Which place is cheaper, Madrid or Marseille?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Marseille or Madrid?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Marseille or Madrid, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Marseille
Marseille is a energetic and vibrant city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Since it has a quaint atmosphere, you'll want to spend time soaking it all in. Other reasons to visit include shopping, nightlife, and food.
Madrid
Madrid is a authentic, cultural, and diverse 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 museums, nightlife, and live music.
Marseille and Madrid: Pros and Cons
Marseille
Pros- Active nightlife
- Popular beach
- Scenic old town
- Known for Christmas markets
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Impressive beauty
- Quaint atmosphere
- Less family-friendly
- Public transit not as usable
Madrid
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Active nightlife
- Good music scene
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Good public transit
- Big city activities
Is there more to do in Marseille or Madrid?
You'll generally find more things to do in Madrid than Marseille. Madrid is bigger than Marseille, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Madrid is better known for its museums, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Marseille is more popular for its nightlife, beaches, historical sights, christmas markets, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Marseille is well known for its unique history, its diverse population, and its authenticity. 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 Marseille different from Madrid?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Madrid and Marseille. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Marseille or Madrid?
Marseille
Madrid
Madrid is a nice place to visit for its museums and history. However, Marseille 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.
Marseille does not have museums and landmarks.
Is the Food Better in Marseille or Madrid? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?
Marseille
Madrid
Foodies will find both Marseille and Madrid both to be first-rate destinations.
Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Marseille is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. It's famous for its bouillabaisse, which is a hearty seafood soup that was once affordable but is now quite pricey.
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.
Is Marseille or Madrid Better for Nightlife?
Marseille
Madrid
Marseille is renowned for nightlife. Also, Madrid is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.
Marseille is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. Much of the city's nightlife is centered around being outdoors. Whether you're on the beach or hanging out at a rooftop bar, Marseille is a magical place.
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 Marseille or Madrid Better for Music?
Marseille
Madrid
Madrid is a world-class destination for its music scene. However, Marseille 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.
Marseille is not a live music destination.
Is Marseille or Madrid Better for Beaches?
Marseille
Madrid
Marseille is a city with good options for its beaches. However, Madrid is not a beach destination.
Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Marseille. The city has nice beaches that offer both culture and diversity, which may be lacking some other coastal parts of the French Riviera.
Madrid is not a beach destination.
Is Marseille or Madrid Better for its Old Town?
Marseille
Madrid
Marseille is renowned for its historic old town. However, Madrid does not have a historic old town.
The old town of Marseille is one of the most recognized in the world. The Old Port is filled with shops and boutiques, and is the most scenic part of the city. It dates back to the Middle Ages and is filled with history and character.
Madrid does not have a historic old town.
Is the Shopping Better in Marseille or Madrid?
Marseille
Madrid
Madrid is a world-class destination for its shopping areas. Also, Marseille is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.
Marseille is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The city has boutiques, farmers markets, and flea markets to explore, as well as any luxury brand you may want.
Is Marseille or Madrid Better for Christmas Markets?
Marseille
Madrid
Marseille is a city with good options for visiting Christmas markets. However, Madrid does not offer Christmas markets.
Marseille is a nice place to see Christmas markets. The old town has a Christmas craft market where you can buy toys, Christmas treats, or decorations.
Madrid does not offer Christmas markets.
Is Marseille or Madrid Better for Families?
Marseille
Madrid
Madrid is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. However, Marseille is lacking in options 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.
Marseille doesn't usually come to mind when thinking about kid-friendly destinations. Nearby beaches and an outdoor climbing area make it a diverse city to visit with kids.
Is Marseille or Madrid Better for Couples?
Marseille
Madrid
Marseille and Madrid are both high quality to visit as a couple.
Marseille makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Strolling the boulevards and exploring the history and culture of this city make it a top couples' destination.
Couples visit Madrid frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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 Marseille or Madrid Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?
Marseille
Madrid
Madrid is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Marseille is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.
Marseille is a good city to visit for backpackers. It has a decent number of hostels for a city of its size.
Is Marseille or Madrid Better for Students?
Marseille
Madrid
Madrid is a world-class destination for its student-friendly activities. Also, Marseille is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.
Madrid is a great destination 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.
Students come from all over to stay in Marseille. It attracts international students because of its rich culture, unique atmosphere, and lively bar scene.
Is Marseille or Madrid Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?
