Which place is cheaper, Pisa or Madrid?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Madrid or Pisa?
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 Pisa 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. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.
Pisa
Pisa is a world-famous, classic, and charming city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and beaches.
Madrid and Pisa: 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 public transit
- Big city activities
Pisa
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Active nightlife
- Popular beach
- Scenic old town
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Impressive beauty
- Home to the Leaning Tower of Pisa
- Public transit not as usable
Is there more to do in Madrid or Pisa?
Tourists will generally find more to do in Madrid than Pisa. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Madrid is very popular for its food, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Pisa attracts visitors for its museums, beaches, historical sights, and impressive beauty. 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. Pisa is famous for its iconic Leaning Tower, its beautiful squares, and its lively atmosphere.
How is Madrid different from Pisa?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Pisa 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 Pisa?
Madrid
Pisa
Pisa 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 Pisa. The city is more than a one hit wonder. In addition to the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa, you'll find many beautiful buildings and museums. Popular places to visit include the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, Campo Santo (Sacred Field), and Museo dell'Opera del Duomo.
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 Pisa? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?
Madrid
Pisa
Madrid is terrific for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Pisa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.
For foodies, Madrid is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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.
Dining out in Pisa is an experience not to be missed. The local cuisine is heavily influenced by the city's maritime roots. You'll find many seafood dishes as well as local classic recipes that have been passed down through the generations. A quintessential local dish is Bordatino alla Pisana, which is made with beans, cabbage, and cornflour. Also popular are Pasta e Ceci (chickpea pasta), Palette (a local polenta), and Trippa alla Pisana.
Is Madrid or Pisa Better for Nightlife?
Madrid
Pisa
If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find excellent options in both Madrid and Pisa.
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.
Pisa offers plenty to do in the evening. Head out to an aperitivo bar for an early drink, then head to one of the area's best nightlife neighborhoods. For the biggest party scene, go about 10 kilometers out of town to the Versilian coast. This area has the most popular clubs. If you decide to stay in town, there are still plenty of places to catch live music and dance.
Is Madrid or Pisa Better for Music?
Madrid
Pisa
Madrid is terrific for its live music scene. However, Pisa 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.
Pisa is not a live music destination.
Is Madrid or Pisa Better for Beaches?
Madrid
Pisa
Pisa is a city with good options for its beaches. However, Madrid is not a beach destination.
Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Pisa. Many people forget that there are beaches near Pisa, but the city is close to the sea. Some of the closest beaches include Marina di Vecchiano and Marina di Pisa.
Madrid is not a beach destination.
Is Madrid or Pisa Better for its Old Town?
Madrid
Pisa
Pisa is a great city for its historic old town. However, Madrid does not have a historic old town.
Pisa is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The old town is where you'll find the city's classic charm and many of the best sights.
Madrid does not have a historic old town.
Is the Shopping Better in Madrid or Pisa?
Madrid
Pisa
Madrid is terrific for its shopping opportunities. Also, Pisa 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 Pisa. There's a great mix of traditional markets, high end stores, and indoor shopping malls where you can find anything that you might need. Corso Italia is one of the most popular shopping areas, but also worth checking out are Centro Commerciale Pisanova, Borgo Stretto and Borgo Largo.
Is Madrid or Pisa Better for Families?
Madrid
Pisa
Madrid is a great city for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Pisa 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.
Pisa is a family-friendly place to visit. It's a lively city with beautiful squares and the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa. Kids will enjoy hanging out in the city center, visiting Parco Don Bosco, Giardino Scotto Park, or Marina di Pisa. If you have a car and are willing to venture a bit further away, there's the Piccolo Mondo Amusement Park and Parco Preistorico Peccioli.
Is Madrid or Pisa Better for Couples?
Madrid
Pisa
Madrid is a great city for its romantic activities. Also, Pisa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for couples.
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.
Pisa is a good city for couples to visit. It's an iconic Italian destination that offers so much more than its most famous landmark. The city is filled with charming squares, beautiful architecture, and plenty of fun activities that couples can enjoy.
Is Madrid or Pisa Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?
Madrid
Pisa
For backpackers, both Madrid and Pisa 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.
Pisa is a great city to visit for backpackers. Most backpackers pass through on their way to other towns, but for those that linger, there are plenty of hostels and a lively social scene.
Is Madrid or Pisa Better for Students?
Madrid
Pisa
For students, both Madrid and Pisa are terrific 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.
Pisa is a very popular place to visit for students. Many study abroad students flock to Italy for its beautiful culture, art, and architecture. Pisa makes a nice base for international students, and it offers easy access to other parts of Italy. It's also home to an internationally acclaimed university, Scuola Normale Superiore, which was founded in 1810.
Is Madrid or Pisa Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?
Madrid
Pisa
Madrid is terrific for times when you don't have a car. Also, Pisa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.
The thorough and effecient public transit system of Madrid can take you anywhere. The system includes the Madrid Metro, buses, and a light rail system.
Pisa has a few public transit options. There are public buses through town with the most popular lines being the Red and Green Lines.
