Which place is cheaper, Dallas or Madrid?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Madrid or Dallas?
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 Dallas 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 friendly, authentic, and cultural 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 shopping, museums, and nightlife.
Dallas
Dallas is a active, upscale, and chic city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.
Madrid and Dallas: 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
- Very walkable
- Big city activities
Dallas
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Active nightlife
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Less popular with backpackers
- Less popular for students
- Public transit not as usable
- Less walkable
Is there more to do in Madrid or Dallas?
Tourists will generally find more to do in Madrid than Dallas. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Madrid is very popular for its food, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Dallas attracts visitors for its museums. Madrid is more touristy than Dallas and is popular for its art and architecture, its tapas and culinary scene, and its lively flamenco dancing. It is also well known for The Prado Museum. Dallas is famous for its Tex Mex cuisine, upscale shopping venues, and cowboy culture.
How is Madrid different from Dallas?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Dallas 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 Dallas?
Madrid
Dallas
Dallas is a great city for its historical sights. Also, Madrid is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.
You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Dallas. Museums range from historical to art and science with some of the favorites being the Dallas Contemporary Museum, the African American Museum, the Dallas Museum of Art, and the Frontiers of Flight Museum. The city is also home to the George W. Bush Presidential Library and the Nasher Sculpture Center. A must-see is the Sixth Floor Museum, which is in historic Dealey Plaza and is where Lee Harvey Oswald fired the shots that killed JFK. Today there's a museum that goes over the events of that day.
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 Dallas? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?
Madrid
Dallas
Madrid is renowned for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Dallas is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.
Madrid has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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.
Dallas has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There's a perfect combination of Texas cuisine and international flavors. You'll find Texas barbecue, Tex Mex, and steakhouses intermixed with Thai, Japanese, and Caribbean cuisine. There's also a great food truck scene and many local eateries.
Is Madrid or Dallas Better for Nightlife?
Madrid
Dallas
If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find superb options in both Madrid and Dallas.
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.
Dallas offers plenty to do in the evening. Head to East Dallas for the most active clubs with large dance floors and great music. The city also has rooftop lounges and plenty of live music as well as comedy clubs.
Is Madrid or Dallas Better for Music?
Madrid
Dallas
Madrid is renowned for its live music scene. However, Dallas 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.
Dallas is not a live music destination.
Is the Shopping Better in Madrid or Dallas?
Madrid
Dallas
Madrid is renowned for its shopping opportunities. Also, Dallas is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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 Dallas. You'll find a very diverse shopping scene around town, with everything from quirky local vendors to upscale fashion boutiques. There are cowboy outfitters where you can get a feel for the Texas style, but there are also posh shopping centers and local flea markets.
Is Madrid or Dallas Better for Families?
Madrid
Dallas
Both Madrid and Dallas are superb 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.
Dallas is a very kid-friendly city. The city is filled with families, and you'll find many kid-friendly activities around town. For some outdoor time you can visit the Rory Meyers Children's Adventure Garden or the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. The Dallas Zoo is a favorite for many kids and there are also a number of kid-friendly museums around town such as the Perot Museum of Nature and Science and the Dallas World Aquarium.
Is Madrid or Dallas Better for Couples?
Madrid
Dallas
Both Madrid and Dallas are superb destinations for a couple's getaway.
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.
Dallas is a very popular place to visit for couples. Head to the observation deck at Reunion Tower for spectacular views of the night skyline. The city also has many great comedy clubs and performing arts venues as well as fine dining restaurants that make for a great date night.
Is Madrid or Dallas Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?
Madrid
Dallas
Madrid is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Dallas is not a good city 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.
Dallas is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While there are a couple of hostels around town, this isn't a popular destination for the backpacker crowd.
Is Madrid or Dallas Better for Students?
Madrid
Dallas
Madrid is renowned for students. However, Dallas is not a good city for its student-friendly activities.
Students come from all over the world to visit Madrid. 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.
Dallas is a decent spot for students. There are a couple of universities and colleges in the area that keep things interesting for students.
Is Madrid or Dallas Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?
Madrid
Dallas
Madrid is renowned for its public transit. Also, Dallas is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.
Dallas has some public transit options. While it's still very much a car-centered city, the public transportation system, DART, is one of the fastest growing in the country. It includes both light rail and bus service.
Is Madrid or Dallas a more walkable city?
Madrid
Dallas
Madrid is renowned for its high level of walkability. However, Dallas is not a good city for its ease of walking around.
It is easy to get around Madrid on foot. Most tourists stay in the central part of Madrid where it's compact and relatively easy to walk to most tourist sights.
Dallas is generally not a very walkable city. The city is not particularly walkable, but there are several more walkable areas such as Ellum and Uptown.
For even more information, also check out Is Madrid Worth Visiting? and Is Dallas Worth Visiting?.
Should I spend more time in Dallas or Madrid?
