Which place is cheaper, Madrid or Aix-en-Provence?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Aix-en-Provence or Madrid?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Aix-en-Provence or Madrid, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Aix-en-Provence
Aix-en-Provence is a relaxing, historic, and vibrant town. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.
Madrid
Madrid is a authentic, cultural, and diverse city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and live music.
Aix-en-Provence and Madrid: Pros and Cons
Aix-en-Provence
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Impressive beauty
- Less popular for nightlife
- Less family-friendly
- Public transit not as usable
Madrid
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Active nightlife
- Good music scene
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Good public transit
- Big city activities
Is there more to do in Aix-en-Provence or Madrid?
You'll generally find more things to do in Madrid than Aix-en-Provence. Madrid is bigger than Aix-en-Provence, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Madrid is better known for its nightlife, music, and big city activities, while Aix-en-Provence is more popular for its impressive beauty. Madrid is more touristy than Aix-en-Provence and is popular for its art and architecture, its tapas and culinary scene, and its lively flamenco dancing. Also, Madrid is famous for The Prado Museum. Aix-en-Provence is well known for its Provençal cuisine made with local produce, its many art galleries, and its beautiful fountains and square.
How is Aix-en-Provence different from Madrid?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Madrid and Aix-en-Provence. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Aix-en-Provence or Madrid?
Aix-en-Provence
Madrid
For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Aix-en-Provence or Madrid.
If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Aix-en-Provence. In addition to its many squares and fountains, there is also Cathédrale Saint-Sauveur, Musée Granet, and Musée des Tapisseries.
Madrid is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are a number of cultural sights in the city including Museo Nacional del Prado, the Royal Palace and Gardens, and Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía.
Is the Food Better in Aix-en-Provence or Madrid? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?
Aix-en-Provence
Madrid
Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Aix-en-Provence and Madrid.
Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Aix-en-Provence is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The range of restaurants includes everything from modern and trendy to traditional and casual. The town is surrounded by a region that is known for its local produce. There are also many markets worth checking out in town.
Many restaurants in Madrid have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The city has a mix of flavors that come from all of Spain. There are amazing markets where you can grab a meal or snack. There are also many high quality restaurants around town where you're guaranteed a good meal. Local favorites include roast suckling pig, Spanish omelette, and meat and chickpea stew.
Is Aix-en-Provence or Madrid Better for Nightlife?
Aix-en-Provence
Madrid
Madrid is well known for its evening party scene. However, Aix-en-Provence is not particularly known for nightlife.
Madrid is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. Many tourists and international students hang out in the Huertas area, while Malasaña has a bohemian, hipster vibe with small clubs that play indie music. Chueca is a fun area that's known for being gay-friendly with many good bars. Finally, you'll find that the area around Avenida de Brasil is where famous DJs often perform.
Aix-en-Provence doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. The nightlife scene that does exist is mostly influenced by the town's large student population.
Is Aix-en-Provence or Madrid Better for Music?
Aix-en-Provence
Madrid
Madrid is terrific for its music scene. However, Aix-en-Provence is not a live music destination.
In Madrid you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. Rock, jazz, and flamenco are all popular in the city. Some of the most well known music venues include Sala Caracol, Sala Clamores, and Costello Club.
Aix-en-Provence is not a live music destination.
Is the Shopping Better in Aix-en-Provence or Madrid?
Aix-en-Provence
Madrid
Shopping is a popular activity in both Madrid and Aix-en-Provence.
Aix-en-Provence is a world class destination for shoppers. It has some of the best shopping in France outside of Paris. There are many shopping streets where you can pick up trendy fashions or boutique local finds. Head to Rue Marius Reynard, Les Allées Provençales, or Rue Clemenceau for some of the best shopping.
People travel from around the world to go shopping in Madrid. Gran Vía is a main thoroughfare in Madrid that is also popular for shopping. Calle Fuencarral is where you'll find the fashion shops and Calle Preciados is a fun pedestrian area to explore.
