Which place is cheaper, Madrid or Kyoto?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Kyoto 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 Kyoto 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.
Kyoto
Kyoto is a traditional, historic, and cultural city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. 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.
Kyoto and Madrid: Pros and Cons
Kyoto
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Active nightlife
- Scenic old town
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Impressive beauty
Madrid
Pros- Active nightlife
- Good music scene
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Big city activities
- Less museums and historical sights
Is there more to do in Kyoto or Madrid?
Tourists will generally find more to do in Madrid than Kyoto. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Madrid is very popular for its food, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Kyoto attracts visitors for its museums, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Kyoto is famous for its Buddhist temples, cultural activities, and rich history. Madrid is famous for its art and architecture, its tapas and culinary scene, and its lively flamenco dancing. It is also well known for The Prado Museum.
How is Kyoto different from Madrid?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Madrid and Kyoto. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Kyoto or Madrid?
Kyoto
Madrid
Kyoto 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 Kyoto from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. With its long-running history, there are many traditional buildings and temples in town. Nijo Castle is stunning to explore, but also make sure you visit the Fushimi-Inari Taisha Shrine, the Golden Pavilion, and Kiyomizu-dera Temple.
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 Kyoto or Madrid? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?
Kyoto
Madrid
Madrid is renowned for its restaurant scene. Also, Kyoto 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.
Kyoto has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The local cuisine is as beautiful as it is delicious. There is a long running history to many of the dishes, and the recipes are expertly prepared by world class chefs at many of the restaurants. You can enjoy everything from a tea ceremony to multi-course meals, referred to as kyo kaiseki.
Is Kyoto or Madrid Better for Nightlife?
Kyoto
Madrid
Madrid is a great destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Kyoto is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.
The people in Madrid know how to have a good time. 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.
If you're looking for night time activities Kyoto has a few options to choose from. While it isn't known for its wild nightlife scene, there is a relaxed and active energy in the evenings here. You can visit the beautiful Arashiyama Kimono Forest or explore some of the riverfront areas such as Kamo Riverside.
Is Kyoto or Madrid Better for Music?
Kyoto
Madrid
Madrid is renowned for its live music scene. However, Kyoto 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.
Kyoto is not a live music destination.
Is Kyoto or Madrid Better for its Old Town?
Kyoto
Madrid
Kyoto is renowned for its historic old town. However, Madrid does not have a historic old town.
The old town of Kyoto is one of the most recognized in the world. This is among the most historic cities in Japan and there are many traditional buildings and temples. Higashiyama is filled with interesting districts and it has many UNESCO World Heritage temples.
Madrid does not have a historic old town.
Is the Shopping Better in Kyoto or Madrid?
Kyoto
Madrid
Madrid is renowned for its shopping opportunities. Also, Kyoto is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.
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.
Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Kyoto. There's a mix of modern shopping venues and traditional boutiques. Shijo Street is a popular shopping area, as is the area around JR Kyoto Station.
Is Kyoto or Madrid Better for Families?
Kyoto
Madrid
Both Kyoto and Madrid are great to visit with kids.
Kyoto is a very kid-friendly city. Kids will enjoy exploring Nijo Castle as much as adults. If the weather isn't great, you can head to the Kyoto International Manga Museum which is a bit like a library and is perfect for Manga fans. There are also markets to explore such as the Nishiki Markets, which are lined with shops and restaurants.
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.
Is Kyoto or Madrid Better for Couples?
Kyoto
Madrid
Kyoto is renowned for romance. Also, Madrid is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.
Kyoto is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. This is one of the most historic cities in Japan, and it has many romantic neighborhoods where you can enjoy the atmosphere. Visit Sanneizaka Slope for its traditional shops and restaurants or take a ride on the Sagano Romantic Train. Other romantic highlights include Kimono Forest, which is an art exhibit, and Suzumushidera Temple.
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 Kyoto or Madrid Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?
Kyoto
Madrid
Kyoto and Madrid are great places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.
Kyoto is a great city to visit for backpackers. It's a popular destination in Japan and there are plenty of hostels and free activities that backpackers can enjoy.
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.
Is Kyoto or Madrid Better for Students?
Kyoto
Madrid
Madrid is renowned for students. Also, Kyoto 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 Kyoto. It's a great student city with world class universities and a large student population.
Is Kyoto or Madrid Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?
Kyoto
Madrid
Madrid is renowned for its public transit. Also, Kyoto is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.
Many visitors use the public transit system in Kyoto. The city has an extensive system of trains, subways, and buses that make it easy to get around.
Is Kyoto or Madrid a more walkable city?
Kyoto
Madrid
Kyoto and Madrid both are world-class when exploring on foot.
Getting around Kyoto on foot is easy. It's one of the most walkable cities in Japan and there are many sidewalks and pedestrian-friendly areas.
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.
For even more information, also check out Is Kyoto Worth Visiting? and Is Madrid Worth Visiting?.
Should I spend more time in Madrid or Kyoto?
How long in Kyoto or Madrid?
In either Kyoto or Madrid, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Madrid than Kyoto because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Kyoto, and 2-5 days is enough time in Madrid.
Families should spend more time in Kyoto than Madrid. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Kyoto, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.
