Which place is cheaper, Malaga or Izmir?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Izmir 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 Izmir 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: Izmir or Malaga?
Izmir
Izmir is a metropolitan city of Turkey and the second most populous city on the Aegean Sea after Athens, Greece. Known as Smyrna in antiquity, it was founded by the Greeks, taken over by the Romans, and rebuilt by Alexander the Great before becoming part of the Ottoman Empire in the 15th century. Most remnants of this past are gone; however, there are a few archaeological sites in addition to beaches, bustling city streets, and colorful markets.
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 G Adventures Tours to Turkey, The Best 3-Day Tours from Istanbul, The Best Budget Tours to Spain, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Spain.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayIzmir $105Malaga $150
The average daily cost (per person) in Izmir is $105, 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 Izmir and Malaga in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personIzmir $60Malaga $80
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomIzmir $120Malaga $160
Compare Hotels in Izmir and Malaga
Looking for a hotel in Izmir 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: Izmir Hotel Prices and Malaga Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Izmir $30Malaga $33
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Izmir
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Izmir:
- Izmir Airport: 1-Way Private Transfer from/to Izmir City: $21
- Private Transfer from Izmir city Hotels to Izmir Cruise Port: $25
- Izmir Transfer: $25
- Private Transfer - Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport ADB to Izmir Port: $26
- Private Transfer - Izmir Port to Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport ADB: $26
- Private Transfer from Izmir Hotels to Izmir Cruise Port: $28
- Private Airport Transfers: From Göcek to Dalaman Airport: $40
- Izmir Airport (ADB) to Çeşme, Alaçatı - Arrival Private Transfer: $40
- Arrival Transfer Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport ADB to Izmir by Van: $41
- Bodrum Airport Luxury Private Minivan By Meet Transfer : $42
- Izmir Airport: 1-Way Private Transfer from/to Cesme: $43
- Private Transfer: Izmir Airport (ADB) to Izmir : $44
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Malaga
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Malaga:
- Malaga Airport (AGP) to Marbella - Arrival Private Transfer: $44
- Airport Transfer: Malaga Airport AGP to Malaga by Luxury Van: $57
- Airport Transfer: Malaga to Malaga Airport AGP by Business Car: $51
- Airport Transfer: Malaga to Malaga Airport AGP by Luxury Car: $73
- Airport Transfer: Malaga to Malaga Airport AGP by Luxury Van: $53
- Departure Transfer: Malaga to Malaga Airport AGP by Business Car: $51
- 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: $37
- Malaga Airport (AGP) to Granada - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $98
- Malaga Airport (AGP) to Malaga - Arrival Private Transfer: $36
- Malaga Airport (AGP) to Marbella - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $87
- Malaga Airport (Costa del Sol) Private Arrival Transfer: $44
Is it cheaper to fly into Izmir or Malaga?
Prices for flights to both Malaga and Izmir 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 dayIzmir $24Malaga $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.
- Dinner and Show at Alegría Flamenco & Restaurant in Malaga: $65
- Malaga Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $86
- Malaga Tapas Cooking Class: $89
- Sardines On Skewers Show Cooking in Malaga beach: $147
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Izmir $21Malaga $33
Tours and Activities in Izmir
Here are a few actual costs in Izmir for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Olive Oil Tasting Experience in Turkey : $3.16
- Quick Tour, Essentials of Izmir With Audio Guide: $6.00
- Mini Group Ephesus & House of Virgin Mary Tour (Max. 10 guests): $25
- Skip Line Private Ephesus- Temple Of Artemis-Virgin Mary Tour: $32
- PRIVATE PHOTO TOUR IN IZMIR - Photo & Video Experience in iZMiR: $49
- Half-Day Izmir City Tour: $55
- Ephesus Tour: $56
- "Ephesus tours" the "house of virgin mary tours" Tours from KUSADASI CRUİSE PORT: $67
- Deluxe Ephesus with Terrace Houses tour from Izmir Hotel , Cruise Ports, Airport: $69
- Ephesus and Virgin Mary's House from Izmir Hotels , Airport ,Cruise Port: $69
- Izmir City Tour: $70
- Best Seller Private Ephesus Tour for Cruisers : $70
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:
- Skip the Line: Picasso's Birthplace Museum Entrance Ticket: $4.36
- Guided Walking Tour of the Old Town of Frigiliana: $5.45
- Sightseeing Outdoor Escape Game in Malaga: $7.08
- Ronda Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $8.95
- Malaga Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
- Skip the Line: Centre Pompidou in Malaga Ticket: $9.82
- Museo Carmen Thyssen de Malaga Entrance Ticket: $12
- Skip the Line: Malaga Automobile and Fashion Museum Entrance Ticket: $13
- Guided tour in Ronda: $13
- Andalucia's City Of Dreams: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Ronda: $15
- Essential Malaga City Tour: $16
- Tour around the Central Market of Malaga: $16
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayIzmir $8.86Malaga $24
