Which place is cheaper, Venice or Madrid?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Madrid or Venice?
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 Venice 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 friendly, authentic, and cultural 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 shopping, museums, and nightlife.
Venice
Venice is a historic, beautiful, and romantic city. 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 food, shopping, and museums.
Madrid and Venice: Pros and Cons
Madrid
Pros- Popular for food and cuisine
- 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
Venice
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Scenic old town
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Impressive beauty
- Quaint atmosphere
- Home to St. Mark's Basilica
- Less popular for food
- Less popular for nightlife
Is there more to do in Madrid or Venice?
You'll generally find more things to do in Madrid than Venice. Madrid is bigger than Venice, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Madrid is better known for its food, nightlife, music, and big city activities, while Venice is more popular for its museums, historical sights, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Venice is more touristy than Madrid and is known for its many canals, famous gondolas, iconic architecture, romantic squares, and beautiful bridges. 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 Venice?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Venice 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 Venice?
Madrid
Venice
Venice 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 Venice from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. The many historic and famous landmarks in town include St. Mark's Basilica, St. Mark's Square, Doge's Palace, and the Rialto Bridge.
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 Venice? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?
Madrid
Venice
Madrid is a world-class destination for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Venice is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.
Madrid has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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.
Venice offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. For the best dining experience, you should try to avoid the touristy restaurants that serve the typical pizza and pasta. Instead, find a local eatery that specializes in the region's traditional flavors like fish and vegetables.
Is Madrid or Venice Better for Nightlife?
Madrid
Venice
Madrid is great for its evening party scene. However, Venice 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 Venice specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. If you want to party, your best option is to head to the Lido area where you'll find night clubs and bars. A better alternative for enjoying your evening is to order a late night meal and a glass of wine at a local restaurant in Venice.
Is Madrid or Venice Better for Music?
Madrid
Venice
Madrid is a world-class destination for its music scene. However, Venice 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.
Venice is not a live music destination.
Is Madrid or Venice Better for its Old Town?
Madrid
Venice
Venice is renowned for its historic old town. However, Madrid does not have a historic old town.
The old town of Venice is one of the most recognized in the world. The city's historic area is unlike anywhere else in the world. The canals, colorful buildings, are world-renowned architecture, make this among the most recognized historic settings in the world.
Madrid does not have a historic old town.
Is the Shopping Better in Madrid or Venice?
Madrid
Venice
If you're looking to go shopping, Madrid and Venice both offer plenty of amazing 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 Venice make it a world-class shopping destination. There are many unique items that people purchase in town. Some of the most popular include Murano glass, Burano lace, Venetian masks, and local fabrics.
Is Madrid or Venice Better for Families?
Madrid
Venice
Both Madrid and Venice are superb 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.
Venice is a very kid-friendly city. Even for kids, visiting this city is all about soaking up the atmosphere and sense of place. It is unlike anywhere else in the world. The canals, historic buildings, gondolas, and plazas offer a special environment, even for kids who may be burned out from exploring cities. Attractions that appeal to kids include visiting the prisons at Doge's Palace, shopping for masks, and taking a ride on a gondola.
Is Madrid or Venice Better for Couples?
Madrid
Venice
Venice is renowned for romance. Also, Madrid is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.
Venice is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. With its many truly unique romantic experiences, this city makes for a truly memorable honeymoon or romantic getaway. Ride a gondola, get lost in the city, and enjoy pasta and music around town to make the experience unlike any other.
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 Venice Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?
Madrid
Venice
For backpackers, both Madrid and Venice are superb 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.
Venice is a great city to visit for backpackers. Many backpackers stay just out of town to save a bit of money, but, even though it's not cheap, this city is well-established on the backpacker trail.
Is Madrid or Venice Better for Students?
Madrid
Venice
For students, both Madrid and Venice are amazing 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.
Venice is a very popular place to visit for students. Because of its well-established reputation, this city attracts many international students for both semester and full length programs. There are many programs to choose between, and many students focus on the region's art, architecture, history, and language.
Is Madrid or Venice Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?
Madrid
Venice
Madrid and Venice both offer amazing 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 Venice is top-notch. There is a comprehensive boat and ferry system that includes aporettos, alilagunas, private water taxis, gondolas, and traghettos.
Is Madrid or Venice a more walkable city?
Madrid
Venice
Madrid and Venice are amazing 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 Venice on foot. Because it is small, it's easy to walk to all of the major tourist attractions.
For even more information, also check out Is Madrid Worth Visiting? and Is Venice Worth Visiting?.
Should I spend more time in Venice or Madrid?
How long in Madrid or Venice?
Both Madrid and Venice have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Venice than in Madrid. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Madrid, and 2-7 days is enough time in Venice.
Families should spend more time in Venice than Madrid. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Venice, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.
Couples should spend more time in Venice than Madrid. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Venice that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Madrid than Venice 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 Venice? Ideal Length of StayMadrid 2-5Venice 2-7
One day in Madrid or Venice?
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 shopping and museums when visiting the quaint destination of Venice. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.
A weekend in Madrid or Venice?
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.
Venice 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 Venice?
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 Venice. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Venice?
Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the authentic 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.
Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the magical destination of Venice. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Barcelona, The Best 10-Day Tours from Madrid, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMadrid €136Venice €229
The average daily cost (per person) in Madrid is €136, while the average daily cost in Venice is €229. 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 Venice in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMadrid €77Venice €120
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMadrid €154Venice €240
Compare Hotels in Madrid and Venice
Looking for a hotel in Madrid or Venice? 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 Venice Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Madrid €19Venice €27
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
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Venice
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Venice:
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Venice 12 Hour Transport Pass€16
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Vaporetto Ride€6.50
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1 Day Travel Card€18
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7 Day Transport Card (for Two)€101
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Venice
Also for Venice, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Venice Airport: Round Trip Private Transfer to Florence city: $2,082
- Venice Marco Polo Airport: Round-trip Transfer to Milan City: $1,492
- From Milan: One-Way Transfer to/from Venice Cruise Port: $1,159
- Luxury Private Transfer Between Siena and Venice: $1,145
- Trieste: Round Trip Transfer to Piazzale Roma in Venice: $1,043
- Ravenna Port or City: 1- Way Transfer to Venice + water taxi: $1,023
- One-Way Transfer to Florence Airport or Hotel: $1,018
- Bologna Airport:1-Way Private Transfer to Venice+water taxi: $828
- Marco Polo Airport to Cortina D’Ampezzo Transfer: $818
- Transfer from Airport to Trieste Cruise Terminal: $788
- Transfer from Trieste Cruise Terminal to Marco Polo Airport: $788
- Venice Airport:1-Way Transfer to Ravenna City or Cruise Port: $746
Is it cheaper to fly into Madrid or Venice?
Prices for flights to both Venice 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 €34Venice €65
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 Venice
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Venice:
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Panini Sandwich€4.00
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Gelato€6.00
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Artichoke & Mushroom Pizza€7.90
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Expresso€1.95
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Slice of Pizza€2.23
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Three Course Dinner (for Two)€79
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Venice
For Venice, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Hard Rock Cafe with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $29
- Street Food Tour with a Local Guide and Tastings: $47
- Venice Street Food Tour with Local Guide with Local Food Market Visit: $48
- Small Group Venice Street Food Tour with Expert Local Guide: $48
- Eating Venice Street Food Tour with Guided Tasting and Sightseeing: $48
- Secret Street Food Tour of Venice in 2,5 hours: $48
- Guided City Highlights and Street Food Tour: $51
- Venetian Dinner: $62
- Twilight Food Tour with Cicchetti and Spritz Tasting: $63
- Venetian Dinner: $67
- 2-Course Dinner in a Typical Venetian Restaurant: $74
- Guided Small Group Kickstart Food Tour of Venice : $76
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Madrid €34Venice €101
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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Venice
For Venice, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Venice Boat Ride€15
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Bell tower of St. Mark Entrance Fee€8.00
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Gondola Ride (for Group)€80
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Secret Itinerary Tour- Doge's Palace€16
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The Jewish Museum Admission€3.00
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The Glass Museum in Murano€8.00
Tours and Activities in Venice
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Venice.
- From Vicenza Private Tour: $281
- Peggy Guggenheim collection Venice private tour: $87
- Private Grand Canal 1-Hour Boat Tour: $293
- Small-group Saint Mark’s Basilica Skip-the-line Tour: $53
- Venice Top-Attractions Walking Tour for Kids & Families & Child-Friendly Guide: $238
- Private 2-Hour Doge's Palace Tour: $217
- Friendinvenice, how to experience the true Venice, private tour: $125
- 1-hour panoramic tour of Venice by boat: $27
- 2 Hour Venice Canal Kayak Tour - Premium experience by day: $108
- 2 Hours Private Guided Tour of the Doge's Palace: $130
- 2-Hour Venice with Kids and Family Friendly Private Guided Tour: $272
- 2hr Night Kayak Tour in premium tour with sunset: $127
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMadrid €20Venice €24
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
Typical Alcohol Prices in Venice
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Venice:
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1/2 Liter Wine€5.20
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Beer€4.90
Sample the Local Flavors in Venice
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Venice:
- Venice Food and Wine Tasting Tour with a Local Guide: $8.69
- Guided Visit and Wine Tasting at the Winery in Veneto: $27
- Guided Tour and wine tasting 5 wines to discover the Conegliano Valdobbiadene: $27
- Wine Tasting in Venice: $37
- Wine Tasting in Venice: $39
- Wine tasting Asolo Prosecco at Tenuta Baron: $59
- Food and Wine Tasting Bar Tour & Evening Guided Tour: $71
- Venetian Style Carnival Pub Crawl: $74
- Venetian Style Carnival Pub Crawl: $82
- Eat, drink and repeat: Wine tasting tour in Venice: $97
- Experience Venice with a Local Sommelier: Cicchetti & Wine Tour: $103
- A Venetian Evening - Wine Tasting & Tapas tour with a Local guide: $108
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Madrid and Venice, we can see that Venice 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 Venice would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Venice 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 Venice Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Madrid or Venice?
Madrid has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Venice. When comparing the sizes of Madrid and Venice, 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.