Which place is cheaper, Madrid or Chiang Mai?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Chiang Mai 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 Chiang Mai 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.
Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is a welcoming, natural, and temple-filled city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and hiking.
Madrid
Madrid is a diverse, compact, and friendly city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Other reasons to visit include live music, food, and shopping.
Chiang Mai and Madrid: Pros and Cons
Chiang Mai
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Active nightlife
- Scenic old town
- Good for hiking
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Big city activities
- Impressive beauty
- Public transit not as usable
- Less walkable
Madrid
Pros- Active nightlife
- Good music scene
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Good for students
- Good public transit
- Very walkable
- Big city activities
- Less museums and historical sights
Is there more to do in Chiang Mai or Madrid?
Visitors will generally find more to do in Chiang Mai than Madrid. While Madrid is larger than Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Chiang Mai is more popular for its museums, historical sights, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Madrid is known for its music and big city activities. Chiang Mai is more touristy than Madrid and is known for its lively night market, historical temples, local cuisine, and cultural rainforest treks. It is also home to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. Madrid is popular for its art and architecture, its tapas and culinary scene, and its lively flamenco dancing.
How is Chiang Mai different from Madrid?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Madrid and Chiang Mai. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Chiang Mai or Madrid?
Chiang Mai
Madrid
Chiang Mai 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 Chiang Mai from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. The city is filled with culture and you'll find many beautiful temples in the area. Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is a mountain-top temple that is an iconic landmark in the city. Other famous sights include Doi Inthanon and Wat Chedi Luang.
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 Chiang Mai or Madrid? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?
Chiang Mai
Madrid
Foodies will find both Chiang Mai and Madrid both to be fantastic destinations.
Eat your way through Chiang Mai, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. For many, this city offers some of the best food in all of Thailand. The cuisine is influenced by nearby Burma and China, with ginger and turmeric often used. Curries tend to be a bit milder and dishes are often served with sticky rice. Famous dishes around town include Khao Soi, Larb Kua, and Sai Oua. Cooking classes are also very popular around town and the courses often include a trip to a market.
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 Chiang Mai or Madrid Better for Nightlife?
Chiang Mai
Madrid
If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find very good options in both Chiang Mai and Madrid.
The nightlife in Chiang Mai has something for everybody. It is the largest city in Northern Thailand, so it has the most active nightlife scene in the area. Whatever your style, you can find something to do at night here. Many people head to the riverside to drink and listen to music. You'll also find clubs concentrated around Nimmanhaemin Road and Loy Kroh Road. There's also the famous Chiang Mai Night Bazaar, which is packed with stalls and people sampling food and drinks.
Madrid offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.
Is Chiang Mai or Madrid Better for Music?
Chiang Mai
Madrid
Madrid is a world-class destination for live music. However, Chiang Mai is not a live music destination.
Madrid is known as a music capital 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.
Chiang Mai is not a live music destination.
Is Chiang Mai or Madrid Better for its Old Town?
Chiang Mai
Madrid
Chiang Mai is a great city for its historic old town. However, Madrid does not have a historic old town.
Chiang Mai is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The old city is about 1.5 square kilometers in size and it has four gates, one on each side. The most famous area is Sunday Walking Street, which comes to life at 4pm every day when it is lined with stalls and filled with people.
Madrid does not have a historic old town.
Is Chiang Mai or Madrid Better for Hiking?
Chiang Mai
Madrid
Chiang Mai is renowned for hiking. However, Madrid is not a hiking destination.
Around Chiang Mai visitors will find world-class hiking trails. Many people use this city as a base for a trekking excursion into the surrounding countryside. The land is lush and beautiful and many treks also expose you to the welcoming Hilltribe people of Northern Thailand. Treks can be organized at almost any hotel or hostel as well the many tour agencies around town.
Madrid is not a hiking destination.
Is the Shopping Better in Chiang Mai or Madrid?
Chiang Mai
Madrid
If you're looking to go shopping, Chiang Mai and Madrid both offer plenty of fantastic spots.
