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

Should you visit Jerusalem or Malaga?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Jerusalem or Malaga, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Where Should I go: Jerusalem or Malaga?

Jerusalem

Jerusalem is the capital city of Israel, as well as one of the most historically rich cities in the world. It is also the largest city in the country. While Tel Aviv holds many of the responsibilities of a capital city, officially, Jerusalem is still considered the capital. It is important to note that most countries have their embassies in Tel Aviv, not in Jerusalem.

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 Luxury Tours to Israel, The Best Budget Tours to Israel, The Best Budget Tours to Spain, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Spain.


Which place is cheaper, Malaga or Jerusalem?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Jerusalem is $108, 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 Jerusalem and Malaga in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Jerusalem $64
    Malaga $80
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Jerusalem $128
    Malaga $160
Compare Hotels in Jerusalem and Malaga

Looking for a hotel in Jerusalem 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 Jerusalem


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: Jerusalem Hotel Prices and Malaga Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Jerusalem $6.74
    Malaga $33
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Jerusalem

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Jerusalem are as follows:


  • Local Bus
    $3.17
  • Light Rail Jerusalem
    $9.82

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Jerusalem

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Jerusalem:

  • Private Jerusalem Departure Transfer - Hotel/Accommodation to Tel Aviv Airport: $48
  • Private Intercity Transfer - from your Jerusalem hotel to your Tel Aviv hotel: $90
  • Private Transfer: From Jerusalem to Tel Aviv: $95
  • Jerusalem Private Transfer To Allaenby Bridge: $105
  • Jerusalem to Allenby Bridge Private Transfer: $130
  • VIP Transfer between Ben Gurion Airport and Jerusalem: $130
  • VIP transfer between Ben Gurion Airport and Jerusalem: $130
  • Private Airport Transfers to/from Hotel: $148
  • Jerusalem to Ben Gurion Airport Private Transfer: $150
  • Jerusalem to Allenby Bridge Private Transfer: $150
  • Private Transfer from Dead Sea Hotels to Aqaba Airport: $160
  • Jerusalem Private Transfer To Amman: $195

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Malaga

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Malaga:

  • Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP) to Malaga Port - Arrival private Transfer: $19
  • Private Transfer from Malaga Cruise Port to Málaga Airport (AGP): $19
  • Private Transfer from Malaga hotels to Malaga Cruise Port: $19
  • Private Transfer from Malaga Cruise Port to Malaga hotels: $19
  • Malaga hotels to Malaga Cruise Port - Departure Private Transfer: $19
  • Private Transfer from Málaga Airport (AGP) to Malaga Cruise Port: $19
  • Private Transfer: Malaga to Malaga Airport (AGP): $33
  • Malaga to Malaga Airport (AGP) - Departure Private Transfer: $36
  • Malaga Cruise Port to Malaga hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $37
  • Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP) to Malaga Port - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $37
  • Private Transfer from Malaga airport (AGP) to Torremolinos: $39
  • Transfer from Malaga Airport to Costa del Sol Hotels (Any Hotel): $42

Is it cheaper to fly into Jerusalem or Malaga?

Prices for flights to both Malaga and Jerusalem 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
    Jerusalem $32
    Malaga $37
Typical Food Prices in Jerusalem

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


  • Orange Juice
    $2.69
  • Watermelon
    $4.04
  • Lunch
    $12
  • Food at Market
    $15
  • Juice
    $2.69
  • Bagels
    $8.07
  • Lunch for 2
    $15
  • Snacks
    $5.65

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Jerusalem

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Jerusalem.

  • Private Lunch or Dinner at a Local Traditional Restaurant from Dead Sea: $96
  • Private Madaba Haret Jdoudna Restaurant Lunch or Dinner from Dead Sea: $115
  • The Best Food Tour in Jerusalem-Perfect for Viral Travel Content: $117
  • Christmas Eve in Israel: Jerusalem Sightseeing Tour with Dinner and Midnight Mass Viewing in Bethlehem: $125
  • Experience Shabbat With Dinner In Jerusalem: $170

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.
    Jerusalem $8.55
    Malaga $33
Typical Entertainment Prices in Jerusalem

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


  • Cooking Classes for 2
    $34

Tours and Activities in Jerusalem

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

  • 360 Virtual Tour of Ancient Jerusalem: $6.00
  • In The Footsteps of Jesus Day Tour - Dguide Self Guiding App: $7.00
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • Skip the Line:1.5Hour AudioTour - Yad Vashem Holocaust Remembrance Center Ticket: $11
  • Bethlehem Christian Guided Tour: $20
  • Independent graffiti tour in Jerusalem at your own time and pace: $22
  • Self-Guided Tour at Machne Yehuda Market with Chef Tali Fridman: $25
  • Old City Shabbat Experience and Walking Tour: $28
  • Guided Walking Tour of the Old City: $30
  • Bethlehem Half Day Guided Group Tour : $30
  • Guided Shabbat Experience in Jerusalem: $30
  • Old City Highlights Tour: $39