Marseille
Madrid
Madrid is a world-class destination for times when you don't have a car. Also, Marseille is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.
With a huge network, the transit system in Madrid can get you around easily. The system includes the Madrid Metro, buses, and a light rail system.
You'll find some public transit in Marseille, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The city has trams, a metro, and buses that you can use to explore.
Is Marseille or Madrid a more walkable city?
Marseille
Madrid
Madrid is a world-class destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Marseille is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its 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.
Marseille is very walkable. The Old Port (Vieux Port) is particularly walkable and is one of the best areas to explore on foot.
For even more information, also check out Is Marseille Worth Visiting? and Is Madrid Worth Visiting?.
Should I spend more time in Madrid or Marseille?
How long in Marseille or Madrid?
In either Marseille or Madrid, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Madrid than Marseille because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Marseille, and 2-5 days is enough time in Madrid.
Families should spend more time in Madrid than Marseille. 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 Marseille. 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 Marseille 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.
-
How many days in Marseille or Madrid? Ideal Length of StayMarseille 2-3Madrid 2-5
One day in Marseille or Madrid?
Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the quaint destination of Marseille. 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.
People visit Madrid because there is so much to do. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.
A weekend in Marseille or Madrid?
Marseille 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.
People visit Madrid because there is so much to do. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.
Five days in Marseille or Madrid?
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Marseille. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.
People visit Madrid because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.
A week in Marseille or Madrid?
Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the vibrant destination of Marseille. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.
Madrid is a popular choice for travelers. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Contiki Tours to France, The Best G Adventures Tours to France, The Best Contiki Tours to Spain, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMarseille €148Madrid €136
The average daily cost (per person) in Marseille is €148, while the average daily cost in Madrid is €136. 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 Marseille and Madrid in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMarseille €71Madrid €77
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMarseille €142Madrid €154
Compare Hotels in Marseille and Madrid
Looking for a hotel in Marseille 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: Marseille Hotel Prices and Madrid Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Marseille €28Madrid €19
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Marseille
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Marseille:
-
Metro Pass€3.00
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Marseille
Also for Marseille, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer Between Marseille Airport and Nice Airport: $1,171
- Marseille or Aix ⟷Transfer to Nice 7 pax: $692
- Cannes Private Transfer to Marseille Airport: $638
- Marseille Airport private Transfer to Cannes: $638
- Marseille or Aix en Pce Transfer From/to Arles: $362
- Marseille or Aix en Pce Transfer From/to Avignon: $362
- Marseille Airport Transfer From/to Avignon: $354
- Marseille Airport Transfer From/to Arles: $324
- Private transfer from Marseille Airport to Cavaillon: $277
- Private Transfer from Marseille Airport to Avignon: $273
- Marseille Provence Airport transfer ↔ Avignon: $266
- Marseille Airport: VIP transfer to Baumaniere: $250
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Madrid
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Madrid are as follows:
-
Taxi Ride€26
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Madrid
Also for Madrid, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Vehicle transfer with driver included in Madrid: $218
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Madrid APT-HTL (MAD): $61
- Transfers Madrid Airport to Madrid Center in Vans up to 7 Passengers: $47
- Transfer to Barajas Airport from Madrid: $76
- Transfer in private minivan from Madrid City - Madrid Barajas Airport (MAD): $75
- Transfer in private minivan from Madrid Airport (MAD) - Madrid City: $75
- Transfer in Private Vehicle from Madrid Barajas Airport (MAD) - Madrid City: $61
- Transfer from Barajas Airport to Madrid: $95
- Shuttle Transfer Arrivals: Madrid Airport to City Center: $140
- Segovia: Full-Day Tour with Transfer to and from Madrid: $447
- Roundtrip Transfer Private Minivan Madrid Airport (MAD) - Madrid City: $149
- Round Trip Transfer from Madrid Airport MAD to Madrid by Sedan: $78
Is it cheaper to fly into Marseille or Madrid?
