Should you visit Madrid or Antigua Guatemala?
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 Antigua Guatemala 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.
Where Should I go: Madrid or Antigua Guatemala?
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.
Antigua Guatemala
Before a disastrous earthquake in 1773, Antigua was the colonial capital of Guatemala. For 200 years it had reigned as so and today shows remnants of its glorious past with Spanish colonial buildings and other architectural landmarks still standing. Due to this large amount of preserved architecture, Antigua was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is now the most touristed city of Guatemala.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Barcelona, The Best 10-Day Tours from Madrid, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Guatemala City, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Guatemala.
Which place is cheaper, Antigua Guatemala or Madrid?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
The average daily cost (per person) in Madrid is €162, while the average daily cost in Antigua Guatemala is €65. 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 Antigua Guatemala in more detail.
Accommodation
Looking for a hotel in Madrid or Antigua Guatemala? 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
Antigua Guatemala Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Madrid
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Madrid are as follows:
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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Antigua Guatemala
Also for Antigua Guatemala, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
-
From Antigua: One way private transfer to Panajachel:
$194
-
Private Transfer Antigua Guatemala to Semuc Champey or Coban:
$182
-
Private Transfer from Antigua to Semuc Champey Lanquin:
$145
-
Private transfer from Antigua to La Aurora Airport:
$90
-
Private Transfer from the Airport to Antigua:
$90
-
Private Transfer from Antigua to the Airport:
$90
-
From Antigua: Transfer to Guatemala City:
$85
-
Private Transfer Antigua Guatemala to Monterrico Beach:
$85
-
One way shared transfer to Flores, Peten:
$79
-
Private Transfer One Way Antigua Guatemala to El Paredon Beach:
$75
-
Private Transfer from Antigua Guatemala to Panajachel:
$75
-
Private Transfer:Antigua GuatemalaLake Atitlán(Any Town)OneWay:
$74
Is it cheaper to fly into Madrid or Antigua Guatemala?
Prices for flights to both Antigua Guatemala 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
-
Food
Meals for one day
Madrid €59
Antigua Guatemala €22
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
Typical Food Prices in Antigua Guatemala
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Antigua Guatemala:
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Antigua Guatemala
For Antigua Guatemala, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
-
Antigua Guatemalan Authentic Cooking Class Chef David Farfan:
$38
-
Antigua: Traditional Guatemalan Cooking Classes — Casa San Miguel.:
$38
-
Antigua: Traditional cooking lesson with a Guatemalan family:
$48
-
Antigua: Guatemalan Cooking Class with a Local Family:
$60
-
Private Cooking Class of Typical Guatemalan Dishes:
$70
-
Antigua: Cooking Class With Wine, Transfer & Vegan Option:
$72
-
Guatemalan Mayan Cooking Workshop:
$75
-
Local Street Food Tour of Antigua:
$75
-
Antigua: Cooking Class with Local Family:
$75
-
Cooking Class With Local Family:
$84
-
Antigua Local: Evening Street Food Tour with Dinner:
$84
-
Street Food Tour Around Antigua:
$85
Entertainment
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
Tours and Activities in Antigua Guatemala
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Antigua Guatemala.
-
¡Pacaya Volcano Tour from Antigua!:
$100
-
2 - Days : Tour to Acatenango Volcano from Antigua:
$150
-
2-Day Kayak and Hike Adventure Package from Antigua:
$219
-
2-Day, 1-Night Tour of Volcano Acatenango from Antigua:
$92
-
2in1 Tour: Avocado Farm + Private Tour in Antigua Guatemala:
$220
-
4 Hour Colonial Experience in Antigua Guatemala:
$35
-
4-Hour Colonial Experience in Antigua Guatemala:
$25
-
4WD Acatenango Volcano Tour & Fuego / All Inclusive !:
$400
-
4WD experience to Acatenango Volcano/Fuego Volcano from Antigua:
$333
-
4x4 tour from Antigua with a night camp in front of the Fuego volcano:
$1,300
-
ANTIGUA Villages Tour:
$103
-
ATV Off Road Adventure at Pacaya Volcano from Antigua:
$99
Alcohol
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
Sample the Local Flavors in Antigua Guatemala
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Antigua Guatemala:
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Madrid and Antigua Guatemala, we can see that Madrid is more expensive. And not only is Antigua Guatemala much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Madrid is in Europe and Antigua Guatemala is in Central America, 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 Antigua Guatemala would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Antigua Guatemala 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 Antigua Guatemala.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Madrid Expensive? and Is Antigua Guatemala Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Madrid or Antigua Guatemala?
Madrid has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Antigua Guatemala. When comparing the sizes of Madrid and Antigua Guatemala, 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.
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