Which place is cheaper, Madrid or Osaka?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Osaka or Madrid?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Osaka 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.
Osaka
Osaka is a cultural, high energy, and colorful city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. Other reasons to visit include museums, 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.
Osaka and Madrid: Pros and Cons
Osaka
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Active nightlife
- Scenic old town
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Big city activities
- Less walkable
Madrid
Pros- Active nightlife
- Good music scene
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Very walkable
- Big city activities
- Less museums and historical sights
Is there more to do in Osaka or Madrid?
You'll generally find more things to do in Madrid than Osaka. Madrid is bigger than Osaka, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Madrid is better known for its music and big city activities, while Osaka is more popular for its museums, nightlife, and historical sights. Osaka is well known for its diverse street food, eclectic shopping and its economic roots as a port city. 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 Osaka different from Madrid?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Madrid and Osaka. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Osaka or Madrid?
Osaka
Madrid
Osaka 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 Osaka from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. The city is filled with impressive sights that are both old and new. A highlight is a visit to Osaka Castle, which dates back to the 1500s. The city's most well known temple is Shitennō-ji Temple and the Kobe Port Tower is another recognizable sight. Other highlights include the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, the Tempozan Ferris Wheel, and the National Museum of Art.
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 Osaka or Madrid? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?
Osaka
Madrid
Foodies will find both Osaka and Madrid both to be first-rate destinations.
Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Osaka is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. It's one of the top culinary cities in Japan, and you'll find both local and regional dishes throughout. Street food is famous here, but there are also award winning restaurants and small traditional venues. Sushi and sashimi is a favorite, and it's focused simple and high quality ingredients. You'll find some great sushi restaurants around Kuromon Ichiba Market. Another unique experience is to visit a conveyor belt sushi restaurant. Land lovers should try the Yakiniku and Horumon, which is Japanese barbecue. And, of course, there's the ramen. Don't miss the ramen!
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 Osaka or Madrid Better for Nightlife?
Osaka
Madrid
Osaka is renowned for nightlife. Also, Madrid is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.
Osaka is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. The city really comes to life after the sun sets. The buildings light up and the energy is palpable. In addition to the many world class restaurants, there are countless bars, pubs and izakaya, which are Japanese-style bars. Beer is popular, with many internationally recognized brands available. The most popular nightlife area is Dotonbori, which is along the Dotonbori River.
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 Osaka or Madrid Better for Music?
Osaka
Madrid
Madrid is a world-class destination for its music scene. However, Osaka 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.
Osaka is not a live music destination.
Is Osaka or Madrid Better for its Old Town?
Osaka
Madrid
Osaka is a great city for its historic old town. However, Madrid does not have a historic old town.
Osaka is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. If you want to step back in time, head to Shinsekai, which holds tight to its traditional street life scene. There are old-school arcades, traditional shops, and local street food to sample.
Madrid does not have a historic old town.
Is the Shopping Better in Osaka or Madrid?
Osaka
Madrid
Shoppers can find a variety of first-rate stores in both Osaka and Madrid.
Many people travel to Osaka specifically to go shopping. There is everything from grand shopping malls to specialty boutique shops that sell antiques or local trinkets. Umeda Shopping Arcade is a large mall that has everything. For international brands, head to America Mura, which is where many of the younger Japanese hang out. Shinsaibashi-Suji Street is a favorite shopping street in the city and also not-to-be-missed.
Madrid is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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 Osaka or Madrid Better for Families?
Osaka
Madrid
Osaka and Madrid are both high quality destinations for the whole family.
You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Osaka. Kids will enjoy the view from the observatory of the Umeda Sky Building or taking a ride on the HEP Five Ferris Wheel. There is also the Kids Plaza Osaka as well as arcades along Tenjinbashi suji Shopping Street. A highlight of a trip to the city is a visit to the Osaka Castle and museum lovers will also appreciate visiting the Osaka Science Museum or the Osaka Museum of Housing and Living.
Madrid is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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 Osaka or Madrid Better for Couples?
Osaka
Madrid
Osaka and Madrid are both high quality to visit as a couple.
Osaka makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city's atmosphere is filled with an energy that couples will enjoy. You can take a walk along the Tombori Riverwalk. For a touch of nature, head to Minoh Park and check out Minoh Falls, or for a relaxing experience, visit the hot springs at Solaniwa Onsen. Other fun activities include taking a ride on the Hep Five Ferris wheel or sampling the city's famous street food.
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 Osaka or Madrid Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?
Osaka
Madrid
Osaka and Madrid are both high quality destinations for backpackers.
Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Osaka. There are plenty of hostels around town and street food is an affordable and fun way to enjoy the city's culinary scene.
Backpackers come from all over to visit Madrid. The many hostels around town make it easy for backpackers to find affordable accommodation while also meeting other travelers.
