A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Malaga vs. Austin for Food, Nightlife, Music, and Backpackers

Should you visit Malaga or Austin?

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 Malaga and Austin. 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.

Malaga

Malaga is a historic, beautiful, and friendly port city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food.

Austin

Austin is a eccentric, unconventional, and lively city. It's a big city with many activities to entertain visitors, too. This is a very beautiful destination, too. And you can't forget about the live music, food, and shopping.

Malaga and Austin: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Malaga or Austin?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Austin than Malaga. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Austin is very popular for its museums, food, music, hiking, and big city activities, while Malaga attracts visitors for its scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Malaga is more touristy than Austin and is known for its perfect blend of sandy beaches, beautiful culture, fascinating history, and a lively nightlife scene. Austin is famous for its live music scene, excellent Texas barbecue, authentic Mexican food, and vibrant student population. It is also well known for The Texas Capital.

How is Malaga different from Austin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Austin and Malaga. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Malaga or Austin?

Austin is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Malaga does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Austin. Austin has a number of great museums and sights including the Blanton Museum of Art, the Mexic-Arte Museum, and the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum. There's also a huge supply of local art galleries. Perhaps the most notable landmark in town is the beautiful Texas Capital Building

Malaga does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Malaga or Austin? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Austin is a must-visit destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Malaga is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its restaurants.

Eat your way through Austin, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. It is credited with being the original food truck city and you'll find many diverse food truck options around town. There is also amazing Mexican food, world renowned Texas barbecue, and many modern restaurants that reflect the city's culinary influence.

Malaga has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Head to any of the local food markets and seafood shops to try local cuisine. Also make sure you try tapas and a filling Andalusian breakfast.

Is Malaga or Austin Better for Nightlife?

Both Malaga and Austin are world-class when it comes to partying.

Malaga is a world class party destination. The city has some of the most active nightlife in Europe. There are plenty of opportunities to party in Malaga and you'll find the most vibrant nightlife in the Centro Historico.

Austin is a must-see party destination. It's nightlife is centered around its thriving live music scene. Head for Sixth Street for some of the most popular bars and clubs. There are also many music festivals and outdoor concerts, particularly during the summer months. Popular bars and clubs around town include the White Horse, the Rose Room, and Antone's Nightclub.

Is Malaga or Austin Better for Music?

Austin is a must-visit destination for its live music scene. Also, Malaga is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its music scene.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Austin Music is what gives this city its character. There are many live music venues, concerts, and music festivals to experience. Austin has influenced many music genres such as rock, blues, jazz, hip hop, punk, and country.

It's worth checking out the music scene in Malaga while you're in town. The city has venues that offer pop, rock, blues, soulful, and more. Some of the most popular include ZZ club, Clarence Jazz Club, and Velvet Club.

Is Malaga or Austin Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Malaga is a nice place to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Austin is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Malaga has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. Water temperatures are mild enough for diving or snorkeling near Malaga. For the best diving, head to Cala del Canuelo Beach. Closer by, Penon del Cuervo Beach offers diving and snorkeling as well.

Austin is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Malaga or Austin Better for Beaches?

Malaga is a nice place to visit for its beaches. However, Austin is not a beach destination.

Malaga has a beach worth visiting. There are some nice beaches around Malaga, but for the best options you'll have to travel further outside of the city.

Austin is not a beach destination.

Is Malaga or Austin Better for its Old Town?

Malaga is a great destination for its historic old town. However, Austin does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Malaga to see the historical old town. The city's old town is compact and small, making it a fun place to walk. There are historic buildings, museums, churches, and squares, as well as many restaurants and shops.

Austin does not have a historic old town.

Is Malaga or Austin Better for Hiking?

Austin is a moderate city for the nearby hiking options. However, Malaga is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors include a hike while visiting Austin. Head just outside of town to explore a few great hiking spots right near town.

Malaga is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Malaga or Austin?

Both Malaga and Austin are nice shopping destinations.

Malaga offers some nice shopping areas. There are a number of shopping areas in the city with both local boutiques and name brands.

Austin has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are a number of local boutiques around town where you can enjoy shopping.

Is Malaga or Austin Better for Families?

Both Malaga and Austin are nice family-friendly destinations.

Malaga is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has castles that you can explore as well as a waterpark.

Austin is a family-friendly port city. The city is a popular destination for young travelers, but there are also some family-friendly activities like Barton Springs, Zilker Park, and several natural swimming holes. There's a number of nice parks around town that are great for kids of all ages.

Is Malaga or Austin Better for Couples?

Malaga and Austin both nice destinations for a couple.

