Which city is cheaper, Madrid or Munich?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Munich vs. Madrid for Food, Nightlife, Music, and Backpackers
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Should you visit Munich or Madrid?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Munich 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.
Munich
Munich is a high energy, multicultural, and economically thriving 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.
Madrid
Madrid is a compact, friendly, and cultural city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and live music.
How is Munich different from Madrid?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Is Munich or Madrid better for Museums and Historical Sights?
For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Munich or Madrid.
With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Munich can be an interesting and educational experience. Famous sights include the Old Town Hall in Marienplatz, Nymphenburg Palace, and the Munich Residenz.
You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into 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.
Is Munich or Madrid better for Food?
Both Munich and Madrid offer a number of unique restaurants to choose from.
Dining out in Munich is an experience not to be missed. Bavaria has some of the best food in Germany. Popular dishes include schnitzel, weisswurst and spätzel.
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. Local favorites include roast suckling pig, Spanish omelette, and meat and chickpea stew.
Is Munich or Madrid better for Nightlife?
Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Munich and Madrid.
Munich is a world class party destination. The city has a young and vibrant population that keep the nightlife scene active and fun. There are many bars and clubs around town, but the city is also famous for Oktoberfest during the months of September and October.
Madrid is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. 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 Munich or Madrid better for Music?
Live music enthusiatsts will find something to enjoy in either Munich or Madrid.
In Munich you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. The city is known for its music festivals, large concerts, and small venues that are diverse enough that there is something for everyone.
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.
Is Munich or Madrid better for Shopping?
Shopping in a popular activity in both Madrid and Munich.
Munich is a world class destination for shoppers. There are many pedestrian areas and shopping centers where you can find everything from luxury items to bargain finds.
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.
Is Munich or Madrid better for Families?
Munich and Madrid are both fun destinations for the whole family.
Munich is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Popular kid activities include going to the top of Stadium Roof at Olympic Park, checking out the movie sets at Filmstadt, and taking a paddle boat ride in the city park.
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.
Is Munich or Madrid better for Couples?
Munich and Madrid are both fun to visit as a couple.
Couples visit Munich frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples enjoy exploring the palaces around the city, visiting the Roman baths at Müller's Volksbad, and checking out the many great restaurants around town.
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.
Is Munich or Madrid better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?
Munich and Madrid are comparable places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.
Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Munich. The city has many fun hostels that often host events and activities for guests. It's easy to meet other backpackers and take advantage of the nightlife around town.
Madrid is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. The many hostels around town make it easy for backpackers to find affordable accommodation while also meeting other travelers.
Is Munich or Madrid better for Students?
Munich and Madrid are comparable places to visit for students.
Munich is a great destination for students. The city is an economic hub for both Germany and Europe, so it attracts employees from around the world. There are many wonderful university programs, including a great business school in town. The city's multicultural setting makes it great for international students.
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.
Is Munich or Madrid better for Public Transit?
You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Munich and Madrid.
Munich has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. Transit options include a subway (U-Bahn), suburban trains (S-Bahn), trams, and buses.
Madrid has a great public transit system. The system includes the Madrid Metro, buses, and a light rail system.
Is Munich or Madrid a more walkable city?
Munich and Madrid both are comparable when exploring on foot.
Munich is a very walkable destination. While walking tours are a great way to explore, the city is quite large so you'll want to take public transit as well.
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.
Munich and Madrid: Pros and Cons
Munich
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Good music scene
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Big city activities
Madrid
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Good music scene
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Big city activities
Should I spend more time in Madrid or Munich?
How long in Munich or Madrid?
In either Munich or Madrid, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. You can fill a similar amount of time in either place.
The ideal length of time for a trip to Munich is 2-5 days, and the ideal length of time for a trip to Madrid is 2-5 days.
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How many days in Munich or Madrid? Ideal Length of StayMunich 2-5Madrid 2-5
One day in Munich or Madrid?
Munich 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 food and shopping when visiting the big city destination of Madrid. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.
A weekend in Munich or Madrid?
Munich 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.
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.
Five days in Munich or Madrid?
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Munich. 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 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.
A week in Munich or Madrid?
Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the bustling big city of Munich. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.
Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the friendly 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.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMunich €116Madrid €107
The average daily cost (per person) in Munich is €116, while the average daily cost in Madrid is €107. 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 city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Munich and Madrid in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMunich €69Madrid €59
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMunich €138Madrid €118
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Munich €15Madrid €15
Typical Local Transportation prices in Munich
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Munich:
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Single Zone Trip on Subway€2.30
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Inner District Subway Day Pass€5.20
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City transport day ticket€11
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Munich
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Munich:
- Private Transfer from Munich to Prague: $1,060
- Private transfer from Munich to Vienna: $1,045
- Private transfer from Baden Baden to München or the opposite way: $933
- Private Transfer Munich Airport to Zürich or Basel: $759
- Neuschwanstein castle private transfer from Munich: $739
- Private transfer from Munich to Ljubljana: $725
- Private transfer from Munich to Prague: $691
- Private Dachau Concentration Camp Tour with Private Transfer from Munich: $610
- One-way Transfer from Munich City Centre to Prague City Centre: $547
- Munich - Budapest Transfer: $523
- Exclusive Private Ski Course with success guarantee & Transfer to ski area from Munich: $496
- Private Transfer from Munich to Salzburg in Mercedes S-Class: $491
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:
- Airport Transfer Chauffeur Drive: $122
- Arrival Private Transfer Business Car MAD to Madrid: $51
- Arrival Private Transfer Luxury Car MAD to Madrid: $78
- Arrival Private Transfer MAD to Madrid in a Minibus: $140
- Arrival Private Transfer Madrid Airport MAD to Avila City by Business Car: $247
- Arrival Private Transfer Madrid Airport MAD to Madrid City by Luxury Van: $70
- Arrival Private Transfer Madrid Airport MAD to Madrid City by Standard Minibus: $126
- Arrival Private Transfer Madrid MAD to Madrid, Toledo or Avila Luxury Van: $69
- Arrival Transfer from Madrid Airport MAD to Madrid in Private Car: $58
- Arrival Transfer from Madrid Airport MAD to Madrid in Private Van: $56
- DUCA - Hassle-Free transfer from Madrid to Vicentine Coast: $743
- Departure Private Transfer Luxury Car Madrid to MAD: $80
Is it cheaper to fly into Munich or Madrid?