Is Aix-en-Provence or Madrid Better for Families?
Aix-en-Provence
Madrid
Madrid is well known for its family-friendly activities. However, Aix-en-Provence is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.
Madrid is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids love splashing around at Madrid Río, taking a ride on the cable car (Teleférico), and exploring the city's many parks and playgrounds. There's even a maze at Sabatini Gardens. Restaurants around the city are also very kid-friendly.
For families, Aix-en-Provence is not always the best place to visit. Many kids enjoy checking out the town's many fountains or taking a bike for a ride outside of town.
Is Aix-en-Provence or Madrid Better for Couples?
Aix-en-Provence
Madrid
Aix-en-Provence and Madrid are both high quality to visit as a couple.
Couples visit Aix-en-Provence frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It's among the most charming towns in southern France and couples will enjoy the romantic buildings, beautiful fountains, and relaxing countryside. Whether you're on a honeymoon or a couple's getaway, this is a great town.
Madrid is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. Fun and romantic activities around town include taking a boat ride at Casa de Campo, riding a bike in one of the many parks, and enjoy dinner and show in the evening.
Is Aix-en-Provence or Madrid Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?
Aix-en-Provence
Madrid
Madrid is well known for backpackers. Also, Aix-en-Provence is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.
Madrid is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. The many hostels around town make it easy for backpackers to find affordable accommodation while also meeting other travelers.
Aix-en-Provence is a good town to visit for backpackers. There are a couple of hostels and cheap hotels that are good options for backpackers.
Is Aix-en-Provence or Madrid Better for Students?
Aix-en-Provence
Madrid
Madrid is terrific for students. Also, Aix-en-Provence is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.
Madrid is a great destination for students. With several great universities, this city is popular with international and study abroad students. The city also has a diverse population and an active nightlife that appeals to students.
Students come from all over to stay in Aix-en-Provence. It's a university town with a lively but laid-back atmosphere. It's also a popular study abroad destination for American university students.
Is Aix-en-Provence or Madrid Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?
Aix-en-Provence
Madrid
Madrid is terrific for its public transit. Also, Aix-en-Provence is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.
The thorough and effecient public transit system of Madrid can take you anywhere. The system includes the Madrid Metro, buses, and a light rail system.
While Aix-en-Provence offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. For the places you can't reach on foot, there is a bus network.
Is Aix-en-Provence or Madrid a more walkable city?
Aix-en-Provence
Madrid
Madrid is terrific for its ease of walking around. Also, Aix-en-Provence is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.
Getting around Madrid on foot is easy. Most tourists stay in the central part of Madrid where it's compact and relatively easy to walk to most tourist sights.
Aix-en-Provence is very walkable. It's walkable, particularly in the heart of the city, so it's fun to explore on foot.
For even more information, also check out Is Aix-en-Provence Worth Visiting? and Is Madrid Worth Visiting?.
Should I spend more time in Madrid or Aix-en-Provence?
How long in Aix-en-Provence or Madrid?
In either Aix-en-Provence or Madrid, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Madrid than Aix-en-Provence because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Aix-en-Provence, and 2-5 days is enough time in Madrid.
Families should spend more time in Madrid than Aix-en-Provence. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Madrid, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.
Couples should spend more time in Madrid than Aix-en-Provence. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Madrid that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Madrid than Aix-en-Provence if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Madrid.
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How many days in Aix-en-Provence or Madrid? Ideal Length of StayAix-en-Provence 2-4Madrid 2-5
One day in Aix-en-Provence or Madrid?
Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Aix-en-Provence. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.
Madrid is a big city with plenty to do. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.
A weekend in Aix-en-Provence or Madrid?
Aix-en-Provence is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.
Madrid is a big city with plenty to do. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.
Five days in Aix-en-Provence or Madrid?
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Aix-en-Provence. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.
