Which place is cheaper, Houston or Madrid?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Madrid or Houston?
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 Houston 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 diverse, compact, and friendly 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 live music, food, and shopping.
Houston
Houston is a diverse, sprawling, and southern city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, live music, and food.
Madrid and Houston: Pros and Cons
Madrid
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Popular for food and cuisine
- Active nightlife
- Good music scene
- Fun shopping
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Good for students
- Good public transit
- Very walkable
- Big city activities
Houston
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Active nightlife
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Big city activities
- Less popular for food
- Less active music scene
- Less popular for shopping
- Less popular for students
- Public transit not as usable
- Less walkable
Is there more to do in Madrid or Houston?
Tourists will generally find more to do in Madrid than Houston. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Madrid is very popular for its food, music, and shopping, while Houston attracts visitors for its museums. Madrid is more touristy than Houston 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. Houston is famous for its sprawling size, its local Texas restaurants, and being the home to NASA.
How is Madrid different from Houston?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Houston 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 Houston?
Madrid
Houston
Houston 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 Houston. Head to Houston's Museum District to explore 19 different museums in a walkable area. A highlight of a trip to the city is a visit to the Space Center, but other popular museums include the Houston Museum of Natural Science, the Museum of Fine Arts, and the Houston Children's Museum.
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 Houston? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?
Madrid
Houston
Madrid is a world-class destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Houston is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.
Eat your way through Madrid, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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.
Houston is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The city is famous for its Texas barbecue, Mexican food, and a wide diversity of other different ethnic foods. It's a surprisingly diverse city and this is reflected in the restaurant selection around town.
Is Madrid or Houston Better for Nightlife?
Madrid
Houston
If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find very good options in both Madrid and Houston.
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.
Houston offers plenty to do in the evening. The nightlife is at its best on weekends when bars, dance clubs, and concert halls come to life. There are a diversity of venues around town including dance clubs, Honky Tonks, and cocktail bars. Some of the most active nightlife areas are Downtown, Midtown, Montrose, Washington Avenue, and Rice Village.
Is Madrid or Houston Better for Music?
Madrid
Houston
Madrid is a world-class destination for its live music scene. Also, Houston is still popular, but not quite as popular for its music scene.
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.
The music scene in Houston is active and vibrant. Popular music venues include Fitzgerald's, Walter's Downtown, and The Continental Club.
Is the Shopping Better in Madrid or Houston?
Madrid
Houston
Madrid is a world-class destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Houston is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.
Houston has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are a number of upscale malls and shopping centers that have brand names, chain stores, and the occasional local shop where you can pick up items.
Is Madrid or Houston Better for Families?
Madrid
Houston
Both Madrid and Houston are very good 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.
Houston is a very kid-friendly city. It is a large city with plenty of things that kids can enjoy including museums, theaters, a zoo, and even the Space Center. The Children's Museum of Houston is perfect for a rainy day. For science loving kids there's the Health Museum and the Museum of Natural Science. Houston also has a Six Flags nearby which the whole family can enjoy.
Is Madrid or Houston Better for Couples?
Madrid
Houston
Madrid is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Houston is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.
Couples visit Madrid frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.
Houston is a good city for couples to visit. There's a surprising diversity of restaurants around the city. There are also performing arts productions and many outdoor parks and gardens.
Is Madrid or Houston Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?
Madrid
Houston
Madrid is well known for backpackers. However, Houston is not a backpacker-friendly destination.
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.
Houston is not a backpacker-friendly destination.
Is Madrid or Houston Better for Students?
Madrid
Houston
Madrid is a world-class destination for students. Also, Houston is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.
Madrid is a very popular place to visit 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.
It's common for students to visit Houston. It's a large city with a number of universities and a large student population.
Is Madrid or Houston Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?
Madrid
Houston
Madrid is a world-class destination for its public transit. However, Houston is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.
With a huge network, the transit system in Madrid can get you around easily. The system includes the Madrid Metro, buses, and a light rail system.
Public transit is mostly limited in Houston. The system includes buses and a limited light rail. Houston is known as a car-centric city and you really need a car to fully experience it.
Is Madrid or Houston a more walkable city?
Madrid
Houston
Madrid is a world-class destination for its high level of walkability. However, Houston is not particularly known for its ease of walking around.
Getting around Madrid on foot is easy. Most tourists stay in the central part of Madrid where it's compact and relatively easy to walk to most tourist sights.
Houston is generally not a very walkable city. The most walkable neighborhood is the historic Houston Heights, but most parts of the city aren't very walkable.
For even more information, also check out Is Madrid Worth Visiting? and Is Houston Worth Visiting?.
Should I spend more time in Houston or Madrid?
How long in Madrid or Houston?
Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Madrid and Houston. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Madrid than in Houston. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Madrid, and 2-3 days is enough time in Houston.
