Cadiz logs 0 frost days a year to Madrid's 20 — Cadiz wins by 20. Cadiz also leads on hot days by 62.

Cadiz runs about $1,732/mo for a balanced lifestyle against Madrid's $2,244/mo — Cadiz comes in $512 cheaper each month, roughly 30% less.

On mobility, Madrid scores 3.6 vs Cadiz's 2.4 (0–5 scale), with the biggest gap on public transit. Cadiz still holds an edge on walkability.

Madrid's culture score of 4.2 sits well above Cadiz's 3.4, with the biggest gap on arts & culture.

Cadiz and Madrid score neck-and-neck on nature & outdoors (3.8 vs 4.0, 0–5 scale).

Cadiz's safety score is ~1.4× Madrid's — in the upper band, while Madrid lands in the middle of the scale, with the biggest gap on wildfire safety. Madrid still holds an edge on flooding safety.

Madrid's career score of 4.1 sits well above Cadiz's 2.1, with the biggest gap on startup ecosystem.

Madrid's social & community score is ~1.3× Cadiz's — in the upper band, while Cadiz lands in the middle of the scale, with the biggest gap on expat-first community.

On food & dining, Madrid scores 3.8 vs Cadiz's 2.6 (0–5 scale), with the biggest gap on vegan & vegetarian options.

On family, Madrid scores 3.9 vs Cadiz's 2.1 (0–5 scale), with the biggest gap on international schools.

On healthcare, Madrid scores 3.7 vs Cadiz's 3.0 (0–5 scale), with the biggest gap on private healthcare quality.

Cadiz averages 11.4 µg/m³ (moderate) PM2.5 annually versus Madrid's 10.3 µg/m³ (moderate) — Madrid breathes ~10% cleaner air (1.1 µg/m³ lower).

Who Thrives Here