Which place is cheaper, Mexico City or Madrid?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Madrid or Mexico City?
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 Mexico City 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 compact, friendly, and authentic 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 food, shopping, and museums.
Mexico City
Mexico City is a colorful, cultural, and diverse city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.
Madrid and Mexico City: Pros and Cons
Madrid
Pros- Active nightlife
- Good music scene
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Very walkable
- Big city activities
- Less museums and historical sights
Mexico City
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Active nightlife
- Scenic old town
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Big city activities
- Less walkable
Is there more to do in Madrid or Mexico City?
Both Mexico City and Madrid have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Madrid is better known for its music, while Mexico City is more popular for its museums, nightlife, and historical sights. Madrid is more touristy than Mexico City and is known for its art and architecture, its tapas and culinary scene, and its lively flamenco dancing. Mexico City is well known for its vibrant street food scene, colorful markets, and historic architecture.
How is Madrid different from Mexico City?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Mexico City 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 Mexico City?
Madrid
Mexico City
Mexico City 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 Mexico City from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. The city is filled with historic buildings, fascinating museums, and interesting landmarks. At the heart of the city is Zócalo, where the country's constitution was signed. Nearby you'll find the National Palace, the Metropolitan Cathedral, and the Templo Mayor. Other interesting museums in the city include the National Museum of Anthropology, the Palace of Fine Arts, and the National History 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 Mexico City? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?
Madrid
Mexico City
There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at terrific restaurants in both Madrid and Mexico City.
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 Mexico City, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The city food scene is as diverse as the population itself. There are countless ways to experience the amazing street food, but there are also world class chefs working in award winning restaurants. Make sure you try the chilaquiles, tacos al pastor, and chiles en nogada.
Is Madrid or Mexico City Better for Nightlife?
Madrid
Mexico City
Mexico City is renowned for nightlife. Also, Madrid is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.
Mexico City is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. It's a huge city, so of course there's no shortage of diverse nightlife activities. Some of the most popular neighborhoods for nightlife include the downtown, La Condesa, and Colonia Juárez. For upscale clubs head to Polanco and for trendy and eclectic venues check out Roma.
Madrid offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.
Is Madrid or Mexico City Better for Music?
Madrid
Mexico City
Madrid is very popular for its music scene. However, Mexico City 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.
Mexico City is not a live music destination.
Is Madrid or Mexico City Better for its Old Town?
Madrid
Mexico City
Mexico City is a city with good options for its historic old town. However, Madrid does not have a historic old town.
Mexico City is a good destination for visiting its old town. Centro Historico spreads out from Zócalo Plaza, and has many buildings that date back as far as the Aztec period. Many tourists gather here to explore the history and wander down the pedestrian-only Calle Madero.
Madrid does not have a historic old town.
Is the Shopping Better in Madrid or Mexico City?
Madrid
Mexico City
If you're looking to go shopping, Madrid and Mexico City both offer plenty of terrific 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 Mexico City make it a world-class shopping destination. The city has everything from open-air bazaars (tianguis) to modern shopping malls. There are international brands as well as local art galleries, handicrafts, and retail outlets.
Is Madrid or Mexico City Better for Families?
Madrid
Mexico City
Both Madrid and Mexico City are excellent 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.
Mexico City is a very kid-friendly city. It's a huge city, so there are enough diverse activities to keep everyone entertained. There's even a Six Flags. Popular museums for kids include Papalote Museo del Niño and Museo de Geología. There's also the Acuario Inbursa, and make sure you check out a Lucha Libre show.
Is Madrid or Mexico City Better for Couples?
Madrid
Mexico City
Madrid is an excellent place to visit for couples. Also, Mexico City is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.
Madrid makes for a fun place to visit for 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.
Mexico City is a nice destination for couples. The city is filled with parks where you can enjoy a picnic, museums that are fascinating to walk through, and cultural activities that are one-of-a-kind. You can ride on a gondola in Xochimilco or spend the day exploring the amazing food scene.
Is Madrid or Mexico City Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?
Madrid
Mexico City
For backpackers, both Madrid and Mexico City are excellent 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.
Mexico City is a great city to visit for backpackers. It's a big city with a wonderful atmosphere and many hostels. Backpackers who want to experience the culture, food, and personality of Mexico will love a visit here.
Is Madrid or Mexico City Better for Students?
Madrid
Mexico City
Madrid is very popular for its student-friendly activities. Also, Mexico City is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.
Many students frequent 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.
Mexico City is very popular with students. International students love the art, architecture, food, and culture that this colorful city has to offer.
Is Madrid or Mexico City Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?
Madrid
Mexico City
Madrid is very popular for times when you don't have a car. Also, Mexico City is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.
Madrid has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. The system includes the Madrid Metro, buses, and a light rail system.
Public transit in Mexico City is fairly effecient and thorough. The city has a complex and comprehensive public transit system that includes a metro, metrobus, and local buses.
Is Madrid or Mexico City a more walkable city?
Madrid
Mexico City
Madrid is very popular for its ease of walking around. However, Mexico City is lacking in options 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.
Mexico City is generally not very walkable. While you can walk within many neighborhoods, such as the historic city center, it's impossible to walk between neighborhoods and in many parts of the city.
For even more information, also check out Is Madrid Worth Visiting? and Is Mexico City Worth Visiting?.
Should I spend more time in Mexico City or Madrid?
How long in Madrid or Mexico City?
