Which place is cheaper, Madrid or Sofia?
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 Sofia or Madrid?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Sofia and Madrid. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Sofia or Madrid?
Sofia
Sofia is the capital of Bulgaria and also its largest city. Some people have tried to compare it to Budapest, but the cities are actually quite different. In Sofia you will find wonderful European style architecture intertwined with Communist style buildings. It's fascinating to see the two dramatically different building styles immediately next to each other. There are also many Orthodox Churches around town, with their beautiful domes and intricate details.
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 Family-Friendly Tours to Bulgaria, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Bulgaria, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Barcelona, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Madrid.
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Sofia Prices
Bulgaria PricesMadrid Prices
Spain Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySofia $83Madrid $181
The average daily cost (per person) in Sofia is $83, while the average daily cost in Madrid is $181. 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 Sofia and Madrid in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSofia $43Madrid $87
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSofia $86Madrid $174
Compare Hotels in Sofia and Madrid
Looking for a hotel in Sofia 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: Sofia Hotel Prices and Madrid Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Sofia $8.95Madrid $21
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sofia
Also for Sofia, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- From Private Transfer to Bucharest: $678
- Transfer from Bucharest to Sofia: $522
- River Rafting Adventure in Bulgaria (incl. transfer from Sofia): $298
- Bansko Transfer from/to Sofia Airport: $286
- Private Transfer from Sofia to Varna (VAR) Airport: $286
- Transfer from Sofia to Burgas: $280
- Bansko Transfer From/to Sofia Airport and Hotels: $275
- Private Transfer Bucharest to/from Sofia: $272
- Private Transfer from Sofia (SOF) Airport to Kavala: $248
- Private Arrival Transfer from Sofia Airport to Bansko Ski Resort: $217
- Bucharest: Private Transfer to Sofia: $216
- VIP Transfer from Sofia to Bansko: $195
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Madrid
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Madrid are as follows:
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Taxi Ride$29
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Madrid
Also for Madrid, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Segovia: Full-Day Tour with Transfer to and from Madrid: $475
- Private Transfer from Madrid Airport to Toledo: $339
- From Hot Air Balloon over Segovia with Transfer: $277
- Balloon Ride with Transfer Option from Madrid City: $277
- Private Transfer from Moratalla to Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport: $273
- Private Transfer from Bolnuevo to Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport: $254
- Private Transfer from La Manga strip dos Mares to Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport: $237
- Private Transfer from La Manga Club to Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport: $227
- From Private Transfer to Segovia: $225
- Private Transfer from Corvera Golf Resort to Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport: $218
- Private Transfer from Cieza to Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport: $205
- Private Transfer from El Verger to Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport: $191
Is it cheaper to fly into Sofia or Madrid?
Prices for flights to both Madrid and Sofia 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 daySofia $34Madrid $66
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sofia
For Sofia, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Private Traditional Bulgarian Cooking in Central Sofia: $98
- Bulgarian Food tasting, cullinary-historical tour, Cooking class: $111
- Sofia by Night: Panoramic City Tour and Folklore Dinner: $112
- Private Sofia Night Tour with Bulgarian Folklore & Dinner: $113
- Sofia Evening Tour with Folklore Program and Traditional Dinner: $160
Typical Food Prices in Madrid
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Madrid:
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Coffee$2.25
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Ice Cream$3.37
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Kebabs (for 2)$18
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Croissant$1.68
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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:
- Madrid Sunset Walking Tour with Optional Flamenco Show and Dinner: $28
- Tapas Dinner Party Food Tour with Guide: $44
- Madrid Tapas and Guided Food Tour with Dinner: $44
- Tapas Food Tour with Dinner in Madrid: $44
- Best local food tour in Madrid !: $50
- Corral de la Moreria Madrid Flamenco Show with Optional Dinner: $57
- Local Flamenco Show with dinner at El Cortijo: $57
- Madrid Food Tour with Tapas & Drinks with a Local: $58
- The Authentic Morning Food Tour!: $62
- Dinner-Show La Circa de Marta Cariño! en el centro de Madrid: $63
- Opera and Zarzuela Show and Dinner: $67
- Tapas Crawl in Madrid Historical Quarter for Lunch or Dinner: $67
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Sofia $6.32Madrid $37
Tours and Activities in Sofia
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Sofia.
