Which place is cheaper, Madrid or Manchester?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Manchester or Madrid?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Manchester and Madrid can help you decide which place is right for you.
Manchester
Manchester is a vibrant, dynamic, and diverse city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, live music, and food.
Madrid
Madrid is a friendly, authentic, and cultural city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife.
Manchester and Madrid: Pros and Cons
Manchester
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Active nightlife
- Good music scene
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Big city activities
- Less walkable
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
- Very walkable
- Big city activities
Is there more to do in Manchester or Madrid?
Travelers will usually find more to do in Madrid than Manchester, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Madrid is more popular for its food, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Manchester is known for its museums. Madrid is more touristy than Manchester and is known for its art and architecture, its tapas and culinary scene, and its lively flamenco dancing. It is also home to The Prado Museum. Manchester is popular for its strong music culture as well as being home to the world-renowned Manchester United Football Club.
How is Manchester different from Madrid?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Madrid and Manchester. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Manchester or Madrid?
Manchester
Madrid
Manchester 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 Manchester. Head to the Science and Industry Museum, the Imperial War Museum North, Manchester Cathedral, or John Rylands Library & Manchester Central Library to see some of the cities most interesting sights.
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 Manchester or Madrid? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?
Manchester
Madrid
Madrid is very popular for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Manchester 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.
Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Manchester. You'll find a great food scene with diverse restaurant options that include international flavors, vegetarian options, and more. There are also many great places to try craft beer.
Is Manchester or Madrid Better for Nightlife?
Manchester
Madrid
The vibe at night is superb in both Manchester and Madrid.
Many people head to Manchester for the nightlife scene. The nightlife scene is diverse and high energy. Head to Deansgate or the Northern Quarter for some of the best nightlife venues. You'll also find a huge rave scene in town.
Madrid has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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 Manchester or Madrid Better for Music?
Manchester
Madrid
Madrid is very popular for live music. Also, Manchester is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its live music scene.
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.
If you love music, you'll find something to enjoy in Manchester. There's a long running music reputation here. Some of the iconic bands that began here include Oasis and Stone Roses.
Is the Shopping Better in Manchester or Madrid?
Manchester
Madrid
Madrid is very popular for shopping. Also, Manchester is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping opportunities.
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.
Manchester is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. From jewelry to boutique clothing outlets, there are many places to shop around town. Head to Manchester Arndale, Trafford Centre, or Market Street for some of the best shopping.
Is Manchester or Madrid Better for Families?
Manchester
Madrid
You'll find superb kid-friendly activities in either Manchester or Madrid.
Manchester is a very family-friendly destination. You'll find a number of kid-friendly activities around town including the popular Legoland Discovery Center. Another fun activity is taking a behind the scenes CBBC interactive tour at MediaCityUK. Animal lovers will enjoy visiting the SeaLife Aquarium or the Chester Zoo and sports enthusiasts will not want to miss a visit to the National Football Museum or doing a tour of Old Trafford where you can also visit the Manchester United Museum.
Madrid is a very kid-friendly city. 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.
Is Manchester or Madrid Better for Couples?
Manchester
Madrid
Both Manchester and Madrid are superb destinations to visit as a couple.
Manchester is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Couples can enjoy a visit to a spa, a nice meal out, or simply wandering down the canal. For a unique experience, you can hit to slopes at Chill Factore.
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 Manchester or Madrid Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?
Manchester
Madrid
Madrid is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Manchester is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.
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.
It's common for backpackers to visit Manchester. You'll find hostels around town and a number of visitors, particularly during the sports season.
Is Manchester or Madrid Better for Students?
Manchester
Madrid
Madrid is very popular for its student-friendly activities. Also, Manchester is not as popular, but is still a nice city for students.
Students come from all over the world to visit Madrid. 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.
Manchester is a great city to visit as a student. There's a large number of students as well as a great music scene and tons of festivals that make this a great city to do your studies.
Is Manchester or Madrid Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?
Manchester
Madrid
Madrid is very popular for times when you don't have a car. Also, Manchester is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.
Madrid has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. The system includes the Madrid Metro, buses, and a light rail system.
Public transit in Manchester can get you to some places easily. The city has bus, train, and tram options for travel.
Is Manchester or Madrid a more walkable city?
Manchester
Madrid
Madrid is very popular for its walkability. Also, Manchester is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its high level of 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.
Manchester is a somewhat walkable place. Some neighborhoods are more walkable than others.
For even more information, also check out Is Manchester Worth Visiting? and Is Madrid Worth Visiting?.
Should I spend more time in Madrid or Manchester?
How long in Manchester or Madrid?
