Which place is cheaper, Florence or Madrid?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Madrid or Florence?
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 Florence 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. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and live music.
Florence
Florence is a iconic, alluring, and historical city. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.
Madrid and Florence: 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
- Big city activities
- Less museums and historical sights
Florence
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Active nightlife
- Scenic old town
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Impressive beauty
- Home to the Duomo (Santa Maria del Fiore)
- Public transit not as usable
Is there more to do in Madrid or Florence?
Tourists will generally find more to do in Madrid than Florence. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Madrid is very popular for its nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Florence attracts visitors for its museums, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Florence is more touristy than Madrid and is known for its iconic beauty, world-renowned Renaissance art and architecture, and beautifully maintained gardens. Madrid is famous for its art and architecture, its tapas and culinary scene, and its lively flamenco dancing. It is also well known for The Prado Museum.
How is Madrid different from Florence?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Florence 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 Florence?
Madrid
Florence
Florence 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 Florence from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. Because of it's important role in the Renaissance, the city has many world-renowned museums that you can visit. Famous sights and landmarks include the Uffizi Gallery, the Duomo, and the Academy Gallery.
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 Florence? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?
Madrid
Florence
There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at first-rate restaurants in both Madrid and Florence.
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 Florence, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Once you've worked up an appetite exploring museums and churches, you'll find many amazing local restaurants around town. Local dishes incorporate a lot of hearty vegetables and meats. Famous dishes include a Florentine steak dish, rabbit, and a bean bed and cabbage soup.
Is Madrid or Florence Better for Nightlife?
Madrid
Florence
Madrid is a great city for nightlife and partying. Also, Florence is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its evening party scene.
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.
There's a variety of activities in the evening in Florence. You'll find the most active nightlife in the Santa Croce neighborhood. The area attracts study abroad students as well as tourists who party late into the night.
Is Madrid or Florence Better for Music?
Madrid
Florence
Madrid is an unbeatable place for its live music scene. However, Florence is not a live music destination.
With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week 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.
Florence is not a live music destination.
Is Madrid or Florence Better for its Old Town?
Madrid
Florence
Florence is renowned for its historic old town. However, Madrid does not have a historic old town.
The old town of Florence is one of the most recognized in the world. The historic center of the city is where you'll find many of the most beautiful buildings, art works, and quaint streets. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it was at the heart of the Renaissance period.
Madrid does not have a historic old town.
Is the Shopping Better in Madrid or Florence?
Madrid
Florence
Madrid is an unbeatable place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Florence is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping areas.
Known for shopping, Madrid draws large crowds to its stores. 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.
Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Florence. There are many shops in the tourist heart of the city. Most are geared specifically to tourists so you may have to search to find a more authentic shopping experience. Famous items available in the city include gold jewelry, ceramics, leather, and perfume.
Is Madrid or Florence Better for Families?
Madrid
Florence
Madrid is a great city for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Florence is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.
Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Madrid is very family-friendly. 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.
Florence is a family-friendly place to visit. Most famous for its art and history, the city also has a number of activities that kids will enjoy. There's a carousel and a park that are perfect to let the little ones run around. There are a few kid-friendly museums, as well as a historic city center that will mesmerize the old and young alike.
Is Madrid or Florence Better for Couples?
Madrid
Florence
Florence is renowned for romance. Also, Madrid is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.
Florence is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. Art and history lovers will enjoy a visit to this truly beautiful city. Couples who enjoy museums, historic buildings, and world-renowned art, will find plenty to do in this city.
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 Florence Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?
Madrid
Florence
Florence is renowned for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Madrid is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.
Many backpackers frequent Florence. The city is part of a popular route through Italy, and you'll find many backpackers and students in town. There are also many hostels, so you should have no trouble meeting other young 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.
Is Madrid or Florence Better for Students?
Madrid
Florence
For students, both Madrid and Florence are first-rate places to visit.
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.
Florence is a very popular place to visit for students. Many students visit this city as part of a short term study abroad program, or for the entire length of their studies. The city is beautiful, and whether your focus is art, history, or culture, this city will not disappoint.
Is Madrid or Florence Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?
