Which place is cheaper, Madrid or Sydney?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Sydney or Madrid?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Sydney 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.
Sydney
Sydney is a diverse, energetic, and outdoorsy city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife.
Madrid
Madrid is a authentic, cultural, and diverse 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 museums, nightlife, and live music.
Sydney and Madrid: Pros and Cons
Sydney
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Active nightlife
- Good scuba and snorkeling destination
- Popular beach
- Good for hiking
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Big city activities
- Impressive beauty
- Home to the Sydney Opera House
Madrid
Pros- Active nightlife
- Good music scene
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Big city activities
- Less museums and historical sights
Is there more to do in Sydney or Madrid?
You'll generally find more things to do in Sydney than Madrid. Sydney is bigger than Madrid, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Sydney is better known for its museums, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Madrid is more popular for its food and music. Sydney is well known for its iconic buildings, world-renowned beaches, colorful nightlife, and cosmopolitan restaurants. Also, Sydney is famous for the Sydney Opera House. Madrid is well known for its art and architecture, its tapas and culinary scene, and its lively flamenco dancing.
How is Sydney different from Madrid?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Madrid and Sydney. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Sydney or Madrid?
Sydney
Madrid
Sydney is renowned for its historical sights. Also, Madrid is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.
Travelers visit Sydney from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. The city is filled with iconic and world famous landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. There's also the famous Royal Botanic Garden and the Sydney Tower Eye.
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 Sydney or Madrid? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?
Sydney
Madrid
Madrid is an unbeatable place for its restaurant scene. Also, Sydney is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.
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.
The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Sydney. There are international restaurants offering impressive dishes from around the world. You'll also find some local Australian favorites around town. Seafood is abundant, as are a number of Asian cuisines. Barramundi is a local fish that you'll find on many menus. Oysters, prawns, and John Dory (a local fish) are also popular.
Is Sydney or Madrid Better for Nightlife?
Sydney
Madrid
Sydney is renowned for nightlife. Also, Madrid is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.
Sydney is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. The city is filled with nightclubs and DJ hosted dance parties. There's a huge young crowd that brings together residents, students, and backpackers in a vibrant nightlife scene. Some of the best areas for nightlife are Kings Cross, Oxford Street, Surry Hills or Darling Harbour.
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 Sydney or Madrid Better for Music?
Sydney
Madrid
Madrid is an unbeatable place for its music scene. However, Sydney 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.
Sydney is not a live music destination.
Is Sydney or Madrid Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?
Sydney
Madrid
Sydney 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 Sydney. There's some good snorkeling and diving nearby with a diversity of marine life and interesting ecosystems. Some of the best snorkeling spots are at Palm Beach, Shelly Beach, and Clifton Gardens.
Madrid is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.
Is Sydney or Madrid Better for Beaches?
Sydney
Madrid
Sydney is renowned for its beaches. However, Madrid is not a beach destination.
Sydney is considered to be a world-class beach destination. There are more than 100 beaches near the city with everything from hidden coves to world famous destinations. Bondi Beach is the most famous beach in town and it has all of the tourist sights and activities that you could need. Surfers often head to Bronte Beach, which isn't too far away. Divers and snorkelers love Gordons Bay. Manly is also a nearby suburb with family-friendly beaches that can be reached by ferry.
Madrid is not a beach destination.
Is Sydney or Madrid Better for Hiking?
Sydney
Madrid
Sydney is a great city for hiking. However, Madrid is not a hiking destination.
Many visitors go to Sydney for the hiking trails. The city offers a number of coastal and inland trails that are easily accessible from town. There are short paths as well as multi-day routes not far and pass by stunning landscapes and viewpoints.
Madrid is not a hiking destination.
Is the Shopping Better in Sydney or Madrid?
Sydney
Madrid
Shopping is a popular activity in both Madrid and Sydney.
Sydney is a world class destination for shoppers. There's a wonderful mix of shopping streets, modern malls, and boutique vendors who sell local fashions. For souvenirs or local art, go to The Rocks, which is not far from Sydney Opera House. The Queen Victoria Building and Strand Arcade are also popular shopping areas.
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.
Is Sydney or Madrid Better for Families?
Sydney
Madrid
Sydney is renowned for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Madrid is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.
Sydney is an extremely popular city to visit for families. The city has great beaches where kids can learn to surf, zoos and aquariums with local wildlife, and outdoor activities that take advantage of the city's waterfront location. There's everything from whale watching to visiting the Olympic Park, all of which will fascinate kids of all ages.
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 Sydney or Madrid Better for Couples?
Sydney
Madrid
Sydney is renowned for romance. Also, Madrid is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.
Sydney is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. It's a romantic city that's filled with iconic landmarks like the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House. There are also award winning restaurants and world class beaches. Wander around the botanical gardens or take a sailing cruise on the harbor. There is an endless supply of romantic activities to choose from.
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 Sydney or Madrid Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?
Sydney
Madrid
Sydney is renowned for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Madrid is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.