Is Madrid or Pisa a more walkable city?
Madrid
Pisa
Madrid is terrific for its high level of walkability. Also, Pisa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its ease of walking around.
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.
Pisa is a very walkable destination. The city is a great place to explore on foot.
For even more information, also check out Is Madrid Worth Visiting? and Is Pisa Worth Visiting?.
Should I spend more time in Pisa or Madrid?
How long in Madrid or Pisa?
Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Madrid and Pisa. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Madrid than in Pisa. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Madrid, and 1-3 days is enough time in Pisa.
Families should spend more time in Madrid than Pisa. 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 Pisa. 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 Pisa 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 Pisa? Ideal Length of StayMadrid 2-5Pisa 1-3
One day in Madrid or Pisa?
Madrid is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.
Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Pisa. 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 Pisa?
Madrid is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.
Pisa 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 Pisa?
Madrid is a diverse big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Pisa. 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 Pisa?
The friendly city of Madrid offers shopping and museums. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.
Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the world-famous destination of Pisa. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Barcelona, The Best 10-Day Tours from Madrid, The Best 2-Week Tours in Italy, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Italy.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMadrid €136Pisa €120
The average daily cost (per person) in Madrid is €136, while the average daily cost in Pisa is €120. 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 Pisa in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMadrid €77Pisa €60
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMadrid €154Pisa €120
Compare Hotels in Madrid and Pisa
Looking for a hotel in Madrid or Pisa? 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 Pisa Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Madrid €19Pisa €11
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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pisa
Also for Pisa, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Florence: Private Transfer from Pisa Airport (PSA): $394
- Transfer from Pisa to Siena with stop in San Gimignano for lunch: $272
- Private Transfer from Pisa (PSA) Airport to Fiesole: $263
- Private Transfer from Pisa (PSA) Airport to Ulignano : $250
- Private Sightseeing Transfer from Pisa to Florence: $245
- Private Transfer from Pisa (PSA) Airport to Firenze: $239
- Private Transfer from Pisa (PSA) Airport to Volterra: $229
- Private Transfer from Pisa Airport to Florence Hotels: $201
- Private Transfer from Pisa (PSA) Airport to Lucca: $196
- Private Transfer from Pisa (PSA) Airport to Montecatini Terme: $194
- Private Transfer from Pisa (PSA) Airport to Massa: $194
- Private Transfer from Pisa (PSA) Airport to Forte dei Marmi: $183
Is it cheaper to fly into Madrid or Pisa?
Prices for flights to both Pisa 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 €34Pisa €50
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 Pisa
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Pisa:
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Dinner€75
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Pisa
For Pisa, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Chianni: wine and oil tasting with lunch or dinner: $43
- Home-made Pasta Cooking Class: $75
- Pisa Private Cooking Class: $82
- Private Home-Made Pasta Cooking Class in Pisa.: $93
- Dining experience at a local's home in Pontedera with cooking demo: $93
- Pisa Food Tour: $95
- Pisa Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $101
- Hands-On Cooking Class at a Local's Home: $155
- Private Cooking Class at a Cesarina's Home in Pisa: $158
- Private Pizza & Tiramisu Class at a Cesarina's home with tasting in Pisa: $158
- Authentic Italian Food Tour in Pisa: $519
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Madrid €34Pisa €20
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 Pisa
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Pisa.
- Skip-the-Line Best of Pisa and Leaning Tower Guided Tour for Kids and Families: $272
- 2-Day Tour: Pisa, Cinque Terre & Tuscany: $319
- 2-hour tour to Rocca della Verruca by E-bike: $54
- An Authentic Food Experience with a Sommelier and Culinary Expert: $139
- Best of Pisa Guided Walking Tour with Leaning Tower Entry Ticket: $53
- Best of Small group tour with admission tickets: $57
- Bocelli Chianti Hills E-Bike Guided Tour + Wine Food Tasting: $157
- Carrara Marble Quarries Tour by Land Rover: $82
- Carrara Marble Quarry Tour with Food Tasting: $97
- Carrara: Exclusive Marble Cave Tour Adventure in a 4x4: $82
- Cinque Terre tour in Small Group from Pisa: $184
- Discovering Pisa in Christmas Time - Walking Tour: $225
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMadrid €20Pisa -
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 Pisa
Also in Pisa, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Cathedral Guided Tour & Wine Tasting & Optional Tower: $48
- Pisa guided tour and Wine tasting with Leaning Tower ticket (option): $50
- Winery Tour and Wine Tasting with Local Food Pairing: $75
- From Pisa or Lucca: Half-Day Tuscany Chianti Wine Tasting: $90
- Chianti Half-day Wine Tour in the Tuscan's Hills from Pisa: $97
- Tuscan Wine Tour in Pisa by shuttle: $162
- Pisa & Lucca with wine Tasting and Lunch from Livorno: $661
When comparing the travel costs between Madrid and Pisa, 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 Pisa Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Madrid or Pisa?
Madrid has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Pisa. When comparing the sizes of Madrid and Pisa, 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.