How long in Madrid or Dallas?
It's fun to spend time in either Madrid or Dallas. 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 Dallas.
Families should spend more time in Madrid than Dallas. 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 Dallas. 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 Dallas 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 Dallas? Ideal Length of StayMadrid 2-5Dallas 2-4
One day in Madrid or Dallas?
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 museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Dallas. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.
A weekend in Madrid or Dallas?
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.
Dallas 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 Dallas?
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 Dallas. 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 Dallas?
Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the diverse 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.
Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the active destination of Dallas. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMadrid $146Dallas $141
The average daily cost (per person) in Madrid is $146, while the average daily cost in Dallas is $141. 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 Dallas in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMadrid $83Dallas $84
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMadrid $166Dallas $168
Compare Hotels in Madrid and Dallas
Looking for a hotel in Madrid or Dallas? 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 Dallas Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Madrid $20Dallas $28
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:
- Madrid Barajas Airport: Transfer to/from Atocha Bus Station: $7.52
- Madrid Barajas International Airport - Private Arrival Transfer: $22
- Private transfer from Atocha Station to Madrid city center: $22
- Hotel Madrid City Private Transfer To Madrid Barajas Airport: $26
- Private One-way Airport Transfer Madrid To Madrid Airport: $28
- Private Arrival Transfer from Barajas Airport: $40
- Private Transfer: Barajas Adolfo Suárez Airport (MAD) to Madrid: $42
- Madrid Airport Private Departure Transfer: $43
- Private Transfer From Madrid Barajas Airport to Madrid: $44
- Madrid Airport Private Arrival Transfer: $45
- Private Transfer from Airport to the City of Madrid Round Trip: $48
- Madrid City Center: Private Transfer to Madrid Airport: $50
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dallas
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Dallas:
- Dallas Fort Worth Airport (DFW): Transfer to Dallas: $205
- Roundtrip Transfer Private Minivan Dallas Airport (DFW) - Dallas City Center: $138
- Arrival Private Transfer Dallas Airport DAL to Fort Worth by Luxury Vehicle: $135
- Private Transfer from Dallas Airport DFW to Dallas in Luxury Van: $126
- Private Transfer from Dallas Airport DFW to Dallas in Luxury SUV: $126
- Departure Private Transfer: Dallas to Dallas Airport DFW in Luxury SUV: $126
- RoundtripTransfer Executive Private Car Dallas Airport (DFW) -Dallas City Center: $120
- Private Transfer Fort Worth Airport DFW to Downtown Fort Worth by Luxury Vehicle: $109
- Arrival Private Transfer: Dallas Airport DFW to Dallas in Business Car: $105
- Private Transfer from Dallas Airport DFW to Dallas in Business Car: $104
- Private Transfer from Dallas to Dallas Airport DFW in Business Car: $101
- Private Transfer Downtown Dallas to Fort Worth Airport DFW Luxury Vehicle: $92
Is it cheaper to fly into Madrid or Dallas?
Prices for flights to both Dallas 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 $36Dallas $35
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 Dallas
Some typical examples of dining costs in Dallas are as follows:
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Cowboys Stadium Tour (for 2)$55
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Whataburger Lunch (family of 4)$21
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Dallas
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Dallas.
- West Village Happy Hour Food Tour: $39
- Dallas Secret Food Tour: $98
- Secret Food Tour of Dallas with Private Tour Option: $99
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Madrid $36Dallas $13
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
Tours and Activities in Dallas
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Dallas are as follows:
- 2 Hour Dallas Night Sightseeing E-Scooter Tour: $90
- Private Walking Tour of Dealey Plaza Assassination of JFK: $135
- 1-Hour JFK Assassination Walking Tour: $28
- 1-Hour JFK Assassination Walking Tour : $28
- 2-Hour Historic Dallas Segway Tour: $79
- 3-Hour Ropes Course & Zip Line Adventure : $60
- 3hr Dallas Cowboys Stadium Small Group Tour with Transportation: $108
- Combination Southfork Ranch and Dallas/JFK Highlights Tour: $145
- Dallas Highlights Tour: $205
- Dallas Indoor Skydiving Experience with 2 Flights & Personalized Certificate: $114
- Dallas Terrors Ghost Tour By US Ghost Adventures: $30
- Dallas and Cowboys Stadium Combo Tour: $153
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMadrid $21Dallas $12
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 Dallas
Also in Dallas, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Terrors Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
- Party Bike Pub Crawl in Deep Ellum and Downtown Dallas: $55
- Dallas Party Bike Pub Crawl in Deep Ellum: $55
When comparing the travel costs between Madrid and Dallas, we can see that Madrid is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Madrid is in Europe and Dallas is in North America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Madrid Expensive? and Is Dallas Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Madrid or Dallas?
Madrid has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Dallas. When comparing the sizes of Madrid and Dallas, 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.