Is Osaka or Madrid Better for Students?
Osaka
Madrid
Madrid is a world-class destination for its student-friendly activities. Also, Osaka 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 Osaka. There's a colorful energy and a lively atmosphere that appeals to students. The city is also the second largest economic center in the country.
Is Osaka or Madrid Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?
Osaka
Madrid
Visitors will find first-rate public transit in both Osaka and Madrid.
With a huge network, the transit system in Osaka can get you around easily. The best way to get around town is by subway or train. The main tourist areas are located along the Midosuji subway line, which runs north to south.
Visitors in Madrid can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. The system includes the Madrid Metro, buses, and a light rail system.
Is Osaka or Madrid a more walkable city?
Osaka
Madrid
Madrid is a world-class destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Osaka 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.
Osaka is somewhat walkable. There are parts of the city that are fun to explore on foot.
For even more information, also check out Is Osaka Worth Visiting? and Is Madrid Worth Visiting?.
Should I spend more time in Madrid or Osaka?
How long in Osaka or Madrid?
In either Osaka or Madrid, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Madrid than Osaka because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Osaka, and 2-5 days is enough time in Madrid.
Families should spend more time in Osaka than Madrid. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Osaka, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.
Couples should spend more time in Osaka than Madrid. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Osaka that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
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How many days in Osaka or Madrid? Ideal Length of StayOsaka 2-4Madrid 2-5
One day in Osaka or Madrid?
Osaka is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. 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.
In Madrid, many people enjoy the live music and food that this diverse big city offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.
A weekend in Osaka or Madrid?
Osaka 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.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Madrid. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.
Five days in Osaka or Madrid?
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Osaka. 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.
Madrid is a fun place to experience. In Madrid, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this big city destination offers. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.
A week in Osaka or Madrid?
Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the colorful big city of Osaka. 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.
You'll find museums and nightlife around the authentic big city of Madrid. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Coach Bus Tours in Japan, The Best Adventure Tours to Japan, The Best Contiki Tours to Spain, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayOsaka $88Madrid $146
The average daily cost (per person) in Osaka is $88, while the average daily cost in Madrid is $146. 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 Osaka and Madrid in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personOsaka $45Madrid $83
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomOsaka $90Madrid $166
Compare Hotels in Osaka and Madrid
Looking for a hotel in Osaka 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: Osaka Hotel Prices and Madrid Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Osaka $14Madrid $20
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Osaka
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Osaka:
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Subway$7.84
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Osaka
Also for Osaka, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private transfer service from Osaka to /from Wakayama.: $424
- Osaka Kyoto Transfer:10 hours English driver: $366
- Osaka Kansai Int Airport (KIX): Transfer to Osaka hotels: $341
- Osaka Private Transfer from Osaka central to Itami Airport (ITM): $276
- KIX-OSAKA or OSAKA-KIX Airport Transfers (Max 9 Pax): $267
- Itami Airport Private One-Way Transfer to/from Nara: $248
- Osaka Airport Transfers : Osaka City to Kansai Airport KIX in Business Van: $237
- Departure Private Transfers: Osaka City to Kansai Airport KIX in Business Van: $237
- One-Way Private Transfer to/from Kyoto: $220
- Private Transfer from Nagoya Airport (ITM) to Toyama Cruise Port: $219
- Osaka City: Private One-Way Transfers to/from Arima Onsen: $219
- Itami Airport Private One-Way Transfer to/from Kyoto: $216
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Madrid
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Madrid are as follows:
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Taxi Ride$28
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: $142
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Madrid APT-HTL (MAD): $61
- Transfer to Madrid, travel calmly and comfortably: $145
- Transfer to Barajas Airport from Madrid: $76
- Transfer in private vehicle from Madrid City - Madrid Barajas Airport (MAD): $61
- Transfer in private minivan from Madrid City - Madrid Barajas Airport (MAD): $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: $452
- Roundtrip Transfer Private Vehicle Madrid Airport (MAD) - Madrid city: $121
- Roundtrip Transfer Private Minivan Madrid Airport (MAD) - Madrid City: $149
Is it cheaper to fly into Osaka or Madrid?
