Which place is cheaper, Madrid or Avignon?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Avignon or Madrid?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Avignon and Madrid. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Avignon
Avignon is a historical, quaint, and charming town. Since it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors, too. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.
Madrid
Madrid is a diverse, compact, and friendly city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It's also popular because of the live music, food, and shopping.
Avignon and Madrid: Pros and Cons
Avignon
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Scenic old town
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Small town charm
- Less popular for nightlife
- Less popular for shopping
- Public transit not as usable
Madrid
Pros- Active nightlife
- Good music scene
- Fun shopping
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Good for students
- Good public transit
- Big city activities
- Less museums and historical sights
Is there more to do in Avignon or Madrid?
You'll generally find more things to do in Madrid than Avignon. Madrid is bigger than Avignon, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Madrid is better known for its nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Avignon is more popular for its museums, historical sights, and small town charm. Avignon is well known for its architectural beauty and historical importance. Madrid is well known for its art and architecture, its tapas and culinary scene, and its lively flamenco dancing. Also, Madrid is famous for The Prado Museum.
How is Avignon different from Madrid?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Madrid and Avignon. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Avignon or Madrid?
Avignon
Madrid
Avignon is renowned for its historical sights. Also, Madrid is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.
Travelers visit Avignon from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. The town is filled with historical landmarks such as Palais des Papes, Pont Saint Bénézet, Musée du Petit Palais, and Basilique Métropolitaine Notre-Dame des Doms.
Madrid offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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 Avignon or Madrid? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?
Avignon
Madrid
There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at fantastic restaurants in both Avignon and Madrid.
Eat your way through Avignon, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. For such a small town you'll find many great eateries where you can sample French cuisine. You'll find bakeries, patisseries, restaurants, chocolatiers, and cafes to try. Cooking classes are also a popular activity in town.
For foodies, Madrid is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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 Avignon or Madrid Better for Nightlife?
Avignon
Madrid
Madrid is a very popular place for its evening party scene. However, Avignon is lacking in good options for nightlife.
Madrid has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.
Avignon is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. There's a limited nightlife scene but the bars you'll find are usually centered around Place de lHorloge, Place du Palais, Rue Carnot, and Place des Corps-Saints.
Is Avignon or Madrid Better for Music?
Avignon
Madrid
Madrid is renowned for its music scene. However, Avignon is not a live music destination.
Madrid has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. 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.
Avignon is not a live music destination.
Is Avignon or Madrid Better for its Old Town?
Avignon
Madrid
Avignon is renowned for its historic old town. However, Madrid does not have a historic old town.
The old town of Avignon is one of the most recognized in the world. The walled medieval old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it's filled with history.
Madrid does not have a historic old town.
Is the Shopping Better in Avignon or Madrid?
Avignon
Madrid
Madrid is renowned for its shopping areas. Also, Avignon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.
Many people travel to Madrid specifically to go shopping. 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.
Avignon is a great destination for shopping. There are several shopping streets in town like Rue de la Republique, Rue Joseph-Vernet, and Rue St Agricol.
Is Avignon or Madrid Better for Families?
Avignon
Madrid
Madrid is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Avignon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.
You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Madrid. 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.
You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Avignon. Families can enjoy cooking classes, boat tours, and exploring the old town together.
Is Avignon or Madrid Better for Couples?
Avignon
Madrid
Avignon and Madrid both very good destinations for a couple.
Avignon makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Filled with history, couples can enjoy strolling through the old town or dinner on amazing French food.
Couples visit Madrid frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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 Avignon or Madrid Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?
Avignon
Madrid
Madrid is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Avignon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.
Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Madrid. The many hostels around town make it easy for backpackers to find affordable accommodation while also meeting other travelers.
Plenty of budget travelers visit Avignon. You'll find a few affordable hotels, but hostels are a little bit more difficult to come by.
Is Avignon or Madrid Better for Students?
Avignon
Madrid
Madrid is renowned for its student-friendly activities. However, Avignon is not popular with students.
Madrid is a very popular place to visit 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.
Avignon is not popular with students.
Is Avignon or Madrid Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?
Avignon
Madrid
Madrid is renowned for times when you don't have a car. Also, Avignon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.
Madrid has a great public transit system. The system includes the Madrid Metro, buses, and a light rail system.
You'll find some public transit in Avignon, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are city buses as well as tourist shuttles around town.
Is Avignon or Madrid a more walkable city?
Avignon
Madrid
Avignon and Madrid are fantastic when it comes to walkability.
It's very easy to get around on foot in Avignon. There's almost no traffic in the city center so it's easy to explore on foot.
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.
For even more information, also check out Is Avignon Worth Visiting? and Is Madrid Worth Visiting?.
Should I spend more time in Madrid or Avignon?
How long in Avignon or Madrid?
In either Avignon or Madrid, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Madrid than Avignon because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Avignon, and 2-5 days is enough time in Madrid.
Families should spend more time in Madrid than Avignon. 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 Avignon. 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 Avignon 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 Avignon or Madrid? Ideal Length of StayAvignon 1-2Madrid 2-5
One day in Avignon or Madrid?
Avignon might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.
Because Madrid is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.
A weekend in Avignon or Madrid?
Avignon 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.
Because Madrid is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Madrid has to offer.
Five days in Avignon or Madrid?
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Avignon. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Madrid has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.
A week in Avignon or Madrid?
