Which place is cheaper, Madrid or Palermo?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Palermo or Madrid?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Palermo and Madrid can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Palermo
Palermo is a fun, colorful, and diverse city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums.
Madrid
Madrid is a cultural, diverse, and compact 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 nightlife, live music, and food.
Palermo and Madrid: Pros and Cons
Palermo
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Active nightlife
- Good scuba and snorkeling destination
- Popular beach
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Less popular for students
- 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 for students
- Good public transit
- Big city activities
Is there more to do in Palermo or Madrid?
You'll generally find more things to do in Madrid than Palermo. Madrid is bigger than Palermo, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Madrid is better known for its food, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Palermo is more popular for its scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty. Madrid is more touristy than Palermo and is popular for its art and architecture, its tapas and culinary scene, and its lively flamenco dancing. Also, Madrid is famous for The Prado Museum. Palermo is well known for its mild climate, beautiful architecture, fun atmosphere, and fascinating culture.
How is Palermo different from Madrid?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Madrid and Palermo. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Palermo or Madrid?
Palermo
Madrid
For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Palermo or Madrid.
If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Palermo. There are a number of grand buildings and impressive architectural buildings that you should visit. The cathedral, the Norman Palace, and Cappella Palatina are among the best.
Madrid is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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 Palermo or Madrid? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?
Palermo
Madrid
Madrid is very popular for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Palermo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.
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.
The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Palermo. The islands long history and occupation by a range of different groups means that the cuisine is heavily influenced by many different cultures. You'll see influences from Phonecians, Greeks, Arabs and Normans. Local dishes include Pasta alla Norma (pasta and vegetables), Arancine (rice balls), and Cannoli.
Is Palermo or Madrid Better for Nightlife?
Palermo
Madrid
Both Palermo and Madrid are great when it comes to partying.
Palermo offers plenty to do in the evening. The nightlife scene is surprisingly varied with everything from wine bars by the ocean to dance parties that flood into the street. Some of the most popular areas for nightlife include the old town, Politeama, and Mondello.
Madrid has a large number of nightlife venues. 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 Palermo or Madrid Better for Music?
Palermo
Madrid
Madrid is very popular for its music scene. However, Palermo is not a live music destination.
In Madrid you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. 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.
Palermo is not a live music destination.
Is Palermo or Madrid Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?
Palermo
Madrid
Palermo is a city with good options for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Madrid is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.
It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in Palermo. The dive season lasts most of the year and there are many beautiful dive spots that are accessible from the city. The water is clear and there is a variety of flora and fauna to see.
Madrid is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.
Is Palermo or Madrid Better for Beaches?
Palermo
Madrid
Palermo is a great city for its beaches. However, Madrid is not a beach destination.
The beaches at Palermo attract visitors from all over. The city has a number of beautiful beaches, some of which are accessible by public transit. Mondello is a popular option with beautiful views. Capo Gallo is a relaxing option on a nature reserve that is good for divers and nature lovers. Addaura is a lively beach with a number of clubs.
Madrid is not a beach destination.
Is the Shopping Better in Palermo or Madrid?
Palermo
Madrid
Madrid is very popular for its shopping areas. Also, Palermo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for shopping.
Madrid is a world class destination for shoppers. 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.
Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Palermo. The city offers a mix of high end shopping streets as well as colorful markets that have the feel of a traditional bazaar. Whether you're looking for European brands or local merchandise, this city has an eclectic mix with something for everyone.
Is Palermo or Madrid Better for Families?
Palermo
Madrid
Both Palermo and Madrid are great to visit with kids.
Palermo is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has beaches where everyone can cool off and play in the relaxing waves. There's also a botanical garden and the fascinating Catacombs of the Capuchins. Kids will also enjoy exploring the many diverse markets throughout the city.
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 Palermo or Madrid Better for Couples?
Palermo
Madrid
Madrid is a well-known place for couples. Also, Palermo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.
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.
Palermo is a nice destination for couples. The city is filled with fun adventures, unique markets, and relaxing beaches. It makes a great city escape for couples who enjoy spending time outdoors but also having access to an urban setting.
Is Palermo or Madrid Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?
Palermo
Madrid
Madrid is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Palermo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.
Madrid is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. The many hostels around town make it easy for backpackers to find affordable accommodation while also meeting other travelers.
Plenty of backpackers visit Palermo. There are a decent number of affordable hostels around town as well as plenty of backpackers that keep the scene fun and social.
Is Palermo or Madrid Better for Students?
Palermo
Madrid
Madrid is very popular for students. Also, Palermo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.
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.
Plenty of students visit Palermo. It's an affordable student destination with a relaxing and laid back vibe. There's enough activity to keep it interesting without a high pressure setting.
