Should you visit Tokyo or Madrid?
Should I visit Tokyo or Madrid? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Tokyo
Tokyo, the capital of Japan, is by far the most populous city in the world with a staggering 37 million people. As a worldwide hub for technology and business, it hosts millions of visitors annually. But Tokyo is not just a place for business trips. With its incredible mixture of historical temples and shrines, remarkably beautiful parks, endless shopping malls, and genuinely wonderful people, Tokyo is a terrific place to visit and to explore.
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.
Which city is cheaper, Madrid or Tokyo?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Tokyo is $176, while the average daily cost in Madrid is $126. 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 city. Below is a breakdown of travel costs for Tokyo and Madrid in more detail.
Accommodation
An average hotel room with basic furnishings costs about $166 in Tokyo For the most convenient locations and nicer amenities you can expect to pay a bit more.
Travelers usually pay around $140 for a double occupancy room in Madrid If you want to be in a premiere location or have high end amenities, you can expect to pay a bit more.
Food
The price of a meal in Tokyo can vary widely. However, the average price for food per day is $41 per person, and a typical meal will cost around $16 based on the spending of previous visitors. Less expensive dining options can be found by eating street food or at fast food restaurants.
The price of a meal in Madrid can vary widely. However, the average price for food per day is $32 per person, and a typical meal will cost around $13 based on the spending of previous visitors. Less expensive dining options can be found by eating street food or at fast food restaurants.
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Food
Meals for one day
Tokyo $41
Madrid $32
Typical Food prices in Tokyo
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Tokyo:
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tokyo
For Tokyo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
-
Lunch or Dinner with Maiko Experience in Kyoto :
$14
-
Instagrammable Cooking Class (Miso-balls):
$23
-
Yokohama Lunch, Tea, and Dinner Cruise with Royalwings:
$25
-
Japanese Rolled Sushi cooking in Tokyo:
$27
-
Online character lunch box cooking class:
$27
-
Tokyo West Side Walking and Street Food Tour:
$34
-
Hakodate's Famous Ikameshi Cooking Class:
$36
-
Instagrammable Cooking Class (Casual):
$41
-
West-Side Walking & Street Food Tour:
$45
-
Okinawa Home Cooking Experience:
$45
-
Moby Dick Dinner Cruise in Naha:
$53
-
Instagrammable Cooking Class (Special):
$59
Typical Food prices in Madrid
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Madrid:
-
Coffee
$2.36
-
Ice Cream
$3.54
-
Kebabs (for 2)
$19
-
Croissant
$1.77
-
Lunch at Airport (for 2)
$19
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Madrid
For Madrid, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
-
Virtual Cooking Class: The Spanish Paella Experience:
$24
-
Florida Retiro Dinner Show:
$38
-
Murder Mystery Dinner Experience:
$49
-
Virtual cooking - spanish "tortilla de patatas":
$50
-
Skip the Line: Flamenco Show with Dinner and Workshop in Madrid Ticket:
$52
-
Private Food Tour in The 10 Tastings:
$53
-
Homemade pasta cooking class and lunch in the heart of Madrid:
$58
-
Mamaz Social Italian Dinner in Madrid:
$60
-
3-hour Virtual Spanish Cooking Class in Madrid:
$62
-
Opera and Zarzuela Show and Dinner:
$62
-
Authentic Italian Dinner in Madrid:
$68
-
Zarzuela Opera and Dinner at La Castafiore Restaurant in Madrid:
$68
Local Transportation
Tokyo's transportation costs can vary by the type of transport chosen by visitors. Naturally, taxis and private drivers cost much more than public transportation options. On average, visitors spend $22 per person, per day on transportation in Tokyo.
To get around in Madrid, the average visitor spends $18 per day, per person. This includes the costs of taxi rides and private drivers as well as public transportation, which tends to be much more affordable.
Typical Local Transportation prices in Tokyo
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Tokyo:
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tokyo
Also for Tokyo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
-
Private Transfer to Narita Airport via Shinshoji Temple:
$808
-
From Private Transfer to Twin Ring MOTEGI and Hiyama:
$569
-
Tokyo 23-Wards: Private Transfer to/from Narita Airport:
$544
-
Tokyo Narita Airport to One-Way Private Transfer:
$499
-
Tokyo Airport Transfers: Tokyo City to Tokyo-Narita Airport NRT in Luxury Car:
$401
-
Private Kansai International Airport (KIX) Transfers for Osaka (Same Day Booking):
$338
-
Private Narita International Airport Transfers (NRT) for Tokyo (Same Day Booking):
$323
-
Departure Private Transfer from Tokyo City to Narita Airport NRT by Luxury Van:
$302
-
Tokyo Airport Transfers: Tokyo City to Tokyo-Narita Airport NRT in Luxury Van:
$299
-
Tokyo Departure Private Transfers from Tokyo City to Tokyo-Narita Airport NRT:
$299
-
Tokyo Haneda Airport to One-Way Private Transfer:
$290
-
Tokyo Airport Transfers: Tokyo City to Tokyo-Haneda Airport HND in Luxury Car:
$290
Typical Local Transportation prices in Madrid
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Madrid are as follows:
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Madrid
Also for Madrid, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
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Private one way transfer from Madrid to Seville with private pick up & drop off:
$1,081
-
Private Transfer from Madrid city to Biarritz:
$890
-
Private Transfer from Madrid city to Biarritz Airport:
$890
-
Private Weekend Trip to Madrid with Private Transfers and Private Tours:
$840
-
Private Transfer from Madrid city to Pamplona:
$753
-
Private Transfer from Madrid city to Pamplona Airport:
$753
-
DUCA - Hassle-Free transfer from Madrid to Vicentine Coast:
$743
-
Private Transfer from Madrid city to Bilbao:
$739
-
Private Transfer from Madrid to Bilbao Cruise Port:
$739
-
Private Transfer from Madrid city to Bilbao Airport:
$739
-
Private Transfer from Madrid to Santander Port:
$677
-
Private Transfer from Madrid city to Santander Airport:
$677
Is it cheaper to fly into Tokyo or Madrid?
