Which place is cheaper, Naples or Madrid?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Madrid or Naples?
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 Naples can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Madrid
Madrid is a authentic, cultural, and diverse city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and live music.
Naples
Naples is a historic, authentic, and gritty city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.
Madrid and Naples: 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
- Big city activities
Naples
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 popular for students
Is there more to do in Madrid or Naples?
You'll generally find more things to do in Madrid than Naples. Madrid is bigger than Naples, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Madrid is better known for its music, shopping, and big city activities, while Naples is more popular for its museums and historical sights. Madrid is more touristy than Naples and is popular for its art and architecture, its tapas and culinary scene, and its lively flamenco dancing. Also, Madrid is famous for The Prado Museum. Naples is well known for its colorful atmosphere, long running history, and influence on world cuisine as the birthplace of pizza.
How is Madrid different from Naples?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Naples 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 Naples?
Madrid
Naples
Naples 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 Naples. Most of the sights are concentrated in the city's historic center. The Naples Harbor is a gateway to the Mediterranean. Also worth visiting are the National Archeological Museum, Capodimonte Royal Palace, Castel Nuovo, and the Catacombs of San Gennaro.
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 Naples? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?
Madrid
Naples
There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at first-rate restaurants in both Madrid and Naples.
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 Naples, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. As the birthplace of pizza, the city has a well known food reputation. Many local dishes, including an authentic Napoli pizza, use simple flavors such as olive oil, garlic, and tomatoes. The dishes are lighter than their northern counterparts and tomatoes are a very popular ingredient. In addition to the pizza, you should try Lasagna Al Forno Napoletana and Spaghetti Alla Vognole. Also check out a pizza making class.
Is Madrid or Naples Better for Nightlife?
Madrid
Naples
If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find high quality options in both Madrid and Naples.
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.
Naples offers plenty to do in the evening. The nightlife scene includes small bars, wineries, and dance clubs, but much of the energy and activity is actually focused on being outdoors. There is plenty of live music and many nightclubs are actually "disco bars" that are found tucked away in the city's historic center.
Is Madrid or Naples Better for Music?
Madrid
Naples
Madrid is a world-class destination for its music scene. However, Naples is not a live music destination.
In Madrid you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. 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.
Naples is not a live music destination.
Is Madrid or Naples Better for its Old Town?
Madrid
Naples
Naples is a great city for its historic old town. However, Madrid does not have a historic old town.
Naples is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. Most of the city's tourist attractions are found in the historic center, which includes beautiful fountains, grand churches, and an impressive network of catacombs and caves.
Madrid does not have a historic old town.
Is the Shopping Better in Madrid or Naples?
Madrid
Naples
Madrid is a world-class destination for its shopping areas. Also, Naples is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.
Madrid is a world class destination for shoppers. 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.
Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Naples. There are shopping streets and districts that have boutique clothing vendors, high end brands, and major chains. There's plenty of diversity in the shopping scene and some of the best shopping areas include Via Toledo, the Chiaia District, and Poggioreale Market.
Is Madrid or Naples Better for Families?
Madrid
Naples
Madrid is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Naples is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.
Madrid is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.
Naples offers lots of family activities. Despite its rough-around-the-edges reputation, the city actually has some fun kid-friendly activities. As the birthplace of pizza, a childhood favorite, eating is a kid approved activity. You can even try your hand at pizza making classes. Other fun kid-friendly activities include exploring the underground city, going to The Science Centre of Citta della Scienza, and running around Parco di Capodimonte.
Is Madrid or Naples Better for Couples?
Madrid
Naples
Both Madrid and Naples are high quality 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.
Naples is a very popular place to visit for couples. Dining on pizza, wine tasting, or taking a cruise on the Gulf of Naples all make this city a great couples destination. There are also many romantic day trips in the area, so many couples use Naples as a base for exploring the region.
Is Madrid or Naples Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?
Madrid
Naples
For backpackers, both Madrid and Naples are high quality places to visit.
Madrid is very popular with the backpacker crowd. The many hostels around town make it easy for backpackers to find affordable accommodation while also meeting other travelers.
