Which place is cheaper, Malaga or Islamabad?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Islamabad or Malaga?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Islamabad and Malaga can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Islamabad or Malaga?
Islamabad
Islamabad is the capital of Pakistan, specially built in the 1960's to replace the former capital, Karachi. Most of the city's population are employees of the government, though many people come from all over Pakistan to enjoy the city's peaceful atmosphere and green spaces, museums, and monuments.
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 Adventure Tours to Pakistan, The Best Cultural Tours in Pakistan, The Best Budget Tours to Spain, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Spain.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayIslamabad $42Malaga $150
The average daily cost (per person) in Islamabad is $42, 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 Islamabad and Malaga in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personIslamabad $20Malaga $80
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomIslamabad $40Malaga $160
Compare Hotels in Islamabad and Malaga
Looking for a hotel in Islamabad 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: Islamabad Hotel Prices and Malaga Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Islamabad $7.67Malaga $33
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Islamabad
Also for Islamabad, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Islamabad International Airport Transfer: $35
- Islamabad International Airport Transfer - ARRIVAL: $40
- Private Chauffeur: Arrival Transfer Airport Pick up (Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore): $50
- Islamabad International Airport Arrival Pick up Transfer: $55
- Islamabad International Airport Departure Drop off Transfer : $55
- Premium Services: Islamabad International Airport Transfer - Departures: $55
- Premium Services: Islamabad International Airport Transfer - Arrival: $55
- Private Transfer from Islamabad Airport to Pakistan: $61
- Islamabad Round Trip Airport Transfer & Customizable Day Trip: $95
- Transit Trip: Islamabad City Exploration Day Tour & Round Trip Airport Transfer: $110
- Premium Services: Islamabad Day Trip & Round Trip Airport Transfers.: $170
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Malaga
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Malaga:
- Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Córdoba: $296
- Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (Agp) to Granada City: $289
- Private Transfer from Albuñol to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $271
- Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Albuñol: $270
- Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Ferreirola: $268
- Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Bubión: $267
- Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Adra: $263
- Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Tarifa: $263
- Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Almerimar: $262
- Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Osuna: $243
- Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to La Mamola: $243
- Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Granada: $243
Is it cheaper to fly into Islamabad or Malaga?
Prices for flights to both Malaga and Islamabad 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 dayIslamabad $15Malaga $37
Typical Food Prices in Malaga
Some typical examples of dining costs in Malaga are as follows:
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Dinner for 2$32
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Dinner for 2$47
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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: $77
- Paella Cooking Class in Malaga: $84
- 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: $148
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Islamabad $9.48Malaga $33
Tours and Activities in Islamabad
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Islamabad.
- Islamabad In & Around Full Day Customized City Tour: $80
- Full-Day Sightseeing Tour Of Islamabad: $80
- Private Tour: Half Day Islamabad Saidpur Village Exploration Tour: $80
- Private Tour: Hidden Gems of Islamabad Exploration Tour: $90
- Guided Top 5 Wonders Exploration Tour: $95
- Islamabad Instagram Tour: Most Famous Spots (Private & All-Inclusive): $95
- City Tour with Faisal Mosque and Lake View Park: $95
- Full Day Private City Tour Of Islamabad: $99
- Best of Islamabad Half Day Tour With Meal At Monal Restaurant (Morn & Eve Slots): $100
- Top Ten Wonders of Islamabad Guided City Tour: $120
- Private Tour: Guided Day Trip To Murree from Islamabad: $130
- From Full Day Guided Taxila Ruins Exploration Tour: $150
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$7.61
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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:
- 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 Family Buggy Tour, Off-Road Adventure in Mijas: $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
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayIslamabad $2.88Malaga $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: $76
- Malaga City Wine Tour: $95
- Flamenco, Tapas and Wine Tour: Best of Málaga in one Evening: $104
- Traditional Malaga Tapas and Wine Tour: $119
- Malaga Tapas and Wine Tour: $137
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Islamabad and Malaga, we can see that Malaga is more expensive. And not only is Islamabad much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Islamabad is in Asia 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 Islamabad would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Islamabad 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 Islamabad.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Islamabad Expensive? and Is Malaga Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Islamabad or Malaga?
Islamabad has a larger population, and is about 9% larger than the population of Malaga. When comparing the sizes of Islamabad 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 Islamabad or Malaga?
Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Islamabad or Malaga in the Summer?
Both Malaga and Islamabad during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Malaga for the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
The heat can be very extreme in Islamabad. In the summer, Islamabad is a little warmer than Malaga. Typically, the summer temperatures in Islamabad in July average around 32°C (90°F), and Malaga averages at about 25°C (77°F).
In Malaga, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Islamabad. In the summer, Islamabad often gets less sunshine than Malaga. Islamabad gets 247 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Malaga receives 348 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Islamabad. Islamabad usually gets more rain in July than Malaga. Islamabad gets 237 mm (9.3 in) of rain, while Malaga receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyIslamabad 32°C (90°F)Malaga 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Islamabad or Malaga in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Islamabad and Malaga. Also, many visitors come to Malaga in the autumn for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Islamabad is generally a little warmer than Malaga. Daily temperatures in Islamabad average around 26°C (80°F), and Malaga fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Malaga this time of the year. In Islamabad, it's very sunny this time of the year. Islamabad usually receives more sunshine than Malaga during autumn. Islamabad gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while Malaga receives 213 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Islamabad usually receives less rain than Malaga. Islamabad gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Malaga receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberIslamabad 26°C (80°F)Malaga 19°C (67°F)
Should I visit Islamabad or Malaga in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Islamabad as well as Malaga. Also, most visitors come to Malaga for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.
Islamabad is a little warmer than Malaga in the winter. The daily temperature in Islamabad averages around 14°C (57°F) in January, and Malaga fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Islamabad this time of the year. In the winter, Islamabad often gets more sunshine than Malaga. Islamabad gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Malaga receives 171 hours of full sun.
Islamabad usually gets less rain in January than Malaga. Islamabad gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Malaga receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryIslamabad 14°C (57°F)Malaga 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Islamabad or Malaga in the Spring?
Both Malaga and Islamabad are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Malaga because of the beaches and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Islamabad is much warmer than Malaga. Typically, the spring temperatures in Islamabad in April average around 27°C (80°F), and Malaga averages at about 16°C (60°F).
It's quite sunny in Malaga. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Islamabad. Islamabad usually receives more sunshine than Malaga during spring. Islamabad gets 258 hours of sunny skies, while Malaga receives 220 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Islamabad usually receives less rain than Malaga. Islamabad gets 37 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Malaga receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilIslamabad 27°C (80°F)Malaga 16°C (60°F)
Typical Weather for Malaga and Islamabad
| Islamabad | Malaga | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 14°C (57°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) |
| Feb | 16°C (61°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Mar | 21°C (70°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (80°F) | 37 mm (1.4 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| May | 32°C (89°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) |
| Jun | 35°C (94°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) |
| Jul | 32°C (90°F) | 237 mm (9.3 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Aug | 31°C (89°F) | 221 mm (8.7 in) | 25°C (78°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Sep | 31°C (87°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (80°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Nov | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) |
| Dec | 15°C (59°F) | 30 mm (1.2 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.