Which place is cheaper, Budva or Malaga?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Malaga or Budva?
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 Budva. 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 Budva?
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.
Budva
A coastal resort in Montenegro, Budva is probably the country's most popular tourist destination. Not only does it host a number of great beaches, but it is also home to a picturesque old town center located on a small peninsula. Some of its best features include narrow winding lanes, historic buildings, churches, and small squares.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Spain, The Best Tours for Seniors to Spain, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Montenegro, and The Best Adventure Tours to Montenegro.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMalaga €140Budva €91
The average daily cost (per person) in Malaga is €140, while the average daily cost in Budva is €91. 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 Budva in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMalaga €75Budva €37
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMalaga €150Budva €74
Compare Hotels in Malaga and Budva
Looking for a hotel in Malaga or Budva? 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 Budva Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Malaga €31Budva €20
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
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Budva
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Budva are as follows:
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Daily Car Rental€65
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Budva
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Budva:
- Private Transfer Service in Montenegro: $29
- Private Transfer from Budva to Podgorica Airport and city: $38
- Private Transfer from Petrovac to Podgorica Airport (TGD): $58
- Tivat to Budva private one way transfer: $58
- Montenegro Airport Transfer: $65
- Private Transfer from Petrovac to Tivat airport: $82
- Private Transfer from Bar to Podgorica Airport (TGD): $97
- Tivat to Budva one way transfer: $102
- Private Transfer from Bar to Tivat Airport (TIV): $117
- Transfer from Podgorica Airport to Kotor: $139
- Herceg Novi to Budva one way transfer: $144
- Budva to Dubrovnik one way transfer: $179
Is it cheaper to fly into Malaga or Budva?
Prices for flights to both Budva 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 €35Budva €31
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 Budva
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Budva.
- Cooking Class with dinner/lunch in Ulcinj Montenegro : $49
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Malaga €31Budva €22
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 Budva
Here are a few actual costs in Budva for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 1-Hour Guided Lipa Cave Adventure in Montenegro: $15
- From Day Cruise to Boka Bay: $42
- Great Cruise From Budva to Boka Bay in a Day: $43
- 3-Hour Paddle Board or Kayak Tour to Coastal Caves: $43
- Night Lights Kayak and SUP Adventure: $43
- Budva Bay SUP & Kayaking Tours to Coastal Caves: $44
- Night Lights Kayak Adventure : $44
- Soul of Montenegro: Kotor, Lovcen and Cetinje Day Tour: $61
- Private Tour: Panoramic route around Skadar Lake: $65
- Great tour of coastal monasteries in Budva - Walking on the path of history!: $65
- Private Boat Tour Adventure In Budva - Sightseeing & Snorkeling : $65
- Budva 1 hour Private walking tour: $66
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMalaga €22Budva €14
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 Malaga and Budva, we can see that Malaga is more expensive. And not only is Budva much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Budva would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Budva 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 Budva.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Malaga Expensive? and Is Budva Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Malaga or Budva?
Malaga has a larger population, and is about 120 times larger than the population of Budva. When comparing the sizes of Malaga and Budva, 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.
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.