Avignon is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Madrid. Many people enjoy the live music and food when visiting Madrid. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in France, The Best One Week (7-Day) 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 dayAvignon €700Madrid €136
The average daily cost (per person) in Avignon is €700, 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 Avignon and Madrid in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAvignon €647Madrid €77
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAvignon €1,294Madrid €154
Compare Hotels in Avignon and Madrid
Looking for a hotel in Avignon 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: Avignon Hotel Prices and Madrid Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Avignon €21Madrid €19
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Avignon
Also for Avignon, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private transfer Marseille - Avignon: $428
- Transfert Avignon Marseille : $273
- Departure Private Transfer Avignon City to Avignon Airport AVN by Luxury Minibus: $241
- Arrival Private Transfer Avignon Airport AVN to Avignon City by Luxury Minibus: $241
- Marseille Provence Airport (MRS) to Avignon - Round-Trip Transfer: $233
- Transfer Avignon to Vaison la Romaine and surroundings: $164
- Transfer Vaison la Romaine and surroundings to Avignon: $164
- Departure Private Transfer Avignon City to Avignon Airport AVN by Luxury Van: $132
- Arrival Priate Transfer Avignon Airport AVN to Avignon City by Luxury Van: $132
- Private Departure Transfer from Avignon to Marseille Airport MRS: $117
- Departure Private Transfer Avignon City to Avignon Airport AVN by Business Car: $91
- Arrival Private Transfer Avignon Airport AVN to Avignon City by Business Car: $91
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:
- Vehicle transfer with driver included in Madrid: $142
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Madrid HTL-APT (MAD): $61
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Madrid APT-HTL (MAD): $61
- Transfer to Madrid, travel calmly and comfortably: $144
- Transfer to Barajas Airport from Madrid: $76
- Transfer in private vehicle from Madrid City - Madrid Barajas Airport (MAD): $61
- Transfer in private minivan from Madrid City - Madrid Barajas Airport (MAD): $75
- Transfer in Private Vehicle from Madrid Barajas Airport (MAD) - Madrid City: $61
- Transfer from Barajas Airport to Madrid: $95
- Segovia: Full-Day Tour with Transfer to and from Madrid: $449
- Roundtrip Transfer Private Minivan Madrid Airport (MAD) - Madrid City: $149
- Round Trip Transfer from Madrid Airport MAD to Madrid by Sedan: $77
Is it cheaper to fly into Avignon or Madrid?
Prices for flights to both Madrid and Avignon 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 dayAvignon €33Madrid €34
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Avignon
For Avignon, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Avignon Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience : $98
- Cooking workshop with an exceptional chef in Avignon: $207
- Cooking lessons: $213
- Cooking Class and Lunch with a Local Chef: $403
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.Avignon €15Madrid €34
Tours and Activities in Avignon
For Avignon, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- A Tour in Provence in a typical French motorized bike : the Solex: $46
- Aix en Provence and Avignon city of Popes Private Tour: $1,486
- Arles and Camargue Small-Group Half-Day Tour from Avignon: $98
- Avignon : Half-Day Walking Tour with Private Guide: $160
- Avignon Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $9.84
- Avignon Walking Tour including Pope's Palace: $75
- Avignon private guided tour: $273
- All About Avignon Tour: $21
- Around The Palace Tour: $31
- City Walking Tour with Popes Palace Entry: $74
- Emblematic Squares Tour: $267
- Historic District Guided Food & Wine Walking Tour: $91
Tours and Activities in Madrid
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Madrid.
- Private Combo Tour Prado Museum and Reina Sofia: $222
- Toledo with Cathedral from Madrid Full Day Tour: $134
- Ávila & Segovia Day Tour from Madrid: $97
- "Prado Museum" Tour A Treasure of World Art: $65
- 1 Hour Private Tuk tuk Tour in Madrid: $98
- 1 hour tour in Madrid in Tuk Tuk through the best of the city: $136
- 1-Hour Madrid Segway Tour: $32
- 1-Hour Private Flamenco Class in Madrid Experience: $45
- 2 Hour Madrid Walking Tour : $4.36
- 2 Hours Private Tuk tuk Tour in Madrid: $164
- 2.5-Hour Evening Tapas Tour through Madrid: $37
- 3 Hours Private Madrid City Tour Guide: $53
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAvignon €16Madrid €20
Sample the Local Flavors in Avignon
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Avignon:
- Wine tasting in Sablet: $3.26
- THE CUBE: Private Tour Of Semi-Gravity Cubist Cellar with Wine Tasting: $11
- Provence and Wine Tasting by E-Bike from Saint-Rémy-de-Provence: $65
- E-bike tour and wine tasting from Vaison la Romaine: $65
- Half-Day Provence Pont du Gard and Wine Tasting Tour from Avignon: $87
- From Morning Wine Tour to Châteauneuf du Pape: $95
- Morning Wine Tour to Chateauneuf du Pape from Avignon: $97
- From Afternoon Wine Tour Châteauneuf du Pape: $102
- Afternoon Wine Tour to Chateauneuf du Pape from Avignon: $104
- Roman heritages and Chateauneuf du Pape Wine Tour from Avignon: $131
- Chateauneuf-du-Pape Prestige Wine Tour from Avignon: $152
- 8 Hours Private Wine Tour in Châteauneuf du Pape: $164
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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Avignon and Madrid, we can see that Avignon is more expensive. And not only is Madrid much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Madrid would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Madrid and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Avignon would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Avignon than you might in Madrid.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Avignon Expensive? and Is Madrid Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Avignon or Madrid?
Madrid has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Avignon. When comparing the sizes of Avignon 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.