City comparison

Madrid vs San Francisco

San Francisco scores higher on salary; Madrid has a lower cost of living. Compare Madrid and San Francisco on earnings, rent pressure, career opportunity, and 3-year financial impact.

Overall verdict

San Francisco scores higher overall

You gain savings and career upside in San Francisco

How they compare

If you want to save more

MadridOverall fitSan Francisco
44 / 65+21 San
MadridSavingsSan Francisco
42 / 56+14 San
MadridCareerSan Francisco
52 / 96+44 San
MadridLow pressureSan Francisco
43 / 60+17 San

If you want career growth

MadridOverall fitSan Francisco
48 / 81+33 San
MadridSavingsSan Francisco
42 / 56+14 San
MadridCareerSan Francisco
52 / 96+44 San
MadridLow pressureSan Francisco
43 / 60+17 San

If you want better balance

MadridOverall fitSan Francisco
57 / 71+14 San
MadridSavingsSan Francisco
42 / 56+14 San
MadridCareerSan Francisco
52 / 96+44 San
MadridLow pressureSan Francisco
43 / 60+17 San

Financial impact: moving from Madrid to San Francisco

Based on a representative $80,000 USD salary. Not tax-adjusted.

+$5,740
Monthly
+$68,880
1 year
+$206,640
3 years

Moving from Madrid to San Francisco: trade-offs

You gain

+Stronger savings potential — San Francisco scores 14 points higher on savings capacity
++$5,740/mo estimated net gain — $68,880 over the first year
+Higher career ceiling — San Francisco has stronger job market depth and salary upside
+Less financial pressure — lower rent-to-income ratio means more breathing room

You lose

Lower lifestyle score — San Francisco ranks below your current city on liveability

Madrid

ES
Salary index
42
Cost index
50
Rent pressure
57
Opportunity
58

San Francisco

US
Salary index
100
Cost index
90
Rent pressure
40
Opportunity
94

Get a personalised verdict for your salary

The comparison above uses a representative salary. Enter yours for an accurate picture.

Compare with my salary →