Which place is cheaper, Madrid or Palma de Mallorca?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Palma de Mallorca or Madrid?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Palma de Mallorca 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.
Palma de Mallorca
Palma de Mallorca is a historic, beautiful, and stunning island. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and nightlife.
Madrid
Madrid is a authentic, cultural, and diverse city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and live music.
Palma de Mallorca and Madrid: Pros and Cons
Palma de Mallorca
Pros- Active nightlife
- Good music scene
- Nice resorts
- Good scuba and snorkeling destination
- Popular beach
- Scenic old town
- Good for hiking
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Impressive beauty
- Less popular for shopping
- Public transit not as usable
- Less walkable
Madrid
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Active nightlife
- Good music scene
- Fun shopping
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Good for students
- Good public transit
- Very walkable
- Big city activities
Is there more to do in Palma de Mallorca or Madrid?
Travelers will usually find more to do in Madrid than Palma de Mallorca, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Madrid is more popular for its museums, food, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Palma de Mallorca is known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, and impressive beauty. Palma de Mallorca is more touristy than Madrid and is known for its strikingly blue waters, sandy beaches, all-inclusive resorts, and vibrant towns. Madrid is popular for its art and architecture, its tapas and culinary scene, and its lively flamenco dancing. It is also home to The Prado Museum.
How is Palma de Mallorca different from Madrid?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Madrid and Palma de Mallorca. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Palma de Mallorca or Madrid?
Palma de Mallorca
Madrid
Madrid is a nice place to visit for its museums and history. However, Palma de Mallorca does not have museums and landmarks.
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.
Palma de Mallorca does not have museums and landmarks.
Is the Food Better in Palma de Mallorca or Madrid? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?
Palma de Mallorca
Madrid
Madrid is a must-visit destination for its restaurants. Also, Palma de Mallorca is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.
Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Madrid is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The city has a mix of flavors that come from all of Spain. There are amazing markets where you can grab a meal or snack. There are also many high quality restaurants around town where you're guaranteed a good meal. Local favorites include roast suckling pig, Spanish omelette, and meat and chickpea stew.
Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Palma de Mallorca. Food here is centered around pork, fish, and vegetables. It is flavored with garlic and olive oil and it offers that feeling of comfort that comes with home cooking.
Is Palma de Mallorca or Madrid Better for Nightlife?
Palma de Mallorca
Madrid
Palma de Mallorca is renowned for nightlife. Also, Madrid is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.
Palma de Mallorca is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. Head to Magaluf and Palma for the most popular places.
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 Palma de Mallorca or Madrid Better for Music?
Palma de Mallorca
Madrid
Madrid is a must-visit destination for live music. Also, Palma de Mallorca is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its live music scene.
Madrid is known as a music capital around the world. Rock, jazz, and flamenco are all popular in the city. Some of the most well known music venues include Sala Caracol, Sala Clamores, and Costello Club.
Palma de Mallorca has become a hotbed of musicians and artists. Live concerts, international DJs, and a diverse range of styles have put the island's music scene on the map.
Is Palma de Mallorca or Madrid Better for Resorts?
Palma de Mallorca
Madrid
Palma de Mallorca is a great island for its luxury resorts. However, Madrid is not a resort destination.
In Palma de Mallorca, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. Top resorts on the island include The St Regis Mardavall, Viva Cala Mesquida Resort and Spa, and Nixe Palace Hotel.
Madrid is not a resort destination.
Is Palma de Mallorca or Madrid Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?
Palma de Mallorca
Madrid
Palma de Mallorca is a island 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 Palma de Mallorca. Head to Cala Santanyi on the south side of the island for the best snorkeling. For scuba diving, National Park of Cabrera is one of the most popular spots.
Madrid is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.
Is Palma de Mallorca or Madrid Better for Beaches?
Palma de Mallorca
Madrid
Palma de Mallorca is renowned for its beaches. However, Madrid is not a beach destination.