In either Madrid or Mexico City, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Madrid has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Madrid than Mexico City. In general, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Madrid, and 3-5 days is enough time in Mexico City.
Families should spend more time in Mexico City than Madrid. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Mexico City, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.
Couples should spend more time in Madrid than Mexico City. 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 Mexico City 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 Mexico City? Ideal Length of StayMadrid 2-5Mexico City 3-5
One day in Madrid or Mexico City?
Madrid is a diverse city where you can fill many days. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.
Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the big city destination of Mexico City. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.
A weekend in Madrid or Mexico City?
Madrid is a compact big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.
Mexico City is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.
Five days in Madrid or Mexico City?
Madrid is a friendly city where you can fill many days. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Mexico City. 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.
A week in Madrid or Mexico City?
Many people enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting Madrid. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.
Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the vibrant big city of Mexico City. 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 2-Week Tours in Mexico, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMadrid €136Mexico City €200
The average daily cost (per person) in Madrid is €136, while the average daily cost in Mexico City is €200. 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 Mexico City in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMadrid €77Mexico City €39
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMadrid €154Mexico City €78
Compare Hotels in Madrid and Mexico City
Looking for a hotel in Madrid or Mexico City? 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 Mexico City Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Madrid €19Mexico City €12
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: $141
- 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 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: $448
- Roundtrip Transfer Private Minivan Madrid Airport (MAD) - Madrid City: $149
- Round Trip Transfer from Madrid Airport MAD to Madrid by Sedan: $77
- Private transfer: Barajas Airport (MAD) to Madrid City Center: $29
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Mexico City
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Mexico City:
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Metro€1.13
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Uber Ride€3.94
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mexico City
Also for Mexico City, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Mexico City to San Luis Potosi - Private Transfer with Optional Sightseeing: $296
- Mexico City → San Miguel de Allende - Private Transfer with Optional Sightseeing: $286
- Mexico City to Guanajuato - Private Transfer with Optional Sightseeing: $269
- Mexico City International Airport to Mexico City - Private Round-trip Transfer: $252
- Transfer from Mexico City Airport to Puebla: $245
- Mexico City to Guanajuato - Private transfer, 2 Sightseeing hours, local driver: $237
- Mexico City Private Transfer to or from Airport: $195
- Roundtrip Transfer Private Minivan Mexico City Airport (MEX) - Mexico City: $187
- RoundTrip Transfer Private Minivan Mexico City Airport (MEX) -Tlalnepantla: $167
- One-way transfer + City Tour: $143
- Mexico City Airport MEX Tecozautla Thermal Round-Trip Transfer: $141
- San Miguel De Allende City Tour with Transfer from Mexico City: $133
Is it cheaper to fly into Madrid or Mexico City?
Prices for flights to both Mexico City 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 €34Mexico City €26
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 Mexico City
For Mexico City, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Lunch for Two€12
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Coffee and Snacks€4.39
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Dinner for 2€26
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Mexico City
For Mexico City, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Traveling Spoon Mexican Tacos and Tortillas Private Online Cooking Class: $40
- Veracruz and Boca del Rio Food Tour with Mangroves Boat Trip: $50
- Virtual Mexican Cooking Class (private and personalized): $50
- Local Markets & Food Tour in Mexico City: $50
- Tortilla Crawl: Food Tour in Mexico City: $55
- Uruapan Food Tour: $60
- Muchos moles: Multi-variety mole cooking class and feast: $70
- Mexico City Vegan & Veggie Market Explorer plus Cooking Lesson: $72
- Street Food Tour with Friends: $75
- La Roma Authentic Downtown Food Tour: Tacos and Local Flavors: $78
- Food Tour with Ride an Electric Bike in Mexico: $80
- Flamenco Tablao Live Show & dinner: $83
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Madrid €34Mexico City €14
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
Tours and Activities in Mexico City
For Mexico City, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- City Tour/español-ingles: $68
- Frida Kahlo Tour with Admission Tickets: $76
- Mixology, Food, Wine and Beer Experience in Xochimilco: $99
- Monarch Butterfly Tour from Mexico City: $220
- Private Tour Teotihuacan Essentials: $129
- Private Walking Tour Historic Center of Mexico City: $128
- Romantic Walking tour in Mexico City: $150
- Romantic tour in San Andrés Mixquic: $150
- Teotihuacan Early Access tour with Tequila Tasting: $37
- 2 Day tour Teotihuacan pyramids +City tour & Xochimilco : $132
- 2 Days Private Tour with Hiking in Malinche from Puebla: $208
- 2-Hour Meditation Experience on the Shores of Lake Chapultepec: $15
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMadrid €20Mexico City €19
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
Sample the Local Flavors in Mexico City
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Mexico City:
- CDMX Pub Crawl: Mexico City Bar Crawl: $29
- Mexico City Pub Crawl: $30
- Best Bar Crawl at Downtown: $49
- Nightly Historic Center From Above© Rooftop Bar Crawl +Taco Snack: $129
- 2 Hours Private Mexican Wine Tasting in Polanco: $155
- Private Tacos & Wine Tour in Polanco : $159
- Third Largest Monolith in the World:Bernal with wine tasting: $235
- Cavas Freixenet Wine Tour from Mexico City: $255
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Madrid and Mexico City, we can see that Mexico City 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 Mexico City 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 Mexico City would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Mexico City 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 Mexico City Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Madrid or Mexico City?
Mexico City has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Madrid. When comparing the sizes of Madrid and Mexico City, 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.