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:

  • Skip the Line: Picasso's Birthplace Museum Entrance Ticket: $4.37
  • Sightseeing Outdoor Escape Game in Malaga: $7.09
  • Ronda Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $8.89
  • Guided tour of Castillo Colomares: $9.83
  • Alcazaba Malaga Guided Tour: $11
  • Guided tour in Ronda: $13
  • Andalucia's City Of Dreams: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Ronda: $15
  • Essential Malaga City Tour: $16
  • City Sightseeing Benalmadena Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $16
  • Private Guided Tour to the only coffee farm in Europe: $16
  • Tour around the Central Market of Malaga: $16
  • 1.5-Hour Roman Theater and Alcazaba Castle Walking Tour: $16

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Jerusalem $16
    Malaga $24
Typical Alcohol Prices in Jerusalem

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Jerusalem are as follows:


  • Beer
    $4.84

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 Jerusalem and Malaga, we can see that Malaga is more expensive. And not only is Jerusalem much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Jerusalem 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 Jerusalem would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Jerusalem 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 Jerusalem.

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


Which is Bigger, Jerusalem or Malaga?

Jerusalem has a larger population, and is about 30% larger than the population of Malaga. When comparing the sizes of Jerusalem 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 Jerusalem or Malaga?

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

Should I visit Jerusalem or Malaga in the Summer?

Both Malaga and Jerusalem are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Jerusalem throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Malaga in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Jerusalem is around the same temperature as Malaga. Typically, the summer temperatures in Jerusalem in July average around 23°C (73°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 Jerusalem. Jerusalem usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Malaga during summer. Jerusalem gets 364 hours of sunny skies, while Malaga receives 348 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Jerusalem usually receives more rain than Malaga. Jerusalem gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Malaga receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Jerusalem 23°C (73°F) 
    Malaga 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Jerusalem or Malaga in the Autumn?

Both Malaga and Jerusalem during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Jerusalem because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Malaga for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Jerusalem is generally around the same temperature as Malaga. Daily temperatures in Jerusalem average around 19°C (66°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 Jerusalem. In the autumn, Jerusalem often gets more sunshine than Malaga. Jerusalem gets 274 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Malaga receives 213 hours of full sun.

Jerusalem usually gets less rain in October than Malaga. Jerusalem gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Malaga receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Jerusalem 19°C (66°F) 
    Malaga 19°C (67°F)

Should I visit Jerusalem or Malaga in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Jerusalem and Malaga. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Jerusalem year-round. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Malaga because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Jerusalem is much colder than Malaga in the winter. The daily temperature in Jerusalem averages around 8°C (46°F) in January, and Malaga fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Jerusalem usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Malaga during winter. Jerusalem gets 184 hours of sunny skies, while Malaga receives 171 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Jerusalem usually receives more rain than Malaga. Jerusalem gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Malaga receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Jerusalem 8°C (46°F) 
    Malaga 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Jerusalem or Malaga in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Jerusalem as well as Malaga. Jerusalem attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Malaga this time of year.

In the spring, Jerusalem is around the same temperature as Malaga. Typically, the spring temperatures in Jerusalem in April average around 16°C (61°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 Jerusalem this time of the year. In the spring, Jerusalem often gets more sunshine than Malaga. Jerusalem gets 269 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Malaga receives 220 hours of full sun.

Jerusalem usually gets less rain in April than Malaga. Jerusalem gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Malaga receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Jerusalem 16°C (61°F) 
    Malaga 16°C (60°F)

Typical Weather for Malaga and Jerusalem

Jerusalem Malaga
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 8°C (46°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 12°C (54°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Feb 9°C (48°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 13°C (55°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 50 mm (2 in) 14°C (57°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Apr 16°C (61°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 16°C (60°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
May 19°C (66°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 19°C (66°F) 24 mm (0.9 in)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 22°C (72°F) 13 mm (0.5 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 25°C (77°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Aug 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 25°C (78°F) 5 mm (0.2 in)
Sep 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 23°C (74°F) 15 mm (0.6 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 19°C (67°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Nov 15°C (59°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 15°C (60°F) 115 mm (4.5 in)
Dec 10°C (50°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 13°C (55°F) 102 mm (4 in)