Madrid is a great place to explore. This city offers something for everyone. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.
A week in Aix-en-Provence or Madrid?
Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the laid-back destination of Aix-en-Provence. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.
Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Madrid. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.
For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in France, The Best Coach Bus Tours in France, The Best Contiki Tours to Spain, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAix-en-Provence €138Madrid €136
The average daily cost (per person) in Aix-en-Provence is €138, while the average daily cost in Madrid is €136. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Aix-en-Provence and Madrid in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAix-en-Provence €81Madrid €77
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAix-en-Provence €162Madrid €154
Compare Hotels in Aix-en-Provence and Madrid
Looking for a hotel in Aix-en-Provence or Madrid? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Aix-en-Provence Hotel Prices and Madrid Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Aix-en-Provence €33Madrid €19
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Aix-en-Provence
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Aix-en-Provence:
- Aix en Provence: Guided Driving Tour with Hotel Transfer: $1,390
- Marseille Airport Transfer From/To Cassis Van 7 pax: $269
- Aix en Provence Transfer to Marseille Cruise port: $118
- Marseille Cruise Port Transfer to Aix en Provence: $118
- Aix TGV transfer to Marseille Port or Airport or Aix city: $93
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Madrid
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Madrid are as follows:
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Taxi Ride€26
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Madrid
Also for Madrid, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private One-Way Transfer to OR from Madrid Airport with private pick up: $77
- Arrival Private Transfer Madrid Airport MAD to Madrid City by Van: $71
- Arrival Private Transfer by Business Car from MAD Airport to Madrid: $53
- Arrival Transfer from Madrid Airport MAD to Madrid in Private Car: $80
- Arrival Transfer: Madrid Airport MAD to Madrid in Business Car: $80
- Departure Private Transfer Madrid to MAD Airport in a Minibus: $137
- Departure Transfer from Madrid to Madrid Airport MAD in Private Car: $80
- Departure Transfer from Madrid to Madrid Airport MAD in Private Van: $87
- Departure Transfer: Madrid to Madrid Airport MAD in Luxury Van: $87
- From Madrid Airport: 1-Way Private Hotel Transfer: $80
- From Hot Air Balloon over Segovia with Transfer: $262
- Hotel Madrid City Private Transfer To Madrid Barajas Airport: $26
Is it cheaper to fly into Aix-en-Provence or Madrid?
Prices for flights to both Madrid and Aix-en-Provence change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayAix-en-Provence €33Madrid €34
Typical Food Prices in Aix-en-Provence
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Aix-en-Provence:
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Dinner for 2€47
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Aix-en-Provence
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Aix-en-Provence.
- NO DIET CLUB - Best food tour in Aix en Provence (En / Fr): $62
- Food Tour: $102
- Aix-en-Provence Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $104
Typical Food Prices in Madrid
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Madrid:
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Coffee€2.00
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Ice Cream€3.00
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Kebabs (for 2)€16
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Croissant€1.50
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Lunch at Airport (for 2)€16
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Madrid
For Madrid, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Tipsy Tapas Food Tour with Drinks and Food: $27
- Drunken Tapas Food Tour with Dinner in Madrid: $33
- Tapas Dinner Party Food Tour with Guide: $33
- Tapas Crawl Food Tour with 6 Tapas and 4 Drinks: $35
- Madrid Tipsy Tapas Guided Food Tour with Dinner: $42
- Madrid Tipsy Tapas Tour with Dinner and Drinks: $43
- Madrid Tapas Dinner Party with Guide: $43
- Paella and Sangria Workshop with Dinner and Drinks: $47
- Skip the Line: Flamenco Show with Dinner and Workshop in Madrid Ticket: $49
- San Miguel Market and Street Food Tour: $52
- Traditional Paella & Sangría Workshop & Spanish Dinner in Madrid: $53
- The Authentic Morning Madrid's Food Tour: $59
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Aix-en-Provence €22Madrid €34
Tours and Activities in Aix-en-Provence
Here are a few actual costs in Aix-en-Provence for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Aix en Provence City Tour with Wine and Cheese - From Aix: $82
- 2-Hour Foodie Tour with 10 Tastings in Aix-en-Provence: $76
- 2H: Wine-Tour in Provence: $274
- 4-Hour Lavender Fields Tour in Valensole from Aix-en-Provence: $87
- Aix en Provence City Tour with Wine and Cheese: $80
- Aix-en-Provence Walking Food and Culture Tour - 3 hour private tour: $131
- A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
- Arles & Camargue National Park Private Tour: $1,016
- Arles, Baux, & Saint-Rémy-de-Provence Tour: $1,016
- Avignon Tour & Chateauneuf-du-Pape Tasting: $1,048
- E-Bike Tour of Mount Sainte-Victoire: $73
- Guided Foodie Tour with Tastings: $70
Tours and Activities in Madrid
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Madrid.