Is Palermo or Madrid Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?
Palermo
Madrid
Madrid is very popular for its public transit. However, Palermo is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.
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 is mostly limited in Palermo. If you stick to the main city center then you can get around by city bus, but if you're headed anywhere else, you'll likely want to take a taxi or Uber.
Is Palermo or Madrid a more walkable city?
Palermo
Madrid
Madrid is very popular for its ease of walking around. Also, Palermo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its walkability.
It is easy to get around Madrid on foot. Most tourists stay in the central part of Madrid where it's compact and relatively easy to walk to most tourist sights.
Palermo is very walkable. The city is walkable with a number of streets closed to cars and pedestrian only.
For even more information, also check out Is Palermo Worth Visiting? and Is Madrid Worth Visiting?.
Should I spend more time in Madrid or Palermo?
How long in Palermo or Madrid?
In either Palermo or Madrid, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Madrid than Palermo because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Palermo, and 2-5 days is enough time in Madrid.
Couples should spend more time in Madrid than Palermo. 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 Palermo 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 Palermo or Madrid? Ideal Length of StayPalermo 1-3Madrid 2-5
One day in Palermo or Madrid?
Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of Palermo. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. One day is often enough time to do most activities.
Because Madrid is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.
A weekend in Palermo or Madrid?
Palermo 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.
Because Madrid is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Madrid has to offer.
Five days in Palermo or Madrid?
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Palermo. Most people come for the beaches. 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 great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Madrid has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.
A week in Palermo or Madrid?
Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the diverse destination of Palermo. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Madrid. Many people enjoy the live music and food when visiting Madrid. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Italy, The Best Budget Tours to Italy, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Barcelona, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Madrid.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPalermo €92Madrid €136
The average daily cost (per person) in Palermo is €92, 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 Palermo and Madrid in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPalermo €56Madrid €77
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPalermo €112Madrid €154
Compare Hotels in Palermo and Madrid
Looking for a hotel in Palermo 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: Palermo Hotel Prices and Madrid Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Palermo €5.64Madrid €19
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Palermo
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Palermo:
-
Bus to Monreale€3.00
-
Bus From Airport€6.00
-
90 Minute Bus Pass€1.30
-
Short Taxi Ride€4.35
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Palermo
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Palermo:
- Private Transfer from Palermo Airport to Agrigento or vice versa: $289
- Private transfer from Palermo airport to Verdura Resort Sciacca or vice versa: $231
- Private transfer from Palermo Airport to Capo d'Orlando or vice versa: $217
- Transfer from Palermo Airport to Verdura Resort: $213
- Private transfer from Palermo airport to Villa Athena Resort: $181
- Private Golf Club Class w/ Transfer, Ticket, & Food: $176
- Palermo Airport (PMO) Departure Transfer (Palermo Hotels or address to Airport): $154
- Private Transfer Palermo Airport to/from Adler SPA Resort Sicily: $147
- Private Transfer Trapani or San Vito lo Capo to Palermo Airport by Car or Van: $145
- Transfer from Palermo Airport to Palermo: $130
- Private Transfer from Palermo (PMO) Airport to Santa Flavia: $123
- Mangias Pollina Resort private transfer to Palermo airport: $108
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:
- Madrid Barajas Airport: Transfer to/from Atocha Bus Station: $7.45
- Private transfer from Atocha Station to Madrid city center: $22
- Hotel Madrid City Private Transfer To Madrid Barajas Airport: $26
- Private One-way Airport Transfer Madrid To Madrid Airport: $27
- Private One-way Airport Transfer Madrid Airport To Madrid: $27
- Private transfer: Barajas Airport (MAD) to Madrid City Center: $29
- Madrid Barajas Airport Private Transfer To Alcobendas: $32
- Private Arrival Transfer from Barajas Airport: $40
- Private Transfer: Madrid to Madrid Barajas Adolfo Suárez Airport (MAD): $42
- Private Transfer From Madrid Barajas Airport to Madrid: $44
- Madrid Airport Private Arrival Transfer: $45
- Madrid City Center: Private Transfer to Madrid Airport: $49
Is it cheaper to fly into Palermo or Madrid?
Prices for flights to both Madrid and Palermo 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 dayPalermo €29Madrid €34
Typical Food Prices in Palermo
Some typical examples of dining costs in Palermo are as follows:
-
Sitdown Dinner (for Two)€32
-
Fast Food Lunch€5.32
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Palermo
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Palermo.
