Which place is cheaper, Braga or Malaga?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Malaga or Braga?
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 Braga. 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: Malaga or Braga?
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.
Braga
Located in the Cavado Valley of Northern Portugal, Braga is a medium sized city with both historical and modern characteristics. There is a university in town, known as Universidade do Minho, which gives the city a young feel with a lot of life. There are also many bars, clubs, and activities around to keep you entertained.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Spain, The Best Tours for Seniors to Spain, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Porto, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Portugal.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMalaga €140Braga €112
The average daily cost (per person) in Malaga is €140, while the average daily cost in Braga is €112. 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 Malaga and Braga in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMalaga €75Braga €54
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMalaga €150Braga €108
Compare Hotels in Malaga and Braga
Looking for a hotel in Malaga or Braga? 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: Malaga Hotel Prices and Braga Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Malaga €31Braga €20
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Malaga
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Malaga:
- Malaga hotels to Malaga Cruise Port - Departure Private Transfer: $19
- Malaga Port to Malaga Airport (AGP) - Departure Private Transfer: $19
- Private Transfer from Malaga hotels to Malaga Cruise Port: $19
- Private Transfer from Malaga Cruise Port to Málaga Airport (AGP): $19
- Private Transfer from Málaga Airport (AGP) to Malaga Cruise Port: $19
- Malaga Cruise Port to Malaga Hotels - Arrival Private Transfer : $19
- Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP) to Malaga Port - Arrival private Transfer: $19
- Private Transfer from Malaga City Center to Malaga Airport (AGP): $31
- Private Transfer: Malaga to Malaga Airport (AGP): $33
- Private One Way Airport Transfer (Malaga Airport To/From Malaga): $34
- Malaga Airport (AGP) to Malaga - Arrival Private Transfer: $36
- Malaga to Malaga Airport (AGP) - Departure Private Transfer: $36
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Braga
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Braga:
- Braga Private Transfer:To/From the Oporto Airport: $102
- Traditional Vinho Verde Tour in Bowl with Private Transfer (Porto and Braga): $131
Is it cheaper to fly into Malaga or Braga?
Prices for flights to both Braga and Malaga 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 dayMalaga €35Braga €40
Typical Food Prices in Malaga
Some typical examples of dining costs in Malaga are as follows:
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Dinner for 2€30
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Dinner for 2€44
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Breakfast for 2€8.00
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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Braga
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Braga.
- Small-Group Braga Food Tour With A Local Guide: $84
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Malaga €31Braga €16
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€7.10
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Concert€31
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
Tours and Activities in Braga
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Braga are as follows:
- Casa dos Coimbras ( Chapel and Tower ) ticket & drink: $5.35
- Scavenger Hunt and City Highlights Walking Tour: $7.65
- Braga Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tourer Hunt: $7.82
- Tuk Tuk City Tour: $16
- Bravaes Kayak Park Private Adventure: $38
- Small-Group Braga Half-Day Tour with Bom Jesus: $42
- Small-Group Braga Half-Day Tour with Bom Jesus: $43
- Guimarães Old Town Private Walking Tour: $54
- KAYAK TOUR I Descent of the River Lima in Kayak: $55
- Stand Up Paddle Tour: $55
- Lagoons and Waterfalls Tour - Serra do Soajo: $60
- Tour Soajo - Peneda-Gerês National Park: $60
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMalaga €22Braga €21
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
Sample the Local Flavors in Braga
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Braga:
- Wine Tasting & Lunch | Quinta de Santa Cristina Vinho Verde: $50
- Green Wine Region-Small Group Tour with Lunch and Wine Tastings, from Porto city: $142
- Douro Valley Private Tour from Lunch & Wine Tour: $288
- Vinho Verde Private Wine Tour: $535
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Malaga and Braga, we can see that Malaga is more expensive. And not only is Braga much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Braga would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Braga 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 Braga.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Malaga Expensive? and Is Braga Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Malaga or Braga?
Malaga has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Braga. When comparing the sizes of Malaga and Braga, 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 Braga?
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 Braga in the Summer?
Both Braga and Malaga are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Malaga this time of year.
In the summer, Malaga is a little warmer than Braga. Typically, the summer temperatures in Malaga in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Braga averages at about 21°C (69°F).
It's quite sunny in Braga. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Malaga. Malaga usually receives more sunshine than Braga during summer. Malaga gets 348 hours of sunny skies, while Braga receives 308 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Malaga usually receives less rain than Braga. Malaga gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Braga receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyMalaga 25°C (77°F)Braga 21°C (69°F)
Should I visit Malaga or Braga in the Autumn?
Both Braga and Malaga during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Malaga for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Malaga is generally a little warmer than Braga. Daily temperatures in Malaga average around 19°C (67°F), and Braga fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).
It's quite sunny in Malaga. In the autumn, Malaga often gets more sunshine than Braga. Malaga gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Braga receives 184 hours of full sun.
Braga gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Malaga usually gets less rain in October than Braga. Malaga gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Braga receives 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMalaga 19°C (67°F)Braga 17°C (62°F)
Should I visit Malaga or Braga in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Malaga and Braga. Many visitors come to Malaga in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.
Malaga is a little warmer than Braga in the winter. The daily temperature in Malaga averages around 12°C (54°F) in January, and Braga fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).
Malaga usually receives more sunshine than Braga during winter. Malaga gets 171 hours of sunny skies, while Braga receives 124 hours of full sun in the winter.
Braga receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Malaga usually receives less rain than Braga. Malaga gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Braga receives 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMalaga 12°C (54°F)Braga 10°C (50°F)
Should I visit Malaga or Braga in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Malaga as well as Braga. Most visitors come to Malaga for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.
In the spring, Malaga is a little warmer than Braga. Typically, the spring temperatures in Malaga in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Braga averages at about 14°C (56°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Braga. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Malaga this time of the year. In the spring, Malaga often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Braga. Malaga gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Braga receives 217 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Braga. Malaga usually gets less rain in April than Braga. Malaga gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Braga receives 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilMalaga 16°C (60°F)Braga 14°C (56°F)
Typical Weather for Braga and Malaga
| Malaga | Braga | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 12°C (54°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 171 mm (6.7 in) |
| Feb | 13°C (55°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 169 mm (6.7 in) |
| Mar | 14°C (57°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (60°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 14°C (56°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) |
| May | 19°C (66°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) |
| Jun | 22°C (72°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) |
| Aug | 25°C (78°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 20°C (69°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (74°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (67°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) |
| Nov | 15°C (60°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 152 mm (6 in) |
| Dec | 13°C (55°F) | 102 mm (4 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 176 mm (6.9 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.