Which place is cheaper, Madrid or Hanoi?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Hanoi or Madrid?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Hanoi and Madrid can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Hanoi
Hanoi is a cultural, historical, and fascinating city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.
Madrid
Madrid is a cultural, diverse, and compact city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. And you can't forget about the nightlife, live music, and food.
Hanoi and Madrid: Pros and Cons
Hanoi
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Active nightlife
- Scenic old town
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Big city activities
- 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 public transit
- Very walkable
- Big city activities
- Less museums and historical sights
Is there more to do in Hanoi or Madrid?
Travelers will generally find more things to do in Hanoi than Madrid. While Madrid is larger than Hanoi, Hanoi has more sights and attractions for tourists. Hanoi is very popular for its museums and historical sights, while Madrid attracts visitors for its food and music. Hanoi is famous for its impressive street food, historical museums, and bustling energy. It is also well known for Hoan Kiem Lake. Madrid is famous for its art and architecture, its tapas and culinary scene, and its lively flamenco dancing.
How is Hanoi different from Madrid?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Madrid and Hanoi. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Hanoi or Madrid?
Hanoi
Madrid
Hanoi 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 Hanoi from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. The city is rich in history and culture, which you can experience through its many museums and temples. Notable sights include the Temple of Literature, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, Hoa Lo Prison Museum, and the Imperial Citadel.
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 Hanoi or Madrid? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?
Hanoi
Madrid
Madrid is renowned for its restaurant scene. Also, Hanoi is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.
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.
Hanoi has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Northern Vietnamese cuisine is fresh and delicious. There are some Chinese influences, but it still has a distinct flavor that's all its own. Most notably, Hanoi is the birthplace of the famous soup, Pho. There are also many dishes that use freshwater fish and seafood. Street food and food stalls are a part of the culture, and you'll find some of the best dishes prepared right on the street.
Is Hanoi or Madrid Better for Nightlife?
Hanoi
Madrid
Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Hanoi and Madrid.
Hanoi is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. There are night markets, nightclubs, and bars that are popular with backpackers and other young travelers. Some of the best streets for nightlife include Ta Hien Street, Hang Buom Street, Trang Tien Street, and Hoan Kiem Lake Walking Street.
Many people head to Madrid for the nightlife scene. 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 Hanoi or Madrid Better for Music?
Hanoi
Madrid
Madrid is renowned for its live music scene. However, Hanoi is not a live music destination.
Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Madrid 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.
Hanoi is not a live music destination.
Is Hanoi or Madrid Better for its Old Town?
Hanoi
Madrid
Hanoi is renowned for its historic old town. However, Madrid does not have a historic old town.
The old town of Hanoi is one of the most recognized in the world. This compact and energetic area is filled with history, Vietnamese architecture, traditional food stalls, and some of the city's most interesting streets. It's also at the heart of the city's backpacker scene, and you'll find many hostels in the area.
Madrid does not have a historic old town.
Is the Shopping Better in Hanoi or Madrid?
Hanoi
Madrid
Shopping is a popular activity in both Madrid and Hanoi.
The abundance of shops in Hanoi make it a world-class shopping destination. Explore the Old Quarter where you'll find narrow shophouses and traditional markets. It's best to explore on foot and pop in to the places that look interesting. Silk Street and Silver Street are particularly fascinating.
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.
Is Hanoi or Madrid Better for Families?
Hanoi
Madrid
Madrid is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Hanoi is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.
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.
Hanoi offers lots of family activities. Some kids love the energy of the city, but others can get a bit intimidated by it. The traffic and chaotic congestion is part of the experience, but for kids it can feel overwhelming. Take a tour to help ease some of the pressure. Kids will also enjoy going to a water puppet show or visiting a museum such as the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology.
Is Hanoi or Madrid Better for Couples?
Hanoi
Madrid
Madrid is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Hanoi is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.
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.
Hanoi is a good city for couples to visit. Couples who enjoy adventure and exploring new cultures will love a trip to this fascinating city. If you want to get out of town, also book a trip through the stunning Halong Bay.
Is Hanoi or Madrid Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?
Hanoi
Madrid
Hanoi is renowned for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Madrid is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.
Many backpackers frequent Hanoi. It's a highlight for many backpackers doing the Southeast Asian circuit. It is filled with hostels and cheap places to eat, and there is no shortage of backpackers around town. Most stay in the Old Quarter, where you'll find the highest concentration of hostels and budget accommodation.
