Which place is cheaper, Malaga or Ankara?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Ankara or Malaga?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Ankara and Malaga. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Ankara or Malaga?
Ankara
Located at the heart of Turkey near Central Anatolia, Ankara is the capital city and second largest city in the country after Istanbul. Formerly known for its long-haired goats and textiles, the city has since developed into a metropolitan mix of modern cultures with historic landmarks.
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 Budget Tours to Turkey, The Best Tours for Seniors to Turkey, The Best Budget Tours to Spain, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Spain.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAnkara $115Malaga $152
The average daily cost (per person) in Ankara is $115, while the average daily cost in Malaga is $152. 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 Ankara and Malaga in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAnkara $56Malaga $81
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAnkara $112Malaga $162
Compare Hotels in Ankara and Malaga
Looking for a hotel in Ankara 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: Ankara Hotel Prices and Malaga Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Ankara $37Malaga $33
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Ankara
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Ankara:
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Metro Ride$0.04
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Short Taxi Ride$0.15
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ankara
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Ankara:
- Private transfer: Ankara Airport (ESB) to Ankara: $40
- Private transfer: Ankara to Ankara Airport (ESB): $40
- Ankara Private Departure Transfer from City hotels to Airport: $60
- Ankara Esenboğa Airport From/To City Center Private Transfer: $63
- Ankara Esenboga Airport transfers to Ankara City Center (Cankaya,Kizilay) Hotels: $72
- Private Transfers Between Ankara Esenboga Airport - Ankara City Centre: $75
- Ankara City Center (Cankaya,Kizilay) Hotels to Ankara Esenboga Airport transfers: $77
- Ankara Private Transfer from central Ankara hotels to Ankara Airport (ESB): $110
- Private Transfer from Ankara Esenboga Airport (ESB) to Central Ankara: $110
- Private Transfers Ankara City or Esenboga Airport to/from Kizilcahamam Town: $185
- Private Transfers Ankara City or Esenboga Airport to/from Gordion Ancient City: $185
- Private Transfers Ankara City or Esenboga Airport to/from Beypazari Town: $185
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Malaga
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Malaga:
- Airport Transfer: Malaga to Malaga Airport AGP by Business Car: $54
- Airport Transfer: Malaga to Malaga Airport AGP by Luxury Car: $74
- Arrival Transfer from Malaga airport AGP to Malaga City by Sedan: $46
- Departure Transfer: Malaga to Malaga Airport AGP by Business Car: $54
- Departure Transfer: Malaga to Malaga Airport AGP by Luxury Van: $61
- Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP) to Malaga Port - Arrival private Transfer: $19
- Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP) to Malaga Port - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $38
- Malaga Airport (AGP) to Granada - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $100
- Malaga Airport (AGP) to Malaga - Arrival Private Transfer: $37
- Malaga Airport (AGP) to Malaga - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $73
- Malaga Airport (AGP) to Marbella - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $89
- Malaga Airport (Costa del Sol) Private Arrival Transfer: $44
Is it cheaper to fly into Ankara or Malaga?
Prices for flights to both Malaga and Ankara 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 dayAnkara $32Malaga $38
Typical Food Prices in Ankara
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Ankara:
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A Quick Lunch$0.35
Typical Food Prices in Malaga
Some typical examples of dining costs in Malaga are as follows:
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Dinner for 2$33
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Dinner for 2$48
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Breakfast for 2$8.71
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Malaga
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Malaga.
- Horse and Flamenco Show in Malaga with Dinner: $77
- Paella Cooking Class in Malaga: $83
- Sardines On Skewers Show Cooking in Malaga beach: $149
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Ankara $34Malaga $34
Typical Entertainment Prices in Ankara
Here are a few typical costs in Ankara for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Underground City$0.25
Tours and Activities in Ankara
Here are a few actual costs in Ankara for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Private Walking tour With A Guide (Private Tour): $33
- Ankara : Private Walking Tour With A Guide ( Private Tour ) : $33
- Private Tour with a Local: $38
- Ankara : Highlights Walking Tour: $49
- Istanbul: Half-Day Tour with Topkapi Palace: $145
- Istanbul: Golden Horn & Bosphorus Day Cruise: $165
- Half Day Private Tour in Ankara: $215
- Ankara Private Walking Tour with a Professional Guide: $221
- Private Tour: Ankara Sightseeing: $235
- Ankara Private Walking Tour: $272
- Private Ankara City Tours by an Archaeologist Tour Guide : $280
- Konya and Cappdocia Tour (3 Days-2 Nights): $447
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$7.73
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Concert$33
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: $4.43
- Guided Walking Tour of the Old Town of Frigiliana: $5.53
- Málaga Exploration Game and City Tour on your Phone: $6.19
- A Self-Guided Tour of Ancient Malaga’s History: $6.99
- Picasso Quest Experience in Malaga: $7.18
- Malaga Highlights: Quest Experience: $7.18
- Malaga Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $9.28
- Museo Carmen Thyssen de Malaga Entrance Ticket: $12
- Andalucia's City Of Dreams: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Ronda: $15
- City Sightseeing Benalmadena Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $17
- Roman Theatre and Alcazaba of Málaga Tour: $17
- Essential Malaga City Tour: $17
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAnkara $15Malaga $24
Sample the Local Flavors in Malaga
Also in Malaga, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Malaga Nightlife Pub Crawl Tour with Drinks and Clubs Entry: $18
- Guided Cellar Tour and wine tasting: $35
- Winederlust Wine Tasting: $66
- Sun and Wine Route - Small group, wine tasting and lunch included: $77
- TOP WINE TOUR- Vineyard & cellar visit + 6 top wines + tapas: $100
- OLIVE OIL & WINE TOUR - Organic Cooperative 5 Wines+3Olive Oils : $105
- Traditional Malaga Tapas and Wine Tour: $107
- Ronda Tour & Winery Experience with Wine Tasting from Malaga: $111
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ankara and Malaga, we can see that Malaga is more expensive. And not only is Ankara much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Ankara would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Ankara 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 Malaga would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Malaga than you might in Ankara.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Ankara Expensive? and Is Malaga Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Ankara or Malaga?
Ankara has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Malaga. When comparing the sizes of Ankara 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.
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.