Prices for flights to both Madrid and Marseille 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
-
Food Meals for one dayMarseille €42Madrid €34
Typical Food Prices in Marseille
For Marseille, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
-
Orangina€2.50
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Marseille
For Marseille, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Web-cooking workshop / French cuisine or French pastry: $35
- Sunset Cruise with Dinner: $73
- Sunset Sailing Cruise with Dinner and Drinks: $85
- Sunset Boat Cruise with Dinner and Drinks: $85
- Sunset Apéro Food tour: $95
- Bakeries, Chocolate & Patisseries Food Tour: $95
- Walking Food Tour with Tastings: $96
- Marseille Sunset Apéro Food tour: $97
- Evening Food Tour with Tastings: $101
- Sunset Sailing Dinner in the Frioul Archipelago: $101
- Marseille Miam Miam Food tour: $104
- Marseille Food Tour - Bakeries, Chocolate and Patisseries: $108
Typical Food Prices in Madrid
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Madrid:
-
Coffee€2.00
-
Ice Cream€3.00
-
Kebabs (for 2)€16
-
Croissant€1.50
-
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
- Madrid Tipsy Tapas Guided Food Tour with Dinner: $42
- Madrid Tapas Dinner Party with Guide: $43
- Madrid Tipsy Tapas Tour with Dinner and Drinks: $43
- Paella and Sangria Workshop with Dinner and Drinks: $47
- San Miguel Market and Street Food Tour: $52
- The Authentic Morning Madrid's Food Tour: $59
- Opera and Zarzuela Show and Dinner: $61
- Iberico Ham and Spanish Wine Small-Group Food Tour: $63
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Marseille €38Madrid €34
Tours and Activities in Marseille
For Marseille, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Marseille French Pastries and Chocolate Tour: $104
- "Old Marseille" district tour and treasure hunt: $29
- 2H: City-Tour Marseille: $274
- 3h Kayak Tour at Calanques National Park: $67
- A Day in Provence Small Group Tour from Marseille: $180
- Aix-en-Provence: Half-Day Shore Excursion Tour: $638
- All Inclusive Food & History Tour of Marseille with Local Guide: $144
- Beer tasting experience in Marseille: $43
- Bookbinding experience in the Vieux Port: $93
- Calanques National Park Guided Hiking Tour: $50
- Calanques National Park Kayak Day Tour: $112
- Calanques Trilogy Electric Bike Tour from Marseille: $66
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
- Skip the Line Guided Tour Royal Palace Madrid: $72
- Toledo with Cathedral from Madrid Full Day Tour: $134
- "Prado Museum" Tour A Treasure of World Art: $66
- 2 Days Guided Cultural Tour in Madrid Royal Palace and 3 Museums : $208
- 2-Hour Private Walking Tour through the Beautiful Streets of Madrid: $49
- 2-Hour Tour of the Madrid of Mysteries: $14
- 2-Hour Walking Tour on the History of Islamic Medieval the origins: $38
- 2.5-Hour Evening Tapas Tour through Madrid: $37
- 3 Hours Walking Tour in Madrid: $266
- 3-Hour Private Tour of Madrid by Bike: $29
- 3-Hour Tapas Walking Tour of Madrid Food and Drink Included: $93
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayMarseille €27Madrid €20
Sample the Local Flavors in Marseille
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Marseille:
- Marseille Bar Crawl Party with Free Shots and VIP Entry: $27
- Marseille Pub Crawl : Meet, Drink & Party: $43
- New Year's Eve Bar Crawl Marseille France: $96
- Delicious Food and Wine Tour: $104
- Bandol and Cassis: Full Day Wine Tour from Marseille: $143
- Luberon: Full-Day Wine Tour from Marseille: $143
- Full-day Wine Tour around Bandol & Cassis from Marseille: $146
- Full-Day Wine Tour around Luberon from Marseille: $146
- Côtes du Rhône Wine tour: Avignon, Palace of the Popes: $163
- Marseille Shore Excursion - Full Day Wine Tour in Provence: $164
- Small Group Marseille Shore Excursion : Avignon & Chateauneuf du Pape Wine Tour: $164
- From Provence Sightseeing Tour and Wine Tasting: $176
Typical Alcohol Prices in Madrid
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Madrid are as follows:
-
Beer€5.00
-
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: $9.58
- 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: $19
- Wine Tasting Experience with 4 Spanish Wines: $26
- Wine Tour with tasting in the Natural Park of La Mata: $38
- Wine Tasting Experience: $49
- Toledo Day Trip with Winery Visit and Wine Tasting: $55
- Toledo Full Day with Winery Visit, Tapas & Wine Tasting : $57
When comparing the travel costs between Marseille and Madrid, we can see that Marseille is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Marseille Expensive? and Is Madrid Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Marseille or Madrid?
Madrid has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Marseille. When comparing the sizes of Marseille 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.