People travel from around the world to go shopping in Chiang Mai. The city is famous for its night markets, which run every night of the year until around midnight. You'll find the streets packed with people and vendors, rain or shine. This is a great place to search for local handicrafts and try some of the city's famous street food. Popular items to buy include rice boxes, silk, and Thai sky lanterns.
The abundance of shops in Madrid make it a world-class shopping destination. 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 Chiang Mai or Madrid Better for Families?
Chiang Mai
Madrid
Both Chiang Mai and Madrid are very good family-friendly destinations.
Chiang Mai is a very family-friendly destination. This city is very friendly and welcoming to kids. There are many cultural and adventurous activities that the whole family can enjoy. One of the most popular kid-friendly places to visit is the Elephant Sanctuary, where kids can get up close and personal with these beautiful animals. Kids will also enjoy heading into the countryside to trek or visit one of Thailand’s Hilltribes. The cultural experience and opportunity to meet a diversity of kids will be an experience your children will never forget. In town, a cooking class is a popular option for budding foodies.
Madrid is a very kid-friendly city. 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.
Is Chiang Mai or Madrid Better for Couples?
Chiang Mai
Madrid
Chiang Mai and Madrid both very good destinations for a couple.
Chiang Mai is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Trekking, rafting, temples, and some of the best food in Thailand all make this city a popular destination for a couple's getaway. The region is perfect for adventurous couples who want to experience more of the authentic side of Thailand.
Madrid is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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 Chiang Mai or Madrid Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?
Chiang Mai
Madrid
Chiang Mai is renowned for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Madrid is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.
Many backpackers frequent Chiang Mai. This is one of the biggest backpacker mecca's in Southeast Asia, and you'll find the city flooded with budget travelers out to experience it all. There are countless hostels and budget hotels available and most will organize treks and activities for guests. It's easy to meet other backpackers and many visitors end up staying longer than they planned. Prices in Northern Thailand are also much more affordable than many other areas.
Madrid is a great city to visit for backpackers. The many hostels around town make it easy for backpackers to find affordable accommodation while also meeting other travelers.
Is Chiang Mai or Madrid Better for Students?
Chiang Mai
Madrid
Madrid is a world-class destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Chiang Mai 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.
Chiang Mai is not popular with students.
Is Chiang Mai or Madrid Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?
Chiang Mai
Madrid
Madrid is a world-class destination for times when you don't have a car. Also, Chiang Mai is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.
With a huge network, the transit system in Madrid can get you around easily. The system includes the Madrid Metro, buses, and a light rail system.
Chiang Mai has a few public transit options. Transportation options include red songthaew (converted pick-up trucks), buses, and tuk-tuks.
Is Chiang Mai or Madrid a more walkable city?
Chiang Mai
Madrid
Madrid is a world-class destination for its walkability. Also, Chiang Mai is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its high level of walkability.
Madrid is a very easy city to get around on foot. Most tourists stay in the central part of Madrid where it's compact and relatively easy to walk to most tourist sights.
Chiang Mai is a somewhat walkable place. Although there are a few walking streets, the city can get very crowded and many places are easier to access with a tuk tuk or taxi.
For even more information, also check out Is Chiang Mai Worth Visiting? and Is Madrid Worth Visiting?.
Should I spend more time in Madrid or Chiang Mai?
How long in Chiang Mai or Madrid?
In either Chiang Mai or Madrid, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Chiang Mai than Madrid because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Chiang Mai, and 2-5 days is enough time in Madrid.
Families should spend more time in Chiang Mai than Madrid. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Chiang Mai, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Chiang Mai than Madrid 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 Chiang Mai.
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How many days in Chiang Mai or Madrid? Ideal Length of StayChiang Mai 2-7Madrid 2-5
One day in Chiang Mai or Madrid?
Chiang Mai is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.
With live music and food around the authentic city of Madrid, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.
A weekend in Chiang Mai or Madrid?
Chiang Mai 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.
With food and shopping around the big city destination of Madrid, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.
Five days in Chiang Mai or Madrid?
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Chiang Mai. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.
Madrid, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.
A week in Chiang Mai or Madrid?
Chiang Mai is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.
