vs
Madridis 5% cheaper — BDI "Pricey" (30/10) vs Lyon "Pricey" (25/10). Dorms avg $30/night vs $35/night.
Quick Verdict
Best For…
Traveler type
🇫🇷 Lyon
🇪🇸 Madrid
Solo budget traveler
★★★★★
9 hostels, avg 8.5 rating
★★★★★
20 hostels, avg 9.2 rating
Couple on a budget
★★★★★
Private rooms avg $82/night
★★★★★
Private rooms avg $149/night
Digital nomad
★★★★★
Coffee $4.08, dorms avg $30
★★★★★
Coffee $2.98, dorms avg $35
Nightlife seeker
★★★★★
Beer $8.25, 9 hostels
★★★★★
Beer $4.13, 20 hostels
First-time Europer
★★★★★
18 attractions
★★★★★
25 attractions
Cost Comparison
Daily Budget
| Tier | 🇫🇷 Lyon | 🇪🇸 Madrid | You Save / day |
|---|---|---|---|
Shoestring Dorm bed · street food · free activities | $50 | $48 cheaper | $3/day |
Comfortable Mix of dorm & private · restaurants | $83 | $75 cheaper | $7/day |
Flashpacker Private rooms · dining out · some tours | $129 | $117 cheaper | $11/day |
Price Intelligence
Seasonal Price Curve
Everyday Costs
Cost of Living
| Item | 🇫🇷 Lyon | 🇪🇸 Madrid |
|---|---|---|
| 🥙Street food meal Local market, street stall | $17.68 | $17.68 |
| 🍽️Mid-range meal Sit-down restaurant, one person | $35.37 | $35.37 |
| 🍺Beer (local draft) 500ml at a bar | $8.25 | $4.13 50% less |
| ☕Coffee Espresso or flat white | $4.08 | $2.98 27% less |
| 🚇Single metro / bus Standard single ticket | $2.48 | $1.77 29% less |
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Our Verdict + Hostel Quality
🇫🇷▼
Lyon
France
25
BDI: Pricey
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Higher dorm prices (avg $30/night).
Hostel Quality
Avg guest rating8.5
Top-rated hostelMeininger Lyon Centre Berthelot (9.4)
Annual dorm avg$30/night
Total hostels9
🇪🇸▼
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
🇫🇷 Lyon
🇪🇸 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 Lyon & Madrid
Climate
Weather & Best Time to Visit
°C · mm
🇫🇷 Lyon
13°C
High
/
4°C
Low
🌧 Rainfall: 75mm/month
Best months: Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
🇪🇸 Madrid
15°C
High
/
5°C
Low
🌧 Rainfall: 47mm/month
Best months: Mar, Apr, May, Jun
Things To Do
Top Attractions
🇫🇷 Lyon
1. Centre d'Histoire de la Résistance et de l…
2. Musée urbain Tony Garnier
3. Statue équestre de Louis XIVFree
4. Veilleur de pierreFree
5. "A Burdeau"Free
🇪🇸 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 Lyon or Madrid cheaper for backpackers?+
How many hostels are in Lyon vs Madrid?+
Do I need a visa for Lyon or Madrid?+
When is the best time to visit Lyon or Madrid?+
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