Which place is cheaper, Como or Madrid?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Madrid or Como?
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 Como 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.
Como
Como is a vibrant, scenic, and trendy lake area. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and beaches.
Madrid and Como: Pros and Cons
Madrid
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Active nightlife
- Good music scene
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Good for students
- Good public transit
- Big city activities
Como
Pros- Active nightlife
- Popular beach
- Good for hiking
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Impressive beauty
- Less museums and historical sights
- Public transit not as usable
Is there more to do in Madrid or Como?
You'll generally find more things to do in Madrid than Como. Madrid is bigger than Como, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Madrid is better known for its museums, nightlife, music, and big city activities, while Como is more popular for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Como is more touristy than Madrid and is known for its long-running history as a resort retreat for upscale travelers. Madrid is well known for its art and architecture, its tapas and culinary scene, and its lively flamenco dancing. Also, Madrid is famous for The Prado Museum.
How is Madrid different from Como?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Como 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 Como?
Madrid
Como
Madrid is a nice place to visit for its museums and history. However, Como is lacking in options for its museums and landmarks.
If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Madrid. 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.
Como offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Most people visit for the lakeside setting, but there's history throughout, with notable buildings including the Duomo, Museo Civico, and Basilica di Sant'Abbondio.
Is the Food Better in Madrid or Como? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?
Madrid
Como
There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at first-rate restaurants in both Madrid and Como.
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 Como, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The area has its own style of Italian food. Polenta is one of the most popular dishes and it's usually served with meat, fish, or cheese. You can also enjoy several different types of fish such as misultitt (dried fish), salmon trout, pike, bleak, lavarello, and perch.
Is Madrid or Como Better for Nightlife?
Madrid
Como
Madrid is an excellent place to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Como is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.
Madrid has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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.
Como has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. It is more known for its glamour and sophistication than its raging party scene. There are fine dining restaurants where you can sip wine and enjoy the view. There are also theaters and jazz clubs that offer a relaxing vibe and a nice night out.
Is Madrid or Como Better for Music?
Madrid
Como
Madrid is renowned for its music scene. However, Como 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.
Como is not a live music destination.
Is Madrid or Como Better for Beaches?
Madrid
Como
Como is a lake area with good options for its beaches. However, Madrid is not a beach destination.
Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Como. You'll find lakeside beaches where you can relax, sunbath, or swim. Many are affiliated with clubs and the atmosphere is often trendy and upscale. Don't expect a secluded and natural setting, but there are often nice restaurants nearby.
Madrid is not a beach destination.
Is Madrid or Como Better for Hiking?
Madrid
Como
Como is a great lake area for hiking. However, Madrid is not a hiking destination.
Many visitors go to Como for the hiking trails. There's a wide variety of hiking trails in the area that take you through the mountains or along the water's edge. One of the most popular trails is the Greenway del Lago di Como.
Madrid is not a hiking destination.
Is the Shopping Better in Madrid or Como?
Madrid
Como
If you're looking to go shopping, Madrid and Como 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 Como make it a world-class shopping destination. The shopping is comparable to major cities, with everything from high end boutiques to outlets and local markets. There are clothing shops, jewelry stores, and places to pick up local souvenirs. Shopping is a favorite activity for many visitors to Lake Como.
Is Madrid or Como Better for Families?
Madrid
Como
Both Madrid and Como 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.
Como is a very kid-friendly city. It has parks and gardens to explore, as well as Vezio Castle and many nice walking trails. A highlight for many kids is a visit to Lake Como Adventure Park.
Is Madrid or Como Better for Couples?
Madrid
Como
Como is renowned for romance. Also, Madrid is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.
Como is a great lake area for couples, as it has plenty to offer. Its beautiful walks, charming towns, and surrounding natural setting make this a great honeymoon and couple's getaway destination. Dine on Italian cuisine as you sip wine and look out on the pristine waters of Lake Como.
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 Como Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?
Madrid
Como
For backpackers, both Madrid and Como are high quality places to visit.
Madrid is very popular with the backpacker crowd. The many hostels around town make it easy for backpackers to find affordable accommodation while also meeting other travelers.
Como is a great city to visit for backpackers. It's a popular destination with all types of travelers, so you'll find a decent selection of hostels to choose from, and a number of other backpackers around to hang out with.
Is Madrid or Como Better for Students?
Madrid
Como
Madrid is renowned for its student-friendly activities. However, Como is not popular with 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.
Como is not popular with students.
Is Madrid or Como Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?
Madrid
Como
Madrid is renowned for times when you don't have a car. Also, Como is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.
Madrid has a great public transit system. The system includes the Madrid Metro, buses, and a light rail system.
You'll find some public transit in Como, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses, ferries, and a funicular that travel to different towns around the lake.
Is Madrid or Como a more walkable city?
Madrid
Como
Madrid is renowned for its ease of walking around. Also, Como is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.
It's very easy to get around on foot in Madrid. Most tourists stay in the central part of Madrid where it's compact and relatively easy to walk to most tourist sights.
Como is very walkable. The entire area is very walkable and you'll enjoy many great views during your stroll.
For even more information, also check out Is Madrid Worth Visiting? and Is Como Worth Visiting?.
Should I spend more time in Como or Madrid?
How long in Madrid or Como?
It's fun to spend time in either Madrid or Como. 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 Como.
Families should spend more time in Madrid than Como. 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 Como than Madrid. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Como that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Madrid than Como 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 Como? Ideal Length of StayMadrid 2-5Como 2-4
One day in Madrid or Como?
Madrid is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.
Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Como. 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 Como?