Madrid
Florence
Madrid is an unbeatable place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Florence is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.
Visitors in Madrid can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. The system includes the Madrid Metro, buses, and a light rail system.
Florence has a few public transit options. There is a comprehensive bus system.
Is Madrid or Florence a more walkable city?
Madrid
Florence
Madrid and Florence are first-rate 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 Florence on foot. Most people explore the city on foot.
For even more information, also check out Is Madrid Worth Visiting? and Is Florence Worth Visiting?.
Should I spend more time in Florence or Madrid?
How long in Madrid or Florence?
Both Madrid and Florence have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Florence than in Madrid. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Madrid, and 2-7 days is enough time in Florence.
Families should spend more time in Madrid than Florence. 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 Florence than Madrid. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Florence that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Florence than Madrid 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 Florence.
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How many days in Madrid or Florence? Ideal Length of StayMadrid 2-5Florence 2-7
One day in Madrid or Florence?
Madrid is a big city with plenty to do. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.
Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Florence. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.
A weekend in Madrid or Florence?
Madrid is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Madrid, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.
Florence 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 Florence?
Madrid is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Madrid, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Florence. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Florence?
Madrid is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.
Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the artistic destination of Florence. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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 Luxury Tours to Italy, and The Best Budget Tours to Italy.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMadrid €136Florence €154
The average daily cost (per person) in Madrid is €136, while the average daily cost in Florence is €154. 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 Florence in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMadrid €77Florence €87
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMadrid €154Florence €174
Compare Hotels in Madrid and Florence
Looking for a hotel in Madrid or Florence? 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 Florence Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Madrid €19Florence €22
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:
- Segovia: Full-Day Tour with Transfer to and from Madrid: $448
- Private Transfer Madrid City to Valladolid City by Sedan: $299
- Private Transfer from Moratalla to Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport: $273
- Private Transfer from Madrid Airport MAD to Segovia City by Van: $266
- Balloon Ride with Transfer Option from Madrid City: $261
- From Hot Air Balloon over Segovia with Transfer: $261
- 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 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
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Florence
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Florence:
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Taxi Ride Within City€8.00
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Taxi from Airport€25
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In City Parking (Full Day)€30
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Bus Pass (Full Day)€5.00
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Bus From Airport€5.00
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Florence
Also for Florence, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- From One-Way Private Transfer to Sorrento: $2,130
- From Amalfi Coast Transfer with a Stop in Pompeii: $1,172
- Transfer Between Florence and Rome with Sightseeing Stop: $1,172
- Private Transfer from Cinque Terre to Florence or Siena: $890
- San Gimignano & Volterra: Private Transfer from Florence: $863
- Private Round-Trip Transfer to Pisa: $565
- From Private Transfer to Siena: $394
- From Private Transfer to Livorno Port: $385
- Transfer from Livorno Port to Accommodation: $385
- Private Transfer from Castelfalfi to Firenze (FLR) Airport: $293
- Private Transfer from San Casciano in Val di Pesa to Firenze (FLR) Airport: $292
- Florence Airport(FLR) to Chianciano - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $292
Is it cheaper to fly into Madrid or Florence?