Prices for flights to both Madrid and Osaka 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 dayOsaka $25Madrid $36
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Osaka
For Osaka, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Takoyaki DIY Cooking in the Heart of Osaka: $23
- Osaka:Food Tour & Shopping(Grand Opening Limited Time Offer): $26
- 2-Hour Kuromon Market Walking Street Food Tour: $27
- Private Takoyaki Cooking Class by Natives in Osaka: $37
- Japanese home cooking class in Osaka Umeda: $47
- Nosatlgic Namba Osaka Street Food Tour.: $48
- Osaka Okonomiyaki Cooking Experience!: $50
- Home Cooking Class: $51
- Homemade Gyoza Cooking Class in Osaka: $51
- Enjoy artistic TEMPURA Cooking Class: $60
- Ramen and Gyoza Cooking Class in Dotonbori: $63
- Three Types of RAMEN Cooking Class: $65
Typical Food Prices in Madrid
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Madrid:
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Coffee$2.14
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Ice Cream$3.21
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Kebabs (for 2)$17
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Croissant$1.61
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Lunch at Airport (for 2)$17
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Madrid
For Madrid, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Paella and Sangria Workshop with Dinner and Drinks: $43
- Tapas Crawl Food Tour with 6 Tapas and 4 Drinks: $53
- San Miguel Market and Street Food Tour: $53
- Tapas Dinner Party Food Tour with Guide: $53
- Drunken Tapas Food Tour with Dinner in Madrid: $53
- Tipsy Tapas Food Tour with Drinks and Food: $53
- Madrid Tipsy Tapas Guided Food Tour with Dinner: $53
- Madrid Tapas Dinner Party with Guide: $54
- Traditional Paella & Sangría Workshop & Spanish Dinner in Madrid: $54
- The Authentic Morning Madrid's Food Tour: $59
- Opera and Zarzuela Show and Dinner: $61
- Madrid San Miguel Market and City Center Street Food Tour: $63
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Osaka $20Madrid $36
Typical Entertainment Prices in Osaka
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Osaka's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Osaka Aquarium (for 2)$30
Tours and Activities in Osaka
For Osaka, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- "Dotonbori Nightscapes: Photoshooting tour in Dotonbori": $120
- "Experience Kyoto: A Full-Day Private Tour Adventure": $120
- 1-Day walking tour in Osaka：Castle, temples and Ukiyoe: $139
- 150 mins Deep Samurai Experience near Osaka Castle: $184
- 2-Hour Kendo Experience with English Instructor In Osaka Japan: $120
- 2-Hour Osaka Go-Kart Experience with Local Guide from Namba: $142
- 3 Days Private Osaka Kyoto and Nara Tour with English Driver: $1,634
- 3 Hours Historical Tour of Princess Saio on an Electric Cart: $33
- 3-Hour Osaka Local food Hopping tour in Namba: $40
- 3/4/5 Hours Private Tour in Osaka with Local Guide: $120
- 4-Day Private Kyoto Osaka Nara Sightseeing tour with Guide: $2,453
- 4-hour Private Walking Tour to Historical Town of Saiku: $73
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
- Madrid Tour and Guided Visit Royal Palace: $76
- Prado Museum and Madrid Royal Palace Morning Guided Tour: $71
- Skip the Line Guided Tour Royal Palace Madrid: $72
- Toledo with Cathedral from Madrid Full Day Tour: $134
- Ávila & Segovia Day Tour from Madrid: $163
- 1 Hour Private Tuk tuk Tour in Madrid: $98
- 1 hour tour in Madrid in Tuk Tuk through the best of the city: $137
- 1-Hour Private Flamenco Class in Madrid Experience: $45
- 2 Hour Madrid Walking Tour : $4.37
- 2-Hour Tour of the Madrid of Mysteries: $14
- 2-Hour Walking Tour on the History of Islamic Medieval the origins: $38
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayOsaka $12Madrid $21
Sample the Local Flavors in Osaka
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Osaka:
- Osaka Pub Crawl and Nightlife Tour: $23
- Namba Pub Bar Crawl with a Born & Raised Local Guide: $31
- Osaka Nights: Ultimate Pub Bar Crawl with an Expert Local Guide: $33
- Local Bar Crawl in Dotombori and Uranamba Area: $39
- Osaka Local Bar Crawl in Dotombori & Uranamba Area: $40
- 3 Hour Osaka Pub Crawl Weekly Welcome Guided Tour in Namba : $52
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$5.36
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Drinks and Tapas (for 2)$14
Sample the Local Flavors in Madrid
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Madrid:
- Pub Crawl with Tapas and VIP Club Entry: $9.69
- Visit to the Winery with Wine Tasting and Appetizers in Navarra: $12
- Pub crawl & Party Tour Madrid: $14
- Guided Pub Crawl Madrid Experience and Club Entry: $16
- Pub Crawl Madrid Running since 2005 Bar Exploration: $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: $50
- Wine Tasting in Madrid Experience: $50
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Osaka and Madrid, we can see that Madrid is more expensive. And not only is Osaka much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Osaka is in Asia and Madrid is in Europe, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Osaka would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Osaka 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 Madrid would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Madrid than you might in Osaka.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Osaka Expensive? and Is Madrid Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Osaka or Madrid?
Madrid has a larger population, and is about 20% larger than the population of Osaka. When comparing the sizes of Osaka 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.