vs
Lisbonis 13% cheaper — BDI "Fair" (49/10) vs Madrid "Pricey" (30/10). Dorms avg $26/night vs $35/night.
Quick Verdict
Best For…
Traveler type
🇵🇹 Lisbon
🇪🇸 Madrid
Solo budget traveler
★★★★★
81 hostels, avg 9.3 rating
★★★★★
20 hostels, avg 9.2 rating
Couple on a budget
★★★★★
Private rooms avg $94/night
★★★★★
Private rooms avg $149/night
Digital nomad
★★★★★
Coffee $2.58, dorms avg $23
★★★★★
Coffee $2.98, dorms avg $35
Nightlife seeker
★★★★★
Beer $3.54, 81 hostels
★★★★★
Beer $4.13, 20 hostels
First-time Europer
★★★★★
25 attractions
★★★★★
25 attractions
Cost Comparison
Daily Budget
| Tier | 🇵🇹 Lisbon | 🇪🇸 Madrid | You Save / day |
|---|---|---|---|
Shoestring Dorm bed · street food · free activities | $42 cheaper | $48 | $6/day |
Comfortable Mix of dorm & private · restaurants | $67 cheaper | $75 | $9/day |
Flashpacker Private rooms · dining out · some tours | $106 cheaper | $117 | $12/day |
Price Intelligence
Seasonal Price Curve
Everyday Costs
Cost of Living
| Item | 🇵🇹 Lisbon | 🇪🇸 Madrid |
|---|---|---|
| 🥙Street food meal Local market, street stall | $14.15 20% less | $17.68 |
| 🍽️Mid-range meal Sit-down restaurant, one person | $29.47 17% less | $35.37 |
| 🍺Beer (local draft) 500ml at a bar | $3.54 14% less | $4.13 |
| ☕Coffee Espresso or flat white | $2.58 13% less | $2.98 |
| 🚇Single metro / bus Standard single ticket | $2.36 | $1.77 25% less |
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Our Verdict + Hostel Quality
🇵🇹▼
Lisbon
Portugal
49
BDI: Fair
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Higher dorm prices (avg $23/night). Strong hostel scene (81 hostels).
Hostel Quality
Avg guest rating8.5
Top-rated hostelGoodmorning Solo Traveller Hostel (9.9)
Annual dorm avg$26/night
Total hostels50
🇪🇸▼
Madrid
Spain
30
BDI: Pricey
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Higher dorm prices (avg $35/night).
Hostel Quality
Avg guest rating8.5
Top-rated hostelOnefam Sungate (9.9)
Annual dorm avg$35/night
Total hostels20
Entry Requirements
Visa & Entry
Passport
🇵🇹 Lisbon
🇪🇸 Madrid
🇪🇺 EU / EEA
Visa Free (90d)
Visa Free (90d)
🇺🇸 US
Visa Free (90d)
Visa Free (90d)
🇬🇧 UK
Visa Free (90d)
Visa Free (90d)
🇦🇺 Australia
Visa Free (90d)
Visa Free (90d)
🇨🇦 Canada
Visa Free (90d)
Visa Free (90d)
Flights
Getting There
City to City
Getting Between Lisbon & Madrid
Climate
Weather & Best Time to Visit
°C · mm
🇵🇹 Lisbon
17°C
High
/
12°C
Low
🌧 Rainfall: 61mm/month
Best months: Feb, Mar, Apr, May
🇪🇸 Madrid
15°C
High
/
5°C
Low
🌧 Rainfall: 47mm/month
Best months: Mar, Apr, May, Jun
Things To Do
Top Attractions
🇵🇹 Lisbon
1. Miradouro de São Pedro de AlcântaraFree
2. Pastéis de BelémFree
3. Primeira Travessia Aérea do Atlântico SulFree
4. Museu dos Combatentes do Ultramar
5. Zoo TrainFree
🇪🇸 Madrid
1. Monumento a Claudio MoyanoFree
2. Museo Casa de la MonedaFree
3. National Archaeological Museum of SpainFree
4. Homenaje a las víctimas españolas que muri…Free
5. Monumento a José Calvo SoteloFree
Common Questions
FAQ
Is Lisbon or Madrid cheaper for backpackers?+
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