Prices for flights to both Madrid and Munich 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 dayMunich €22Madrid €27
Typical Food prices in Munich
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Munich:
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Bratwurst€5.00
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Leberkässemmeln (Veal & Pork Sandwich)€1.95
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Munich
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Munich.
- Viktualienmarkt 2-Hour Gourmet Food Tour: Munich: $40
- 3-Hour Food Tour Through Haidhausen: $44
- Munich Traditional Bavarian Culture, Beer And Food Tour Including Traditional Bavarian Dress: $200
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:
- Virtual Cooking Class: The Spanish Paella Experience: $24
- Florida Retiro Dinner Show: $38
- Murder Mystery Dinner Experience: $49
- Virtual cooking - spanish "tortilla de patatas": $50
- Murder Mystery Dinner Experience: $50
- Flamenco Workshop and Show with Dinner and Drinks: $51
- Skip the Line: Flamenco Show with Dinner and Workshop in Madrid Ticket: $52
- Homemade pasta cooking class and lunch in the heart of Madrid: $58
- Mamaz Social Italian Dinner in Madrid: $60
- 3-hour Virtual Spanish Cooking Class in Madrid: $62
- Iberico Ham and Spanish Wine Small-Group Food Tour: $67
- Authentic Italian Dinner in Madrid: $68
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Munich €23Madrid €27
Typical Entertainment prices in Munich
Here are a few typical costs in Munich for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Schack Gallery Entrance€4.00
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Munich Zoo Entrance€9.00
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Pub Crawl Munich Tour€14
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Neuschwanstein Castle (2)€24
Tours and Activities in Munich
Here are a few actual costs in Munich for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 24-Hour Hop-On Hop-Off Express Tour of Munich: $21
- 3-Day Prague Overnight Tour Including Round-Trip by Coach from Munich: $502
- 5-Day Munich to Stuttgart Overnight Tour by Coach: $518
- 6-Nght Independent Munich Rail Tour to Vienna via Salzburg: $844
- 7-Day Imperial Triangle Tour Rail Tour from Munich to Vienna and Prague: $901
- Big Hat Tours: $286
- Bodyflying: Indoor Skydiving Experience for 2 People: $136
- Christmas Private Daytrip -Nuremberg to Munich & back with 4/6/8h of Sightseeing: $285
- CityTourCard Public Transport & Discounts: $16
- Dachau Concentration Camp Tour: $498
- Dachau Memorial Site Tour: $51
- EXCLUSiVE MUNiCH & Surroundings ALL-IN-ONE Culture, Nature and History Tour: $322
Tours and Activities in Madrid
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Madrid.
- Prado Museum Self-Guided Audio Tour App: $3.97
- Madrid's Private Tour with your Family: Highlights & Hidden Gems: $4.04
- A local's Tuck into the city's history and some tapas on an audio tour: $5.00
- History Tour of The Town Too High To Die Walking Audio Tour by VoiceMap: $5.13
- Let's Tapear! The Madrid Tapas Route Walking Audio Tour by VoiceMap: $5.43
- Madrid from the Inquisition to Multiculturalism Walking Audio Tour by VoiceMap: $5.43
- Madrid Private Tour: Fun Old Town Exploration Game: $7.45
- Skip the Line: Museo Lázaro Galdiano Admission Ticket: $8.71
- Madrid 90 Minutes Kickstart Private Tour: $9.95
- Skip the Line: Ticket for the Reina Sofia Museum in Madrid: $9.95
- Tours from Home: Intro to Madrid: $10
- 2 Hours Secrets of Madrid Retiro Park Tour: $11
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMunich €29Madrid €16
Typical Alcohol prices in Munich
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Munich:
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Hofbrauhaus€12
Sample the Local Flavors in Munich
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Munich:
- Munich's Original Pub Crawl: $28
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 in Madrid: $15
- Pub Crawl Madrid by Madpartycrew: $19
- Wine Tasting near Plaza Mayor: $20
- Wine Tasting Experience: $32
- Wine Tasting Experience: $43
- Madrid Tapas and Mysteries Walking Tour with Private Option and Pub Crawl: $47
- Wine Tasting and Flamenco Master Class in Madrid: $58
- Segovia and Spanish Versailles Full-Day Tour with Wine Tasting: $62
- Old Town Madrid Gourmet Tapas and Wine Tasting Walking Tour: $82
- Gourmet Tapas & Wine Tasting Experience In Madrid: $91
- Madrid Tapas and Wine Tasting Tour: $93
- Madrid Tapas Diaries- A Premium Food & Wine Tour in the old city of Madrid: $123
When comparing the travel costs between Munich and Madrid, we can see that Munich 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.
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