Which place is cheaper, Amalfi or Madrid?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Madrid or Amalfi?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Madrid and Amalfi 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.
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.
Amalfi
Amalfi is a picturesque, stunning, and dramatic town. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife.
Madrid and Amalfi: Pros and Cons
Madrid
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Active nightlife
- Good music scene
- Fun shopping
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Good for students
- Good public transit
- Big city activities
Amalfi
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Active nightlife
- Good scuba and snorkeling destination
- Popular beach
- Scenic old town
- Good for hiking
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Impressive beauty
- Home to the dramatic coastline
- Less popular for shopping
- Less popular with backpackers
- Public transit not as usable
Is there more to do in Madrid or Amalfi?
Travelers will usually find more to do in Amalfi. Although Madrid and Amalfi are popular destinations, Amalfi has more sights and attractions for tourists. Amalfi is very popular for its scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Madrid attracts visitors for its music, shopping, and big city activities. Amalfi is more touristy than Madrid and is popular for its dramatic views, charming character, and excellent limoncello. It is also well known for the dramatic coastline. Madrid is famous for its art and architecture, its tapas and culinary scene, and its lively flamenco dancing.
How is Madrid different from Amalfi?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Amalfi and Madrid. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Madrid or Amalfi?
Madrid
Amalfi
Spend time exploring the nice sights and museums in either Madrid or Amalfi.
Madrid is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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.
Amalfi offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The town is an attraction in and off itself. It's filled with charm and character and visitors spend much of their time simply walking around and soaking up the atmosphere.
Is the Food Better in Madrid or Amalfi? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?
Madrid
Amalfi
There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at world-class restaurants in both Madrid and Amalfi.
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.
Eat your way through Amalfi, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The town's access to the beautiful sea means that many dishes use a variety of seafood. Eggplant is also a common ingredient and you'll find everything from pastas to elegant desserts around town.
Is Madrid or Amalfi Better for Nightlife?
Madrid
Amalfi
If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find great options in both Madrid and Amalfi.
The nightlife in Madrid has something for everybody. 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.
Amalfi offers plenty to do in the evening. There's a good number of bars and clubs in town that often have live music or DJs. Alternatively, there are also clubs that dot the entire coastline.
Is Madrid or Amalfi Better for Music?
Madrid
Amalfi
Madrid is an amazing city to visit for its live music scene. However, Amalfi 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.
Amalfi is not a live music destination.
Is Madrid or Amalfi Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?
Madrid
Amalfi
Amalfi is a town with good options for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Madrid is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.
It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in Amalfi. You'll find snorkeling trips that take you along the coastline and stop at several places so you can take a peak at the underwater world.
Madrid is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.
Is Madrid or Amalfi Better for Beaches?
Madrid
Amalfi
Amalfi is a town with good options for its beaches. However, Madrid is not a beach destination.
Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Amalfi. The beaches tend to be pebbly and rocky. During the summer months they can get very crowded, but taking a swim is a great way to escape the heat for a bit.
Madrid is not a beach destination.
Is Madrid or Amalfi Better for its Old Town?
Madrid
Amalfi
Amalfi is a great town for its historic old town. However, Madrid does not have a historic old town.
Amalfi is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The town is charming and filled with great shops and restaurants. It's the perfect place to soak up the atmosphere of the Amalfi Coast.
Madrid does not have a historic old town.
Is Madrid or Amalfi Better for Hiking?
Madrid
Amalfi
Amalfi is a great town for hiking. However, Madrid is not a hiking destination.
Many visitors go to Amalfi for the hiking trails. The coastline is filled with great trails that offer stunning views. Hiking is a top way to see the natural beauty of the Amalfi Coast and catch a glimpse at some of the best beaches.
Madrid is not a hiking destination.
Is the Shopping Better in Madrid or Amalfi?
Madrid
Amalfi
Madrid is an amazing city to visit for its shopping opportunities. Also, Amalfi 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.
Amalfi has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find many great shops that sell everything from clothing to fine wine, local foods, or limoncello.
Is Madrid or Amalfi Better for Families?
Madrid
Amalfi
Madrid is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Amalfi 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.
Amalfi offers lots of family activities. The town is positioned in the middle of the Amalfi Coast, making it a great base for exploring the area. It's also one of the larger towns so you'll find more energy and things to do with kids, including the Museum of Paper.
Is Madrid or Amalfi Better for Couples?
Madrid
Amalfi
Amalfi is renowned for romance. Also, Madrid is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.
Amalfi is a great town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. The Amalfi Coast is a world class honeymoon destination and couples will enjoy staying in the lively town of Amalfi. It's a quaint and beautiful town in the middle of everything, so you'll have access to all that the area has to offer.
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 Madrid or Amalfi Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?
Madrid
Amalfi
Madrid is well known for backpackers. However, Amalfi is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.
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.
Amalfi is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. The area has a couple of hostels around, but in general this is a difficult place to visit as a backpacker. There are SITA buses that offer transportation, and because the town is in the middle of the coastline, it offers decent access to everything.