- 3-Hour Private Bulgarian Food Tasting Tour of Sofia: $88
- 7 Rila Lakes and Rila Monastery Tour: $56
- 7 Rila lakes and Rila monastery day tour from Sofia: $98
- 7 Rila lakes and Rila monastery day tour from Sofia: $89
- Adventure Tour to Plovdiv and Rhodope Mountain: $113
- Adventure bike tours in Sofia: $67
- Afternoon Delights in Sofia Tour: $80
- Art Gallery Sightseeing Tour in Sofia: $67
- Belogradchik Full-day Tour from Sofia: $79
- Bike Tours in Sofia: $68
- Boyana Church & Rila Monastery Full-Day Private Tour: $181
- Bulgaria and Macedonia Full-Day Tour from Sofia: $137
Tours and Activities in Madrid
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Madrid.
- El Pardo Royal Palace Entry Ticket: $19
- Madrid Kids and Family Sightseeing Tour: $68
- Madrid Tapas & Taverns Small Group Food & History Tour: $114
- Tablao Flamenco las Tablas Madrid Admission Ticket: $52
- Ávila & Segovia and Alcazar Day Tour from Madrid lunch included: $205
- "Skip the line" Royal Palace + Prado Museum: $77
- 1 Hour Private Tuk tuk Tour in Madrid: $103
- 15 Cultural Madrid 10- Hour Private Tour: $790
- 2 Hours Private Tuk tuk Tour in Madrid: $172
- 2-Hour Madrid - Prado Museum Private Tour: $260
- 2-Hour Walking Tour on the History of Islamic Medieval the origins: $201
- 2.5-Hour Evening Tapas Tour through Madrid: $170
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySofia $8.96Madrid $22
Sample the Local Flavors in Sofia
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Sofia:
- Sofia Party Pub Crawl - Party Tour of Sofia's Best Bars & Clubs: $17
- Sofia's Hidden Bars: 4-Hour Pub Crawl: $23
- Sofia Pub Crawl Tour of The Hidden Unique Bars: $23
- Wine and Tapas - Bulgarian's Wine Tasting Experience: $28
- Wine Tasting in Heart of Sofia: $35
- 10 Best Gems Including Tram Ride to Top City Brewery: $57
- Special Selection Bulgarian Wine Tasting: $67
- Special Selection Bulgarian Wine Tasting: $68
- Sofia Exquisite Wine Tasting: $79
- 1-Hour Private Cheese and Wine Tasting in Sofia : $90
- Private Cheese and Wine Tasting Experience in Sofia: $125
- Melnik Wine Tour: $157
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$5.62
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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:
- Pub Crawl Madrid & Party: $3.44
- Pub Crawl Madrid's Night Time: $8.47
- Wild Night Pub Crawl: Free Shots, Games & VIP Club Entry!: $10
- NOCHE MADRILEÑA (PUB CRAWL Free shots 3BARS+1 CLUB): $11
- Pub Crawl Madrid Erasmus&International( Updated Best Offer): $11
- Visit to the Winery with Wine Tasting and Appetizers in Navarra: $12
- Guided Pub Crawl Madrid Experience and Club Entry: $23
- Pub Crawl Madrid: $23
- Pub Crawl Madrid Running since 2005 Bar Exploration: $28
- Pub Crawl Madrid-The Original since 2005-Shots-Fun-Clubs-Dance: $29
- Wine Tasting near Plaza Mayor in Madrid : $29
- Wine Tasting Experience with 4 Spanish Wines: $34
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sofia and Madrid, we can see that Madrid is more expensive. And not only is Sofia much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Sofia would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Sofia 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 Sofia.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Sofia Expensive? and Is Madrid Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Sofia or Madrid?
Madrid has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Sofia. When comparing the sizes of Sofia 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.