Which place is cheaper, Atlanta or Madrid?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Madrid or Atlanta?
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 Atlanta 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 authentic, cultural, and diverse city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and live music.
Atlanta
Atlanta is a diverse, sprawling, and suburban city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.
Madrid and Atlanta: Pros and Cons
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
Atlanta
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Active nightlife
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Big city activities
- Public transit not as usable
- Less walkable
Is there more to do in Madrid or Atlanta?
You'll generally find more things to do in Madrid than Atlanta. Madrid is bigger than Atlanta, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Madrid is better known for its food, music, and big city activities, while Atlanta is more popular for its museums. Madrid is more touristy than Atlanta and is known for its art and architecture, its tapas and culinary scene, and its lively flamenco dancing. Also, Madrid is famous for The Prado Museum. Atlanta is well known for its world class aquarium, its role as host of the 1996 Olympic Games, and its influence during the Civil Rights Movement.
How is Madrid different from Atlanta?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Atlanta 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 Atlanta?
Madrid
Atlanta
Atlanta 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 Atlanta from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. The museums range in topic from history to science and art. The country's largest aquarium, the Georgia Aquarium, is in Atlanta as well. It's home to whale sharks, stingrays, and a diversity of marine life. Other museums around town include the Atlanta History Center, the Fernbank Museum of Natural History, the High Museum of Art, the World of Coca Cola, the David J. Sencer CDC Museum, and the Delta Flight Museum. There are also many monuments and sites including the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site.
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 Madrid or Atlanta? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?
Madrid
Atlanta
Madrid is terrific for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Atlanta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.
Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Madrid is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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.
With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Atlanta makes for a great culinary experience. It's a huge city with a wide selection of restaurants including international, local, and classic southern styles. Fried chicken, biscuits, diner food, and barbecue are all popular. For a classic southern breakfast check out The OK Cafe and for a quintessential Atlanta experience go to The Varsity.
Is Madrid or Atlanta Better for Nightlife?
Madrid
Atlanta
If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find high quality options in both Madrid and Atlanta.
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.
Atlanta offers plenty to do in the evening. The nightlife scene is diverse with trendy bars, dance clubs, and huge music halls. There are a number of neighborhoods that each have their own atmosphere. For some of the best nightlife check out the upscale bars in Buckhead, the music venues in Midtown, the hipster vibe in Edgewood, or the laid-back atmosphere in Virginia Highland.
Is Madrid or Atlanta Better for Music?
Madrid
Atlanta
Madrid is terrific for its music scene. However, Atlanta is not a live music destination.
Madrid has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. 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.
Atlanta is not a live music destination.
Is the Shopping Better in Madrid or Atlanta?
Madrid
Atlanta
If you're looking to go shopping, Madrid and Atlanta both offer plenty of first-rate spots.
People travel from around the world to go shopping in Madrid. 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.
The abundance of shops in Atlanta make it a world-class shopping destination. There are a number of great shopping districts around town. Atlantic Station is popular with a movie theater and ice skating. Buckhead has boutique and local vendors and Lenox Square has a large shopping mall.
Is Madrid or Atlanta Better for Families?
Madrid
Atlanta
Both Madrid and Atlanta are high quality to visit with kids.
Madrid is a very family-friendly destination. 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.
Atlanta is a very kid-friendly city. There is no shortage of playgrounds around town, but a highlight of any trip is a visit to the Georgia Aquarium. It's the largest aquarium in the United States and its home to whale sharks, hammerheads, dolphin shows, and more. It is so much more than just an aquarium, and it truly is a not to be missed experience. Also worth a visit are Zoo Atlanta, the Center of Puppetry Arts, Stone Mountain, Fernbank Museum of Natural History, and the Lego Discovery Center. If you have the chance to see the Atlanta Braves play, that's also a rewarding experience.
Is Madrid or Atlanta Better for Couples?
Madrid
Atlanta
Madrid is a great city for couples. Also, Atlanta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.
Madrid is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. 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.
Atlanta is a nice destination for couples. It's a big city, so there are a number of date night activities available such as orchestra concerts, theater shows, and fine dining. The city also has many outdoor areas like Lake Lanier and Piedmont Park. The Georgia Aquarium is world class, and there are other amazing museums around town as well.