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 Hanoi or Madrid Better for Students?
Hanoi
Madrid
Madrid is renowned for students. Also, Hanoi is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.
Madrid is a very popular city 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.
Many students visit Hanoi. It's affordability, fascinating culture, and accessibility make it a great study abroad destination. The food and plethora of cultural opportunities are a highlight for many international students.
Is Hanoi or Madrid Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?
Hanoi
Madrid
Madrid is renowned for its public transit. However, Hanoi is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.
Madrid has a great public transit system. The system includes the Madrid Metro, buses, and a light rail system.
Public transit is mostly limited in Hanoi. The best ways to get around town include motorbike taxis, cyclos, regular taxis, and local buses.
Is Hanoi or Madrid a more walkable city?
Hanoi
Madrid
Madrid is renowned for its high level of walkability. Also, Hanoi is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.
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.
Hanoi is a somewhat walkable city. There are parts of the city that are best explored on foot, but you'll also find crowded areas with motorbikes, food stalls, and cars, so come prepared for a bit of a thrill. Most visitors spend the majority of their time in the Old Quarter, which is compact and dense.
For even more information, also check out Is Hanoi Worth Visiting? and Is Madrid Worth Visiting?.
Should I spend more time in Madrid or Hanoi?
How long in Hanoi or Madrid?
In either Hanoi or Madrid, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Madrid has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Madrid than Hanoi. In general, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Hanoi, and 2-5 days is enough time in Madrid.
Families should spend more time in Madrid than Hanoi. 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 Hanoi. 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 Hanoi 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 Hanoi.
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How many days in Hanoi or Madrid? Ideal Length of StayHanoi 3-5Madrid 2-5
One day in Hanoi or Madrid?
Hanoi is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.
In Madrid, many people enjoy the live music and food that this friendly big city offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.
A weekend in Hanoi or Madrid?
Hanoi is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Madrid. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.
Five days in Hanoi or Madrid?
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hanoi. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.
Madrid is a fun place to experience. In Madrid, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this big city destination offers. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.
A week in Hanoi or Madrid?
Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historical big city of Hanoi. This city 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.
You'll find museums and nightlife around the diverse big city of Madrid. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Vietnam, The Best Eco Tours in Vietnam, The Best Contiki Tours to Spain, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHanoi $49Madrid $146
The average daily cost (per person) in Hanoi is $49, 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 Hanoi and Madrid in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHanoi $25Madrid $83
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHanoi $50Madrid $166
Compare Hotels in Hanoi and Madrid
Looking for a hotel in Hanoi 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: Hanoi Hotel Prices and Madrid Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Hanoi $6.89Madrid $20
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Hanoi
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Hanoi:
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Taxi to Bus Station$1.20
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Shuttle Bus From Airport (for Two)$3.20
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Local Bus Ride (for Two)$0.40
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Short Taxi Ride$1.36
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Short Motorbike Ride (10 Minutes)$0.80
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hanoi
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hanoi:
- Halong Bay: 3-Day 2-Night 4-Star Cruise with Transfer: $450
- Private Transfer to/from Sapa: $352
- Transfer to Sapa Private car: $300
- Luxury Halong Bay Cruise 2 Days-1 Night with 5 Star included transfer & pick up: $290
- 3-Day Halong Bay Cruise with Round-trip Transfer From Hanoi: $285
- 3-Day Hanoi - Ninh Binh - Halong Bay 5-Star Cruise & Transfer: $280
- 25 Minutes Scenic Halong Seaplane from Hanoi Transfer Expressway: $280
- Halong Bay Cruise 3D2N - Kayaking Explorer & Round-trip transfer from Hanoi: $280
- Private Sapa tour 3 days transfer from Hanoi by limousine overnight 3 star hotel: $264
- Hanoi Private Transfer from Hanoi (HAN) Airport to Vinh City: $258
- Halong Bay 2 Days - 1 Night with 5 Star Cruise included transfer & pick up: $254
- Overnight Halong Bay Cruise Including Transfer Service and Kayaking or Bamboo Boat Activities: $250
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:
- 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 Private Transfer from MAD Airport to Madrid in a Minibus: $140
- Arrival Transfer Madrid Airport MAD to Avila City by Sedan: $229
- Arrival Transfer from Madrid Airport MAD to Madrid in Private Car: $80
- Arrival Transfer from Madrid MAD Airport to Madrid by Luxury Car: $81
- Arrival Transfer: Madrid Airport MAD to Madrid in Business Car: $80
- Departure Private Transfer Madrid to MAD Airport in a Minibus: $137
- Departure Private Transfer from Madrid to MAD Airport by Van: $69
- Departure Transfer from Madrid to Madrid Airport MAD in Private Car: $80
- Departure Transfer: Madrid to Madrid Airport MAD in Luxury Van: $87
- From Madrid Airport: 1-Way Private Hotel Transfer: $81
Is it cheaper to fly into Hanoi or Madrid?