Prices for flights to both Florence 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 €34Florence €36
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: $32
- Tapas Dinner Party Food Tour with Guide: $33
- Tapas Crawl Food Tour with 6 Tapas and 4 Drinks: $35
- Torres Bermejas Flamenco Show in Madrid with Dinner, Tapas or Drink: $38
- Madrid Tipsy Tapas Guided Food Tour with Dinner: $42
- Paella and Sangria Workshop with Dinner and Drinks: $42
- Madrid Tipsy Tapas Tour with Dinner and Drinks: $42
- San Miguel Market and Street Food Tour: $52
- The Authentic Morning Madrid's Food Tour: $59
- Zarzuela Opera and Dinner at La Castafiore Restaurant in Madrid: $60
- Opera and Zarzuela Show and Dinner: $61
Typical Food Prices in Florence
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Florence:
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Panini Sandwich€6.50
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Casual Lunch (for Two)€17
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Florence
For Florence, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Walking Food Tour at Sunset with Tastings: $23
- Florence Street Food Tour: Market & City Center: $25
- Hard Rock Cafe Florence with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $27
- Virtual Live Cooking Class What Do You Have in Your Pantry: $35
- Virtual Cooking Class: Bruschetta & Tiramisù: $35
- Virtual Italian Meatballs Cooking Class, Live from Tuscany: $37
- Street Food Tour with Local Expert Guide: $40
- Street Food Tour and Sightseeing with Local Expert Guide in 2.5 hours : $41
- Florence Food Tour: Home-Made Pasta, Truffle, Cantucci, Olive Oil, Gelato: $41
- Florence Street Food Tour and sightseeing with Central Market: $46
- Food Tour in Santo Spirito: $47
- Pasta and Tiramisu Cooking Class with Wine: $61
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Madrid €34Florence €30
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
- Private Combo Tour Prado Museum and Reina Sofia: $221
- Toledo with Cathedral from Madrid Full Day Tour: $134
- "Prado Museum" Tour A Treasure of World Art: $65
- 1 Hour Private Tuk tuk Tour in Madrid: $98
- 1-Hour Private Flamenco Class in Madrid Experience: $45
- 2 Hour Madrid Walking Tour : $4.35
- 2 Hours Private Tuk tuk Tour in Madrid: $163
- 2-Hour Tour of the Madrid of Mysteries: $14
- 2.5-Hour Evening Tapas Tour through Madrid: $37
- 3 Hours Walking Tour in Madrid: $266
- 3-Hour Tapas Walking Tour of Madrid Food and Drink Included: $93
Typical Entertainment Prices in Florence
For Florence, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Admission to Uffizi€11
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Phone Booking Fee for Uffizi€4.00
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Firenze Card (for Two)€100
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Audioguides at Uffizi (for Two)€20
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Giotto's Tower Entrance Fee€6.00
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Boboli Gardens Entrance Fee€7.00
Tours and Activities in Florence
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Florence.
- Accademia Gallery Skip the line Tickets : $34
- Florence Duomo: VIP After-Hours Dome Tour with Terrace Access: $173
- Florence Gourmet FoodTour with Friendly Guide: $190
- Florence Walking FoodTour: $190
- From Sunset Panoramic e-Bike or Classic Bike tour : $38
- Highlights of Uffizi & Accademia Skip The Line Combo Guided Tour: $108
- Semi-Private Uffizi Gallery Guided Tour: $71
- SmallGroup Florence StreetFood WalkingTour: $190
- Tour Private of Florence in electric car : $41
- VIP Uffizi Gallery Tour: $75
- "Good Morning Chianti Classico" - Tour in 2 wineries with lunch: $196
- 1 Hour Accademia Guided Tour: $33
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMadrid €20Florence €18
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: $9.59
- 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
- Pub Crawl Madrid: $22
- Wine Tasting Experience with 4 Spanish Wines: $26
- Wine Tour with tasting in the Natural Park of La Mata: $38
Typical Alcohol Prices in Florence
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Florence from other travelers:
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Glass of Chianti€4.20
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Bottle of Wine€7.50
Sample the Local Flavors in Florence
Also in Florence, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Wine Tasting by CarusVini in San Casciano in val di Pesa: $16
- Winery tour and wine tasting of organic Chianti wines and extra virgin oil: $22
- Wine Tasting Activity at Chianti Rufina: $23
- 3 Types Tuscany Wine Tasting with Local Appetizers: $29
- From Florence to Chianti Rufina: Wine Tasting Experience: $32
- Classic Wine Tasting in Montalcino: $33
- Discover Artimino wine tasting, a few steps from Florence: $33
- Italy Private Wine Tasting Experience : $33
- Three Types of Tuscany Wine Tasting with Local Appetizers: $37
- Wine Tasting and Paring Class Guided Tour in Florence: $42
- Wine Tasting and Pairing Class Guided Tour in Florence: $42
- Chianti Wine Tour: Tuscan Reds : $42
When comparing the travel costs between Madrid and Florence, we can see that Florence 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. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Madrid Expensive? and Is Florence Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Madrid or Florence?
Madrid has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Florence. When comparing the sizes of Madrid and Florence, 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.