Many backpackers frequent Sydney. It's popular for its adventure sports, active beaches, and vibrant nightlife. While it's not a particularly cheap city to visit, there are plenty of hostels around town and no shortage of backpackers to hang out with.
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.
Is Sydney or Madrid Better for Students?
Sydney
Madrid
Sydney and Madrid are first-rate places to visit for students.
Sydney is a great destination for students. Students love the energy and plethora of outdoor activities in this beautiful city. Many international students come not only for the excellent universities but also for the diverse environment and many things to do.
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.
Is Sydney or Madrid Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?
Sydney
Madrid
You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Sydney and Madrid.
Visitors in Sydney can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. There are a variety of types of public transit in town including buses, trains, ferries and light rail.
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.
Is Sydney or Madrid a more walkable city?
Sydney
Madrid
Madrid is an unbeatable place for its ease of walking around. Also, Sydney is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.
Getting around Madrid on foot is easy. Most tourists stay in the central part of Madrid where it's compact and relatively easy to walk to most tourist sights.
Sydney is very walkable. The city center and nearby suburbs are relatively easy to walk around. On the western side of the city, the suburbs are much less walkable.
For even more information, also check out Is Sydney Worth Visiting? and Is Madrid Worth Visiting?.
Should I spend more time in Madrid or Sydney?
How long in Sydney or Madrid?
In either Sydney or Madrid, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Sydney than Madrid because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Sydney, and 2-5 days is enough time in Madrid.
Families should spend more time in Sydney than Madrid. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Sydney, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.
Couples should spend more time in Sydney than Madrid. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Sydney that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Sydney than Madrid 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 Sydney.
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How many days in Sydney or Madrid? Ideal Length of StaySydney 3-7Madrid 2-5
One day in Sydney or Madrid?
Sydney is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.
Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the big city destination of Madrid. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.
A weekend in Sydney or Madrid?
Sydney 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.
Madrid 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.
Five days in Sydney or Madrid?
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Sydney. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Madrid. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.
A week in Sydney or Madrid?
Sydney is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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.
Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the authentic big city of Madrid. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Australia, The Best 10-Day Tours in Australia, The Best Contiki Tours to Spain, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySydney $273Madrid $148
The average daily cost (per person) in Sydney is $273, while the average daily cost in Madrid is $148. 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 Sydney and Madrid in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSydney $102Madrid $84
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSydney $204Madrid $168
Compare Hotels in Sydney and Madrid
Looking for a hotel in Sydney 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: Sydney Hotel Prices and Madrid Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Sydney $15Madrid $20
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Sydney
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Sydney:
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Taxi Ride$13
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Taxi to Airport$16
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sydney
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Sydney:
- Port Stephens Private Transfer with Optional Acti-: $419
- Limoroo, Luxe Private Transfers to The Blue Mountains Australia: $294
- Tandem Skydive with Optional Transfers: $245
- Premium Private Transfer FROM Sydney Airport to Sydney CBD/Downtown 1-11 people: $212
- Sydney Airport (SYD): Private Transfer to Sydney hotels: $204
- From Sydney Hotels - Hotel Transfer to Airport: $195
- Airport transfers and shuttle bus - home/hotels: $194
- Airport Transfer From Sydney Airport to Hotels and Home: $165
- Sydney Airport Departure Transfer (Sydney Central Business District to Airport): $163
- Sydney Airport Private Car Departure Transfer: $160
- Limoroo, Airport Transfers and Luxe Door to Door Service. : $147
- Private Transfer FROM Sydney Airport to Sydney CBD 1 to 5 people: $131
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Madrid
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Madrid are as follows:
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Taxi Ride$28
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Madrid
Also for Madrid, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Madrid Airport MAD Round-Trip Transfer in Private Van: $173
- Private One-Way Transfer to OR from Madrid Airport with private pick up: $77
- Arrival Private Transfer Madrid Airport MAD to Madrid City by Van: $71
- Arrival Private Transfer by Business Car from MAD Airport to Madrid: $53
- Arrival Transfer from Madrid Airport MAD to Madrid in Private Van: $87
- Arrival Transfer from Madrid MAD Airport to Madrid by Luxury Car: $81
- Arrival Transfer: Madrid Airport MAD to Madrid in Business Car: $80
- Departure Transfer from Madrid to Madrid Airport MAD in Private Van: $87
- Departure Transfer: Madrid to Madrid Airport MAD in Business Car: $80
- From Madrid Airport: 1-Way Private Hotel Transfer: $80
- From Hot Air Balloon over Segovia with Transfer: $261
- Hotel Madrid City Private Transfer To Madrid Barajas Airport: $26
Is it cheaper to fly into Sydney or Madrid?
Prices for flights to both Madrid and Sydney 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 daySydney $44Madrid $37
Typical Food Prices in Sydney
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Sydney:
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Tea$2.60
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Lunch Special$9.73
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Food/Drink Coogie Beach$9.73
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Meat Pies$3.24
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sydney
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Sydney.