Couples should spend more time in Kyoto than Madrid. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Kyoto that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Madrid than Kyoto 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 Kyoto or Madrid? Ideal Length of StayKyoto 2-3Madrid 2-5
One day in Kyoto or Madrid?
Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Kyoto. 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.
Each neighborhood in Madrid has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. 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 Kyoto or Madrid?
Kyoto is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. 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 Kyoto or Madrid?
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kyoto. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. 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 fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Madrid has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.
A week in Kyoto or Madrid?
Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the traditional destination of Kyoto. 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 friendly 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 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo, The Best Contiki Tours to Spain, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKyoto $96Madrid $146
The average daily cost (per person) in Kyoto is $96, 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 Kyoto and Madrid in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKyoto $63Madrid $83
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKyoto $126Madrid $166
Compare Hotels in Kyoto and Madrid
Looking for a hotel in Kyoto 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: Kyoto Hotel Prices and Madrid Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Kyoto $7.56Madrid $20
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kyoto
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kyoto:
- Chubu Centrair Airport to/from Kyoto Private Transfer: $572
- Customizable Private Tour with Hotel Transfers: $505
- From Private 1-Way Transfer to Kansai Airport: $327
- One-Way Private Transfer to/from Itami Airport: $327
- Kansai Int Airport to/from Kyoto City Private Transfer: $274
- Kansai Intl. Airport KIX Private Transfer to/from Kyoto: $230
- Osaka City to/from Kyoto City Private transfer: $229
- Osaka (Itami) Airport ITM Private Transfer to/from Kyoto: $220
- Kansai Airport (KIX): Private One-Way Transfer to/from Kyoto: $207
- Osaka (Itami) Airport to/from Kyoto City Private Transfer: $141
- Private departure transfer from Kyoto city to Kansai International airport: $110
- Private departure transfer from Kyoto city to Osaka Itami International airport: $80
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 Kyoto or Madrid?
Prices for flights to both Madrid and Kyoto 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 dayKyoto $24Madrid $36
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kyoto
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Kyoto.
- Private Cooking Class Udon in Kyoto Japan: $41
- Japanese Washoku Bento Cooking Class with Lunch: $46
- Nishiki Market Brunch Walking Food Tour: $47
- Japanese Home Cooking Lesson with Local Hosts in Peaceful Kyoto Suburb Otsu: $49
- Private Guided Traditional Buddhist Cooking in Japan: $58
- Kyoto Nishiki Market & Depachika: 2-hours Food Tour with a Local: $59
- Morning Japanese Bento Cooking Class: $61
- Afternoon Japanese Izakaya Cooking Class: $61
- Japanese Cooking Class: $62
- Sushi - Authentic Japanese Cooking Class - the best souvenir from Kyoto!: $64
- Japanese Udon and Sushi Cooking Class with Tastings: $64
- Wagashi(Japanese sweets) Cooking :Kyoto near Fushimiinari: $65
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.Kyoto $13Madrid $36
Tours and Activities in Kyoto
Here are a few actual costs in Kyoto for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 2 Hour Walking Historic Gion Tour in Kyoto Geisha Spotting Area: $300
- Bar Hopping Private Tour in Kyoto: $48
- Kyoto Private Full-day Walking Tour from Kyoto Station: $154
- Osaka Kyoto Experience Japanese Homogi: $134
- "Unlock Kyoto's Charm: Government-Certified Group Tour: $90
- 1 Day Hiking Tour in the Mountains of Kyoto: $174
- 1-Hour Japanese Archery Experience in Kyoto: $39
- 1.5 Hours Kyoto Insider Sake Experience: $66
- 10 Hrs Full day Kyoto Tour w/Hotel Pick-up: $588
- 2 Hour Night Walking Tour Throughout Gion in a Small Group: $67
- 2 Hours Shared Kendo Experience In Kyoto Japan: $120
- 2-Hour Shopping Tour Plan / private: $131
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 dayKyoto $12Madrid $21
Sample the Local Flavors in Kyoto
Also in Kyoto, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Japanese Sake Brewery and Fushimi Inari Sightseeing Tour: $18
- Kyoto Local Bar Crawl in Kawaramachi Area: $40
- Sake Brewery &Great Yakitori Experience: $78
- Sake Brewery and Tasting Tour in Fushimi: $82
- Kyoto Sake Brewery & Tasting Walking Tour: $84
- Insider Sake Brewery Tour with Sake and Food Pairing: $85
- Rural Brewery Town Walk: Half-Day Private Tour Near Kyoto: $100
- Kyoto Sake Brewery Tour: $159
- Rural Villages & Brewery Town: Private 1-Day Cycling Near Kyoto: $187
- Kyoto Sake Bar and Pub Crawl (Food & Sake Tour): $195
- Kyoto Sake Bar and Pub Crawl (Food & Sake Tour): $196
- Private Guided Local Bar Crawl Experience in Kyoto: $223
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 Kyoto and Madrid, we can see that Madrid is more expensive. And not only is Kyoto much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Kyoto 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 Kyoto would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Kyoto 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 Kyoto.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Kyoto Expensive? and Is Madrid Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Kyoto or Madrid?
Madrid has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Kyoto. When comparing the sizes of Kyoto 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.