Which place is cheaper, Madrid or Stockholm?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Stockholm 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 Stockholm 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.
Stockholm
Stockholm is a clean, coastal, and safe city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, live music, and food.
Madrid
Madrid is a cultural, diverse, and compact city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. And you can't forget about the nightlife, live music, and food.
Stockholm and Madrid: Pros and Cons
Stockholm
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Active nightlife
- Good music scene
- Scenic old town
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Big city activities
- Impressive beauty
- Less popular for food
- Less popular for students
Madrid
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Popular for food and cuisine
- Active nightlife
- Good music scene
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Good for students
- Big city activities
Is there more to do in Stockholm or Madrid?
Both Madrid and Stockholm have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Stockholm is very popular for its museums & sights, historical sights, and impressive beauty, while Madrid attracts visitors for its food, shopping, and big city activities. Stockholm is famous for its many bridges and water culture, its open air museum, and its colorful old town. Madrid is famous for its art and architecture, its tapas and culinary scene, and its lively flamenco dancing.
How is Stockholm different from Madrid?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Madrid and Stockholm. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Stockholm or Madrid?
Stockholm
Madrid
Stockholm is a great city for its historical sights. Also, Madrid is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.
You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Stockholm. Famous sights and museums include the Vasa Museum, the Skansen Open-Air Museum, and the Royal Palace.
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 Stockholm or Madrid? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?
Stockholm
Madrid
Madrid is a must-visit destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Stockholm is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.
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.
Stockholm is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Most famous for its Swedish meatballs, there is so much more to the food scene in this city. Although they're expensive, the restaurants often have a relaxed atmosphere with dishes that take advantage of local, fresh ingredients. Seafood is obviously popular as well.
Is Stockholm or Madrid Better for Nightlife?
Stockholm
Madrid
Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Stockholm and Madrid.
Stockholm is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The city is a particularly fun place to visit during the summer months when clubs open outdoor areas and parties happen day and night.
Many people head to Madrid for the nightlife scene. 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 Stockholm or Madrid Better for Music?
Stockholm
Madrid
Live music enthusiatsts will find something to enjoy in either Stockholm or Madrid.
Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Stockholm The city has an amazing music scene that includes international groups and DJs, local venues, and popular festivals.
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.
Is Stockholm or Madrid Better for its Old Town?
Stockholm
Madrid
Stockholm is renowned for its historic old town. However, Madrid does not have a historic old town.
The old town of Stockholm is one of the most recognized in the world. Right in the middle of the city is Gamla Stan. It's spread out over a hill and filled with character, cobblestone streets, cafes, and historical sights.
Madrid does not have a historic old town.
Is the Shopping Better in Stockholm or Madrid?
Stockholm
Madrid
Madrid is a must-visit destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Stockholm is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.
The abundance of shops in Madrid make it a world-class shopping destination. 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.
Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Stockholm. Right by Gamla Stan, you'll find the city's main shopping street of Drottninggatan. The city has great jewelry and artisan crafts.
Is Stockholm or Madrid Better for Families?
Stockholm
Madrid
Stockholm is renowned for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Madrid is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.
Stockholm is an extremely popular city to visit for families. As cities go, this is among the most child-friendly in Europe. There are many unique activities like Junibacken, which is a Pippi Longstocking themed kid's museum. There's also Tom Tits Experiment, which is a hands on science and technology museum, the swimming pools at Eriksdalsbadet, and the amusement park Gröna Lund.
Madrid is a very kid-friendly city. 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 Stockholm or Madrid Better for Couples?
Stockholm
Madrid
Stockholm is renowned for romance. Also, Madrid is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.
Stockholm is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. The city is filled with romance, from wandering around Gamla Stan to taking a dinner cruise or exploring a rose garden. During the winter months, the Christmas markets and festive atmosphere bring the city to life.
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.
Is Stockholm or Madrid Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?
Stockholm
Madrid
Madrid is well known for backpackers. Also, Stockholm is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.
Madrid is a great city to visit for backpackers. The many hostels around town make it easy for backpackers to find affordable accommodation while also meeting other travelers.
Plenty of backpackers visit Stockholm. While the city has a lot to offer, many backpackers avoid the area because it is so expensive. There are some hostels, but in general food and entertainment are all going to cost a lot.
Is Stockholm or Madrid Better for Students?
Stockholm
Madrid
Madrid is a must-visit destination for students. Also, Stockholm is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.
It's common for students to visit Stockholm. The cost of the city scares off many international students, but those that come here will find a clean, safe, and fun city with excellent academics.
Is Stockholm or Madrid Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?
Stockholm
Madrid
You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Stockholm and Madrid.
