Which place is cheaper, Toronto or Madrid?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Madrid or Toronto?
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 Toronto 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 cultural, diverse, and compact city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, live music, and food. See Madrid travel costs.
Toronto
Toronto is a cultural, diverse, and vibrant 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. See Toronto travel costs.
Madrid and Toronto: Pros and Cons
Madrid
Pros- Active nightlife
- Good music scene
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Big city activities
- Less museums and historical sights
Toronto
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Active nightlife
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Big city activities
Is there more to do in Madrid or Toronto?
Visitors will generally find more to do in Madrid than Toronto. While Toronto is larger than Madrid, Madrid has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Madrid is more popular for its food and music, while Toronto is known for its museums and attractions and nightlife. Madrid is popular for its art and architecture, its tapas and culinary scene, and its lively flamenco dancing. It is also home to The Prado Museum. Toronto is popular for its art and culture, diverse cuisine, and multi-cultural population.
How is Madrid different from Toronto?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Toronto 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 Toronto?
Madrid
Toronto
Toronto 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 Toronto from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. The city is filled with landmarks and museums such as the CN Tower and the Royal Ontario Museum. Ripley's Aquarium is a highlight for many visitors. It's near the CN Tower and has an underwater tunnel. The city is also filled with art galleries and cultural sights. Another must is a visit to Casa Loma and, of course, the Toronto Zoo.
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 Toronto? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?
Madrid
Toronto
Madrid is terrific for its restaurants. Also, Toronto is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.
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.
Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Toronto. The food scene is as diverse as the city itself. You'll find classic Canadian favorites like peameal bacon sandwiches and beavertails, as well as almost any international cuisine you could want. Make sure you try the dim sum, roti, and street hot dogs.
Is Madrid or Toronto Better for Nightlife?
Madrid
Toronto
Toronto is renowned for nightlife. Also, Madrid is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.
Toronto is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. It's a diverse nightlife scene, with upscale lounges, dive bars, live music, and high energy nightclubs. Popular areas for nightlife include King Street, the Ossington Strip, College Street, and Kensington Market.
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 Toronto Better for Music?
Madrid
Toronto
Madrid is terrific for live music. However, Toronto is not a live music destination.
Madrid is known as a music capital 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.
Toronto is not a live music destination.
Is the Shopping Better in Madrid or Toronto?
Madrid
Toronto
If you're looking to go shopping, Madrid and Toronto both offer plenty of world-class 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 Toronto make it a world-class shopping destination. Shopping is huge here, with plenty of options available that range from large malls to vintage stores or flea markets. Eaton Center on Yonge Street is a major shopping area. Yonge Street is also home to more than 600 retail stores.
Is Madrid or Toronto Better for Families?
Madrid
Toronto
Both Madrid and Toronto are great 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.
Toronto is a very kid-friendly city. Kids will enjoy the city's many family-friendly museums like the Royal Ontario Museum or the Ontario Science Center. Younger kids will have fun playing at the Centreville Theme Park while all ages will love a day at Canada's Wonderland. Black Creek Pioneer Village is a highlight for many families as well.
Is Madrid or Toronto Better for Couples?
Madrid
Toronto
Both Madrid and Toronto are great 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.
Toronto is a very popular place to visit for couples. This city is full of energy, and couples can enjoy amazing meals, impressive shows, and romantic outings. You can picnic at a park or check out the view from CN Tower. There are also dinner cruises and live theater.
Is Madrid or Toronto Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?
Madrid
Toronto
For backpackers, both Madrid and Toronto are great 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.
Toronto is a great city to visit for backpackers. There are a number of hostels around town and there's often a good crowd of backpackers.
Is Madrid or Toronto Better for Students?
Madrid
Toronto
For students, both Madrid and Toronto are world-class 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.
Toronto is a very popular place to visit for students. The city has a good number of universities that attract students from around the globe. This is a very livable city with a lot of diversity and plenty of entertainment options.
Is Madrid or Toronto Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?
Madrid
Toronto
Madrid and Toronto both offer world-class public transit to get you around.
Madrid has a great public transit system. The system includes the Madrid Metro, buses, and a light rail system.
Public transit in Toronto is top-notch. Union Station is the hub of the city's transportation system, which includes subways, buses and streetcars.
Is Madrid or Toronto a more walkable city?
Madrid
Toronto
Madrid is terrific for its walkability. Also, Toronto is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of 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.
Toronto is a very walkable city. It's a pedestrian-friendly city that is great for exploring on foot. The waterfront area has a walkway and there are cycling trails around town as well.
