A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Beirut vs. Malaga for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Beirut 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 Beirut 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: Beirut or Malaga?

Beirut

Some travelers are seeking the hustle, bustle and posh atmosphere that only comes from a big city. Those travelers should have Beirut, Lebanon at the top of their list. The capital city is jam packed with 2.1 million people that are constantly on the go. As the commercial and financial hub of Lebanon, this city is fast-paced, fashion conscious and always ready for a night on the town.

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 Spain, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Spain.


Which place is cheaper, Malaga or Beirut?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Beirut is $2.26, while the average daily cost in Malaga is $150. 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 Beirut and Malaga in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Beirut $1.26
    Malaga $80
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Beirut $2.52
    Malaga $160
Compare Hotels in Beirut and Malaga

Looking for a hotel in Beirut 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.

Hotels in Beirut


Hotels in Malaga


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: Beirut Hotel Prices and Malaga Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Beirut $0.44
    Malaga $33

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Beirut

Also for Beirut, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Beirut Arrival Airport Transfer Pickup: $9.89
  • Departure Transfer:From Hotel To Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY): $10
  • BEY Airport to Hotel, Private Arrival Transfer: $10
  • Airport Arrival Transfer to Your Beirut Hotel: $10
  • Private Transfer from Beirut Hotels to the Beirut Airport: $10
  • Beirut Arrival Airport Transfer: $13
  • Beirut Airport one Way Private Transfer to the hotel: $15
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Beirut International Airport to Hotel: $18
  • Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Beirut International Airport: $18
  • Private Transfer from Rafic Hariri (BEY) Airport to Beirut: $46
  • Hiking Day Trip to Chouwen Lake with Hotel Transfers: $86
  • Beirut Airport Transfer in a Limousine: $201

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Malaga

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Malaga:

  • Vip Transfer from Malaga Airport to Nerja: $131
  • Vip Transfer from Malaga Airport to Malaga Fuengirola or Marbella: $55
  • Vip Private Transfer from Malaga Airport to Gibraltar Border: $164
  • Transfer from Malaga Airport to Costa del Sol Hotels (Any Hotel): $42
  • Private transfer from Malaga airport to hotels on the Costa del Sol: $109
  • Private Transfer: Malaga to Malaga Airport (AGP): $33
  • Private Transfer from/to Seville to/from Malaga & Stop Alhambra: $230
  • Private Transfer from/to Motril to/from Malaga with private driver: $159
  • Private Transfer from airport to Malaga : $69
  • Private Transfer from Torrequebrada to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $57
  • Private Transfer from Torrenueva (Mijas) to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $87
  • Private Transfer from Sitio de Calahonda to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $87

Is it cheaper to fly into Beirut or Malaga?

Prices for flights to both Malaga and Beirut 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Beirut $0.71
    Malaga $37

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Beirut

For Beirut, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Authentic Lebanese Virtual Cooking Class Live from Lebanon: $30
  • Traveling Spoon Lebanese Mezze Private Online Cooking Class : $40
  • Private, Traditional Lebanese Cooking Class with a Contemporary Twist: $72
  • Authentic Lebanese Cooking Lesson and Meal with Tania's Family in Beirut: $100
  • Private Lebanese Cooking Class in Beirut with Amal + Transfers: $142

Typical Food Prices in Malaga

Some typical examples of dining costs in Malaga are as follows:


  • Dinner for 2
    $32
  • Dinner for 2
    $47
  • Breakfast for 2
    $8.57

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: $76
  • Malaga Tapas Cooking Class: $89
  • Andalucia by Sunset - half day tour including dinner and Ronda pickup: $93
  • Sardines On Skewers Show Cooking in Malaga beach: $147

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Beirut $0.26
    Malaga $33

Tours and Activities in Beirut

For Beirut, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Uncover Beirut's Divided Past: In-App Audio Tour: $11
  • Discovering Lebanon: Jeita Grotto, Harissa, and Byblos Tour: $15
  • Small Group Tour to Jeita Grotto, Harisa & Byblos with Hotel pickup: $15
  • City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $25
  • City Sightseeing Beirut Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $25
  • Beirut : Private Custom Walking Tour With A Guide (Private tour): $34
  • Private Tour - Explore Anjar Lebanon: $35
  • Beirut Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $35
  • Beirut Full Day Walking Tour: $41
  • Private Walking Tour With A Guide (Private tour): $48
  • From Jeita, Harissa, and Byblos Tour: $50
  • Full-Day Private Tour to Sidon, Tyre and Maghdouche: $50

Typical Entertainment Prices in Malaga

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Malaga are as follows:


  • Entrance to Castillos
    $7.61
  • Concert
    $33

Tours and Activities in Malaga

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Malaga are as follows:

  • Half-Day Luxury Motor Yacht Cruise in Granada: $153
  • Private Tour of Ronda and Setenil de Las Bodegas: $240
  • Ronda group walking Tour: $27
  • Sealife Benalmadena Entrance Ticket: $21
  • Winery and Olive Mill Guided and Tasting Tour with Tapas: $120
  • 1 Hour Malaga Panoramic Segway Tour : $38
  • 1 Hour Quad/ATV Tour Off-Road Adventure in Mijas: $98
  • 1.5-Hour Roman Theater and Alcazaba Castle Walking Tour: $16
  • 2 Hour Buggy Tour Off-Road Adventure in Mijas: $142
  • 2 Hour Family Buggy Tour, Off-Road Adventure in Mijas: $164
  • 2 Hours Buggy Safari Experience in the Mountains of Mijas with Guide: $126
  • 2-Hour French Guided Walking Tour in Malaga: $20

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Beirut $0.23
    Malaga $24

Sample the Local Flavors in Beirut

Also in Beirut, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Full-Day Private Wine Tasting Tour at Chateau Musar and Ixsir : $50
  • Full-Day Private Wine Tasting Tour: $56
  • Uncorking Splendor: A Journey Through Private Wine Tasting Tours: $60
  • Budget Wine Tasting Tour at the Bekaa Valley Wineries: $60
  • Full-Day Private Wine Tour in Bekaa Valley with Tasting : $60
  • Wine Tasting and Culture : $69
  • Wine Tasting and Hiking in the Cedars forest : $69
  • From Full Day Wine Tasting in the Bekaa Valley Tour: $90
  • Lebanon Wine Tasting Tour From Beirut: $91
  • Full-Day Private Wine Tasting Tour to Chateau Musar and Ixsir Winery: $100
  • Full-Day Private Bekaa Valley Wine Tour from Beirut: $103
  • Private tour to Jeita Grotto with Wine Tasting in Faqra Ruins: $110

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: $17
  • Sun and Wine Route - Small group, wine tasting and lunch included: $76
  • Malaga City Wine Tour: $94
  • Flamenco, Tapas and Wine Tour: Best of Málaga in one Evening: $104


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Beirut and Malaga, we can see that Malaga is more expensive. And not only is Beirut much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Beirut is in Middle East and Malaga is in Europe, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Beirut would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Beirut 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 Beirut.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Beirut Expensive? and Is Malaga Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Beirut or Malaga?

Beirut has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Malaga. When comparing the sizes of Beirut 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 Beirut or Malaga?

Malaga has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Beirut experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Beirut or Malaga in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Beirut as well as Malaga. Beirut attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Malaga this time of year.

Beirut is around the same temperature as Malaga in the summer. The daily temperature in Beirut averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Malaga fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Malaga. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Beirut this time of the year. In the summer, Beirut often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Malaga. Beirut gets 369 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Malaga receives 348 hours of full sun.

Beirut usually gets more rain in July than Malaga. Beirut gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Malaga receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Beirut 27°C (81°F) 
    Malaga 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Beirut or Malaga in the Autumn?

Both Malaga and Beirut are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Beirut throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Malaga for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Beirut is a little warmer than Malaga. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Beirut in October average around 25°C (77°F), and Malaga averages at about 19°C (67°F).

It's quite sunny in Malaga. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Beirut. Beirut usually receives more sunshine than Malaga during autumn. Beirut gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Malaga receives 213 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Beirut usually receives more rain than Malaga. Beirut gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Malaga receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Beirut 25°C (77°F) 
    Malaga 19°C (67°F)

Should I visit Beirut or Malaga in the Winter?

Both Malaga and Beirut during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Beirut because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, many visitors come to Malaga in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

In January, Beirut is generally around the same temperature as Malaga. Daily temperatures in Beirut average around 13°C (55°F), and Malaga fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the winter, Beirut often gets less sunshine than Malaga. Beirut gets 149 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Malaga receives 171 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Beirut. Beirut usually gets more rain in January than Malaga. Beirut gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Malaga receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Beirut 13°C (55°F) 
    Malaga 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Beirut or Malaga in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Beirut and Malaga. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Beirut year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to Malaga for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

Beirut is around the same temperature as Malaga in the spring. The daily temperature in Beirut averages around 17°C (63°F) in April, and Malaga fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Malaga this time of the year. In Beirut, it's very sunny this time of the year. Beirut usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Malaga during spring. Beirut gets 225 hours of sunny skies, while Malaga receives 220 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Beirut usually receives more rain than Malaga. Beirut gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Malaga receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Beirut 17°C (63°F) 
    Malaga 16°C (60°F)

Typical Weather for Malaga and Beirut

Beirut Malaga
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 13°C (55°F) 130 mm (5.1 in) 12°C (54°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 13°C (55°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Mar 15°C (59°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 14°C (57°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Apr 17°C (63°F) 50 mm (2 in) 16°C (60°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
May 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 19°C (66°F) 24 mm (0.9 in)
Jun 25°C (77°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 22°C (72°F) 13 mm (0.5 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 25°C (77°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 25°C (78°F) 5 mm (0.2 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 23°C (74°F) 15 mm (0.6 in)
Oct 25°C (77°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 19°C (67°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Nov 19°C (66°F) 50 mm (2 in) 15°C (60°F) 115 mm (4.5 in)
Dec 15°C (59°F) 130 mm (5.1 in) 13°C (55°F) 102 mm (4 in)