Which place is cheaper, Madrid or Gran Canaria?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Gran Canaria or Madrid?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Gran Canaria or Madrid? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Gran Canaria or Madrid?
Gran Canaria
Gran Canaria is one of Spain's Canary Islands, located just off the coast of northwestern Africa. It is the third largest of the islands, and is known for its variety of volcanic beaches. This island is sometimes called a "Miniature Continent" due to the different climates and variety of landscapes found, which allow for a range of activities like hiking, biking, surfing, and scuba diving.
Madrid
Madrid, the capital of Spain, overs visitors countless opportunities to experience Spain's culture, art, cuisine, and nightlife. It is the largest city in Spain, and as such has much to explore. The city is situated on the Iberian Peninsula on the Spanish central Castillian plateau. If you're flying into Spain, you'll likely fly into the Madrid airport as it's one of the largest airports in Europe. Madrid is well connected to the rest of Spain with planes, trains and buses, making it a popular place to visit for many travelers doing a European tour.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain, The Best Luxury Tours to Spain, The Best Budget Tours to Spain, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Spain.
-
Gran Canaria Prices
Spain PricesMadrid Prices
Spain Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayGran Canaria €150Madrid €162
The average daily cost (per person) in Gran Canaria is €150, while the average daily cost in Madrid is €162. 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 Gran Canaria and Madrid in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personGran Canaria €63Madrid €78
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomGran Canaria €126Madrid €156
Compare Hotels in Gran Canaria and Madrid
Looking for a hotel in Gran Canaria 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: Madrid Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Gran Canaria €46Madrid €18
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Gran Canaria
Also for Gran Canaria, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Stand Up Paddle and Snorkeling Tour of Gran Canaria with Transfers south area: $229
- Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Las Palmas airport (LPA) to Fataga: $211
- Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Fataga to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $211
- Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Amadores to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $203
- Gran Canaria Tandem Paragliding with transfer included: $188
- Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Las Palmas airport (LPA) to Firgas: $183
- Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Las Palmas airport (LPA) to Tauro: $178
- Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Las Palmas airport (LPA) to El Salobre: $170
- Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Las Palmas airport (LPA) to Valsequillo: $170
- Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Las Palmas airport (LPA) to Puerto de la Luz: $151
- Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Las Palmas airport (LPA) to Balcón de Telde: $151
- Maspalomas: Jet Ski Tour with Hotel Transfer: $148
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Madrid
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Madrid are as follows:
-
Taxi Ride€26
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Madrid
Also for Madrid, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private tour of Prado & Reina Sofía, tickets and transfer included: $287
- Private Transfer from Moratalla to Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport: $273
- Private Transfer from Bolnuevo to Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport: $254
- Private Transfer from La Manga strip dos Mares to Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport: $237
- Private Transfer to Toledo or Segovia from Madrid: $235
- Private Transfer from La Manga Club to Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport: $227
- Private Transfer from Corvera Golf Resort to Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport: $218
- Shuttle Transfer Arrivals: Madrid Airport to City Center: $211
- Private Shuttle Transfer from City Centre to Airport: $211
- 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 Gran Canaria or Madrid?
Prices for flights to both Madrid and Gran Canaria 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
-
Food Meals for one dayGran Canaria €59Madrid €59
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Gran Canaria
For Gran Canaria, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- MHT Comedy Drag Dinner Show & 3-Course Meal: $67
- MHT Comedy Drag Dinner Show & 3-Course Meal: $69
- Nomad Dinner Show at Sala Scala: $71
- Sunset Tour with Champagne & Optional Dinner.: $79
- Food Tour with Distillery Visit & Lunch: $99
- Sala Scala Gran Canaria Dinner Show: $108
- Private Boat Tour with Dinner and Champagne: $410
Typical Food Prices in Madrid
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Madrid:
-
Coffee€2.00
-
Ice Cream€3.00
-
Kebabs (for 2)€16
-
Croissant€1.50
-
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:
- Zarzuela Opera and Dinner at La Castafiore Restaurant in Madrid: $65
- Madrid Old Town Tour & Flamenco Show with Optional Dinner: $69
- Small-Group Food Tour with Tapas, Wine & Vermouth: $74
- Murder Mystery Dinner Experience: $75
- Chocolate & Churros Cooking Class in Madrid: $76
- Spanish Tapas Experience and Sangría Showcooking in Madrid: $76
- Small-Group Food Tour with Local Tapas & Spanish Wine: $76
- Madrid Luxury Evening Food Tour In the Vibrant La Latina District: $81
- Madrid Food Tour: Best Tapas, Churros & Market Sights by FLT: $88
- Guided Food Tour of Tapas, Ham, Olive Oil & Vermouth: $89
- Madrid Tapas & Wine Tasting Food Tour – Small Group Local Bars: $90
- Madrid Ultimate Spanish Cuisine Food Tour: $93
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Gran Canaria €20Madrid €33
Tours and Activities in Gran Canaria
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Gran Canaria.