Palma de Mallorca is considered to be a world-class beach destination. The island is lined with sandy beaches and rocky coves, which have contributed to it becoming one of Europe's most popular beach destinations.
Madrid is not a beach destination.
Is Palma de Mallorca or Madrid Better for its Old Town?
Palma de Mallorca
Madrid
Palma de Mallorca is a island with good options for its historic old town. However, Madrid does not have a historic old town.
Palma de Mallorca is a good destination for visiting its old town. Alcudia is the best old town on the island. It has cobblestone streets and historic walls that give it charm and history.
Madrid does not have a historic old town.
Is Palma de Mallorca or Madrid Better for Hiking?
Palma de Mallorca
Madrid
Palma de Mallorca is a island with good options for hiking. However, Madrid is not a hiking destination.
Plenty of visitors go hiking around Palma de Mallorca. There are many beautiful hikes along the water and through the countryside that offer beautiful views and pass by quaint towns.
Madrid is not a hiking destination.
Is the Shopping Better in Palma de Mallorca or Madrid?
Palma de Mallorca
Madrid
Madrid is a must-visit destination for shopping. Also, Palma de Mallorca is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.
People travel from around the world to go shopping in Madrid. Gran Vía is a main thoroughfare in Madrid that is also popular for shopping. Calle Fuencarral is where you'll find the fashion shops and Calle Preciados is a fun pedestrian area to explore.
Palma de Mallorca offers some nice shopping areas. Head to Palma for some of the areas best shopping.
Is Palma de Mallorca or Madrid Better for Families?
Palma de Mallorca
Madrid
Palma de Mallorca and Madrid are both high quality destinations for the whole family.
Palma de Mallorca is a very family-friendly destination. The beaches are large and sandy with beautiful blue waters. There's also many activities that both adults and kids can enjoy around the island including waterparks, aquariums, and amusement areas.
Madrid is a very kid-friendly island. 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 Palma de Mallorca or Madrid Better for Couples?
Palma de Mallorca
Madrid
Madrid is an excellent place to visit for romance. Also, Palma de Mallorca is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.
Madrid makes for a fun place to visit for 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.
Palma de Mallorca makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With beautiful beaches and a fun Spanish flare, Mallorca makes for a memorable honeymoon.
Is Palma de Mallorca or Madrid Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?
Palma de Mallorca
Madrid
Palma de Mallorca and Madrid are both high quality destinations for backpackers.
Palma de Mallorca is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There is no shortage of hostels in Mallorca so it's easy to find an affordable place to stay and a young crowd to hang out with.
Madrid is a great island to visit for backpackers. The many hostels around town make it easy for backpackers to find affordable accommodation while also meeting other travelers.
Is Palma de Mallorca or Madrid Better for Students?
Palma de Mallorca
Madrid
Madrid is a must-visit destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Palma de Mallorca is not popular with 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.
Palma de Mallorca is not popular with students.
Is Palma de Mallorca or Madrid Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?
Palma de Mallorca
Madrid
Madrid is a must-visit destination for times when you don't have a car. Also, Palma de Mallorca is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.
Madrid has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. The system includes the Madrid Metro, buses, and a light rail system.
You'll find some public transit in Palma de Mallorca, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is an efficient bus system that can get you around the island, but trips are less frequent on weekends. Pick up the Intermodal Card which can get you from town to town.
Is Palma de Mallorca or Madrid a more walkable city?
Palma de Mallorca
Madrid
Madrid is a must-visit destination for its walkability. Also, Palma de Mallorca is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of 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.
Palma de Mallorca is a somewhat walkable place. It is a larger island that is not walkable, but Palma is generally a walkable area. If you stay in the central area you should be fine to explore on foot but if you want to get out into more rural areas, you'll need access to some type of transportation.
For even more information, also check out Is Palma de Mallorca Worth Visiting? and Is Madrid Worth Visiting?.
