Which place is cheaper, Malaga or Abu Dhabi?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Abu Dhabi or Malaga?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Abu Dhabi and Malaga can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Abu Dhabi or Malaga?
Abu Dhabi
It doesn't get more "lifestyles of the rich and famous" than a vacation to Abu Dhabi. The federal capital and center of government for the United Arab Emirates is arguably the most modern city in the world.
Abu Dhabi has a population of 1.5 million and provides a home to several oil companies and embassies, but this place is definitely a playground for the world's fanciest tourists. This city has several large projects underway including Yas Island's Formula 1 track and Ferrari theme park.
Note: homosexuality is still outlawed in the UAE with harsh punishments including deportation, fines, jail time or even a death sentence.
Malaga
Malaga is a port city in the southern part of Spain. It is the 6th largest city in Spain and the southernmost large city in Europe. Malaga lies on the Mediterranean on the Costa del Sol, only 62 miles east of the Strait of Gibraltar, and 80 miles north of Africa. Malaga's history dates back about 2,800 years, which makes it one of the oldest cities in the world. The archaeological remains and monuments from the Phoenician, Roman, Arabic and Christian eras make the historic center of the city an "open museum", displaying its history of more than 3,000 years. Because of its important cultural infrastructure and the artistic heritage, Malaga has been nominated for the European Capital of Culture. Malaga's most important economic contributors include tourism, technology, and construction, but transportation and logistics are becoming increasingly important factors as well.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United Arab Emirates, The Best 3-Day Tours in United Arab Emirates, The Best 10-Day Tours from Madrid, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Barcelona.
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Abu Dhabi Prices
UAE PricesMalaga Prices
Spain Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAbu Dhabi $197Malaga $173
The average daily cost (per person) in Abu Dhabi is $197, while the average daily cost in Malaga is $173. 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 Abu Dhabi and Malaga in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAbu Dhabi $98Malaga $78
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAbu Dhabi $196Malaga $156
Compare Hotels in Abu Dhabi and Malaga
Looking for a hotel in Abu Dhabi or Malaga? 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.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Abu Dhabi Hotel Prices and Malaga Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Abu Dhabi $20Malaga $32
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Abu Dhabi
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Abu Dhabi are as follows:
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Car Rental$31
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Taxi to Airport$14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Abu Dhabi
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Abu Dhabi:
- Abu Dhabi Airport Transfer (Within Abu Dhabi Only): $19
- Private One-way Abu Dhabi Transfer To Abu Dhabi Airport: $26
- Abu Dhabi Airport Private Arrival Transfer to Any Hotel in UAE: $27
- Transfer: Abu Dhabi Airport(AUH) to Abu Dhabi City Center: $29
- Transfer Abu Dhabi City Center to Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH): $29
- Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) Arrival Transfer (Airport to Abu Dhabi Hotel or Address): $32
- Louvre Museum Abu Dhabi Ticket with Transfers Option: $33
- Abu Dhabi Airport Transfers: $40
- Transfer in private vehicle from Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH)- Abu Dhabi City: $42
- Kidzania Abu Dhabi with Optional Private Transfer: $50
- Qasr al Watan Tour with Optional Private Transfers: $50
- Abu Dhabi Airport Transfer to Hotel or Vice Versa: $54
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Malaga
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Malaga:
- Transfer from Malaga City Center to Malaga Airport (AGP): $30
- Private Transfer from Malaga airport (AGP) to Torremolinos: $39
- Private One Way Airport Transfer from Malaga to Malaga Airport: $40
- Private One Way Airport Transfer from Malaga Airport to Malaga: $40
- Malaga Airport (Costa del Sol) Private Departure Transfer: $43
- Malaga Airport (Costa del Sol) Private Arrival Transfer: $43
- Private Malaga Transfer: Cruise Port to Central Malaga and Costa del Sol: $45
- Arrival Transfer from Malaga airport AGP to Malaga City by Sedan: $47
- Private Transfer Malaga airport AGP to Malaga City by Luxury Van: $54
- Airport Transfer: Malaga to Malaga Airport AGP by Business Car: $58
- Airport Transfer: Malaga Airport AGP to Malaga by Luxury Van: $64
- Airport Transfer: Malaga to Malaga Airport AGP by Luxury Van: $64
Is it cheaper to fly into Abu Dhabi or Malaga?