Madrid is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.
Como 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 Como?
Madrid is a cultural big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Como. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Como?
The friendly city of Madrid offers shopping and museums. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.
Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the vibrant destination of Como. This lake area offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Rome, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Rome.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMadrid €136Como €214
The average daily cost (per person) in Madrid is €136, while the average daily cost in Como is €214. 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 Como in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMadrid €77Como €146
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMadrid €154Como €292
Compare Hotels in Madrid and Como
Looking for a hotel in Madrid or Como? 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 Como Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Madrid €19Como €14
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:
- Vehicle transfer with driver included in Madrid: $142
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Madrid HTL-APT (MAD): $61
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Madrid APT-HTL (MAD): $61
- Transfer to Madrid, travel calmly and comfortably: $144
- Transfer to Barajas Airport from Madrid: $76
- Transfer in private vehicle from Madrid City - Madrid Barajas Airport (MAD): $61
- Transfer in private minivan from Madrid City - Madrid Barajas Airport (MAD): $75
- Transfer in Private Vehicle from Madrid Barajas Airport (MAD) - Madrid City: $61
- Transfer from Barajas Airport to Madrid: $95
- Segovia: Full-Day Tour with Transfer to and from Madrid: $449
- Roundtrip Transfer Private Minivan Madrid Airport (MAD) - Madrid City: $149
- Round Trip Transfer from Madrid Airport MAD to Madrid by Sedan: $77
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Como
Also for Como, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- From Como : Private 1-Way Transfer to Malpensa airport: $336
- From Private 1-Way Transfer to Linate airport: $306
- From Milan center : Private 1-Way Transfer to Como: $275
- Milan Private Transfer from Cernobbio (Como) to Milan airports (LIN or MPX): $243
- Private Transfer: Lake Como to Milan Airport MXP in Luxury Van: $236
- Argegno: Private Transfer to/from Malpensa Airport: $235
- Como Private Transfer from Como city centre to Milan Malpensa Airport: $221
- Pirvate transfer from Malpensa airport to Como and Cernobbio: $207
- From Bellagio or Como hotels to Venice (+water taxi) - Private Transfer: $193
- Private Transfer from Lezzeno or Pognana Lario or Faggeto Lario: $169
- Private transfer from Lenno or Argegno or Ossuccio: $147
- Bellagio to Malpensa Airport Milan (MXP) - Departure Private Transfer: $78
Is it cheaper to fly into Madrid or Como?
Prices for flights to both Como 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 €34Como €60
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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Como
For Como, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- COOKING, EATING, LOVING - Lasagna cooking Class for everyone!: $45
- Cantonese Dimsum Cooking Lesson in Como or Lugano with Chef Ling: $49
- Dining Experience at a local's Home in Lentate Verbano with Show Cooking: $93
- Lake Como Food Tour - Eat like a real Local: $108
- Tour and historical dinner: Lake Como 1690: $131
- Como Food Tour and the Farmers Market: $139
- Homemade Pasta Cooking Class: $160
- Como Area: Pizza Training Experience: $160
- Pizza Training Experience. Como Area: $163
- Lecco Bike Tour & Pizza Lunch: $163
- Private Market Tour & Lunch or Dinner with a Local: $171
- Como Food Tour: $180
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Madrid €34Como -
Tours and Activities in Madrid
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Madrid.
- Private Combo Tour Prado Museum and Reina Sofia: $222
- Toledo with Cathedral from Madrid Full Day Tour: $134
- Ávila & Segovia Day Tour from Madrid: $97
- "Prado Museum" Tour A Treasure of World Art: $65
- 1 Hour Private Tuk tuk Tour in Madrid: $98
- 1 hour tour in Madrid in Tuk Tuk through the best of the city: $136
- 1-Hour Madrid Segway Tour: $32
- 1-Hour Private Flamenco Class in Madrid Experience: $45
- 2 Hour Madrid Walking Tour : $4.36
- 2 Hours Private Tuk tuk Tour in Madrid: $164
- 2.5-Hour Evening Tapas Tour through Madrid: $37
- 3 Hours Private Madrid City Tour Guide: $53
Tours and Activities in Como
For Como, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- A Self-Guided Walking Tour of Como and its Breathtaking Lakeside: $20
- “Public Tour” Lake Como By SuBacco: $131
- 1 Hour Boat Tour of Lake Como from Bellagio: $43
- 1 or 2 Hours Private Boat Tour on Lake villas and more: $374
- 1 or 2 hours Private Boat Tour on Lake Como with Prosecco: $374
- 2 Hours Como Private Walking Tour: $179
- 2 Hours Como Private Walking Tour: $182
- 2 hours Private Boat Tour Como Lake: $933
- 2 hours Private and Exclusive Clay sculpture Art experience : $294
- 2 hours Private boat tour on lake of Como: $909
- 2h Boat Tour with Classic Venetian Limousine in Menaggio: $734
- 3 Hour Private Kayaking Experience on Lake Como: $120
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMadrid €20Como -
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
Sample the Local Flavors in Como
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Como:
- Domaso: Wine Tasting at the Winery on Como Lake: $60
- Italian Wine Tasting & Food Como Lake: $70
- Lake Food and Wine tour in Colico: $114
- Wine Tastings with Chef Luigi Gandola: $135
- Private Wine Tasting in Bellagio with Chef Luigi Gandola: $185
- Food and Wine Tours Lake Como: $196
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Madrid and Como, we can see that Como 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 Como would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Como 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 Como Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Madrid or Como?
Madrid has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Como. When comparing the sizes of Madrid and Como, 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.