- Madrid Essential: Free Walking City Tour: $1.07
- First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
- Madrid Mountains Free Walking Tour: $3.27
- History & Culture Guided Walking Tour: $4.28
- Escape Game and Tour: $4.28
- 2 Hour Madrid Walking Tour : $4.36
- Wonders of Madrid Walking Tour : $4.36
- Wonders of Madrid Walking Tour: $5.35
- Marvels of Madrid Walking Tour: $5.35
- Madrid Old Town & Hidden Gems Walking Tour: $5.35
- Ticket Entrance to the Madrid Nougat Museum: $5.35
- Wonders of Madrid City Walking Tour: $5.35
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAix-en-Provence €14Madrid €20
Sample the Local Flavors in Aix-en-Provence
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Aix-en-Provence:
- Half day Wine Tour in Côtes de Provence Sainte-Victoire from Aix en Provence: $93
- Half Day Wine Tour in Coteaux d'Aix: $96
- Half day Wine Tour in Côteaux Aix from Aix en Provence: $98
- Half day Wine Tour in Bandol & Cassis from Aix en Provence: $104
- From Wine Tour in Cezanne Countryside: $106
- Provence small group half-day wine tour from Aix: $107
- Cotes de Provence Wine Tour from Aix-en-Provence: $108
- Aix en Provence: Delicious Food and Wine Tour: $117
- Full Day Wine Tour in Luberon with Tasting: $143
- Full day Wine Tour around Luberon from Aix en Provence: $151
- Provence Day Trip with Cassis Village Boat Ride and Local Wine Tasting from Aix: $164
- From Provence Region Tour with Wine Tasting: $166
Typical Alcohol Prices in Madrid
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Madrid are as follows:
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Beer€5.00
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Drinks and Tapas (for 2)€13
Sample the Local Flavors in Madrid
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Madrid:
- Pub Crawl with Tapas and VIP Club Entry: $9.62
- Madrid Pub Crawl with VIP Club Entrance: $11
- Visit to the Winery with Wine Tasting and Appetizers in Navarra: $12
- Pub crawl & Party Tour Madrid: $14
- Pub Crawl Madrid Running since 2005 Bar Exploration: $16
- Guided Pub Crawl Madrid Experience and Club Entry: $16
- Pub Crawl Madrid-The Original since 2005-Shots-Fun-Clubs-Dance: $16
- Pub Crawl Madrid: $19
- Wine Tasting near Plaza Mayor: $22
- Wine Tasting Experience with 4 Spanish Wines: $26
- Wine Tour with tasting in the Natural Park of La Mata: $38
- Wine Tasting Experience: $49
When comparing the travel costs between Aix-en-Provence and Madrid, we can see that Aix-en-Provence is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Aix-en-Provence Expensive? and Is Madrid Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Aix-en-Provence or Madrid?
Madrid has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Aix-en-Provence. When comparing the sizes of Aix-en-Provence and Madrid, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.