Is Madrid or Atlanta Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?
Madrid
Atlanta
Madrid is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Atlanta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.
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.
Atlanta is a good city to visit for backpackers. While it's usually overlooked by backpackers, there are actually a couple of hostels around town and a surprising number of activities worth experiencing. The city's large airport make it a convenient entry point for international travelers.
Is Madrid or Atlanta Better for Students?
Madrid
Atlanta
Madrid is terrific for its student-friendly activities. Also, Atlanta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for students.
Madrid is a great destination 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.
Students come from all over to stay in Atlanta. There are a number of universities in town such as Emory, Georgia Institute of Technology, Georgia State University, and Morehouse College. The city is sprawling, but it's also full of entertainment and activities that students will enjoy.
Is Madrid or Atlanta Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?
Madrid
Atlanta
Madrid is terrific for times when you don't have a car. However, Atlanta is not known for its public transit.
The thorough and effecient public transit system of Madrid can take you anywhere. The system includes the Madrid Metro, buses, and a light rail system.
Public transit is generally limited in Atlanta. For such a large city, the public transportation system is very limited. MARTA is the main transit authority and there are a few subway lines that cross the city as well as bus routes running around town.
Is Madrid or Atlanta a more walkable city?
Madrid
Atlanta
Madrid is terrific for its ease of walking around. Also, Atlanta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its 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.
Atlanta is somewhat walkable. Parts of the city are walkable, but most of the sights are spread out and require a car to access. Within neighborhoods, there are a few places that are more pedestrian-friendly such as Downtown, Midtown, Virginia Highlands, and Buckhead.
For even more information, also check out Is Madrid Worth Visiting? and Is Atlanta Worth Visiting?.
Should I spend more time in Atlanta or Madrid?
How long in Madrid or Atlanta?
It's fun to spend time in either Madrid or Atlanta. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Madrid due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Madrid, and 2-4 days is enough time in Atlanta.
Families should spend more time in Madrid than Atlanta. 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 Atlanta. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Madrid that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Madrid than Atlanta 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 Atlanta? Ideal Length of StayMadrid 2-5Atlanta 2-4
One day in Madrid or Atlanta?
Because Madrid is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.
Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the big city destination of Atlanta. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.
A weekend in Madrid or Atlanta?
Because Madrid is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Madrid has to offer.
Atlanta 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.
Five days in Madrid or Atlanta?
Madrid is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Madrid has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Atlanta. 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.
A week in Madrid or Atlanta?
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Madrid. Many people enjoy the live music and food when visiting Madrid. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.
Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the diverse big city of Atlanta. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Contiki Tours to Spain, The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain, The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, and The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMadrid $146Atlanta $173
The average daily cost (per person) in Madrid is $146, while the average daily cost in Atlanta is $173. 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 Atlanta in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMadrid $83Atlanta $90
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMadrid $166Atlanta $180
Compare Hotels in Madrid and Atlanta
Looking for a hotel in Madrid or Atlanta? 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 Atlanta Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Madrid $20Atlanta $44
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:
- Segovia: Full-Day Tour with Transfer to and from Madrid: $452
- Private Transfer from Moratalla to Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport: $273
- From Hot Air Balloon over Segovia with Transfer: $264
- Balloon Ride with Transfer Option from Madrid City: $264
- Private Transfer from Bolnuevo to Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport: $254
- Private Transfer from La Manga strip dos Mares to Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport: $237
- Arrival Transfer Madrid Airport MAD to Avila City by Sedan: $229
- Private Transfer from La Manga Club to Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport: $227
- Private Transfer from Corvera Golf Resort to Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport: $218
- 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
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Atlanta
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Atlanta:
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MARTA Subway Ticket$4.00
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Atlanta
Also for Atlanta, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta Airport (ATL):Transfer to Atlanta: $280
- Atlanta Airport (ATL) to Atlanta - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $214
- Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta Airport (ATL) to Atlanta - Roundtrip Private Transfer: $194
- RoundTrip Transfer in Executive Private Minivan from-to Airport-Atlanta Downtown: $133
- Departure Transfer: Atlanta to Atlanta Airport ATL in Luxury SUV: $133
- Arrival Transfer: Atlanta Airport ATL to Atlanta in Luxury SUV: $133
- Departure Transfer: Atlanta to Atlanta Airport ATL by Luxury SUV: $127
- Private Transfer: H. J. Airport ATL to Atlanta in Business Car: $119
- Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta Airport (ATL) to Atlanta - Arrival Private Transfer: $97
- Atlanta to Atlanta Airport (ATL) Departure Private Transfer: $97
- Private Transfer from Atlanta (ATL) Airport to Atlanta City: $94
- Private Arrival Transfer from Atlanta Airport (ATL): $80
Is it cheaper to fly into Madrid or Atlanta?