Stockholm has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. The system is efficient with bus lines, metro, commuter rails, trams and ferries.
The thorough and effecient public transit system of Madrid can take you anywhere. The system includes the Madrid Metro, buses, and a light rail system.
Is Stockholm or Madrid a more walkable city?
Stockholm
Madrid
Stockholm and Madrid both are world-class when exploring on foot.
Getting around Stockholm on foot is easy. The city has actively worked to create a walkable environment that is safe and pleasant. There are restrictions on vehicles as well as pedestrian-only areas.
Madrid is a very easy city to get around on foot. Most tourists stay in the central part of Madrid where it's compact and relatively easy to walk to most tourist sights.
For even more information, also check out Is Stockholm Worth Visiting? and Is Madrid Worth Visiting?.
Should I spend more time in Madrid or Stockholm?
How long in Stockholm or Madrid?
In either Stockholm or Madrid, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Stockholm than Madrid because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Stockholm, and 2-5 days is enough time in Madrid.
Families should spend more time in Stockholm than Madrid. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Stockholm, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.
Couples should spend more time in Stockholm than Madrid. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Stockholm that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Madrid than Stockholm 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 Stockholm or Madrid? Ideal Length of StayStockholm 2-7Madrid 2-5
One day in Stockholm or Madrid?
Stockholm 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.
You'll find nightlife and live music around the city of Madrid. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.
A weekend in Stockholm or Madrid?
Stockholm is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the live music, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.
You'll find live music and food around the friendly big city of Madrid. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.
Five days in Stockholm or Madrid?
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Stockholm. Don't miss the live music, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.
You'll find food and shopping around the friendly city of Madrid. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.
A week in Stockholm or Madrid?
Stockholm is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.
Madrid is a popular choice for travelers. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Sweden, The Best Camping Tours in Sweden, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Barcelona, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Madrid.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayStockholm $177Madrid $150
The average daily cost (per person) in Stockholm is $177, while the average daily cost in Madrid is $150. 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 Stockholm and Madrid in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personStockholm $101Madrid $85
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomStockholm $202Madrid $170
Compare Hotels in Stockholm and Madrid
Looking for a hotel in Stockholm 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: Stockholm Hotel Prices and Madrid Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Stockholm $21Madrid $20
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Stockholm
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Stockholm:
- First Class Airport Limousine Transfer: Arlanda Airport to Stockholm City: $270
- First Class Airport Limousine Transfer: Stockholm City to Arlanda Airport: $270
- Skansen Stockholm Fast-Track Tickets, Private Tour, Transfer: $253
- Airport Transfer: Stockholm to Airport ARN by Luxury Car: $225
- Stockholm Airport (ARN): Transfer to Stockholm city/port: $208
- Cruise port VIP Transfer: Cruise port to Stockholm city center 1-6 Passangers: $196
- Airport Limousine Transfer: Bromma Airport to Stockholm City 1-7 Passengers: $193
- Airport Limousine Transfer: Stockholm City to Bromma Airport 1-7 Passengers: $193
- Airport Transfer By Business Class - Arlanda Airport - Sthlm City: $193
- Private Arlanda Transfer Service to/from Stockholm : $180
- From Viking Culture Guided Tour with Transfer: $180
- Economy Transfer from Stockholm City To Arlanda Airport: $173
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:
- Alcobendas Private Transfer To Madrid Barajas Airport: $27
- Arrival Private Transfer Madrid Airport MAD to Madrid City by Van: $74
- Arrival Private Transfer by Business Car from MAD Airport to Madrid: $55
- Arrival Private Transfer from MAD Airport to Madrid in a Minibus: $149
- Arrival Transfer from Bologna Airport BLQ to Bologna City by Van: $79
- Arrival Transfer from Madrid Airport MAD to Madrid in Private Car: $83
- Arrival Transfer from Madrid Airport MAD to Madrid in Private Van: $91
- Arrival Transfer from Madrid MAD Airport to Madrid by Luxury Car: $84
- Arrival Transfer: Madrid Airport MAD to Madrid in Business Car: $85
- Departure Private Transfer from Madrid to MAD Airport by Van: $71
- Departure Transfer from Madrid to Madrid Airport MAD in Private Car: $83
- Departure Transfer from Madrid to Madrid Airport MAD in Private Van: $91
Is it cheaper to fly into Stockholm or Madrid?
Prices for flights to both Madrid and Stockholm 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 dayStockholm $38Madrid $37
Typical Food Prices in Stockholm
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Stockholm:
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Breakfast$9.63
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Stockholm
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Stockholm.
