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

Should you visit Kiev or Malaga?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Kiev and Malaga can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Kiev or Malaga?

Kiev

Kiev is the capital city and also the largest city in the Ukraine, with a population of almost 3 million in the metropolitan area. It is situated on the Dnieper River in the north central part of the country and is one of the oldest cities in Eastern Europe, dating back to the fifth century. The people in Kiev are quite friendly and welcoming, and are happy to have you in their city. It can, however, be difficult to communicate and get around if you don't speak at least a little Russian. It is doable with a little sign language and the help of a guide book with translations though.

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 Kiev?

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

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



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Kiev $17
    Malaga $80
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Kiev $34
    Malaga $160
Compare Hotels in Kiev and Malaga

Looking for a hotel in Kiev 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 Kiev


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: Malaga Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Kiev $1.03
    Malaga $33

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kiev

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kiev:

  • Private Arrival Transfer From Kyiv Boryspil International Airport (KBP): $24
  • Private Departure Transfer To Kyiv Boryspil International Airport (KBP): $24
  • Private Arrival Airport Transfer from Kyiv Boryspil Airport: $30
  • Private Transfer: From Kyiv city to Kyiv Boryspil International Airport : $37
  • Private Transfer from Zhulyany (Kyiv International Airport) to Kyiv: $42
  • VIP Airport Transfer Service in Kiev: $43
  • Private transfer: Boryspil International Airport to Kyiv: $48
  • Kiev Departure Private Transfers from Kiev City to Kiev Zhulhany Airport IEV: $55
  • Kiev Airport Transfers : Kiev City to Kiev Zhulhany Airport IEV in Business Car: $55
  • Kiev Airport Transfers : Kiev Zhulhany Airport IEV to Kiev City in Luxury Van: $61
  • Kiev Arrival Private Transfers from Kiev Zhulhany Airport IEV to Kiev City: $61
  • Kiev Departure Private Transfers from Kiev City to Kiev Zhulhany Airport IEV: $61

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Malaga

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Malaga:

  • Malaga hotels to Malaga Cruise Port - Departure Private Transfer: $19
  • 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 Málaga Airport (AGP) to Malaga Cruise Port: $19
  • Private Transfer from Malaga hotels to Malaga Cruise Port: $19
  • Malaga Port to Malaga Airport (AGP) - Departure Private Transfer: $19
  • Private Transfer from Malaga Cruise Port to Malaga hotels: $19
  • Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Malaga City Center: $31
  • Private Transfer: Malaga to Malaga Airport (AGP): $33
  • Private One Way Airport Transfer (Malaga Airport To/From Malaga): $34
  • Malaga to Malaga Airport (AGP) - Departure Private Transfer: $36
  • Malaga Cruise Port to Malaga hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $37

Is it cheaper to fly into Kiev or Malaga?

Prices for flights to both Malaga and Kiev 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
    Kiev $7.25
    Malaga $37

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kiev

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

  • "Kiev Private Food Tour" - Taste the best Ukraine has to offer: $53
  • Kyiv Restaurant Food Tour: Ukrainian Cuisine Tasting: $113
  • Private Gastro/Food Tour In Kyiv : $144
  • Cooking master class: $226

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: $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
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Kiev $2.04
    Malaga $33

Tours and Activities in Kiev

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

  • Underground Tunnels Exploration Tour: $34
  • Kyiv Underground Tour: $35
  • Panoramic Kyiv by Night Driving Tour with Private Guide: $38
  • Kyiv Podil District Private Walking Tour with Local Guide: $38
  • 2 Hours Private Walking Tour to Kiev Pechersk Lavra : $39
  • Private Street Art Walking Tour with Local Guide - Best of Kyiv Murals: $39
  • Sunrise in Kyiv Private Tour: $39
  • Kyiv Metro Private Tour – Highlights of the Subway Stations: $39
  • Soviet Kiev - 2 hours Walking Tour: $42
  • Kiev Open Tour - History & Modern Life in 3 hours: $43
  • Mysteries of Baikove Cemetery Private Guided Tour: $45
  • Kiev Best Sights Private Half-Day Tour : $46

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
  • Guided Walking Tour of the Old Town of Frigiliana: $5.48
  • Malaga Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.57
  • Sightseeing Outdoor Escape Game in Malaga: $7.11
  • Ronda Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $9.00
  • Malaga Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
  • Guided tour of Castillo Colomares: $9.83
  • Alcazaba Malaga Guided Tour: $11
  • Mythological and Historical Tour of Almuñecar: $11
  • 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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Kiev $6.40
    Malaga $24

Sample the Local Flavors in Kiev

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Kiev:

  • Kiev Pub Crawling | Private Beer Tasting Tour: $77
  • Speakeasy Bar Crawl: $135

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

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


Which is Bigger, Kiev or Malaga?

Kiev has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Malaga. When comparing the sizes of Kiev 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 Kiev 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 Kiev or Malaga in the Summer?

Both Malaga and Kiev are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Malaga for the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Kiev is generally cooler than Malaga. Daily temperatures in Kiev average around 21°C (70°F), and Malaga fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

In July, Kiev usually receives more rain than Malaga. Kiev gets 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Malaga receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Kiev 21°C (70°F) 
    Malaga 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Kiev or Malaga in the Autumn?

Both Malaga and Kiev during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Malaga because of the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Kiev is much colder than Malaga in the autumn. The daily temperature in Kiev averages around 10°C (49°F) in October, and Malaga fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).

Kiev usually gets less rain in October than Malaga. Kiev gets 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Malaga receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Kiev 10°C (49°F) 
    Malaga 19°C (67°F)

Should I visit Kiev or Malaga in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Kiev and Malaga. Also, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Malaga this time of year.

The weather in Kiev can be very cold. In the winter, Kiev is much colder than Malaga. Typically, the winter temperatures in Kiev in January average around -4°C (24°F), and Malaga averages at about 12°C (54°F).

In January, Kiev usually receives less rain than Malaga. Kiev gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Malaga receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Kiev -4°C (24°F) 
    Malaga 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Kiev or Malaga in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Kiev as well as Malaga. Also, many travelers come to Malaga for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Kiev is generally much colder than Malaga. Daily temperatures in Kiev average around 10°C (51°F), and Malaga fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

Kiev usually gets more rain in April than Malaga. Kiev gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Malaga receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Kiev 10°C (51°F) 
    Malaga 16°C (60°F)

Typical Weather for Malaga and Kiev

Kiev Malaga
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -4°C (24°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 12°C (54°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Feb -3°C (27°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 13°C (55°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Mar 2°C (36°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 14°C (57°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Apr 10°C (51°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 16°C (60°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
May 17°C (62°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 19°C (66°F) 24 mm (0.9 in)
Jun 20°C (67°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 22°C (72°F) 13 mm (0.5 in)
Jul 21°C (70°F) 88 mm (3.5 in) 25°C (77°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Aug 20°C (69°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 25°C (78°F) 5 mm (0.2 in)
Sep 16°C (60°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 23°C (74°F) 15 mm (0.6 in)
Oct 10°C (49°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 19°C (67°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Nov 3°C (38°F) 51 mm (2 in) 15°C (60°F) 115 mm (4.5 in)
Dec -1°C (30°F) 52 mm (2 in) 13°C (55°F) 102 mm (4 in)