vs
Quick Verdict
Best For…
Traveler type
🇪🇸 Madrid
🇮🇹 Rome
Solo budget traveler
★★★★★
20 hostels, avg 9.2 rating
★★★★★
20 hostels, avg 9.0 rating
Couple on a budget
★★★★★
Private rooms avg $149/night
★★★★★
Private rooms avg $155/night
Digital nomad
★★★★★
Coffee $2.98, dorms avg $35
★★★★★
Coffee $2.29, dorms avg $45
Nightlife seeker
★★★★★
Beer $4.13, 20 hostels
★★★★★
Beer $5.89, 20 hostels
First-time Europer
★★★★★
25 attractions
★★★★★
26 attractions
Cost Comparison
Daily Budget
| Tier | 🇪🇸 Madrid | 🇮🇹 Rome | You Save / day |
|---|---|---|---|
Shoestring Dorm bed · street food · free activities | $48 | $47 cheaper | $1/day |
Comfortable Mix of dorm & private · restaurants | $75 cheaper | $79 | $4/day |
Flashpacker Private rooms · dining out · some tours | $117 cheaper | $126 | $9/day |
Price Intelligence
Seasonal Price Curve
Everyday Costs
Cost of Living
| Item | 🇪🇸 Madrid | 🇮🇹 Rome |
|---|---|---|
| 🥙Street food meal Local market, street stall | $17.68 | $17.68 |
| 🍽️Mid-range meal Sit-down restaurant, one person | $35.37 8% less | $38.31 |
| 🍺Beer (local draft) 500ml at a bar | $4.13 30% less | $5.89 |
| ☕Coffee Espresso or flat white | $2.98 | $2.29 23% less |
| 🚇Single metro / bus Standard single ticket | $1.77 | $1.77 |
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Our Verdict + Hostel Quality
🇪🇸▼
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
🇮🇹▼
Rome
Italy
31
BDI: Pricey
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Higher dorm prices (avg $45/night).
Hostel Quality
Avg guest rating8.5
Top-rated hostelWiki Hostel Colive (9.9)
Annual dorm avg$45/night
Total hostels20
Entry Requirements
Visa & Entry
Passport
🇪🇸 Madrid
🇮🇹 Rome
🇪🇺 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 Madrid & Rome
Climate
Weather & Best Time to Visit
°C · mm
🇪🇸 Madrid
15°C
High
/
5°C
Low
🌧 Rainfall: 47mm/month
Best months: Mar, Apr, May, Jun
🇮🇹 Rome
16°C
High
/
7°C
Low
🌧 Rainfall: 90mm/month
Best months: Apr, May, Jun, Jul
Things To Do
Top Attractions
🇪🇸 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
🇮🇹 Rome
No attraction data
Common Questions
FAQ
Is Madrid or Rome cheaper for backpackers?+
How many hostels are in Madrid vs Rome?+
Do I need a visa for Madrid or Rome?+
When is the best time to visit Madrid or Rome?+
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