Malaga makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It has a beautiful coastline and a rich history that makes it unique.

Austin is a good port city for couples to visit. Young couples will enjoy the city for its lively nightlife, fun music scene, and youthful vibe. There are also many outdoor areas where you can hike or explore. The restaurant scene is among the best as well.

Is Malaga or Austin Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Malaga is a world-class destination for backpackers. Also, Austin is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Malaga is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. From an endless supply of hostels to plenty of opportunities to meet other backpackers, this is a very backpacker friendly area.

Many backpackers visit Austin. Although the city is relatively small, it does see a disproportionate number of backpackers. There are a couple of hostels in town as well.

Is Malaga or Austin Better for Students?

Malaga and Austin are both great destinations for students and younger travelers.

Many students visit Malaga. The city has many opportunities to learn Spanish. It's also an affordable city with a young population and a lively atmosphere that appeals to international students.

Austin is a very popular port city for students and younger travelers. The city has a huge university, the University of Texas at Austin, and it is a young city with tons for international students. There is a great nightlife scene and plenty for students to see and do.

Is Malaga or Austin Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Malaga is a nice place to visit for its public transit. However, Austin is a city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Malaga, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is an efficient bus system as well as a light metro system.

Public transit is mostly limited in Austin. There are city buses and a very limited lightrail system, but you really need a car to explore the city.

Is Malaga or Austin a more walkable city?

Malaga is a great destination for its walkability. However, Austin is a city with minimal options for its high level of walkability.

Malaga is very walkable. It has a very compact and walkable historic center with most of the tourist attractions easily accessible on foot.

Austin is generally not a very walkable port city. The city, like most southern cities, isn't very walkable and it's important to have a car to get around. There are some downtown areas that are pedestrian-friendly.

For even more information, also check out Is Malaga Worth Visiting? and Is Austin Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Austin or Malaga?

How long in Malaga or Austin?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Malaga and Austin. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Malaga than in Austin. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Malaga, and 2-3 days is enough time in Austin.

Families should spend more time in Malaga than Austin. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Malaga, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Malaga than Austin. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Malaga that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Malaga than Austin if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Malaga.

One day in Malaga or Austin?

Many travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the destination of Malaga. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Austin. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Malaga or Austin?

Malaga is a great place to explore. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Austin is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Malaga or Austin?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Malaga. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Austin. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Malaga or Austin?

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the welcoming destination of Malaga. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the eccentric destination of Austin. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Spain, The Best Tours for Seniors to Spain, The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Malaga and Austin, we can see that Malaga is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Malaga is in Europe and Austin is in North America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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

Which is Bigger, Malaga or Austin?

Austin has a larger population, and is about 23% larger than the population of Malaga. When comparing the sizes of Malaga and Austin, 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 Malaga or Austin?

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 Malaga or Austin in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Malaga and Austin. Many visitors come to Malaga in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Austin for the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Malaga is generally cooler than Austin. Daily temperatures in Malaga average around 25°C (77°F), and Austin fluctuates around 87°F (30°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Austin this time of the year. In Malaga, it's very sunny this time of the year. Malaga usually receives more sunshine than Austin during summer. Malaga gets 348 hours of sunny skies, while Austin receives 318 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Malaga usually receives less rain than Austin. Malaga gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Austin receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Malaga or Austin in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Malaga as well as Austin. Most visitors come to Malaga for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Austin because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Malaga is cooler than Austin in the autumn. The daily temperature in Malaga averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Austin fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Austin. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Malaga this time of the year. In the autumn, Malaga often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Austin. Malaga gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Austin receives 214 hours of full sun.

Malaga usually gets less rain in October than Austin. Malaga gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Austin receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Malaga or Austin in the Winter?

Both Austin and Malaga are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Malaga because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Austin this time of year.

In the winter, Malaga is a little warmer than Austin. Typically, the winter temperatures in Malaga in January average around 12°C (54°F), and Austin averages at about 51°F (11°C).

Malaga usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Austin during winter. Malaga gets 171 hours of sunny skies, while Austin receives 163 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Malaga usually receives more rain than Austin. Malaga gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Austin receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Malaga or Austin in the Spring?

Both Austin and Malaga during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Malaga this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Austin for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, Malaga is generally cooler than Austin. Daily temperatures in Malaga average around 16°C (60°F), and Austin fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).

In Austin, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Malaga. In the spring, Malaga often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Austin. Malaga gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Austin receives 209 hours of full sun.

Malaga usually gets less rain in April than Austin. Malaga gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Austin receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Austin and Malaga