Madrid is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Thailand, The Best 3-Day Tours from Phuket, The Best Contiki Tours to Spain, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayChiang Mai $45Madrid $146
The average daily cost (per person) in Chiang Mai is $45, while the average daily cost in Madrid is $146. 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 Chiang Mai and Madrid in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personChiang Mai $26Madrid $83
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomChiang Mai $52Madrid $166
Compare Hotels in Chiang Mai and Madrid
Looking for a hotel in Chiang Mai 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: Chiang Mai Hotel Prices and Madrid Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Chiang Mai $3.61Madrid $20
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Chiang Mai
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Chiang Mai are as follows:
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Tuk Tuk Ride$1.09
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Moped Rental$4.89
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Chiang Mai
Also for Chiang Mai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Chiang Mai #1 Way Private Car transfer to/from Bangkok City: $273
- Skyline Jungle Luge Ticket + Lunch with Private Transfer: $250
- Private Transfer to/from Mae Sot: $218
- Private Transfer to/from Mae Sot: $205
- Chiang Mai #Private Car transfer to/from Mae Sot: $196
- Zipline Adventure at Chiang Mai with Return Transfer: $192
- Private Transfer: Chiang Mai Airport Arrival or Departure ride: $155
- Chiang Mai Airport CNX to Pai Resorts Round Trip Private Transfer: $154
- From One-Way Private Transfer to Chiang Rai: $150
- Chiang Mai's Top 2 Activities with Return Airport Transfers: $145
- Chiang Mai Private Transfer to Pai (one way): $145
- Private Airport Transfer to or from Chiang Rai: $128
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Madrid
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Madrid are as follows:
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Taxi Ride$28
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Madrid
Also for Madrid, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Segovia: Full-Day Tour with Transfer to and from Madrid: $452
- Private Transfer from Moratalla to Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport: $273
- From Hot Air Balloon over Segovia with Transfer: $264
- Balloon Ride with Transfer Option from Madrid City: $264
- Private Transfer from Bolnuevo to Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport: $254
- Private Transfer from La Manga strip dos Mares to Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport: $237
- Arrival Transfer Madrid Airport MAD to Avila City by Sedan: $229
- Private Transfer from La Manga Club to Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport: $227
- Private Transfer from Corvera Golf Resort to Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport: $218
- Private Transfer from Cieza to Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport: $205
- Private Transfer from El Verger to Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport: $191
- Private Transfer from La Torre Golf to Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport: $182
Is it cheaper to fly into Chiang Mai or Madrid?
Prices for flights to both Madrid and Chiang Mai 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 dayChiang Mai $10Madrid $36
Typical Food Prices in Chiang Mai
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Chiang Mai:
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Sit Down Dinner (for One)$5.30
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Roti Snack (Bread)$0.65
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Casual Breakfast$1.09
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$5.43
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Mangoes$0.82
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Coffee$1.36
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Chiang Mai
For Chiang Mai, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Cooking Evening Class Chiang Mai Visit Organic Garden and Market: $11
- Cooking Morning Class Chiang Mai Visit Organic Garden and Market : $11
- Traditional Khantoke Dinner and Show from Chiang Mai: $19
- Khantoke Dinner with Traditional Performance: $22
- Afternoon Cooking Class in Organic Garden in Chiang Mai: $22
- Evening Cooking Class in Organic Garden Chiang Mai: $22
- Half-Day Thai Cooking Class at Organic Farm in Chiang Mai: $22
- Cooking Class, Market and Thai Herbs Garden Tour: $25
- Authentic Easy Thai Recipes for Home-Style Cooking Half Day AM: $25
- Half Day Evening Cooking Class with Yummy Tasty Thai Cooking School: $25
- Half-Day Thai Cuisine Cooking Experience in Chiang Mai : $27
- Thai and Isaan Cooking Class & Local Market Tour: $27
Typical Food Prices in Madrid
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Madrid:
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Coffee$2.14
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Ice Cream$3.21
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Kebabs (for 2)$17
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Croissant$1.61
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Lunch at Airport (for 2)$17
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Madrid
For Madrid, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Paella and Sangria Workshop with Dinner and Drinks: $43
- Tapas Crawl Food Tour with 6 Tapas and 4 Drinks: $53
- San Miguel Market and Street Food Tour: $53
- Tapas Dinner Party Food Tour with Guide: $53
- Drunken Tapas Food Tour with Dinner in Madrid: $53
- Tipsy Tapas Food Tour with Drinks and Food: $53
- Madrid Tipsy Tapas Guided Food Tour with Dinner: $53
- Madrid Tapas Dinner Party with Guide: $54
- Traditional Paella & Sangría Workshop & Spanish Dinner in Madrid: $54
- The Authentic Morning Madrid's Food Tour: $59
- Opera and Zarzuela Show and Dinner: $61
- Madrid San Miguel Market and City Center Street Food Tour: $63
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Chiang Mai $13Madrid $36
Typical Entertainment Prices in Chiang Mai
For Chiang Mai, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Thai Cooking Class$35
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Doi Suthep Entrance Ticket$1.63
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Kratong Lessons$2.72
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Pedicure$4.08
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Chiang Mai Museum (for Two)$4.89
Tours and Activities in Chiang Mai
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Chiang Mai.