Naples is a great city to visit for backpackers. It's more affordable than most of northern Italy, and it has plenty of hostels to choose from. The city makes a great stop for backpackers who want to see a different part of Italy. While not completely off the backpacker trail, Naples is not inundated with tourists the way some other Italian cities are.
Is Madrid or Naples Better for Students?
Madrid
Naples
Madrid is a world-class destination for students. Also, Naples is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.
Madrid is a great destination for students. With several great universities, this city is popular with international and study abroad students. The city also has a diverse population and an active nightlife that appeals to students.
It's common for students to visit Naples. It's a large city with a lot to see and do. Students also appreciate the many day trips that are available in the area.
Is Madrid or Naples Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?
Madrid
Naples
Madrid is a world-class destination for its public transit. Also, Naples is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.
Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Naples. There's a metro with two metro lines as well as four suburban train lines. There are also funiculars, regional trains, and ferries to the surrounding areas.
Is Madrid or Naples a more walkable city?
Madrid
Naples
Madrid is a world-class destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Naples is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.
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.
Naples is very walkable. The historic center is flat and easy to explore on foot.
For even more information, also check out Is Madrid Worth Visiting? and Is Naples Worth Visiting?.
Should I spend more time in Naples or Madrid?
How long in Madrid or Naples?
Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Madrid and Naples. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Madrid than in Naples. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Madrid, and 1-3 days is enough time in Naples.
Families should spend more time in Madrid than Naples. 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 Naples. 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 Naples 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 Naples? Ideal Length of StayMadrid 2-5Naples 1-3
One day in Madrid or Naples?
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 big city destination of Naples. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.
A weekend in Madrid or Naples?
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.
Naples is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. 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 Naples?
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 Naples. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Naples?
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 fascinating big city of Naples. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Contiki Tours to Spain, The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Italy, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Italy.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMadrid €136Naples €129
The average daily cost (per person) in Madrid is €136, while the average daily cost in Naples is €129. 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 Naples in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMadrid €77Naples €66
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMadrid €154Naples €132
Compare Hotels in Madrid and Naples
Looking for a hotel in Madrid or Naples? 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 Naples Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Madrid €19Naples €21
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:
- Madrid Airport MAD Round-Trip Transfer in Private Van: $173
- Private One-Way Transfer to OR from Madrid Airport with private pick up: $77
- 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 Transfer from Madrid Airport MAD to Madrid in Private Van: $87
- Arrival Transfer from Madrid MAD Airport to Madrid by Luxury Car: $81
- Arrival Transfer: Madrid Airport MAD to Madrid in Business Car: $80
- Departure Transfer from Madrid to Madrid Airport MAD in Private Van: $87
- Departure Transfer: Madrid to Madrid Airport MAD in Business Car: $80
- From Madrid Airport: 1-Way Private Hotel Transfer: $80
- From Hot Air Balloon over Segovia with Transfer: $261
- Hotel Madrid City Private Transfer To Madrid Barajas Airport: $26
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Naples
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Naples:
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Subway Ticket€1.20
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Alibus From Airport€3.00
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Short Taxi Ride€7.34
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Train to Pompeii€3.20
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Taxi€15
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Naples
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Naples:
- Venice Airport : One Way Transfer to Canazei: $564
- From Private Transfer to Positano with Pompeii Stop: $531
- From Bari Private Transfer with WiFi: $479
- From Private Transfer to Positano with Pompeii Stop: $426
- From Transfer to Positano with Pompeii Guided Tour: $418
- From Transfer to Amalfi-Ravello with Tour of Pompeii: $418
- From One-Way Transfer to Sorrento with Pompeii Tour: $376
- Private Transfer Naples to Amalfi coast or vice cersa: $351
- Van Transfer from Naples Apt to Sorrento/Amalfi/Positano: $319
- Private transfer from NAPLES with stopover in Pompeii guide included: $299
- Return Transfer from Naples Cruise Port to Pompeii: $298
- From Naples Airport: 1-Way Private Transfer to Sorrento: $297
Is it cheaper to fly into Madrid or Naples?
Prices for flights to both Naples 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 €34Naples €40
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
- Madrid Tipsy Tapas Tour with Dinner and Drinks: $42
- Paella and Sangria Workshop with Dinner and Drinks: $47
- 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 Naples
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Naples:
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Casual Lunch (for Two)€28
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Three Course Dinner (for Two)€49
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Napoli Pizza€7.24
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Dinner€25
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Naples
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Naples.
