Which place is cheaper, Madrid or Petra?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Petra or Madrid?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Petra and Madrid can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Petra or Madrid?
Petra
Whether you're checking off the Seven Wonders of the World, or you're just a huge Indiana Jones fan, the city of Petra must be on your bucket list. The "rose red city, half as old as time," was the capital of the Nabataean kingdom in the 6th century BC. It was the center for trade and commerce until an earthquake took out buildings and destroyed their water management system. After this destruction, the city of Petra seemed to be lost to western civilization.
Madrid
Madrid, the capital of Spain, overs visitors countless opportunities to experience Spain's culture, art, cuisine, and nightlife. It is the largest city in Spain, and as such has much to explore. The city is situated on the Iberian Peninsula on the Spanish central Castillian plateau. If you're flying into Spain, you'll likely fly into the Madrid airport as it's one of the largest airports in Europe. Madrid is well connected to the rest of Spain with planes, trains and buses, making it a popular place to visit for many travelers doing a European tour.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in Jordan, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Jordan, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Barcelona, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Madrid.
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Petra Prices
Jordan PricesMadrid Prices
Spain Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPetra $153Madrid $187
The average daily cost (per person) in Petra is $153, while the average daily cost in Madrid is $187. 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 Petra and Madrid in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPetra $59Madrid $90
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPetra $118Madrid $180
Compare Hotels in Petra and Madrid
Looking for a hotel in Petra 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: Petra Hotel Prices and Madrid Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Petra $23Madrid $21
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Petra
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Petra:
- Petra Private Transfer To Jerusalem: $290
- From Eilat: Petra Full-Day Guided Tour with Transfers: $219
- Private Transfers from Petra Inside Jordan and Vice Versa: $176
- Comfort VIP Private Transfer: Petra to Aqaba South Beach Hotels: $140
- Petra to Aqaba Border (Yitzhak Rabin Terminal) – Private Transfer: $130
- Private Transfer Amman Airport to Petra or vice versa via the King's Highway: $120
- Petra Private Transfer To Multiple Destinations: $115
- Petra Private Transfer To Aqaba: $100
- Comfortable and Reliable Private Transfer: Petra to Wadi Rum: $100
- Private Transfer From Petra to Amman or Airport With Optional: $94
- Private Departure Transfer: Petra Hotels to Amman Airport: $93
- Airport Transfer to and from Petra: $92
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Madrid
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Madrid are as follows:
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Taxi Ride$30
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Madrid
Also for Madrid, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- MAD Airport Private Transfer to/from Madrid City Center: $23
- Private transfer departure from City Centre to Madrid Airport: $29
- Transfer: Barajas Airport (MAD) to Madrid City Center: $31
- Madrid Barajas Airport Private Transfer To Madrid City: $34
- Private Transfer from Madrid Airport (MAD): $39
- Private transfer to Madrid Airport (MAD): $39
- Madrid to Madrid Airport (MAD) - Departure Private Transfer: $42
- Private Transfer From Madrid Barajas Airport to Madrid: $47
- Madrid Airport Private Arrival Transfer: $50
- Private Transfers Madrid Airport to Central Madrid: $50
- Madrid Airport Departure Private Transfer: $51
- One Way Private Transfer to or from Madrid: $57
Is it cheaper to fly into Petra or Madrid?
Prices for flights to both Madrid and Petra 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 dayPetra $66Madrid $68
Typical Food Prices in Petra
Some typical examples of dining costs in Petra are as follows:
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Dinner for Two$12
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Juice$1.76
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Petra
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Petra.
