The best neighbourhoods in Madrid for expats
Quick answer
Flat Spain has researched 4 expat barrios in Madrid. The Flat Spain Rent Benchmark makes Lavapiés the cheapest at about €1,050/month for a furnished one-bedroom, against a Madrid average of €1,200; the Flat Spain Neighborhood Score rates Chamberí highest on safety at 8/10.
Rent figures reviewed 2026-07-20
| Barrio | Character | 1-bed | vs city | Safety | Walk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Malasaña | Bohemian, nightlife, street art | €1,300 | +8% | 7/10 | 96 |
| Lavapiés | Edgy, diverse, artsy | €1,050 | -12% | 6/10 | 95 |
| Chamberí | Upscale, quiet, classic Madrid | €1,500 | +25% | 8/10 | 92 |
| La Latina | Tapas, historic, lively weekends | €1,350 | +13% | 7/10 | 94 |
“vs city” is the barrio's benchmark rent against Madrid's own average of €1,200 — the comparison a listing page never makes, and the one that decides whether an asking price is fair for where it actually is.