- 9 Hours Nature Tour in Inthanon National Park From Chiang Mai: $71
- Chiang Mai Thapae Muay Thai Boxing Stadium Ticket: $28
- One Day Doi Inthanon National Park Small Group Guided Tour: $40
- Private Tour of Sacred Sakyant Tattoo in Lamphun Province.: $79
- 1 Day Doi Inthanon Private tour ( Hiking and Sightseeing ): $96
- 1 Day Private Tour Doi Inthanon And Phachor Canyon: $128
- 1 Day Private Tour White Temple and Renewed Doichang Coffee: $188
- 1 Hr Chiang Mai Buggy Tour (Off-Road): $150
- 1-Day Bike and River Kayak Adventure from Chiang Mai: $64
- 10KM Inflatable Kayaking Adventure: $82
- 10km Rafting with 8Adventures from Chiang Mai Include Pickup & Lunch : $103
- 2 Days 1 Night Non Tourist Trek: $123
Tours and Activities in Madrid
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Madrid.
- Madrid Photo Tour with Pro Photographer Lifestyle and Portrait: $82
- Madrid Tour and Guided Visit Royal Palace: $76
- Prado Museum and Madrid Royal Palace Morning Guided Tour: $71
- Skip the Line Guided Tour Royal Palace Madrid: $72
- Toledo with Cathedral from Madrid Full Day Tour: $134
- Ávila & Segovia Day Tour from Madrid: $163
- 1 Hour Private Tuk tuk Tour in Madrid: $98
- 1 hour tour in Madrid in Tuk Tuk through the best of the city: $137
- 1-Hour Private Flamenco Class in Madrid Experience: $45
- 2 Hour Madrid Walking Tour : $4.37
- 2-Hour Tour of the Madrid of Mysteries: $14
- 2-Hour Walking Tour on the History of Islamic Medieval the origins: $38
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayChiang Mai $6.73Madrid $21
Typical Alcohol Prices in Chiang Mai
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Chiang Mai are as follows:
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Wine$2.72
Sample the Local Flavors in Chiang Mai
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Chiang Mai:
- Chiang Mai Pub Crawl: The Best Bars & Pubs in Chiang Mai!: $9.55
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$5.36
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Drinks and Tapas (for 2)$14
Sample the Local Flavors in Madrid
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Madrid:
- Pub Crawl with Tapas and VIP Club Entry: $9.69
- Visit to the Winery with Wine Tasting and Appetizers in Navarra: $12
- Pub crawl & Party Tour Madrid: $14
- Guided Pub Crawl Madrid Experience and Club Entry: $16
- Pub Crawl Madrid Running since 2005 Bar Exploration: $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: $50
- Wine Tasting in Madrid Experience: $50
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Chiang Mai and Madrid, we can see that Madrid is more expensive. And not only is Chiang Mai much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Chiang Mai is in Asia and Madrid is in Europe, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Chiang Mai would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Chiang Mai 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 Madrid would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Madrid than you might in Chiang Mai.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Chiang Mai Expensive? and Is Madrid Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Chiang Mai or Madrid?
Madrid has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Chiang Mai. When comparing the sizes of Chiang Mai 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.