In either Manchester or Madrid, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Madrid than Manchester because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Manchester, and 2-5 days is enough time in Madrid.
Families should spend more time in Madrid than Manchester. 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 Manchester. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Madrid that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Madrid than Manchester 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 Manchester or Madrid? Ideal Length of StayManchester 2-4Madrid 2-5
One day in Manchester or Madrid?
Manchester 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.
With live music and food around the friendly city of Madrid, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.
A weekend in Manchester or Madrid?
Manchester 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.
With food and shopping around the big city destination of Madrid, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.
Five days in Manchester or Madrid?
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Manchester. 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.
Madrid, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.
A week in Manchester or Madrid?
Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the cultural big city of Manchester. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.
Madrid is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Edinburgh, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United Kingdom, The Best Contiki Tours to Spain, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayManchester £184Madrid £117
The average daily cost (per person) in Manchester is £184, while the average daily cost in Madrid is £117. 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 Manchester and Madrid in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personManchester £71Madrid £66
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomManchester £142Madrid £132
Compare Hotels in Manchester and Madrid
Looking for a hotel in Manchester or Madrid? 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: Manchester Hotel Prices and Madrid Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Manchester £19Madrid £16
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Manchester
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Manchester are as follows:
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Rail to Airport£11
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Parking in Manchester£3.00
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Manchester
Also for Manchester, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Round-Trip Transfer From Manchester Airport to Old Trafford Stadium: $279
- Private Transfer from Manchester Airport (MAN) to Hull: $276
- Manchester Airport (MAN): Private Transfer to Liverpool City: $249
- Private Transfer from Manchester Airport (MAN) to Wrexham: $233
- Private Transfer from Manchester Airport (MAN) to Goole: $228
- Private Transfer from Manchester Airport (MAN) to Conwy: $200
- Private Transfer from Manchester Airport (MAN) to Harrogate: $198
- Private Transfer from Manchester Airport (MAN) to Burton-upon-Trent: $190
- Private Transfer from Manchester Airport (MAN) to Doncaster: $187
- Private Transfer from Manchester Airport (MAN) to Fleetwood: $172
- Private Transfer from Manchester Airport (MAN) to Liverpool City Centre: $158
- Manchester Airport(MAN) to Liverpool- Round-Trip Private Transfer: $157
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Madrid
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Madrid are as follows:
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Taxi Ride£22
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
Is it cheaper to fly into Manchester or Madrid?
Prices for flights to both Madrid and Manchester 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 dayManchester £55Madrid £29
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Manchester
For Manchester, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Hard Rock Cafe with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $30
- Hard Rock Cafe Manchester with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $33
- Pistachio LOVERS Italian Dinner Experience: $35
- Private Italian Dinner with a Romantic Night Experience: $63
- 2 Hours Sicilian Wine Tasting and Dinner at Manchester: $76
- Manchester Food Tour with a Local Guide: $87
- Half-Day Manchester Food Tour with Lunch: $89
- 3-Hour Guided Manchester Food Tour with Lunch : $95
- Private Food Tour with Local Guide: $199
Typical Food Prices in Madrid
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Madrid:
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Coffee£1.71
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Ice Cream£2.57
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Kebabs (for 2)£14
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Croissant£1.28
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Lunch at Airport (for 2)£13
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
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Manchester £30Madrid £29
Tours and Activities in Manchester
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Manchester.
- SEA LIFE Manchester Admission Ticket: $21
- 3-Hour Manchester Shopping Tour with a Stylist: $119
- 3-day Yorkshire Dales and Peak District Tour from Manchester: $522
- A Silent Disco Adventure in Manchester: $21
- Alcotraz Prison Cocktail Experience in Manchester: $51
- Breathtaking Manchester – Walking Tour for Couples: $235
- Breathtaking Manchester – Walking Tour for Couples: $463
- Chatsworth and Peak District Small-Group Tour from Manchester: $74
- Christmas Charms of Manchester – Private Walking Tour: $566
- City River Tour: $15
- Craft Beer Tour around Manchester: $51
- Craft Brews of Manchester – A Private Beer Tour: $666
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
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayManchester £9.90Madrid £17
Sample the Local Flavors in Manchester
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Manchester:
- Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events: $47
- Four hour walking wine tasting tour of Manchester's best bars: $101
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£4.28
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Drinks and Tapas (for 2)£11
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
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Manchester and Madrid, we can see that Manchester 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 Manchester would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Manchester 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 Manchester Expensive? and Is Madrid Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Manchester or Madrid?
Madrid has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Manchester. When comparing the sizes of Manchester and Madrid, 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.