Is Madrid or Amalfi Better for Students?
Madrid
Amalfi
Madrid is an amazing city to visit for students. However, Amalfi is not popular with students.
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.
Amalfi is not popular with students.
Is Madrid or Amalfi Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?
Madrid
Amalfi
Madrid is an amazing city to visit for its public transit. Also, Amalfi is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.
Public transit in Madrid is top-notch. The system includes the Madrid Metro, buses, and a light rail system.
While Amalfi offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The SITA buses offer transit between many of the towns along the Amalfi Coast.
Is Madrid or Amalfi a more walkable city?
Madrid
Amalfi
Madrid and Amalfi are world-class when it comes to 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.
It is easy to get around Amalfi on foot. It's a compact and charming town that is a bit flatter than some nearby villages so it's easy to explore on foot.
For even more information, also check out Is Madrid Worth Visiting? and Is Amalfi Worth Visiting?.
Should I spend more time in Amalfi or Madrid?
How long in Madrid or Amalfi?
Both Madrid and Amalfi have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Amalfi than in Madrid. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Madrid, and 2-7 days is enough time in Amalfi.
Families should spend more time in Madrid than Amalfi. 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 Amalfi than Madrid. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Amalfi that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Madrid than Amalfi 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 Madrid or Amalfi? Ideal Length of StayMadrid 2-5Amalfi 2-7
One day in Madrid or Amalfi?
Madrid is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.
Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of Amalfi. 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.
A weekend in Madrid or Amalfi?
Madrid 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.
Amalfi is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the food, 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.
Five days in Madrid or Amalfi?
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Madrid. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Amalfi. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. 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.
A week in Madrid or Amalfi?
Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the authentic big city of Madrid. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.
Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the picturesque destination of Amalfi. This town 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.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Contiki Tours to Spain, The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain, The Best 2-Week Tours from Rome, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Italy.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMadrid €136Amalfi €201
The average daily cost (per person) in Madrid is €136, while the average daily cost in Amalfi is €201. 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 Madrid and Amalfi in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMadrid €77Amalfi €98
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMadrid €154Amalfi €196
Compare Hotels in Madrid and Amalfi
Looking for a hotel in Madrid or Amalfi? 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 and Amalfi Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Madrid €19Amalfi €67
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Madrid
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Madrid are as follows:
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Taxi Ride€26
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Madrid
Also for Madrid, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private One-Way Transfer to OR from Madrid Airport with private pick up: $77
- 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 Transfer from Madrid Airport MAD to Madrid in Private Car: $80
- Arrival Transfer: Madrid Airport MAD to Madrid in Business Car: $80
- Departure Private Transfer Madrid to MAD Airport in a Minibus: $137
- Departure Transfer from Madrid to Madrid Airport MAD in Private Car: $80
- Departure Transfer from Madrid to Madrid Airport MAD in Private Van: $87
- Departure Transfer: Madrid to Madrid Airport MAD in Luxury Van: $87
- From Madrid Airport: 1-Way Private Hotel Transfer: $80
- From Hot Air Balloon over Segovia with Transfer: $262
- Hotel Madrid City Private Transfer To Madrid Barajas Airport: $26
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Amalfi
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Amalfi:
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Bus€4.00
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Train to Naples€14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Amalfi
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Amalfi:
- From Amalfi Coast: Transfer to Naples with Pompeii Tour: $388
- Private transfer from Salerno to Positano or vice versa: $292
- Private Transfer from Amalfi to Naples Airport ,Naples station: $251
- Mount Vesuvio Organic Wine Tasting & Lunch with Transfer from Amalfi Coast: $240
- Departure Private Transfer Amalfi to Fiumucino Rome Airport (FCO): $224
- Private transfer from Salerno to Amalfi: $219
- Transfer from Amalfi Caost everywhere to Naples area: $216
- Transfer Amalfi - Naples: $207
- Private Transfer - Amalfi to Naples with 2h of Sightseeing: Vesuvius or Pompeii: $197
- Transfer from Amalfi Coast to Sorrento or back: $186
- Transfer from and to Naples (city, train station, airport) From Amalfi Coast: $186
- Amalfi to Naples airport/station Private departure transfer: $176
Is it cheaper to fly into Madrid or Amalfi?
Prices for flights to both Amalfi and Madrid 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 dayMadrid €34Amalfi €62
Typical Food Prices in Madrid
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Madrid:
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Coffee€2.00
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Ice Cream€3.00
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Kebabs (for 2)€16
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Croissant€1.50
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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:
- Tipsy Tapas Food Tour with Drinks and Food: $27
- Drunken Tapas Food Tour with Dinner in Madrid: $33
- Tapas Dinner Party Food Tour with Guide: $33
- Tapas Crawl Food Tour with 6 Tapas and 4 Drinks: $35
- Madrid Tipsy Tapas Guided Food Tour with Dinner: $42
- Madrid Tipsy Tapas Tour with Dinner and Drinks: $43
- Madrid Tapas Dinner Party with Guide: $43
- Paella and Sangria Workshop with Dinner and Drinks: $47
- Skip the Line: Flamenco Show with Dinner and Workshop in Madrid Ticket: $49
- San Miguel Market and Street Food Tour: $52
- Traditional Paella & Sangría Workshop & Spanish Dinner in Madrid: $53
- The Authentic Morning Madrid's Food Tour: $59
Typical Food Prices in Amalfi
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Amalfi:
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Dinner€35
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Snacks€4.00
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Bread€1.00
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Dinner€41
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Amalfi
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Amalfi.