- Vivid Lights Festival Pizza Cruise Tour in Vivid Sydney: $16
- Vivid Sydney Harbor Cruise with Buffet Dinner: $45
- Sydney's Little Italy Food Tour: $49
- Christmas in July Dinner Cruise on Sydney Harbour: $56
- Harbor Sunset Cruise with Dinner: $58
- Sydney Harbour: Tall Ship Vivid Dinner Cruise: $58
- Small Group Refugee Chef Dinner Banquet at Bohemian Cafe: $62
- Sydney Harbour: Latin Fiesta Dinner Cruise: $68
- Tall Ship Harbour Twilight Dinner Cruise: $71
- Sydney Harbour Tall Ship Twilight Dinner Cruise: $71
- Harbour Dinner Cruise with 3, 4 or 6-Course Menu: $74
- Sydney Harbour Sunset Dinner Cruise: $75
Typical Food Prices in Madrid
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Madrid:
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Coffee$2.17
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Ice Cream$3.25
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Kebabs (for 2)$17
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Croissant$1.62
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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:
- 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
- Madrid Tipsy Tapas Tour with Dinner and Drinks: $42
- Paella and Sangria Workshop with Dinner and Drinks: $47
- 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.Sydney $31Madrid $37
Typical Entertainment Prices in Sydney
Here are a few typical costs in Sydney for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Theatre Show$29
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Sydney Tower Visit (for 2)$30
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Blue Mountain Tour/Featherdale Park (for 2)$124
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Powerhouse Museum$9.76
Tours and Activities in Sydney
Here are a few actual costs in Sydney for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Bespoke Cycle Tours - Sydney Harbour E-Bike Coffee/Lunch Tour: $180
- Small-Group Sydney's Northern Beaches and Ku-ring-gai National Park Bus Tour: $226
- Sydney & Bondi Half Day Tour Including with Rocks Walking Tour : $84
- 1 Hour Sydney Harbour Highlights Catamaran Cruise: $32
- 2-Hour Guided Walking Tour in Sydney Harbour National Park : $36
- 3 Hours Abba Tribute Cruise on Sydney Harbour: $65
- 3 Hr Whale Watching Discovery Cruise in Sydney: $71
- 3-Hour Private Bike Tour with a Local Sydney Guide: $226
- 3hr Audio+Puzzle Tour of The Rocks, Sydney Harbour & The Bridge: $16
- Allianz Stadium Guided Walking Tour: $16
- Art Gallery of NSW: Stories of Art and Place gallery tour: $29
- Australia: Tourist eSIM Data Plan: $11
Tours and Activities in Madrid
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Madrid.
- Madrid Essential: Free Walking City Tour: $1.06
- First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.19
- Madrid Mountains Free Walking Tour: $3.26
- Madrid Old Town & Hidden Gems Walking Tour: $4.26
- Secrets of Madrids Walking Tour: $4.26
- Marvels of Madrid Walking Tour: $4.26
- Wonders of Madrid Walking Tour: $4.26
- Escape Game and Tour: $4.26
- 2 Hour Madrid Walking Tour : $4.35
- Wonders of Madrid Walking Tour : $4.35
- Ticket Entrance to the Madrid Nougat Museum: $5.32
- Mapfre Foundation Entry Ticket: $5.32
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySydney $15Madrid $21
Typical Alcohol Prices in Sydney
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Sydney:
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Wine$10
Sample the Local Flavors in Sydney
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Sydney:
- SYDNEY : Haunted Sydney Pub Tour: $20
- Sydney's Haunted Pub Tour with a Licensed Guide: $26
- Night Out Pub Crawl with Local Guide: $29
- Sydney Cellar Door - Old Vine Expressions Wine Tasting: $46
- Private Wine Tour and Tasting: $55
- Urban Winery Wine Tasting Tour with Cheese Platter: $55
- Balmain Pub Walking Tour: $76
- Luxury Hunter Valley Wildlife & Wine Tasting Tour from Sydney: $82
- Sydney Beer and Brewery Tour: $101
- Brewery, Winery, and Distillery Tasting Tour: $110
- Northern Beaches Brewery Tour and Tasting: $120
- From Hunter Valley Wine Tour with Cheese Tasting: $142
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$5.42
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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 with Tapas and VIP Club Entry: $9.58
- 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
- Guided Pub Crawl Madrid Experience and Club Entry: $16
- Pub Crawl Madrid Running since 2005 Bar Exploration: $16
- Pub Crawl Madrid-The Original since 2005-Shots-Fun-Clubs-Dance: $16
- Pub Crawl Madrid: $19
- Pub Crawl Madrid: $22
- Wine Tasting near Plaza Mayor: $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 Sydney and Madrid, we can see that Sydney is more expensive. And not only is Madrid much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Sydney is in Pacific 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 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 Sydney would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sydney 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 Sydney Expensive? and Is Madrid Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Sydney or Madrid?
Sydney has a larger population, and is about 41% larger than the population of Madrid. When comparing the sizes of Sydney 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.