Prices for flights to both Madrid and Hanoi 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 dayHanoi $13Madrid $36
Typical Food Prices in Hanoi
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Hanoi:
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High End Dinner (for Two)$12
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$4.39
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Bowl of Pho$0.80
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Italian Dinner (for Food)$6.19
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hanoi
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Hanoi.
- Private Traditional Vietnamese Food Cooking Class in Hanoi : $5.00
- Hanoi free food tour - Old Quarter food walking tour: $5.00
- Street Food Tour (Group/Individual): $5.11
- (Group/Individual) HANOI STREET FOOD TOUR : $5.13
- Hanoi Street Food Tour Visit Train Street Add Old Quarter: $19
- Hanoi Walking Street Food Tour: $20
- Street Food Tour By Walking: $21
- Walking Street Food Tour Small Group with Local Guide: $22
- Hanoi Street Food Tour: $22
- Hanoi street food tour small group tour: $22
- Hanoi Street Food Tour: $23
- Mad Monkey Hoi An Cooking Class & Bamboo Boats: $23
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.Hanoi $8.51Madrid $36
Typical Entertainment Prices in Hanoi
Here are a few typical costs in Hanoi for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Puppet Theater$1.60
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The Hanoi Hilton Entrance$1.60
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National History Museum$1.60
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Puppet Theater Ticket$2.80
Tours and Activities in Hanoi
Here are a few actual costs in Hanoi for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 1 Day Luxury Arcady Cruise Tour from Hanoi by Express Limousine: $75
- 2 Day Golden Bay Cruise Explore Halong Bay from Hanoi: $220
- 2 Day Oasis Bay Cruise Explore Halong Bay from Hanoi: $228
- 2 Day Private Guided Tour in Pu Luong Nature Hanoi: $169
- 4 Days 3 Nights Ha Giang Loop Tour from Hanoi by Sleeper Bus: $235
- 4 Hours and 30 Minutes Historical Hanoi Army Jeep Tour: $58
- 5 Days Motorbike Tour in Ha Giang Loop From Hanoi: $265
- Beautiful Female Riders Vespa Red River Countryside Tour 5 Hours: $65
- Explore Hoa Lu, Tam Coc and Ninh Binh in a Day Tour from Hanoi: $85
- From Halong Bay by Scenic Seaplane and Luxury Day Cruise: $230
- Full Day Tour To Trang An Complex & Bai Dinh Temple: $97
- Full Day Tour in Hanoi City: $35
Tours and Activities in Madrid
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Madrid.
- Madrid Essential: Free Walking City Tour: $1.08
- Tour Retiro Park - Madrid self-guided tour app: $2.15
- First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.23
- Madrid Mountains Free Walking Tour: $3.28
- Guided tour of the Madrid of spies: $3.28
- History & Culture Guided Walking Tour: $4.31
- Escape Game and Tour: $4.31
- Wonders of Madrid Walking Tour : $4.37
- 2 Hour Madrid Walking Tour : $4.37
- Wonders of Madrid Walking Tour: $5.38
- Mapfre Foundation Entry Ticket: $5.38
- Wonders of Madrid City Walking Tour: $5.38
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayHanoi $7.70Madrid $21
Sample the Local Flavors in Hanoi
Also in Hanoi, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Hanoi Beer and Brewery Tour: $48
- Half-Day Guided Tour Australian Beef with Wine Tasting & Rickshaw in Hanoi: $106
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 Hanoi and Madrid, we can see that Madrid is more expensive. And not only is Hanoi much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Hanoi 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 Hanoi would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hanoi 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 Hanoi.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Hanoi Expensive? and Is Madrid Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Hanoi or Madrid?
Madrid has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Hanoi. When comparing the sizes of Hanoi 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.