Should I spend more time in Madrid or Palma de Mallorca?
How long in Palma de Mallorca or Madrid?
In either Palma de Mallorca or Madrid, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Madrid has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Madrid than Palma de Mallorca. In general, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Palma de Mallorca, and 2-5 days is enough time in Madrid.
Families should spend more time in Palma de Mallorca than Madrid. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Palma de Mallorca, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.
Couples should spend more time in Madrid than Palma de Mallorca. 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 Palma de Mallorca if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Madrid.
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How many days in Palma de Mallorca or Madrid? Ideal Length of StayPalma de Mallorca 3-5Madrid 2-5
One day in Palma de Mallorca or Madrid?
Many travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the destination of Palma de Mallorca. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.
When visiting Madrid, people usually allow for lots of time. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It offers something for everyone.
A weekend in Palma de Mallorca or Madrid?
Palma de Mallorca is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.
When visiting Madrid, people usually allow for lots of time. Your budget might influence how long you stay. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.
Five days in Palma de Mallorca or Madrid?
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Palma de Mallorca. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Most people come for the beaches. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.
When visiting Madrid, people usually allow for lots of time. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here.
A week in Palma de Mallorca or Madrid?
Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the cultural destination of Palma de Mallorca. This island 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.
Madrid is a popular choice for travelers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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 2-Week Tours in Spain, The Best 3-Week Tours in Spain, The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain, and The Best Adventure Tours to Spain.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPalma de Mallorca €139Madrid €136
The average daily cost (per person) in Palma de Mallorca is €139, 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 Palma de Mallorca and Madrid in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPalma de Mallorca €69Madrid €77
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPalma de Mallorca €138Madrid €154
Compare Hotels in Palma de Mallorca and Madrid
Looking for a hotel in Palma de Mallorca 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: Palma de Mallorca Hotel Prices and Madrid Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Palma de Mallorca €25Madrid €19
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Palma de Mallorca
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Palma de Mallorca are as follows:
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Taxi Ride€6.80
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Bus Ride€1.25
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Palma de Mallorca
Also for Palma de Mallorca, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Mallorca Airport (PMI): Private Transfer to Port de Polença: $211
- Private Transfer to/from Mallorca Airport: $182
- Private transfer from Alcúdia to Mallorca Airport: $174
- Departure Private Transfers : Palma to Mallorca Airport PMI in Luxury Car: $147
- Private Transfer from Pollensa to Mallorca airport (PMI): $144
- Private Transfer from Mallorca airport (PMI) to Pollensa: $144
- Private Transfer from Mallorca airport (PMI) to Alcudia: $144
- Private Transfer from Mallorca airport (PMI) to Can Picafort : $144
- Private Transfer from Mallorca airport (PMI) to Calas de Mallorca: $141
- Private Transfer from Cala Millor to Mallorca airport (PMI): $141
- Private Transfer from Calas de Mallorca to Mallorca airport (PMI): $141
- Departure Transfer to Palma de Mallorca Airport PMI by Van: $134
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:
- Vehicle transfer with driver included in Madrid: $141
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Madrid HTL-APT (MAD): $61
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Madrid APT-HTL (MAD): $61
- Transfer to Madrid, travel calmly and comfortably: $144
- Transfer to Barajas Airport from Madrid: $76
- Transfer in private vehicle from Madrid City - Madrid Barajas Airport (MAD): $61
- Transfer in Private Vehicle from Madrid Barajas Airport (MAD) - Madrid City: $61
- Transfer from Barajas Airport to Madrid: $95
- Segovia: Full-Day Tour with Transfer to and from Madrid: $448
- Roundtrip Transfer Private Minivan Madrid Airport (MAD) - Madrid City: $149
- Round Trip Transfer from Madrid Airport MAD to Madrid by Sedan: $77
- Private transfer: Barajas Airport (MAD) to Madrid City Center: $29
Is it cheaper to fly into Palma de Mallorca or Madrid?
