A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Jerusalem vs. Madrid for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Jerusalem or Madrid?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Jerusalem 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.

Where Should I go: Jerusalem or Madrid?

Jerusalem

Jerusalem is the capital city of Israel, as well as one of the most historically rich cities in the world. It is also the largest city in the country. While Tel Aviv holds many of the responsibilities of a capital city, officially, Jerusalem is still considered the capital. It is important to note that most countries have their embassies in Tel Aviv, not in Jerusalem.

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 Luxury Tours to Israel, The Best Budget Tours to Israel, The Best Contiki Tours to Spain, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain.


Which place is cheaper, Madrid or Jerusalem?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Jerusalem is $108, 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 Jerusalem and Madrid in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Jerusalem $64
    Madrid $83
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Jerusalem $128
    Madrid $166
Compare Hotels in Jerusalem and Madrid

Looking for a hotel in Jerusalem 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.

Hotels in Jerusalem


Hotels in Madrid


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: Jerusalem Hotel Prices and Madrid Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Jerusalem $6.74
    Madrid $20
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Jerusalem

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Jerusalem are as follows:


  • Local Bus
    $3.17
  • Light Rail Jerusalem
    $9.82

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Jerusalem

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Jerusalem:

  • Private Transfer From Ben Gurion Airport To Haifa Hotels : $300
  • Jerusalem to Petra Private Transfer: $300
  • Jerusalem Private Transfer To Petra: $290
  • Private Transfer from Jerusalem to Tel Aviv: $247
  • Transfer Between Tel Aviv city and Jerusalem city: $215
  • Jerusalem Private Transfer To Amman: $195
  • Private Transfer from Dead Sea Hotels to Aqaba Airport: $160
  • Jerusalem to Ben Gurion Airport Private Transfer: $150
  • Jerusalem to Allenby Bridge Private Transfer: $150
  • Private Airport Transfers to/from Hotel: $148
  • VIP transfer between Ben Gurion Airport and Jerusalem: $130
  • VIP Transfer between Ben Gurion Airport and Jerusalem: $130

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Madrid

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Madrid are as follows:


  • Taxi Ride
    $28

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Madrid

Also for Madrid, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Madrid Barajas Airport: Transfer to/from Atocha Bus Station: $7.52
  • Madrid Barajas International Airport - Private Arrival Transfer: $22
  • Private transfer from Atocha Station to Madrid city center: $22
  • Hotel Madrid City Private Transfer To Madrid Barajas Airport: $26
  • Private One-way Airport Transfer Madrid To Madrid Airport: $28
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Barajas Airport: $40
  • Private Transfer: Barajas Adolfo Suárez Airport (MAD) to Madrid: $42
  • Madrid Airport Private Departure Transfer: $43
  • Private Transfer From Madrid Barajas Airport to Madrid: $44
  • Madrid Airport Private Arrival Transfer: $45
  • Private Transfer from Airport to the City of Madrid Round Trip: $48
  • Madrid City Center: Private Transfer to Madrid Airport: $50

Is it cheaper to fly into Jerusalem or Madrid?

Prices for flights to both Madrid and Jerusalem 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 day
    Jerusalem $32
    Madrid $36
Typical Food Prices in Jerusalem

Some typical examples of dining costs in Jerusalem are as follows:


  • Orange Juice
    $2.69
  • Watermelon
    $4.04
  • Lunch
    $12
  • Food at Market
    $15
  • Juice
    $2.69
  • Bagels
    $8.07
  • Lunch for 2
    $15
  • Snacks
    $5.65

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Jerusalem

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Jerusalem.

  • Private Lunch or Dinner at a Local Traditional Restaurant from Dead Sea: $96
  • Private Madaba Haret Jdoudna Restaurant Lunch or Dinner from Dead Sea: $115
  • The Best Food Tour in Jerusalem-Perfect for Viral Travel Content: $117
  • Christmas Eve in Israel: Jerusalem Sightseeing Tour with Dinner and Midnight Mass Viewing in Bethlehem: $125
  • Experience Shabbat With Dinner In Jerusalem: $170

Typical Food Prices in Madrid

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Madrid:


  • Coffee
    $2.14
  • Ice Cream
    $3.21
  • Kebabs (for 2)
    $17
  • Croissant
    $1.61
  • 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
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Jerusalem $8.55
    Madrid $36
Typical Entertainment Prices in Jerusalem

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Jerusalem are as follows:


  • Cooking Classes for 2
    $34

Tours and Activities in Jerusalem

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Jerusalem are as follows:

  • 2 Days Bethlehem, Herodion, Judean Desert Monasteries and Jericho Private Tour: $275
  • Political Private Tour Ramallah: $140
  • (From Jerusalem) One-Day Tour to Bethlehem Jericho & Jordan River Qasr alyahood: $99
  • 2 Hour Shooting Experience: $173
  • 360 Virtual Tour of Ancient Jerusalem: $6.00
  • Amazing Family Tour in Jerusalem: $505
  • Ashdod Shore Excursion: Jerusalem and Bethlehem - for cruise ship guests only: $115
  • Best of Jerusalem Day Tour from Jerusalem: $102
  • Best of Jerusalem Full-Day Tour from Jerusalem: $69
  • Bethlehem & Dead Sea Day Tour from Jerusalem & Tel Aviv: $147
  • Bethlehem Alternative Tour: $90
  • Bethlehem Christian Guided Tour: $20

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
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Jerusalem $16
    Madrid $21
Typical Alcohol Prices in Jerusalem

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Jerusalem are as follows:


  • Beer
    $4.84

Typical Alcohol Prices in Madrid

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Madrid are as follows:


  • Beer
    $5.36
  • 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 Jerusalem and Madrid, we can see that Madrid is more expensive. And not only is Jerusalem much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Jerusalem is in Middle East 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 Jerusalem would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Jerusalem 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 Jerusalem.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Jerusalem Expensive? and Is Madrid Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Jerusalem or Madrid?

Madrid has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Jerusalem. When comparing the sizes of Jerusalem 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.