Prices for flights to both Malaga and Abu Dhabi 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.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayAbu Dhabi $78Malaga $63
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Abu Dhabi
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Abu Dhabi.
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari BBQ Dinner Live Shows Pick & Drop More: $25
- Dubai Marina Dinner Cruise with Live Entertainment: $38
- Dubai Marina luxury Dhow Cruise Dinner (catamaran): $51
- Abu Dhabi Evening Desert Safari Tour with Shows & Buffet Dinner: $60
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari With BBQ Dinner & Live Shows: $60
- Desert Safari In Abu Dhabi With BBQ Dinner: $68
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari With Live Shows And BBQ Buffet Dinner: $70
- Abu Dhabi 4x4 Desert Safari BBQ Dinner , Camel Ride , Belly Dance: $75
- Abu Dhabi Evening Desert Safari & Dinner Under the Stars: $77
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari (Dune Bashing, BBQ Dinner, Camel Ride & Sand Skii): $80
- Evening Desert Safari Abu Dhabi with BBQ Dinner & Shows: $81
- Abu Dhabi Evening Desert Safari with Camel Ride and Dinner: $84
Typical Food Prices in Malaga
Some typical examples of dining costs in Malaga are as follows:
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Dinner for 2$31
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Dinner for 2$46
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Breakfast for 2$8.38
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Malaga
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Malaga.
- Malaga Taste of Spain Walking Food Tour: $64
- Dinner and Show at Alegría Flamenco & Restaurant in Malaga: $65
- Malaga Sunset Cruise and Restaurant Dinner: $107
- Marbella Paella Cooking Class: $118
- Sardines On Skewers Show Cooking in Malaga beach: $210
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Abu Dhabi $39Malaga $32
Tours and Activities in Abu Dhabi
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Abu Dhabi are as follows:
- Self Guided Audio Tour of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi: $5.37
- Qasr Al Hosn Entry Ticket: $8.17
- Fast-Track Admission Ticket to Qasr Al Hosn: $8.37
- Qasr Al Hosn Skip the Line Tickets: $13
- Qasar Al Hosn Abu Dhabi Entry Tickets: $13
- Louvre Join an Express Tour: $14
- Qasr Al Watan Presidential Palace Abu Dhabi Ticket: $15
- Sea Breeze Boat Tour: $16
- Tickets to Qasr Al Watan & Louvre Museum Abu Dhabi: $17
- Admission Ticket to Qasr Al Watan Abu Dhabi: $17
- Qasr Al Watan Palace & Garden Entrance Ticket: $18
- Louvre Abu Dhabi Museum General Admission Ticket: $18
Typical Entertainment Prices in Malaga
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Malaga are as follows:
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Entrance to Castillos$7.44
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Concert$32
Tours and Activities in Malaga
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Malaga are as follows:
- Skip the Line: Picasso's Birthplace Museum Entrance Ticket: $4.31
- Self Guided Walking Tour of Ronda Old Town: $5.37
- Picasso Quest Experience in Malaga: $6.99
- A Self-Guided Tour of Ancient Malaga’s History: $7.99
- Ronda Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $9.31
- Skip the Line: Centre Pompidou in Malaga Ticket: $9.69
- Guided tour of Castillo Colomares: $9.69
- Mythological and Historical Tour of Almuñecar: $11
- Skip the Line: Malaga Automobile and Fashion Museum Entrance Ticket: $12
- Centre Pompidou Malaga Entry Ticket with Audio Guide: $16
- Tour around the Central Market of Malaga: $16
- Guided Tour to the only coffee farm in Europe: $16
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAbu Dhabi $13Malaga $23
Sample the Local Flavors in Malaga
Also in Malaga, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Guided Cellar Tour and wine tasting: $34
- Artisan Spanish Wine Tasting of 6 Wines: $59
- Winederlust Wine Tasting: $65
- Sun and Wine Route - Small group, wine tasting and lunch included: $75
- Malaga's Ultimate Foodie and Wine Tour: $92
- TOP WINE TOUR- Vineyard & cellar visit + 6 top wines + tapas: $97
- Ronda Tour & Winery Experience with Wine Tasting from Malaga: $108
When comparing the travel costs between Abu Dhabi and Malaga, we can see that Abu Dhabi is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Abu Dhabi is in Middle East and Malaga is in Europe, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Abu Dhabi Expensive? and Is Malaga Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Abu Dhabi or Malaga?