- Cooking outside in little Petra between the Mountains.: $50
- Private Outdoor bedouin Dinner in Petra: $150
Typical Food Prices in Madrid
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Madrid:
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Coffee$2.32
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Ice Cream$3.48
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Kebabs (for 2)$18
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Croissant$1.74
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Lunch at Airport (for 2)$18
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Madrid
For Madrid, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Corral de la Moreria Madrid Flamenco Show with Optional Dinner: $59
- Madrid Paella and Churros Cooking Class Ham and Wines Tasting: $70
- Murder Mystery Dinner Experience: $75
- Chocolate & Churros Cooking Class in Madrid: $77
- Madrid : Paella and Churros cooking class, ham and wines tasting: $77
- Traditional Cooking Class of Sardines with Dish Auction in Madrid: $81
- Madrid Tapas & Wine Tasting Food Tour – Small Group Local Bars: $91
- Spanish Cooking Class Paella Tapas and Sangria in Madrid: $100
- Madrid Food Tour in a Neighborhood Market with Churros: $105
- Tapas & Paella Cooking Class in Madrid with a Professional Chef: $105
- Madrid Tapas & Paella Cooking Experience with Local Market Visit: $112
- Madrid Food Tour Tasting the Heart of the City: $138
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Petra $47Madrid $38
Typical Entertainment Prices in Petra
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Petra are as follows:
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Entry to Petra for One$71
Tours and Activities in Petra
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Petra are as follows:
- 2 day tour to Petra from Eilat: $299
- 3 Hour Horse Riding Adventure around the Petra Area: $145
- 6 Hours Private Tour in Petra: $125
- Amman: Petra by Night Tour with Optional Day Visit: $99
- From Petra : Wadi Rum Private 8 - hours roundtrip tour .: $190
- Guided 3 Hour Tour of Petra's Iconic Landmarks: $44
- Half-Day Private Indiana Jones Petra Back Road Trial Tour: $165
- Petra Back Entrance Private Walking Tour | Guide Sami Nawafleh: $225
- Petra Highlight Tour with Private Guide Sami Nawafleh | 2.5 Hours: $120
- Petra Highlights Guided Golf Cart Tour with Hotel Pickup: $169
- Private 2-Day Jordan Tour: Petra, Wadi Rum & Dead Sea: $210
- Private 3-Day Jordan Tour: Petra, Wadi Rum & Dead Sea: $270
Tours and Activities in Madrid
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Madrid.
- Self Guided Walking City Tour in Madrid: $3.53
- Tuk Tuk Tour of the Best of Madrid (booking only): $3.53
- Malasaña and Chueca A Tour That Shouts Freedom: $3.53
- Madrid Historical Walking Tour: $3.53
- "Prado Museum" Tour A Treasure of World Art: $3.54
- Madrid - Medieval to Modern Walking Tour (English): $3.54
- Madrid City Highlights Walking Tour: $4.72
- Madrid Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $5.12
- Madrid Essential : Self-Guided Tour created by local Official Guide: $5.90
- Manzanares River’s Story: A Self-Guided Audio Tour in Madrid: $5.99
- Madrid Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.00
- Madrid Mystery Quest: Self-Guided Surreal Adventure Game: $7.00
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPetra $15Madrid $23
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$5.80
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Drinks and Tapas (for 2)$15
Sample the Local Flavors in Madrid
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Madrid:
- Visit to the Winery with Wine Tasting and Appetizers in Navarra: $12
- Madrid Pub Crawl: Open Bar, Shots & VIP Entry (Shoko & Fitz): $14
- Pub Crawl Madrid by Mad Party Crew: Bars, Shots and Club Entry: $20
- Wine Tour with tasting in the Natural Park of La Mata: $38
- Hypno Tasting Wine Tasting under Hypnosis in Madrid: $58
- New Year Eve Madrid Pub Crawl: $81
- Spanish Wine Tasting : $90
- Old Madrid Tapas & Wine Tasting Tour - Real Small Groups 8 Max: $99
- Madrid Tapas & Wine Tour: Local Bars & Spanish Wine Tasting: $112
- Eating Not Just Another Tapas and Wine Tour: $114
- Madrid Tapas & Wine Tour with Rooftop Views and Local Guide: $116
- Toledo Tour & Vineyard Experience with Wine Tasting from Madrid: $130
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Petra and Madrid, we can see that Madrid is more expensive. And not only is Petra much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Petra is in Middle East 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 Petra would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Petra 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 Petra.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Petra Expensive? and Is Madrid Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Petra or Madrid?
Madrid has a larger population, and is about 220 times larger than the population of Petra. When comparing the sizes of Petra 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.