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

Should you visit Luxor or Malaga?

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

Should I visit Luxor or Malaga? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: Luxor or Malaga?

Luxor

Egypt is surely on the top of every history lover's bucket list. Nowhere is the history more engrossing than in Luxor. From amazing monuments dating back to ancient Thebes to rows of temples up the Nile, this remarkable city is full the stories of past greatness.

The East Bank – or the central part of Luxor Township – is the hotbed for tourism. This is where most of the hotels and resorts are, while the West Bank is home to the ancient ruins and archaeological wonders you'll want to explore.

Before traveling to Egypt, be sure to check on the current affairs and political climate. It could have a major effect on the amount of tourists visiting, and, if conditions are too dangerous, you may want to reschedule. Also note, ladies, to avoid any issues, dress modestly. This is a very conservative region of the world. The less skin showing, the better.

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 Sightseeing Tours in Egypt, The Best Luxury Tours to Egypt, The Best Budget Tours to Spain, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Spain.


Which place is cheaper, Malaga or Luxor?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Luxor is $17, 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 Luxor and Malaga in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Luxor $7.62
    Malaga $80
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Luxor $15
    Malaga $160
Compare Hotels in Luxor and Malaga

Looking for a hotel in Luxor 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 Luxor


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: Luxor Hotel Prices and Malaga Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Luxor $3.91
    Malaga $33
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Luxor

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Luxor:


  • Taxi Ride
    $0.42

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Luxor

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Luxor:

  • Luxor Airport Private Transfer: $6.00
  • Private Transfer from & to Luxor Airport from Any Hotel in Luxor: $6.00
  • Departure Transfer from Luxor Hotels to Luxor airport: $6.40
  • private Transfer From Luxor Hotel To The Airport Or Vice Versa : $7.00
  • Transfers from Luxor Airport to Hotels or to Nile Cruise: $7.00
  • Luxor Airport Departure: Convenient Private Hotel Transfer: $7.02
  • Luxor Airport Private Luxury Transfer (Arrival or Departure): $7.20
  • Pick up Transfers From Luxor Airport To Luxor Hotels: $7.50
  • Pickup Transfers And Taxi Services From Hotel In Luxor To Luxor Airport: $7.50
  • Private Transfer from Luxor Airport to Luxor Hotels: $8.00
  • Luxor Private Transfer From East&west Banks hotels to the Airport: $8.00
  • Luxor Private Transfer East Bank hotels to Airport or vice versa: $8.00

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 Luxor or Malaga?

Prices for flights to both Malaga and Luxor 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
    Luxor $5.83
    Malaga $37

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Luxor

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

  • Dinner on the River Nile with Belly Dancing: $35
  • Eat Like a Local:Traditional Egyptian Food / Dinner at Local Family Home - Luxor: $36
  • Luxor Sunset Felucca Ride and Banana Island with Lunch or Dinner: $38
  • Dinner Cruise on the Nile River: $43
  • Sunset Felucca Ride and Banana Island with Lunch or Dinner Luxor: $45
  • Luxor Sunset Felucca Ride and Banana Island with Lunch or Dinner : $50
  • Private Half Day Felucca Ride and Banana Island with Lunch or Dinner From Luxor: $52
  • Karnak Sound And Light Show With Dinner, Felucca  : $64
  • Luxor & Mummification Museums & City Tour by H. Carriage & Dinner: $70
  • Enjoy Half Day Sunset Felucca Ride and Banana Island with Lunch or Dinner: $90
  • Full day trip west Bank, Dandara and dinner on a boat.: $128

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.

  • 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
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Luxor $6.74
    Malaga $33
Typical Entertainment Prices in Luxor

Here are a few typical costs in Luxor for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Boat Ride (for 2)
    $0.57
  • Temple Karnak for Two
    $2.74
  • Camel Ride for Two
    $1.26

Tours and Activities in Luxor

Here are a few actual costs in Luxor for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Ramesseum Mortuary Temple of Ramses II Entry Ticket: $4.56
  • Valley Of The Queens Entry Ticket: $4.60
  • Entry Ticket To Valley of the Queens: $4.60
  • Valley Of The Kings Entry Ticket: $4.60
  • Mummification Museum Entry Ticket: $5.10
  • Souvenir Shopping Tour, Luxor: $5.13
  • Luxor Museum Entry Ticket: $7.60
  • See the Valley of the Kings & More: Shared Tour (All-Inclusive): $8.80
  • Karnak Temple And Luxor Temple Private Day Tour : $8.95
  • Explore Luxor temple and City Private Tour by Flucca: $9.00
  • Temple Of Queen Hatshepsut Entry Ticket: $9.20
  • Temple of Queen Hatshepsut Entry Tickets : $9.20

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: $4.36
  • 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
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Luxor $2.26
    Malaga $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: $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 Luxor and Malaga, we can see that Malaga is more expensive. And not only is Luxor much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Luxor is in Africa 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 Luxor would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Luxor 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 Luxor.

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


Which is Bigger, Luxor or Malaga?

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

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

Should I visit Luxor or Malaga in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Luxor and Malaga. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Luxor year-round. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Malaga because of the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

It's very hot in Luxor this time of the year. Luxor is a little warmer than Malaga in the summer. The daily temperature in Luxor averages around 33°C (91°F) in July, and Malaga fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

In July, Luxor usually receives less rain than Malaga. Luxor gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Malaga receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Luxor 33°C (91°F) 
    Malaga 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Luxor or Malaga in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Luxor as well as Malaga. Luxor attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Malaga this time of year.

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

Luxor usually gets less rain in October than Malaga. Luxor gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Malaga receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Luxor or Malaga in the Winter?

Both Malaga and Luxor are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Luxor throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Malaga for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

In January, Luxor is generally a little warmer than Malaga. Daily temperatures in Luxor average around 14°C (57°F), and Malaga fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In January, Luxor usually receives less rain than Malaga. Luxor gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Malaga receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Luxor 14°C (57°F) 
    Malaga 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Luxor or Malaga in the Spring?

Both Malaga and Luxor during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Luxor because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, many visitors come to Malaga in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Luxor is much warmer than Malaga in the spring. The daily temperature in Luxor averages around 25°C (77°F) in April, and Malaga fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

Luxor usually gets less rain in April than Malaga. Luxor gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Malaga receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Luxor 25°C (77°F) 
    Malaga 16°C (60°F)

Typical Weather for Malaga and Luxor

Luxor Malaga
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 14°C (57°F) 0 mm (0 in) 12°C (54°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Feb 15°C (59°F) 0 mm (0 in) 13°C (55°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Mar 20°C (68°F) 0 mm (0 in) 14°C (57°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Apr 25°C (77°F) 0 mm (0 in) 16°C (60°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
May 30°C (86°F) 0 mm (0 in) 19°C (66°F) 24 mm (0.9 in)
Jun 32°C (90°F) 0 mm (0 in) 22°C (72°F) 13 mm (0.5 in)
Jul 33°C (91°F) 0 mm (0 in) 25°C (77°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Aug 31°C (88°F) 0 mm (0 in) 25°C (78°F) 5 mm (0.2 in)
Sep 30°C (86°F) 0 mm (0 in) 23°C (74°F) 15 mm (0.6 in)
Oct 25°C (77°F) 1 mm (0 in) 19°C (67°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Nov 20°C (68°F) 0 mm (0 in) 15°C (60°F) 115 mm (4.5 in)
Dec 15°C (59°F) 0 mm (0 in) 13°C (55°F) 102 mm (4 in)