Which place is cheaper, Positano or Madrid?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Madrid or Positano?
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 Positano 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. 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 live music, food, and shopping.
Positano
Positano is a picturesque, colorful, and stunning Mediterranean village. Since it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors, too. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. Other reasons to visit include shopping, food, and beaches.
Madrid and Positano: 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
- Good public transit
- Big city activities
Positano
Pros- Nice resorts
- Good scuba and snorkeling destination
- Popular beach
- Scenic old town
- Good for hiking
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Small town charm
- Impressive beauty
- Quaint atmosphere
- Less popular for nightlife
- Public transit not as usable
Is there more to do in Madrid or Positano?
Visitors will usually find more to do in Madrid than Positano, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Madrid is better known for its museums, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Positano is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Positano is more touristy than Madrid and is known for its beautiful cliffside setting, its colorful buildings, and its quintessential Amalfi atmosphere. Madrid is well known for its art and architecture, its tapas and culinary scene, and its lively flamenco dancing. Also, Madrid is famous for The Prado Museum.
How is Madrid different from Positano?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Positano 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 Positano?
Madrid
Positano
Madrid is a good destination for its historical sights. However, Positano does not have museums and landmarks.
If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Madrid. 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.
Positano does not have museums and landmarks.
Is the Food Better in Madrid or Positano? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?
Madrid
Positano
There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at fantastic restaurants in both Madrid and Positano.
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 Positano, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Seafood is the obvious choice along the Amalfi Coast but Positano is also famous for its salami, chestnuts, cheese, and figs.
Is Madrid or Positano Better for Nightlife?
Madrid
Positano
Madrid is great for its evening party scene. However, Positano is not a good destination for nightlife.
Many people head to Madrid for the nightlife scene. 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.
Most people don't head to Positano specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. The town has a relaxing nightlife that is usually centered around the clubs found at nearby resorts.
Is Madrid or Positano Better for Music?
Madrid
Positano
Madrid is a must-visit destination for its music scene. However, Positano 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.
Positano is not a live music destination.
Is Madrid or Positano Better for Resorts?
Madrid
Positano
Positano is renowned for its luxury resorts. However, Madrid is not a resort destination.
Positano is a world class resort vacation destination. The town has a number of luxury resorts including Le Sirenuse, Il San Pietro di Positano, and Hotel Le Agavi.
Madrid is not a resort destination.
Is Madrid or Positano Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?
Madrid
Positano
Positano is adequate for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Madrid is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.
There are few places where you can go snorkeling in Positano. There are snorkeling boat trips that you can book to enjoy exploring the undersea world.
Madrid is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.
Is Madrid or Positano Better for Beaches?
Madrid
Positano
Positano is a Mediterranean village with good options for its beaches. However, Madrid is not a beach destination.
Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Positano. Like the rest of the Amalfi Coast, beaches near Positano tend to be pebbly instead of sandy. They can also get a bit crowded during the summer months. Still, the picturesque setting makes these beaches truly amazing. The main beach at the edge of town is Spiaggia Grande, but there are several others nearby as well.
Madrid is not a beach destination.
Is Madrid or Positano Better for its Old Town?
Madrid
Positano
Positano is renowned for its historic old town. However, Madrid does not have a historic old town.
The old town of Positano is one of the most recognized in the world. Exploring the old town, soaking up the atmosphere, and simply enjoying the colorful buildings is what a trip to Positano is all about.
Madrid does not have a historic old town.
Is Madrid or Positano Better for Hiking?
Madrid
Positano
Positano is a great Mediterranean village for hiking. However, Madrid is not a hiking destination.
Many visitors go to Positano for the hiking trails. The best way to explore the area out of town is on foot. There are a number of foot paths and trails that will take you through the stunning landscapes.
Madrid is not a hiking destination.
Is the Shopping Better in Madrid or Positano?
Madrid
Positano
Madrid is a must-visit destination for its shopping areas. Also, Positano is not as popular, but is still a nice Mediterranean village for shopping.
Many people travel to Madrid specifically to go shopping. 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.
Positano is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The main street in town is lined with quaint shops that sell local lemon products, ceramics, clothing, and more.
Is Madrid or Positano Better for Families?
Madrid
Positano
Madrid is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Positano is not as popular, but is still a nice Mediterranean village for its family-friendly activities.
You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Madrid. 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.
Positano is a family-friendly place to visit. Fun activities include boat rides, eating gelato, and hanging out at the beach. Some of the best family-friendly beaches are Spiaggia Grande, Fornillo Beach, and Arienzo Beach.
Is Madrid or Positano Better for Couples?