Families should spend more time in Madrid than Houston. 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 Houston. 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 Houston 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 Houston? Ideal Length of StayMadrid 2-5Houston 2-3
One day in Madrid or Houston?
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 food and shopping when visiting the big city destination of Houston. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.
A weekend in Madrid or Houston?
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.
Houston 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 Houston?
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 Houston. 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 Houston?
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 nightlife and live music when visiting the one-of-a-kind big city of Houston. 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 $146Houston $262
The average daily cost (per person) in Madrid is $146, while the average daily cost in Houston is $262. 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 Houston in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMadrid $83Houston $142
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMadrid $166Houston $284
Compare Hotels in Madrid and Houston
Looking for a hotel in Madrid or Houston? 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 Houston Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Madrid $20Houston $72
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:
- Arrival Private Transfer Madrid Airport MAD to Madrid City by Van: $71
- Arrival Private Transfer by Business Car from MAD Airport to Madrid: $53
- Arrival Private Transfer from MAD Airport to Madrid in a Minibus: $140
- Arrival Transfer Madrid Airport MAD to Avila City by Sedan: $229
- Arrival Transfer from Madrid Airport MAD to Madrid in Private Car: $80
- Arrival Transfer from Madrid MAD Airport to Madrid by Luxury Car: $81
- Arrival Transfer: Madrid Airport MAD to Madrid in Business Car: $80
- Departure Private Transfer Madrid to MAD Airport in a Minibus: $137
- Departure Private Transfer from Madrid to MAD Airport by Van: $69
- Departure Transfer from Madrid to Madrid Airport MAD in Private Car: $80
- Departure Transfer: Madrid to Madrid Airport MAD in Luxury Van: $87
- From Madrid Airport: 1-Way Private Hotel Transfer: $81
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Houston
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Houston:
- William P.Hobby Airport (HOU): Transfer to Port of Galveston: $544
- Houston George Bush Airport (IAH): Transfer to Houston: $349
- George Bush Airport (IAH) to Galveston Port - Arrival Transfer: $194
- RoundTrip transfer in private minivan from-to HoustonAirport in Houston Downtown: $176
- William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) to Port of Galveston - Arrival Private Transfer: $168
- Privat Transfer from Houston Airport (HOU) to Port of Galveston: $168
- William P. Hobby Airport to Galveston Port Arrival Transfer: $168
- Houston William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) to Houston - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $162
- Houston George Bush Airport (IAH) to Houston - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $162
- Round trip transfer in private car from-to Houston Airport in Houston Downtown: $120
- Departure Private Transfer: Houston to George Bush Airport IAH in Luxury SUV: $109
- Arrival Private Transfer: George Bush Airport IAH to Houston in Business Car: $108
Is it cheaper to fly into Madrid or Houston?
Prices for flights to both Houston 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 $36Houston $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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Houston
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Houston.
- Astroville Food Tour of Downtown Houston with Tunnel Access: $70
- Astroville Food Tour of Downtown Houston with Tunnel Access: $70
- Downtown Houston Food Tour: $76
- Houston Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $85
- Houston Downtown: Secret Food Tours: $87
- Howdy H-Town EADO Food Tour: $90
- East Downtown Food Tour: $90
- Montrose Food Tour: $97
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Madrid $36Houston $14
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 Houston
Here are a few actual costs in Houston for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Houston Ghosts and Hauntings By US Ghost Adventures: $30
- 2 Hours H- Town Tour with 15ft Open Air Party Truck On Wheels: $49
- 2-Hour Private Sightseeing Cart Tour of Houston and Galveston: $256
- Astroville Best of Houston City Driving Tour with Live Guide: $45
- Astroville Best of Houston City Driving Tour with Live Guide: $45
- Astroville Driving Tour & NASA Space Center Admission and Shuttle: $80
- Astroville Private Best of Houston City Driving Tour: $370
- Astroville Tunnel Tour & NASA Space Center Admission with Shuttle: $80
- Astroville Tunnel Tour of Downtown Houston (Air-Conditioned): $32
- Astroville Tunnel Tour of Downtown Houston (Air-Condtioned): $32
- Austin & Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $17
- Downtown In App Audio Walking Tour: $9.00
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMadrid $21Houston $13
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 Houston
Also in Houston, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Brewery Pass with Beer Tastings: $50
- Private Houston Brewery Tour by Cart: $57
- 2-Hour Downtown Brewery Tour by Electric Cart: $70
- Downtown Houston Brewery Bike Tour : $71
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Madrid and Houston, we can see that Houston 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 Houston 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 Houston would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Houston 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 Houston Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Madrid or Houston?
Madrid has a larger population, and is about 54% larger than the population of Houston. When comparing the sizes of Madrid and Houston, 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.