For even more information, also check out Is Madrid Worth Visiting? and Is Toronto Worth Visiting?.
Should I spend more time in Toronto or Madrid?
How long in Madrid or Toronto?
Both Madrid and Toronto have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Toronto than in Madrid. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Madrid, and 3-7 days is enough time in Toronto.
Families should spend more time in Madrid than Toronto. 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 Toronto. 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 Toronto 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 Toronto? Ideal Length of StayMadrid 2-5Toronto 3-7
One day in Madrid or Toronto?
Because Madrid is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.
Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the big city destination of Toronto. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.
A weekend in Madrid or Toronto?
Because Madrid is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Madrid has to offer.
Toronto 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 Toronto?
Madrid is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Madrid has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Toronto. 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 Toronto?
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Madrid. Many people enjoy the live music and food when visiting Madrid. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.
Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the cultural big city of Toronto. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Barcelona, The Best 10-Day Tours from Madrid, The Best Northern Lights Tours in Canada, and The Best Luxury Tours to Canada.
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Madrid Prices
Spain PricesToronto Prices
Canada Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMadrid €162Toronto €212
The average daily cost (per person) in Madrid is €162, while the average daily cost in Toronto is €212. 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 Toronto in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMadrid €78Toronto €73
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMadrid €156Toronto €146
Compare Hotels in Madrid and Toronto
Looking for a hotel in Madrid or Toronto? 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 Toronto Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Madrid €18Toronto €28
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:
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Madrid APT-HTL (MAD): $68
- Transfer: Barajas Airport (MAD) to Madrid City Center: $31
- Transfer from the Airport to Madrid: $142
- Shuttle Transfer Arrivals: Madrid Airport to City Center: $212
- Roundtrip Private Transfer from Madrid Airport (MAD): $79
- Private transfer to Madrid Airport (MAD): $39
- Private transfer from Madrid airport to Madrid city center.: $94
- Private transfer departure from City Centre to Madrid Airport: $29
- Private one way Transfer from/to Madrid to/from Segovia: $147
- Private Transfers Madrid Airport to Central Madrid: $50
- Private Transfer: Madrid to Madrid Airport MAD in Luxury Car: $127
- Private Transfer: Madrid Airport MAD to Madrid by Business Car: $88
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Toronto
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Toronto are as follows:
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Airport Shuttle€23
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Train: 2 Day Passes€14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Toronto
Also for Toronto, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ) Transfer to Downtown Montreal: $1,618
- Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ) Transfer to Kingston: $856
- Private Transfer to Kingston City or Queen's Unive…: $816
- Niagara Falls: Private Transfer to/from Toronto Airport: $700
- Pearson Airport to Blue Mountain Resort Transfer: $666
- Low cost Transfer: Toronto Downtown to Niagara Falls (Lake): $657
- Guided layover and stopover tour with transfers.: $500
- Pvt. Transfer St. Catharines Airport to Pearson Int Airport: $476
- Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ) Transfer to Niagara Falls: $442
- Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ) Transfer to Port Hope: $439
- Airport Transfer Toronto to Niagara region: $292
- Private Transfer to and from Kitchener Waterloo Region - Toronto Pearson Airport: $291
Is it cheaper to fly into Madrid or Toronto?
Prices for flights to both Toronto 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 €59Toronto €94
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:
- Corral de la Moreria Madrid Flamenco Show with Optional Dinner: $59
- Madrid Paella and Churros Cooking Class Ham and Wines Tasting: $70
- Murder Mystery Dinner Experience: $75
- Chocolate & Churros Cooking Class in Madrid: $77
- Madrid : Paella and Churros cooking class, ham and wines tasting: $77
- Traditional Cooking Class of Sardines with Dish Auction in Madrid: $81
- Madrid Tapas & Wine Tasting Food Tour – Small Group Local Bars: $91
- Spanish Cooking Class Paella Tapas and Sangria in Madrid: $100
- Madrid Food Tour in a Neighborhood Market with Churros: $105
- Tapas & Paella Cooking Class in Madrid with a Professional Chef: $105
- Madrid Tapas & Paella Cooking Experience with Local Market Visit: $112
- Madrid Food Tour Tasting the Heart of the City: $138
Typical Food Prices in Toronto
For Toronto, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Lunch at St. Lawrence Market for Two€20
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Dinner at Mill Street Brewery (for 2)€48
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Toronto
For Toronto, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Premium Harbor Cruise with Lunch, Brunch, or Dinner: $46
- Great White North Food Tour: $54
- Fun Sushi Making Cooking Class at a Trendy Venue in Toronto: $55
- Authentic Food Tour with Local & International Flavors: $59
- Pasta Making Cooking Class at a Local Distillery: $61
- Taste Canada: Non-Touristy St Lawrence Market Food Tour: $65
- Toronto Premier Dinner Cruise on Odyssey in Toronto Harbour: $69
- Kensington Market 'Taste the World' Food Tour: $72
- St Lawrence Market Food Tour with 6 Tastings: $78
- The Great Canadian Food Tour - Distillery + St. Lawrence Market: $80
- Niagara Falls Evening Tour with Boat, Journey, Dinner & Fireworks: $80
- Toronto's International Food Tour - Kensington Market: $87
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Madrid €33Toronto €27
Tours and Activities in Madrid
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Madrid.