Prices for flights to both Madrid and Tokyo 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.
Entertainment
Sightseeing, admission tickets, things to do, and other entertainment expenses in Tokyo can vary widely by price. On average, visitors spend around $79 per person, per day on entertainment and sightseeing here.
In Madrid, the costs for things to do, activities, admission tickets, and other sightseeing expenses are on average $32 per person, per day.
Tours and Activities in Tokyo
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Tokyo.
-
Art Aquarium Museum Ticket in Tokyo:
$21
-
Beppu Tower Admission Ticket:
$3.65
-
Chiba Mother Farm Ticket Tokyo:
$12
-
Hakodate-Onuma Segway Tours:
$82
-
Hakone Kamakura 3-Day Ticket Pass:
$63
-
Hakone Kowaki-en Yunessun Hot Spring Theme Park One Day Ticket :
$21
-
Hakone Segway Tours:
$82
-
Izu Teddy Bear Museum Admission Ticket:
$13
-
Japanese Culture Experience at Kanda Myoujin Shrine EDOCCO Cha-ya in Tokyo:
$27
-
Kanda Myoujin Rakugo Show Ticket in Tokyo:
$7.29
-
Kanda Myoujin Shrine Experience Ticket in Tokyo:
$45
-
Kouri Ocean Tower Observation Deck Ticket in Okinawa:
$6.99
Tours and Activities in Madrid
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Madrid.
-
1-Hour Historic Tour of Madrid by Scrooser:
$29
-
10 Days Tour Heart of Spain:
$1,592
-
10-Day Andalusia and Morocco escorted tour from Madrid:
$1,680
-
10-Day Guided Tour Morocco and Andalusia from Madrid:
$1,709
-
11-Day Portugal and Andalucia Guided Tour from Madrid:
$1,735
-
12-Day Morocco and South of Spain Tour from Madrid:
$1,722
-
13-Day Mediterranean Capitals Guided Tour from Madrid:
$2,114
-
2 Day Bus Tour: Granada, Toledo & Madrid from Costa del Sol:
$259
-
2 Hour Hidden Oasis Retiro Park Madrid Small Group Segway Tour:
$33
-
2 Hours Secrets of Madrid Retiro Park Tour:
$11
-
2-Day Guided Tour Cordoba and Seville from Madrid:
$404
-
2-Day Tour of Cordoba and Sevilla from Madrid:
$406
Alcohol
Alcoholic beverages can often be a significant portion of a traveler's budget, and the costs can vary greatly from person to person. In Tokyo, the average amount that a visitor spends on alcoholic beverages per day is $37.
Alcoholic beverages can often be a significant portion of a traveler's budget, and the costs can vary greatly from person to person. In Madrid, the average amount that a visitor spends on alcoholic beverages per day is $19.
Typical Alcohol prices in Tokyo
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Tokyo:
Sample the Local Flavors in Tokyo
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Tokyo:
-
Hiroshima Sake Brewery Guided Tour in "Saijo", one of the three largest Japanese Sake spot:
$12
-
Tokyo Pub Crawl:
$22
-
Sake Brewery Tour with Sake Tasting:
$307
Typical Alcohol prices in Madrid
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Madrid are as follows:
-
Beer
$5.91
-
Drinks and Tapas (for 2)
$15
Sample the Local Flavors in Madrid
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Madrid:
-
5-Hour Pub Crawl:
$13
-
Madrid Pub Crawl:
$14
-
Pub Crawl in Madrid:
$15
-
Pub Crawl Madrid by Madpartycrew:
$19
-
Wine Tasting near Plaza Mayor:
$20
-
Private Pub Crawl Madrid:
$21
-
Wine Tasting Experience:
$32
-
Madrid Wine Tasting, Flamenco Class, and Pub Crawl:
$44
-
Madrid 6-Hour Tapas and Flamenco Bar Crawl:
$46
-
Madrid Tapas and Mysteries Walking Tour with Private Option and Pub Crawl:
$47
-
Wine Tasting and Flamenco Master Class in Madrid:
$58
-
Segovia and Spanish Versailles Full-Day Tour with Wine Tasting:
$62
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Tokyo and Madrid, we can see that Tokyo is more expensive. And not only is Madrid much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Tokyo is in Asia 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 Tokyo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Tokyo than you might in Madrid.
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