- Self Guided Taysta Food Tour in Stockholm: $35
- Food Tour: $107
- Stockholm Food Tour: $110
- From Wildlife Safari with Campfire Dinner: $127
- Stockholm Walking Food Tour With Small Group: $146
- Stockholm Private Food Tour with a Local: Tastiest Treats 100% Personalized: $226
Typical Food Prices in Madrid
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Madrid:
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Coffee$2.21
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Ice Cream$3.31
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Kebabs (for 2)$17
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Croissant$1.66
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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:
- Flamenco Show with Dinner, Drinks and Optional Class: $55
- Corral de la Moreria Madrid Flamenco Show with Optional Dinner: $57
- The Authentic Morning Food Tour!: $61
- Opera and Zarzuela Show and Dinner: $63
- Tapas Crawl in Madrid Historical Quarter for Lunch or Dinner: $65
- Iberico Ham and Spanish Wine Small-Group Food Tour: $65
- Madrid San Miguel Market and City Center Street Food Tour: $66
- Murder Mystery Dinner Experience: $71
- 10 Tapas 2.5-Hour Cooking Class: $75
- Tapas Dinner Party Food Tour with Guide: $76
- Tipsy Tapas Food Tour with Drinks and Food: $76
- Unique Traditional Cooking Class of Sardines in Madrid: $76
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Stockholm $26Madrid $37
Tours and Activities in Stockholm
Here are a few actual costs in Stockholm for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Self-guided Walking Tour of the Stockholm City: $5.66
- 1-Day Small-Group Stockholm Archipelago Kayak Tour: $195
- 1-day 7h Royal Palace and Castle Tour from Stockholm: $369
- 2-Hour Walking Tour in Stockholm: $13
- 2-day canoe & wild camp adventure in Stockholm Archipelago self guided: $290
- 2-day kayaking adventure around Vaxholm in Stockholm Archipelago - self guided: $270
- 3 Hour Self Guided GPS Bike Tour in Stockholm: $45
- 3,5h Guided Bike Tour Stockholm (English or German): $50
- 3-Hour Private Stockholm Photography Tour of Famous Landmarks : $108
- 3h walking tour, small group max 10 people Stockholm: $66
- ABBA Museum Fast-Track Tickets, Stockholm Pop Culture Tour: $297
- Best Stockholm Small Group Bike Tour. English,French or Spanish! : $93
Tours and Activities in Madrid
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Madrid.
- Modern Walking Tour (Golden age): $1.11
- Old Town Guided Walking Tour: $1.11
- Madrid Essential: Free Walking City Tour: $1.11
- Tour Retiro Park - Madrid self-guided tour app: $2.22
- First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.33
- Modern Madrid Walking Tour The Bourbons: $3.95
- App self-guided: Tour Madrid Spain: $4.43
- Highlights App Guided Tour with Puzzles: $4.43
- Madrid Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self-Guided Tour: $4.53
- Madrid Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $4.83
- Ticket Entrance to the Madrid Nougat Museum: $5.54
- Wonders of Madrid City Walking Tour: $5.54
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayStockholm $27Madrid $21
Sample the Local Flavors in Stockholm
Also in Stockholm, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Stockholm's Best Pub Crawl: $15
- Guided Bar Crawl with VIP Entry: $17
- 4 Hours Pub Crawl in Stockholm : $29
- Wine tasting Gamla Stan (old town -Stockholm): Event, team building & kick-off : $82
- Private Pub Crawl Stockholm With VIP Entry: $200
- Swedish Wine Tasting Tour in Stockholm Gamla Stan: $296
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$5.52
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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 Madrid Erasmus & International Meet and Party(New): $7.76
- Pub crawl Madrid Erasmus Meet & Party Erasmus and International: $9.06
- Original Pub Crawl With VIP Club Entry: $11
- Visit to the Winery with Wine Tasting and Appetizers in Navarra: $12
- Guided Bar Crawl with Drinks and Nightclub Entry: $13
- Pub Crawl Madrid's Night Time: $15
- Pub Crawl Madrid Running since 2005 Bar Exploration: $17
- Guided Pub Crawl Madrid Experience and Club Entry: $17
- Pub Crawl Madrid-The Original since 2005-Shots-Fun-Clubs-Dance: $17
- Pub Crawl Madrid & Party: $17
- Pub Crawl Madrid: $19
- Wine Tasting near Plaza Mayor: $23
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Stockholm and Madrid, we can see that Stockholm is more expensive. And not only is Madrid much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Madrid would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Madrid 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 Stockholm would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Stockholm than you might in Madrid.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Stockholm Expensive? and Is Madrid Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Stockholm or Madrid?
Madrid has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Stockholm. When comparing the sizes of Stockholm 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.