- "Prado Museum" Tour A Treasure of World Art: $3.54
- 2 Days Guided Cultural Tour in Madrid Royal Palace and 3 Museums: $224
- 2 Hour Madrid City Expert Tour: $199
- 2-Hour Madrid Tapas Tour: Eat, Drink & Discover the Real Spain: $77
- 2-Hour Patisserie Experience for Dessert Lovers: $118
- 3-hour experience on the Redován K2 Family Via Ferrata: $49
- 30 Minutes of Jet Ski Adventure on the Coast of Alicante: $106
- A Self-Guided Tour of El Retiro Park’s Rise, Ruin and Redemption: $9.99
- A local's A self-guided audio tour: $9.99
- Alcalá de Henares Private Tour from Madrid: $252
- Alcala World Heritage Tour: $12
- Architour through Lavapiés and Rastro with an architect: $200
Typical Entertainment Prices in Toronto
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Toronto's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Art Gallery of Ontario for Two€13
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CN Tower at night for Two€31
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Harbour Dinner Cruise€22
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Bata Shoe Museum (2)€6.22
Tours and Activities in Toronto
For Toronto, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 1-Hour Toronto Harbour Tour with Live Narration: $29
- 20 km Helicopter Tour over Toronto: $152
- 60-Minute Toronto Luxury Yacht Sightseeing Prosecco Cruise!: $106
- 60-Minute Toronto Sightseeing Harbour Tour: $28
- Admission Ticket: Explore Canada in Miniature Scale: $33
- Adventures in Abstract Paint Pouring: $29
- Algonquin Park Hiking: Adventure Tour from Toronto: $151
- Best Value Toronto To Niagara Falls Day Tour: $51
- Best of Toronto City Tour with Boat Cruise & CN Tower Entry: $146
- Best of Private Walking Tour with a Local: $107
- Blue Mountain Ski One day Tour: $292
- Brothels of Old Toronto Walking Tour: $19
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMadrid €19Toronto €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:
- Visit to the Winery with Wine Tasting and Appetizers in Navarra: $12
- Madrid Pub Crawl: Open Bar, Shots & VIP Entry (Shoko & Fitz): $14
- Pub Crawl Madrid by Mad Party Crew: Bars, Shots and Club Entry: $20
- Wine Tour with tasting in the Natural Park of La Mata: $38
- Hypno Tasting Wine Tasting under Hypnosis in Madrid: $58
- New Year Eve Madrid Pub Crawl: $81
- Spanish Wine Tasting : $90
- Old Madrid Tapas & Wine Tasting Tour - Real Small Groups 8 Max: $99
- Madrid Tapas & Wine Tour: Local Bars & Spanish Wine Tasting: $112
- Eating Not Just Another Tapas and Wine Tour: $114
- Madrid Tapas & Wine Tour with Rooftop Views and Local Guide: $116
- Toledo Tour & Vineyard Experience with Wine Tasting from Madrid: $130
Sample the Local Flavors in Toronto
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Toronto:
- Toronto Distillery District: Whisky Exploration Game and Tour: $8.24
- Distillery District Historic Walking Tour: $20
- Toronto Distillery District Walking Tour: $21
- Nickel 9 Distillery Tour and Tasting: $25
- Distillery & Old Town Private Walking Tour: $28
- Short Distillery District Segway Tour: $35
- Pub Crawl Toronto: $43
- Pub Crawl Toronto: $44
- Distillery District Breakfast Walking Tour: $53
- Distillery District Breakfast Tour: $54
- Private Corktown and Distillery District Tour: $59
- Distillery District Beer and Cheese Tasting Tour: $68
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Madrid and Toronto, we can see that Toronto 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 Toronto 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 Toronto would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Toronto 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 Toronto Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Madrid or Toronto?
Toronto has a larger population, and is about 48% larger than the population of Madrid. When comparing the sizes of Madrid and Toronto, 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.