- Napoli: Traditional Tiramisu Cooking Class with Limoncello: $36
- Naples Street Food Tour with Foodie Guide around Historical Center: $41
- Authentic Italian Pizza-Making Workshop with Drinks: $42
- Eating Naples Street Food Tour with Guided Tasting and Sightseeing: $46
- Naples Street Food Tour With Local Expert: $46
- Sightseeing Tour and Pizza in Napoli: $47
- Authentic Pizza Class with Drinks Included in the Center of Naples: $47
- Small Group Naples Pizza Making Class with Drink Included: $48
- Be my Guest at Dinner ! Taste and experience an authentic Neapolitan dinner !: $49
- Food Tour with Davide: $53
- Naples Pizza Secrets Class with Tastings at a Historic Pizzeria: $54
- Food Tour of Naples with Davide: $54
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Madrid €34Naples €30
Tours and Activities in Madrid
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Madrid.
- Madrid Essential: Free Walking City Tour: $1.06
- First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.19
- Madrid Mountains Free Walking Tour: $3.26
- Madrid Old Town & Hidden Gems Walking Tour: $4.26
- Secrets of Madrids Walking Tour: $4.26
- Marvels of Madrid Walking Tour: $4.26
- Wonders of Madrid Walking Tour: $4.26
- Escape Game and Tour: $4.26
- 2 Hour Madrid Walking Tour : $4.35
- Wonders of Madrid Walking Tour : $4.35
- Ticket Entrance to the Madrid Nougat Museum: $5.32
- Mapfre Foundation Entry Ticket: $5.32
Typical Entertainment Prices in Naples
Here are a few typical costs in Naples for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Museo Archeologico Nazionale Entrance€9.00
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Castelnuovo Museum Entrance€5.00
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Entrance to Pompeii€11
Tours and Activities in Naples
Here are a few actual costs in Naples for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- From Naples : Discovery Capri with Chairlift Experience : $158
- Guided Tour to Ruins of Pompeii and Vesuvius From Naples: $140
- Naples City Walking Tour Exploring Naples with a native guide : $87
- Pompeii and Vesuvius Day Trip from Naples with skip the line: $120
- Positano & Sorrento Private Day Tour: $272
- Private Tour a Pompeii e Sorrento from Napoli: $218
- Sea and Land Small Group Capri Island Tour from Naples Main Port: $162
- Sorrento, Positano, Amalfi and Ravello tour from Naples : $131
- 2 Hours Naples Metro Tour with 24 Hour Metro Ticket included: $38
- 2 Hours Private Guided Tour to Naples Archeological Museum: $109
- 2 Hours and a Half Guided Tour in the Historic Center of Naples: $207
- 2-Hour Guided Naples Walking Tour: $277
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMadrid €20Naples €21
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: $9.58
- 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
- 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
- Pub Crawl Madrid: $22
- 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
Typical Alcohol Prices in Naples
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Naples:
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Beer€4.10
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Beer€4.00
Sample the Local Flavors in Naples
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Naples:
- Guided Pub Crawl in the Old Town: $16
- Vesuvius wine tasting with company tour: $29
- Mount Vesuvius: Vineyard Tour with Wine Tasting and Lunch: $51
- Regional food and wine tasting: $53
- Guided, FUN Wine Tasting in Napoli: $62
- Full-Day Bike Guided Tour in Napoli with Wine Tasting: $64
- Guided, FUN Wine Tasting in Naples City Center: $69
- Mount Vesuvius 4-Hour Volcano Tour with Wine Tasting: $79
- Naples Wine Tour with Sommelier: $89
- Guided Wine Tour in Old Town Napoli: $91
- Vesuvius Half-Day Trip with Lunch and Wine Tasting: $95
- From Wine Tasting Tour on Vesuvius Slopes with Lunch: $96
When comparing the travel costs between Madrid and Naples, 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. 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 Naples Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Madrid or Naples?
Madrid has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Naples. When comparing the sizes of Madrid and Naples, 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.