- OnLine Genuine Cooking Class: $74
- Amalfi Coast: Mozzarella, Pasta, and Tiramisu Cooking Class: $80
- Cooking Class on the Amalfi Coast with Tasting Included: $87
- Dining Experience at a local's Home in Salerno with Show Cooking: $93
- Small-group Street food tour in Cava de' Tirreni: $97
- Pizza Napoletana Cooking Class and Dinner in Scafati: $104
- Italian cooking class and lunch near the Pompeii excavations: $114
- Amalfi Coast Home Cooking Class with Meal & Drinks Included: $134
- Genuine Home Cooking Class + Olive Oil Tasting: $139
- Cooking Class and Farmhouse Visit With Meal: $148
- Hands-on Cooking Class & Farmhouse visit in the Amalfi Coast: $152
- Private cooking class with lunch or dinner in Vietri sul Mare: $158
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Madrid €34Amalfi €27
Tours and Activities in Madrid
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Madrid.
- Madrid Essential: Free Walking City Tour: $1.07
- First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
- Madrid Mountains Free Walking Tour: $3.27
- History & Culture Guided Walking Tour: $4.28
- Escape Game and Tour: $4.28
- 2 Hour Madrid Walking Tour : $4.36
- Wonders of Madrid Walking Tour : $4.36
- Wonders of Madrid Walking Tour: $5.35
- Marvels of Madrid Walking Tour: $5.35
- Madrid Old Town & Hidden Gems Walking Tour: $5.35
- Ticket Entrance to the Madrid Nougat Museum: $5.35
- Wonders of Madrid City Walking Tour: $5.35
Tours and Activities in Amalfi
Here are a few actual costs in Amalfi for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 2-Hour Tour to Amalfi and Atrani, Among the Labyrinths In Fuga dai Pirati: $64
- 4 Hour Cruise Tour of the Amalfi Coast with Aperitif: $49
- 4-hour boat tour of the Amalfi Coast: $148
- Amalfi & Atrani: 2-Hour Private Walking Tour: $158
- Amalfi Coast - Maiori: Path of Lemons, Tour with Tasting: $55
- Amalfi Coast Boat Tour small group with Aperitif: $272
- Amalfi Coast Boat tour Small Group: $169
- Amalfi Coast Kayak & Snorkeling Tour to the Pandora's Cave : $75
- Amalfi Coast Kayak Tour along Arches, Beaches and Sea Caves: $75
- Amalfi Coast Path of the Lemon private walking tour: $127
- Amalfi Coast Sunset Boat Tour in Small Group: $97
- Amalfi Coast Swim Experience with Lifeguard: $93
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMadrid €20Amalfi €20
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€5.00
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Drinks and Tapas (for 2)€13
Sample the Local Flavors in Madrid
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Madrid:
- Pub Crawl with Tapas and VIP Club Entry: $9.62
- Madrid Pub Crawl with VIP Club Entrance: $11
- Visit to the Winery with Wine Tasting and Appetizers in Navarra: $12
- Pub crawl & Party Tour Madrid: $14
- Pub Crawl Madrid Running since 2005 Bar Exploration: $16
- Guided Pub Crawl Madrid Experience and Club Entry: $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: $49
Typical Alcohol Prices in Amalfi
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Amalfi from other travelers:
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Wine€6.00
Sample the Local Flavors in Amalfi
Also in Amalfi, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Wine Tasting Cantina Basileo: $66
- Wine tasting at the Apicella winery: $71
- Wine Tasting and excursion to the Mt. Vesuvius from Pompeii: $93
- Positano: Small-Group Wine Tasting Tour with a Sommelier: $101
- Half-Day Irpinia Wine Tour from SALERNO: $142
- Wine Tasting at Basileo Cellar with Lunch: $169
- Wine Tour (lunch included): $197
- Exploring a Cilento village by e-bike with wine tasting: $211
- Mount Vesuvius & Wine Tasting with Lunch Private Tour: $252
- Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius Wine Tasting Private Tour from Amalfi: $273
- From Positano: Pompeii, Vesuvius, & Wine Tasting with Lunch: $275
- Amalfi Coast: Pompeii, Vesuvius, & Wine Tasting with Lunch: $285
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Madrid and Amalfi, we can see that Amalfi is more expensive. And not only is Madrid much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Madrid would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Madrid 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 Amalfi would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Amalfi than you might in Madrid.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Madrid Expensive? and Is Amalfi Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Madrid or Amalfi?
Madrid has a larger population, and is about 570 times larger than the population of Amalfi. When comparing the sizes of Madrid and Amalfi, 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.