Spain · tool
How much does Madrid cost?
Daily budget breakdown across three tiers — so you can realistically plan your Madrid trip before you book anything.
Photo by Jorge Fernández Salas on Unsplash
Madrid, Spain travel budget
Realistic daily cost per person across three spending tiers. All figures in USD.
Budget
$70–$120
per day
Hostels, street food, public transit
Accommodation
$25–$45
Hostel dorm bed or a room in a shared apartment found on platforms like Idealista or Badi.
Food
$20–$30
Tapas from local bars, market finds at Mercado de San Miguel (can be pricier), and bakeries.
Transport
$5–$10
A 10-trip public transport pass ('Metrobús') for the Metro and EMT buses.
Activities
$10–$20
Free walking tours, exploring Retiro Park, visiting free entry times at museums like the Prado.
Misc
$10–$15
Small souvenirs, a coffee, or a quick snack.
Mid-range
$170–$290
per day
3-star hotels, mix of restaurants, some taxis
Accommodation
$70–$120
A comfortable 3-star hotel or a private apartment rental via Airbnb.
Food
$40–$70
A mix of casual restaurants (menu del día) and mid-range dining experiences.
Transport
$15–$25
Occasional taxis or ride-sharing services, plus the public transport pass.
Activities
$30–$50
Entry to major museums (Prado, Reina Sofía), flamenco shows, and guided tours.
Misc
$15–$25
Shopping for moderate souvenirs, evening drinks, or entry fees not covered by tours.
Luxury
$400–$660
per day
4-5 star hotels, premium dining, private transfers
Accommodation
$180–$300
A 4-5 star hotel in a prime location or a high-end serviced apartment.
Food
$80–$150
Fine dining, tasting menus at renowned restaurants, and premium beverages.
Transport
$50–$80
Private airport transfers, chauffeur services, or premium taxis.
Activities
$70–$100
Private guided tours, exclusive cultural experiences, and premium seating at events.
Misc
$20–$30
High-end souvenirs, spa treatments, or exclusive access fees.
Destination-specific money tips
- •Credit cards (Visa and Mastercard) are widely accepted in most establishments, but carry some cash for smaller purchases.
- •Avoid using ATMs from standalone providers like Euronet, as they often charge high fees; opt for ATMs attached to major Spanish banks like BBVA, Santander, or CaixaBank.
- •While tipping isn't mandatory, leaving a small tip (rounding up or a few euros) for exceptional service at restaurants or for taxi drivers is a nice gesture.
- •Look out for the 'Menú del Día' at lunchtime (usually weekdays) for excellent value multi-course meals at many restaurants.
- •While many attractions have online booking, sometimes purchasing tickets in person can avoid online booking fees, especially for smaller venues.
Plan the rest of your Madrid trip
Trip budgets elsewhere