Which place is cheaper, Madrid or Phuket?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Phuket 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.
Phuket is a energetic, party-hard, and stunning resort island. Phuket is a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling. See Phuket travel costs.
Madrid is a authentic, cultural, and diverse 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 museums, nightlife, and live music. See Madrid travel costs.
Tourists will generally find more to do in Madrid than Phuket. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Madrid is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Phuket attracts visitors for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty. Phuket is more touristy than Madrid and is popular for its long sandy beaches, wild nightlife, colorful resorts, and easy access to day tours. Madrid is famous for its art and architecture, its tapas and culinary scene, and its lively flamenco dancing. It is also well known for The Prado Museum.
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Madrid and Phuket. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Madrid is a nice place to visit for its museums and landmarks. However, Phuket does not have museums and landmarks.
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.
Phuket does not have museums and landmarks.
Madrid is an amazing city to visit for its restaurant scene. Also, Phuket 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.
Phuket has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Because it served as an international port for so long, food around the island has many international influences. For the most authentic local food, head into Phuket Town. Many dishes include seafood, but there are also chicken curries and noodle soup. Like elsewhere in Thailand, the food can be quite spicy but because the island is so touristy, they're accustomed to people asking for "no spice."
Phuket is renowned for nightlife. Also, Madrid is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.
Phuket is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. The island has a long running reputation as a party destination and it lives up to expectations. The biggest party area is Patong, particularly around Bangla Road, but even in Kata and Karon, it's hard to escape the party atmosphere.
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.
Madrid is an amazing city to visit for its live music scene. However, Phuket is not a live music destination.
Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Madrid 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.
Phuket is not a live music destination.
Phuket is renowned for its luxury resorts. However, Madrid is not a resort destination.
Phuket is a world class resort vacation destination. It's easy accessibility and larger size make this the premiere resort destination in Thailand. There are five star resorts, family-friendly resorts, and everything in between. Many people use the island as a base for exploring other nearby islands. Any resort or tour company can arrange excursions or activities for guests.
Madrid is not a resort destination.
Phuket is a great resort island for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Madrid is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.
Phuket is an extremely popular place to visit for scuba diving and snorkeling. You can dive and snorkel year round, but the visibility is usually best between November and May. There are countless boat tours available and the easy accessibility make this a good base for snorkeling and diving. Many areas are overrun with tourists though, so it'll be hard to find a quiet, undisturbed location.
Madrid is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.
Phuket is renowned for its beaches. However, Madrid is not a beach destination.
Phuket is considered to be a world-class beach destination. The island has more than 30 beaches to choose from, ranging from party hard areas to a few quieter gems in more remote locations. The area became a world-famous destination because of its white sand beaches and crystal clear waters, and the beaches will not disappoint, even if development has taken over the island.
Madrid is not a beach destination.
Madrid is an amazing city to visit for its shopping opportunities. Also, Phuket 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.
Phuket has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Shopping malls offer a range of stores, air conditioning, and fixed prices while markets have more local items and unique souvenirs. There are also galleries and other souvenir shops all over the island.
Phuket is a resort island with good options for its scenery and beauty. However, Madrid is not a destination known for its beauty.
Phuket is a gorgeous place to visit. It is a mix of beautiful beaches and tourist crowds. The island is very developed with a combination of 5 star hotels, souvenir shops, and tour companies. Because of the many excursions leaving from the island, many visitors find it a makes a good base for exploring the area.
Madrid is not a destination known for its beauty.
Madrid is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Phuket is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.
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.
Phuket offers lots of family activities. Many people visit this island with kids because it has beautiful beaches and tons of activities including water sports, water parks, and amusement areas. The island is filled with a diversity of tourists, so you'll encounter a number of areas with party-hard atmospheres, but there are also tons of family-friendly resorts to choose from as well.
Phuket and Madrid are both high quality to visit as a couple.
Couples visit Phuket frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The island is filled with beautiful beaches and plenty of activities for all travel styles. It's a tourist and party mecca in Thailand with many resorts and restaurants to choose from.
Madrid is a great resort island if you're traveling as a couple. 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.
Madrid is a great destination for backpackers. Also, Phuket 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.
Phuket is a good resort island to visit for backpackers. It has a long history as a party island with expensive prices and hordes of tourists. While it gets its share of backpackers, many visitors complain about the lack of authenticity and prefer to spend their time elsewhere.
Madrid is an amazing city to visit for students. However, Phuket is not popular with students.
Madrid is a great destination 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.
Phuket is not popular with students.
Madrid is an amazing city to visit for its public transit. Also, Phuket is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.
Public transit in Madrid is top-notch. The system includes the Madrid Metro, buses, and a light rail system.
While Phuket offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Tuk tuks, buses, and motorbike taxis are all available on the island. The buses are usually Songtaew, which have open air seating areas.
Madrid is an amazing city to visit for its high level of walkability. Also, Phuket is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.
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.
Phuket is a somewhat walkable resort island. Most of the hotels and resorts are walking distance to the beach and many resort areas are small enough to be explored on foot.
For even more information, also check out Is Phuket Worth Visiting? and Is Madrid Worth Visiting?.
In either Phuket or Madrid, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Phuket than Madrid because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Phuket, and 2-5 days is enough time in Madrid.
Families should spend more time in Madrid than Phuket. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Madrid, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.
Couples should spend more time in Madrid than Phuket. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Madrid that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Madrid than Phuket 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.
Many travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Phuket. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.
Madrid is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.
Phuket 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.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Phuket. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Most people come for the beaches. 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.
Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the party-hard destination of Phuket. This resort island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting 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 diverse 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 Thailand, The Best 2-Week Tours in Thailand, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Barcelona, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Madrid.
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
The average daily cost (per person) in Phuket is $139, while the average daily cost in Madrid is $189. 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 Phuket and Madrid in more detail.
Looking for a hotel in Phuket 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.
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Phuket:
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Phuket:
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Madrid are as follows:
Also for Madrid, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
Prices for flights to both Madrid and Phuket 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.
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Phuket:
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Phuket.
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Madrid:
For Madrid, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
Here are a few typical costs in Phuket for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
Here are a few actual costs in Phuket for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Madrid.
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Phuket from other travelers:
Also in Phuket, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Madrid are as follows:
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Madrid:
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Phuket and Madrid, we can see that Madrid is more expensive. And not only is Phuket much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Phuket 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 Phuket would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Phuket 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 Phuket.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Phuket Expensive? and Is Madrid Expensive?.
Madrid has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Phuket. When comparing the sizes of Phuket 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.