Sample the Local Flavors in Izmir
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Izmir:
- Wine Tasting Tour at Two Wineries in Urla Turkey: $98
- Wine Tour with Metropolis Ancient City: $114
- Ancient Ephesus tour with Mother's Mary House and visit to old village Sirince with wine tasting: $152
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
- Guided Cellar Tour and wine tasting: $35
- Frigiliana Small-Group Hike and Wine Tasting Tour from Malaga: $60
- Sun and Wine Route - Small group, wine tasting and lunch included: $76
- Malaga Food Walking Tour with Tapas & Wine Tasting: $98
- Ronda Tour & Winery Experience with Wine Tasting from Malaga: $109
- Malaga Tapas and Wine Tour: $136
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Izmir and Malaga, we can see that Malaga is more expensive. And not only is Izmir much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Izmir would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Izmir 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 Izmir.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Izmir Expensive? and Is Malaga Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Izmir or Malaga?
Izmir has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Malaga. When comparing the sizes of Izmir 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 Izmir or Malaga?
Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Izmir or Malaga in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Izmir and Malaga. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Malaga this time of year.
In the summer, Izmir is a little warmer than Malaga. Typically, the summer temperatures in Izmir in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Malaga averages at about 25°C (77°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Malaga this time of the year. In Izmir, it's very sunny this time of the year. Izmir usually receives more sunshine than Malaga during summer. Izmir gets 378 hours of sunny skies, while Malaga receives 348 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Izmir usually receives around the same amount of rain as Malaga. Izmir gets 2 mm (0.1 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 JulyIzmir 28°C (82°F)Malaga 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Izmir or Malaga in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Izmir as well as Malaga. Also, many travelers come to Malaga for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Izmir is generally around the same temperature as Malaga. Daily temperatures in Izmir average around 19°C (67°F), and Malaga fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Malaga. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Izmir this time of the year. In the autumn, Izmir often gets more sunshine than Malaga. Izmir gets 232 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Malaga receives 213 hours of full sun.
Izmir usually gets less rain in October than Malaga. Izmir gets 39 mm (1.5 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 OctoberIzmir 19°C (67°F)Malaga 19°C (67°F)
Should I visit Izmir or Malaga in the Winter?
Both Malaga and Izmir are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Malaga in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.
Izmir is cooler than Malaga in the winter. The daily temperature in Izmir averages around 9°C (48°F) in January, and Malaga fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
Izmir usually receives less sunshine than Malaga during winter. Izmir gets 131 hours of sunny skies, while Malaga receives 171 hours of full sun in the winter.
It's quite rainy in Izmir. In January, Izmir usually receives more rain than Malaga. Izmir gets 132 mm (5.2 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 JanuaryIzmir 9°C (48°F)Malaga 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Izmir or Malaga in the Spring?
Both Malaga and Izmir during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Malaga for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.
In the spring, Izmir is around the same temperature as Malaga. Typically, the spring temperatures in Izmir in April average around 16°C (61°F), and Malaga averages at about 16°C (60°F).
In Malaga, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Izmir. In the spring, Izmir often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Malaga. Izmir gets 231 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Malaga receives 220 hours of full sun.
Izmir usually gets more rain in April than Malaga. Izmir gets 45 mm (1.8 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 AprilIzmir 16°C (61°F)Malaga 16°C (60°F)
Typical Weather for Malaga and Izmir
| Izmir | Malaga | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 9°C (48°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) |
| Feb | 10°C (50°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Mar | 12°C (54°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (61°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| May | 21°C (69°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (77°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 25°C (78°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (67°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Nov | 15°C (58°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) |
| Dec | 11°C (52°F) | 153 mm (6 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.