Prices for flights to both Madrid and Palma de Mallorca 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 dayPalma de Mallorca €45Madrid €34
Typical Food Prices in Palma de Mallorca
For Palma de Mallorca, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Soda€2.50
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Palma de Mallorca
For Palma de Mallorca, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Mallorca Evening Tour: Horseback Riding, Dinner and Dance: $107
- Spanish Cooking Experience in Mallorca: $109
- The Award-Winning PRIVATE Food Tour of Mallorca: The 10 Tastings: $130
- Mediterranean cooking experience in nature: $131
- Romantic SPA day with couples massage and romantic dinner at Eurotel Punta Rotja: $206
- Sailboat Dinner and Movie Night: $650
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:
- 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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Palma de Mallorca €34Madrid €34
Tours and Activities in Palma de Mallorca
For Palma de Mallorca, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 2 Hour Deluxe Segway Tour from Palma: $83
- 1.5 H Electric Kick-Scooter Tour: $49
- 1H Self-Guided Electric Scooter Tour around Palma de Mallorca: $22
- 2 Hours sightseeing E-Bike Tour in Palma de Mallorca: $44
- 3 Hours Quad Adventure in Mallorca: $103
- 3 hours quad tour from Paguera: $162
- 4-Hour Catamaran Tour including Tapas: $108
- 90 Minute Jet Ski Tour Cave of Sea Lions in Mallorca: $218
- 90' Stand Up Paddle tour in a small group in Cala Ratjada: $49
- AbenteuerDate Alcudia, Interactive Fun Tour in German Language: $9.79
- AbenteuerDate Palmanova, tour with fun activities in German language: $9.79
- AbenteuerDate, Cala Rajada, tour with fun activities in German language: $9.79
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
- Private Combo Tour Prado Museum and Reina Sofia: $221
- Toledo with Cathedral from Madrid Full Day Tour: $134
- "Prado Museum" Tour A Treasure of World Art: $65
- 1 Hour Private Tuk tuk Tour in Madrid: $98
- 1-Hour Private Flamenco Class in Madrid Experience: $45
- 2 Hour Madrid Walking Tour : $4.35
- 2 Hours Private Tuk tuk Tour in Madrid: $163
- 2-Hour Tour of the Madrid of Mysteries: $14
- 2.5-Hour Evening Tapas Tour through Madrid: $37
- 3 Hours Walking Tour in Madrid: $266
- 3-Hour Tapas Walking Tour of Madrid Food and Drink Included: $93
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPalma de Mallorca €29Madrid €20
Typical Alcohol Prices in Palma de Mallorca
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Palma de Mallorca are as follows:
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Coffee€3.10
Sample the Local Flavors in Palma de Mallorca
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Palma de Mallorca:
- Wine tasting with wines from the smallest wineries in Mallorca: $42
- Guided tour of the Winery with wine tasting, Vineyard and much more!: $49
- Gourmet Tapas and Wine Tour: $53
- Palma Distillery Tour with 3 Spirits and Gourmet Tapas Tasting: $53
- Gourmet Tapas and Wine Tour in Palma de Mallorca : $54
- Gastronomic Mallorquin Wine Tasting & local delicacies: $71
- Palma Distillery Tour with 6 Spirits and Gourmet Tapas Tasting: $75
- Wine Tasting Experience with Mallorcan Delights in Alcudia: $87
- Sa Clasta Mallorca Wine Tours: $158
- Mallorca Bodega & Olive Tour with Wine Tasting (full day): $162
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 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 comparing the travel costs between Palma de Mallorca and Madrid, we can see that Palma de Mallorca 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 Palma de Mallorca Expensive? and Is Madrid Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Palma de Mallorca or Madrid?
Madrid has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Palma de Mallorca. When comparing the sizes of Palma de Mallorca 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.