the move smoother, helping you find a home that fits your lifestyle and budget without too much hassle.
6- Excellent public transportation and walkability
Getting around Madrid is easy. The metro covers most places, and it’s fast and straightforward. You won’t have any trouble using it, even if you’re new here. If the metro doesn’t take you where you need to go, there are always buses that can get you there. Moreover, unlike cities like London, public transport is very easy on the pockets. You don’t have to worry about overspending.
Walking is great too. The is extremely walkable, so you can explore on foot and discover new spots every day. Furthermore, new bike lanes are popping up everywhere making cycling another excellent option.
7- Thriving startup and tech scene
Madrid has quietly become a great spot for start-ups and the tech crowd. It’s not as talked about as some other cities, but it’s definitely making waves among expats. The start-up ecosystem here is buzzing, with more and more entrepreneurs setting up shop. Co-working spaces are everywhere, and they’re not just places to work—they’re where ideas bounce around, connections happen, and new projects get started. If you’re in the tech world or looking to start something of your own, Madrid offers the space and support you need.
What’s also interesting is that the tech scene here isn’t just for the local people. You’ll meet people from all over the world, and it’s easy to connect with others working on similar things. The tech community feels very open and collaborative and there are frequent networking events all over the city. Madrid’s quickly becoming a place where, if you have an idea, you can find the right people and resources to help make it happen.
8- Great weather and outdoor lifestyle
Madrid’s weather is a huge plus for many expats and digital nomads. Most days are sunny and warm, so being outside is part of daily life here. Places like Retiro Park or Casa de Campo are perfect for a walk or bike ride. It’s a great place to go picnicing or just sit on a park bench with a book.
It’s not just the parks, though. The outdoor vibe here is great. People hang out at cafés well into the evening, and the plazas are always busy. The culture of finishing work and heading outside to grab a drink is refreshing and relaxing. Beats rushing home to sit in front of the television anyday.
If you need a break from city life as all of us do from time to time, nature isn’t far. Just Google nature near Madrid and you’ll find plenty of easy day and weekend trips.
9- High quality health care system
Madrid’s healthcare system is solid and easy to use. The public healthcare is great, but if you want private care, that’s an option too. The clinics and hospitals are modern, and you’ll find that many doctors speak English, which makes life easier if your Spanish isn’t quite there yet. Whether you need a routine check-up or something more urgent, the whole process is pretty easy and straightforward although in rural areas, you may struggle a little without Spanish.
What will really surprise you is how affordable it is compared to other big European cities. Health insurance doesn’t cost a fortune, and even private care is reasonably priced. You get good care without worrying about huge bills, which definitely helps put your mind at ease when it comes to staying healthy here.
10- Amazing food and drink scene
When you get to Madrid, the food culture is one of the first things you notice. Mercado de San Miguel, for example, is always packed, and it’s hard not to get pulled into the buzz. You can try all kinds of food in one place—from jamón to oysters. For something more old-school, there’s Bodega de la Ardosa in Malasaña. It’s this little tavern that feels like a step back in time. Their tortilla is a must-try, and before you know it, it will become a regular spot.
The drinks scene is just as good. Rooftop bars like Azotea del Círculo are unforgettable. The view over Gran Vía, especially at sunset, makes it feel like a reward at the end of the week. But then, you’ve got places like Taberna La Concha in La Latina, which has a completely different vibe. You can just chill with a vermut and some tapas. The cool thing about Madrid is how you get a mix of both—the trendy and the traditional. It’s what makes the city exciting when you’re new and still exploring.
Also read: Discorver the charms of Madrid: A guide to its vibrant barrios