- Street Food Tour: $42
- Street Food Tour in CruiserCar: $64
- Street Food Tour: $65
- Explore Palermo's with a Food Tour & Pizza Making Class: $67
- Small Group Night Street Food Tour: $68
- Night Street Food Tour of Palermo : $69
- Pizza and Gelato Cooking Class with Dinner and Wine: $74
- Palermo Traditional Food Tour: $74
- Palermo's Delight: Unleash the Secrets of Pizza and Gelato Making: $75
- Secret Food Tours Palermo: $84
- Street Food Tour in Ballarò and Vucciria Markets: $85
- Walking Street Food Tour with the Chef: $91
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
- Torres Bermejas Flamenco Show in Madrid with Dinner, Tapas or Drink: $38
- Madrid Tipsy Tapas Guided Food Tour with Dinner: $42
- Paella and Sangria Workshop with Dinner and Drinks: $42
- Madrid Tipsy Tapas Tour with Dinner and Drinks: $42
- San Miguel Market and Street Food Tour: $52
- The Authentic Morning Madrid's Food Tour: $59
- Zarzuela Opera and Dinner at La Castafiore Restaurant in Madrid: $60
- Opera and Zarzuela Show and Dinner: $61
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Palermo €17Madrid €34
Typical Entertainment Prices in Palermo
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Palermo are as follows:
-
Capuchin Catacombs (for 2)€6.00
-
Castello della Zisa Entrance (for Two)€12
-
Theater Tickets (for Two)€49
Tours and Activities in Palermo
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Palermo are as follows:
- Agrigento - Private Tour to the Valley of the Temples from Palermo: $293
- Agrigento Valley of the Temples and Villa Romana del Casale Tour from Palermo: $132
- Archaeological Park of Selinunte and Cave di Cusa from Palermo, Private Tour: $298
- Best of Palermo shore excursion: Palermo, Monreale and Cefalù private tour : $299
- Cappella Palatina and Palazzo dei Normanni Tour: $91
- Capuchin Catacombs and Monreale Cathedral Private Tour: $192
- Cesarine: Market Tour & Dining at a Local's Home in Palermo: $151
- Discover the Charm of A 3-Hour UNESCO Sites Walking Tour: $38
- Eating Street Food & Market Tour: $116
- English or Spanish tour to immersive museum + lunch: $37
- Entrance ticket to the Radici Piccolo Museo Della Natura: $11
- FOODIES DELIGHT and SICILIAN VILLAGE Private Exclusive Tour from Palermo: $271
Tours and Activities in Madrid
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Madrid.
- Madrid Essential: Free Walking City Tour: $1.07
- First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.20
- Madrid Mountains Free Walking Tour: $3.26
- Madrid Old Town & Hidden Gems Walking Tour: $4.26
- Escape Game and Tour: $4.26
- Secrets of Madrids Walking Tour: $4.26
- Marvels of Madrid Walking Tour: $4.26
- Wonders of Madrid Walking Tour: $4.26
- 2 Hour Madrid Walking Tour : $4.35
- Wonders of Madrid Walking Tour : $4.35
- Ticket Entrance to the Madrid Nougat Museum: $5.33
- Mapfre Foundation Entry Ticket: $5.33
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayPalermo €11Madrid €20
Typical Alcohol Prices in Palermo
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Palermo:
-
Beer€2.56
-
Bottle of Quality Wine€11
Sample the Local Flavors in Palermo
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Palermo:
- Pub Crawl Palermo: $16
- Wine Tasting with Snacks at Bottega Monteleone: $40
- Natural Local Wine Tasting & Sicilian Tapas: $49
- Natural Wine Tasting with snacks at Bottega Monteleone: $53
- From Sicily with Love: Palermo food & Wine Tour: $81
- 2-Hour Sicilian Cheese and Wine Tasting Tour: $128
- From Erice and Marsala Day Trip with Wine Tasting: $180
- Small group wine tasting experience from Palermo: $206
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: $9.59
- Madrid Pub Crawl with VIP Club Entrance: $11
- Visit to the Winery with Wine Tasting and Appetizers in Navarra: $12
- Pub crawl & Party Tour Madrid: $14
- Pub Crawl Madrid Running since 2005 Bar Exploration: $16
- Guided Pub Crawl Madrid Experience and Club Entry: $16
- Pub Crawl Madrid-The Original since 2005-Shots-Fun-Clubs-Dance: $16
- Pub Crawl Madrid: $19
- Wine Tasting near Plaza Mayor: $22
- Pub Crawl Madrid: $22
- Wine Tasting Experience with 4 Spanish Wines: $26
- Wine Tour with tasting in the Natural Park of La Mata: $38
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Palermo and Madrid, we can see that Madrid is more expensive. And not only is Palermo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Palermo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Palermo 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 Palermo.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Palermo Expensive? and Is Madrid Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Palermo or Madrid?
Madrid has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Palermo. When comparing the sizes of Palermo 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.