- "Gran Canaria Can-Am Adventure: Monte León to Fataga": $146
- 1 hour relaxing horse riding tour in Gran Canaria: $41
- 2 hours Green Mountains Horse Riding Tour: $79
- 2-Hour Afternoon Snorkeling Experience in Gran Canaria by Boat: $53
- 2-Hour Segway Tour: Maspalomas Dunes, Playa Ingles,S.Agustin: $69
- 3 wheels motorcycle Coast Tour - Ryker - Gran Canaria Maspalomas: $158
- 30-minute tour along the Maspalomas coastline: $85
- 4 Hour Boat Tour with Snorkeling from Puerto Rico and Mogan: $88
- Adventure in Quad ATV: $140
- Afrikat Afternoon Cruise: $90
- Afrikat Morning Cruise: $90
- Agüimes: Cocodrilo Park Zoo Entry Ticket: $15
Tours and Activities in Madrid
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Madrid.
- 2 Days Guided Cultural Tour in Madrid Royal Palace and 3 Museums: $223
- 2 Hour Madrid City Expert Tour: $198
- 2 Hour Private Panoramic Tuk Tuk Tour: $199
- 2-Hour Patisserie Experience for Dessert Lovers: $117
- 3 Hour Private Bike Tour in Madrid with a Guide: $176
- 3-hour experience on the Redován K2 Family Via Ferrata: $49
- 30 Minutes of Jet Ski Adventure on the Coast of Alicante: $106
- A Self-Guided Tour of El Retiro Park’s Rise, Ruin and Redemption: $5.00
- A local's A self-guided audio tour: $12
- Alcalá de Henares Private Tour from Madrid: $251
- Alcala World Heritage Tour: $12
- Alcala de Henares and Cervantes Guided Tour from Madrid: $55
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayGran Canaria €7.14Madrid €19
Sample the Local Flavors in Gran Canaria
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Gran Canaria:
- Guided Tour at Ron Arehucas Distillery: $13
- Las Palmas: Gourmet Tapas and Wine Tour in the Old Town: $52
- Gourmet Tapas and Wine Tour in the Old Town of Las Palmas: $55
- Spanish Tapas and Wine Tasting Tour in Mogan: $68
- Spanish Cured Meats & Wine Tasting Tour in Mogan: $68
- Gran Canaria flavours with distillery visit and tastings: $79
Typical Alcohol Prices in Madrid
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Madrid are as follows:
-
Beer€5.00
-
Drinks and Tapas (for 2)€13
Sample the Local Flavors in Madrid
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Madrid:
- Top Pub Crawl Madrid & Party: $12
- Visit to the Winery with Wine Tasting and Appetizers in Navarra: $12
- Spanish Wine Tasting Overlooking Parque del Oeste: $26
- Pub Crawl Madrid-The Original since 2005-Shots-Fun-Clubs-Dance: $29
- Wine Tasting near Plaza Mayor in Madrid: $35
- Wine Tour with tasting in the Natural Park of La Mata: $38
- Wine Tasting in Madrid Experience: $54
- Madrid Tapas and Wine Tour with a Local Guide: $73
- Hypno Tasting Wine Tasting under Hypnosis in Madrid: $76
- Spanish Wine Tasting : $90
- Wine Tasting and Flamenco Master Class in Madrid: $101
- Madrid Tapas & Wine Tour: Local Bars & Spanish Wine Tasting: $111
When comparing the travel costs between Gran Canaria and Madrid, we can see that Madrid 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 Gran Canaria Expensive? and Is Madrid Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Gran Canaria or Madrid?
Madrid has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Gran Canaria. When comparing the sizes of Gran Canaria 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.