Madrid
Positano
Positano is renowned for romance. Also, Madrid is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.
Positano is a great Mediterranean village for couples, as it has plenty to offer. It is a picturesque coast town that is both romantic and fun. Wandering through the streets and sampling Italian food make this the perfect honeymoon getaway.
Madrid is a very popular place to visit for couples. Fun and romantic activities around town include taking a boat ride at Casa de Campo, riding a bike in one of the many parks, and enjoy dinner and show in the evening.
Is Madrid or Positano Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?
Madrid
Positano
Madrid is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Positano is not as popular, but is still a nice Mediterranean village for backpackers.
Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Madrid. The many hostels around town make it easy for backpackers to find affordable accommodation while also meeting other travelers.
Plenty of budget travelers visit Positano. The town has a handful of great hostels that make the Amalfi Coast accessible to backpackers on a budget.
Is Madrid or Positano Better for Students?
Madrid
Positano
Madrid is a must-visit destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Positano is not popular with students.
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.
Positano is not popular with students.
Is Madrid or Positano Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?
Madrid
Positano
Madrid is a must-visit destination for times when you don't have a car. Also, Positano is not as popular, but is still a nice Mediterranean village for its public transit.
Madrid has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. The system includes the Madrid Metro, buses, and a light rail system.
Positano has a few public transit options. You can walk everywhere once you arrive, and the SITA bus travels to and from the town.
Is Madrid or Positano a more walkable city?
Madrid
Positano
Madrid and Positano are fantastic when it comes to walkability.
Madrid is a very easy city to get around on foot. Most tourists stay in the central part of Madrid where it's compact and relatively easy to walk to most tourist sights.
It is easy to get around Positano on foot. The town is best explored on foot. You can wander the quaint streets or take the foot path to the beach or nearby castles.
For even more information, also check out Is Madrid Worth Visiting? and Is Positano Worth Visiting?.
Should I spend more time in Positano or Madrid?
How long in Madrid or Positano?
Both Madrid and Positano have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Positano than in Madrid. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Madrid, and 2-7 days is enough time in Positano.
Families should spend more time in Madrid than Positano. 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 Positano than Madrid. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Positano that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Madrid than Positano 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 Positano? Ideal Length of StayMadrid 2-5Positano 2-7
One day in Madrid or Positano?
Madrid is a big city with plenty to do. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.
Positano might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.
A weekend in Madrid or Positano?
Madrid is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Madrid, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.
Positano 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 Positano?
Madrid is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Madrid, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Positano. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Positano?
Madrid is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.
Positano is a small town with plenty to do. This Mediterranean village offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Contiki Tours to Spain, The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Italy, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Italy.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMadrid €136Positano €222
The average daily cost (per person) in Madrid is €136, while the average daily cost in Positano is €222. 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 Positano in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMadrid €77Positano €148
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMadrid €154Positano €296
Compare Hotels in Madrid and Positano
Looking for a hotel in Madrid or Positano? 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 Positano Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Madrid €19Positano €7.73
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: $449
- 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: $267
- Balloon Ride with Transfer Option from Madrid City: $262
- From Hot Air Balloon over Segovia with Transfer: $262
- Private Transfer from Bolnuevo to Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport: $254
- Private Transfer from La Manga strip dos Mares to Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport: $237
- Private Transfer from La Manga Club to Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport: $227
- Private Transfer from Corvera Golf Resort to Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport: $218
- Private Transfer from Cieza to Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport: $205
- Private Transfer from El Verger to Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport: $191
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Positano
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Positano:
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Bus Ticket€1.60
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Positano
Also for Positano, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer to/from Rome & Pompeii Ruins: $839
- From Sorrento & Pompeii Private Tour w/ Transfers: $642
- Private Transfer from Positano to Naples Airport, Port or Train station: $288
- Transfer Naples - Positano: $273
- From Salerno Station: 1-Way Private Transfer to Positano: $266
- private transfer from Sorrento to Naples: $262
- From the Coast: Pompeii the Real All Inclusive Service(Guide,Transfer,Ticket): $256
- Private Transfer from Positano to Naples: $240
- Transfer from Naples to Positano or Positano to Naples : $240
- Positano to Rome hotels - Private Transfer : $224
- Positano to Fiumicino Rome Airport (FCO) - Departure Private Transfer: $223
- Private Transfer to Naples with WiFi: $214
Is it cheaper to fly into Madrid or Positano?