Prices for flights to both Atlanta 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 $36Atlanta $43
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
Typical Food Prices in Atlanta
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Atlanta:
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Fast Food Lunch (for 2)$15
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Lunch$20
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Atlanta
For Atlanta, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- 2 Hour Guided Wood Fired Pizza Class in Atlanta: $55
- City Lights Atlanta Night-Time Tour with Photos & Dinner Stop: $65
- City Lights Night Tour with Photos & Dinner Stop: $65
- 2 Hour Historic Market Food Tour and Hands-On Biscuit Class: $70
- Historic Market Food Tour and Biscuit Cooking Class: $70
- Ponce City Market 2.5-Hour Weekend Food Tour: $99
- Food Tour of Inman Park and the Atlanta Beltline: $99
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Madrid $36Atlanta $56
Tours and Activities in Madrid
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Madrid.
- Madrid Photo Tour with Pro Photographer Lifestyle and Portrait: $82
- Madrid Tour and Guided Visit Royal Palace: $76
- Prado Museum and Madrid Royal Palace Morning Guided Tour: $71
- Skip the Line Guided Tour Royal Palace Madrid: $72
- Toledo with Cathedral from Madrid Full Day Tour: $134
- Ávila & Segovia Day Tour from Madrid: $163
- 1 Hour Private Tuk tuk Tour in Madrid: $98
- 1 hour tour in Madrid in Tuk Tuk through the best of the city: $137
- 1-Hour Private Flamenco Class in Madrid Experience: $45
- 2 Hour Madrid Walking Tour : $4.37
- 2-Hour Tour of the Madrid of Mysteries: $14
- 2-Hour Walking Tour on the History of Islamic Medieval the origins: $38
Tours and Activities in Atlanta
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Atlanta.
- 2-Hour Food, History and Street Art Tour of Ponce City Market: $95
- 2.5hr Guided Segway Tour of Historic Atlanta: $69
- 2.5hr Guided Segway Tour of Midtown Atlanta: $69
- 3-Hour Atlanta Beltline Food, Street Art and History Tour : $99
- 3-Hour Private Atlanta MCU Comics Inspired Film Location Tour: $175
- 90-Minute Guided Sightseeing Tour by E-Car or MiniBus: $36
- 90-Minute Narrated Sightseeing Trolley Tour in Atlanta: $36
- African American Atlanta Culture Tour by Private Car Service : $90
- African-American Heritage&Civil Rights Atlanta Half-Day Tour: $660
- Atlanta 5 Hour City Tour by Air-Conditioned Bus: $70
- Atlanta Beltline Cocktails and Bites Experience: $129
- Atlanta Electric Car City Tour: $45
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMadrid $21Atlanta $17
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
Sample the Local Flavors in Atlanta
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Atlanta:
- Drag Queen Guided Pub Crawl and Cabaret Show: $36
- ATLANTA Yes, Queen! Drag Queen Pub Crawl : $40
- Half-Day Wine Tastings in the North Georgia Mountains : $115
- North Georgia Mountains Two Vineyard Wine Tasting Tour: $137
- Bartram Trail Hike plus Wine Tasting: $159
- North Georgia Mountains Three Vineyard Wine Tasting Tour: $165
- North Georgia Mountains Private Three Vineyard Wine Tasting Tour: $180
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Madrid and Atlanta, we can see that Atlanta is more expensive. And not only is Madrid much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Madrid is in Europe and Atlanta is in North 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 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 Atlanta would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Atlanta 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 Atlanta Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Madrid or Atlanta?
Madrid has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Atlanta. When comparing the sizes of Madrid and Atlanta, 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.