Moving to Madrid

Moving to Madrid, you’ll find a wonderful city that’s a pleasure to live in, with great restaurants, lively bars, interesting art galleries and two world-famous football teams.

Retirees searching for sunnier shores and a relaxing descent into their twilight years may not relish the prospect of immigrating to Madrid. However, it’s beyond doubt the place to go if you’re looking to further your career in Spain, and it offers an attractive quality of life and work-life balance.

Living in Madrid as an expat

Madrid is the commercial and political capital of Spain, and although the centre is convincingly international, it retains a distinctly Latin feel. No need to fear the pressures of a high-speed lifestyle that are so often attached to other Western capitals.

Madrid is the best city to find a job in the country, home to large multinational businesses and a fair amount of direct foreign investment. The city’s employment market is performing strongly, outpacing many other Spanish regions. While competition for jobs is fairly high, you can generally find employment in tourism, teaching, ICT, finance, pharmaceuticals, aerospace, healthcare, and the growing tech sector.

In terms of accommodation, quality housing in Madrid can be difficult to find for a reasonable price and in the right neighbourhood. Property prices have been climbing steadily, so it’s important to know where to search, how to negotiate and how to make a deal quickly, knowledgeably and efficiently.

The city’s transport system is efficient and easy to use, with ongoing major investments to enhance service quality. You definitely won’t struggle to get around the city using the Metro, high-speed train or bus system. While you can also rent or buy a car, this is typically unnecessary and inconvenient. The roads can be congested and rather dangerous, and parking is scarce.

Lifestyle in Madrid 
Finding a Job and Working in Madrid 
Getting Around Madrid 

Cost of living in Madrid

The cost of living in Madrid is rather high, especially when you consider average salaries in the city. People in Madrid generally earn less than in other major European capitals, but living expenses aren’t dramatically cheaper.

Accommodation costs bite deep into budgets, and if you’re planning to send your children to an international school, you’ll need to factor in substantial annual fees, although they deliver excellent teaching standards and facilities. Food, eating out, and drinking are cheaper than in many other European cities, providing some relief.

Cost of Living in Madrid
Renting Accommodation in Madrid 
Areas and Suburbs in Madrid 

Expat families and children in Madrid

Expat families and children in Madrid benefit from Spain’s healthcare system, considered among Europe’s best. The Spanish National Health System (SNS) provides free coverage for all EU citizens and employees in Spain. Residents contribute approximately 6.5 percent of their gross income toward healthcare coverage.

With plenty of activities, Madrid is an excellent city for raising children. Green spaces, the zoo, aquarium and science museum are just some of the places your children can visit. You’ll find larger houses with gardens just outside the city centre, and exceptional public or international schools are never far from home.

The public education system enjoys a solid reputation, although many expat families choose private or international schools offering bilingual or full English curricula. The international school sector keeps growing, with new campuses opening regularly to meet rising expat demand.

Healthcare in Madrid 
Education and Schools in Madrid 
International Schools in Madrid
Activities for Kids and Family in Madrid

Climate in Madrid

Madrid is blessed with great weather that allows for ample time spent outdoors throughout the year. Summer months can be blazing hot, and air conditioning is a must. Winters are cold, with the occasional snowfall drifting down every other year. Madrid’s climate supports an active outdoor lifestyle. Just factor energy costs for cooling and heating into your budget planning.

Weather in Madrid

On the whole, moving to Madrid means finding that the city’s rich history paired with youthful enterprise creates exciting opportunities for individuals and families alike. The Spanish approach to work-life balance, where long lunches and after-work socialising are common, adds to the appeal for internationally minded professionals.