Prices for flights to both Positano 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 €34Positano €53
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: $33
- Tapas Dinner Party Food Tour with Guide: $33
- Tapas Crawl Food Tour with 6 Tapas and 4 Drinks: $35
- Madrid Tipsy Tapas Guided Food Tour with Dinner: $42
- Madrid Tipsy Tapas Tour with Dinner and Drinks: $43
- Madrid Tapas Dinner Party with Guide: $43
- Paella and Sangria Workshop with Dinner and Drinks: $47
- Skip the Line: Flamenco Show with Dinner and Workshop in Madrid Ticket: $49
- San Miguel Market and Street Food Tour: $52
- Traditional Paella & Sangría Workshop & Spanish Dinner in Madrid: $53
- The Authentic Morning Madrid's Food Tour: $59
Typical Food Prices in Positano
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Positano:
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Sitdown Dinner (for Two)€31
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Pizza in a Restaurant€9.32
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Sandwich in a Restaurant€12
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Positano
For Positano, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Dinner on the farm: $55
- Cooking class with Pasta, mozzarella and Tiramisu with wine: $64
- Dining Experience at a local's Home in Sant'Agnello with Show Cooking: $93
- Gluten Free Cooking School: $108
- Pizza e Tiramisù class with local mum in Positano: $136
- 3 Hours Sorrento Cooking Class in Sorrento Coast with Pickup: $142
- Small Group Positano Cooking Class Gnocchi Tiramisù with Drinks : $147
- Lemon & sea food cooking class at local's home: $169
- Small Group Home Cooking Class with a Local: $191
- Pasta and Tiramisu Cooking Class with Wine: $191
- Cesarine: Small group Pizza and Tiramisu Class in Positano: $195
- Vico Equense: Market Tour, Home Cooking Class, and Dinner: $202
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Madrid €34Positano €60
Tours and Activities in Madrid
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Madrid.
- Private Combo Tour Prado Museum and Reina Sofia: $222
- Toledo with Cathedral from Madrid Full Day Tour: $134
- Ávila & Segovia Day Tour from Madrid: $97
- "Prado Museum" Tour A Treasure of World Art: $65
- 1 Hour Private Tuk tuk Tour in Madrid: $98
- 1 hour tour in Madrid in Tuk Tuk through the best of the city: $136
- 1-Hour Madrid Segway Tour: $32
- 1-Hour Private Flamenco Class in Madrid Experience: $45
- 2 Hour Madrid Walking Tour : $4.36
- 2 Hours Private Tuk tuk Tour in Madrid: $164
- 2.5-Hour Evening Tapas Tour through Madrid: $37
- 3 Hours Private Madrid City Tour Guide: $53
Typical Entertainment Prices in Positano
For Positano, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Chair & Umbrella at Spiaggia Grande€17
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Day Trip of Capri & Amalfi€80
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Sunset Cruise€24
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Full Day Wine Tour€97
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Cooking Class€65
Tours and Activities in Positano
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Positano.
- Amalfi Coast Luxury Private Experience in Motor Boat: $1,572
- Amalfi Coast Premium Boat Tour From Sorrento Max 8 People: $245
- Amalfi Coast Private Half Day Tour from Positano/Praiano: $1,357
- Amalfi Coast Tour: $272
- Amalfi Coast Tour: secret caves and stunning beaches: $2,139
- Amalfi Coast Tour: secret caves and stunning beaches: $1,283
- Amalfi Coast: Path of the Gods Private Walking Tour: $134
- Amalfi Coast: Pompei & Vesuvius small group with Skip the line tickets: $147
- Amalfi Coast: Romantic Sunset Cruise with Music & Cocktails: $160
- Amalfi and Positano Boat Tour: $209
- Amalfi coast day tour from Positano: $299
- Breathtaking Journey on the Path of Gods: Tour from Positano: $2,055
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMadrid €20Positano €15
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: $9.62
- 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
- Wine Tasting Experience with 4 Spanish Wines: $26
- Wine Tour with tasting in the Natural Park of La Mata: $38
- Wine Tasting Experience: $49
Typical Alcohol Prices in Positano
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Positano:
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Bottle of Limoncello€16
Sample the Local Flavors in Positano
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Positano:
- 5 Wine Tastings with Typical Products in Sorrento Coast: $76
- Small Group Positano Wine Tasting Experience with a Sommelier: $108
- Pompeii Wine Tasting Tour from Positano: $245
- Pompeii Guided Tour With Lunch and Wine Tasting from Positano: $250
- Pompeii Tour with Lunch and Wine Tasting from Positano: $272
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Madrid and Positano, we can see that Positano is more expensive. And not only is Madrid much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Positano would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Positano 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 Positano Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Madrid or Positano?
Madrid has a larger population, and is about 800 times larger than the population of Positano. When comparing the sizes of Madrid and Positano, 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.