Abu Dhabi has a larger population, and is about 10% larger than the population of Malaga. When comparing the sizes of Abu Dhabi and Malaga, 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.
When is the best time to visit Abu Dhabi or Malaga?
Malaga has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Abu Dhabi experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Malaga in the Summer?
Both Malaga and Abu Dhabi are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Abu Dhabi throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Malaga for the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
The heat can be very extreme in Abu Dhabi. In the summer, Abu Dhabi is a little warmer than Malaga. Typically, the summer temperatures in Abu Dhabi in July average around 35°C (95°F), and Malaga averages at about 25°C (77°F).
It's quite sunny in Malaga. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Malaga during summer. Abu Dhabi gets 331 hours of sunny skies, while Malaga receives 348 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Abu Dhabi usually receives more rain than Malaga. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Malaga receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAbu Dhabi 35°C (95°F)Malaga 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Malaga in the Autumn?
Both Malaga and Abu Dhabi during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Abu Dhabi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Malaga because of the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Abu Dhabi is generally much warmer than Malaga. Daily temperatures in Abu Dhabi average around 29°C (84°F), and Malaga fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).
In Malaga, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Abu Dhabi. In the autumn, Abu Dhabi often gets more sunshine than Malaga. Abu Dhabi gets 314 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Malaga receives 213 hours of full sun.
Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in October than Malaga. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Malaga receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAbu Dhabi 29°C (84°F)Malaga 19°C (67°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Malaga in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Abu Dhabi and Malaga. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Abu Dhabi year-round. Also, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Malaga this time of year.
Abu Dhabi is a little warmer than Malaga in the winter. The daily temperature in Abu Dhabi averages around 18°C (64°F) in January, and Malaga fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
In Abu Dhabi, it's very sunny this time of the year. Abu Dhabi usually receives more sunshine than Malaga during winter. Abu Dhabi gets 269 hours of sunny skies, while Malaga receives 171 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Malaga. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Malaga receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAbu Dhabi 18°C (64°F)Malaga 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Malaga in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Abu Dhabi as well as Malaga. Abu Dhabi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many travelers come to Malaga for the beaches and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Abu Dhabi is much warmer than Malaga. Typically, the spring temperatures in Abu Dhabi in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Malaga averages at about 16°C (60°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Malaga. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Abu Dhabi this time of the year. In the spring, Abu Dhabi often gets more sunshine than Malaga. Abu Dhabi gets 297 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Malaga receives 220 hours of full sun.
Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in April than Malaga. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Malaga receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAbu Dhabi 27°C (81°F)Malaga 16°C (60°F)
Typical Weather for Malaga and Abu Dhabi
| Abu Dhabi | Malaga | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 18°C (64°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) |
| Feb | 20°C (68°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Mar | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| May | 31°C (88°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) |
| Jun | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) |
| Jul | 35°C (95°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Aug | 36°C (97°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 25°C (78°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Sep | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Oct | 29°C (84°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) |
| Dec | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 102 mm (4 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.