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

Should you visit Malaga or Buenos Aires, Argentina?

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 Buenos Aires, Argentina. 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 Buenos Aires, Argentina?

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.

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Buenos Aires, federal capital of Argentina, also known as "The City of Tango", is best known for its energetic and unpredictable character. Like a restless child, Buenos Aires is a dynamic and modern city full of surprises. While its French-style palaces, rooftop restaurants, wide avenues and green plazas resemble European-style architecture, Buenos Aires preserves its musical, literary and culinary traditions. You can't miss dining in front of a Tango show, walking around the colourful streets of La Boca and visiting the renowned Recoleta Cemetery, designed by Argentina's most important architects and home to hundreds of illustrious corpses.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Madrid, The Best 10-Day Tours from Barcelona, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Buenos Aires, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Buenos Aires.


Which place is cheaper, Buenos Aires, Argentina or Malaga?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Malaga Prices
    Spain Prices
    Buenos Aires, Argentina Prices
    Argentina Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Malaga 165
    Buenos Aires, Argentina 50

The average daily cost (per person) in Malaga is €165, while the average daily cost in Buenos Aires, Argentina is €50. 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 Buenos Aires, Argentina in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Malaga 75
    Buenos Aires, Argentina 35
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Malaga 150
    Buenos Aires, Argentina 70
Compare Hotels in Malaga and Buenos Aires, Argentina

Looking for a hotel in Malaga or Buenos Aires, Argentina? 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 Malaga


Hotels in Buenos Aires, Argentina


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 Buenos Aires, Argentina Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Malaga 31
    Buenos Aires, Argentina 1.86

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Malaga

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Malaga:

  • Airport Transfer: Malaga Airport AGP to Malaga by Business Car: $63
  • Airport Transfer: Malaga Airport AGP to Malaga by Luxury Car: $78
  • Airport Transfer: Malaga Airport AGP to Malaga by Luxury Van: $69
  • Airport Transfer: Malaga Airport AGP to Marbella by Luxury Van: $216
  • Airport Transfer: Malaga to Malaga Airport AGP by Business Car: $63
  • Alegria Flamenco in Malaga, with Transfer, Cocktail and Premium Location: $87
  • Arrival Transfer: Malaga Airport AGP to Malaga by Business Car: $57
  • Benalmadena: AGP Airport to Downtown|Hotels Private Transfer: $59
  • From Luxury Higuerón Spa with Tesla X Transfer: $163
  • Málaga-Costa Airport (AGP): Transfer to Malaga Cruise Port: $119
  • Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP) to Malaga Port - Arrival private Transfer: $68
  • Malaga : Private Transfer to/from Airport and City: $71

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina:

  • Private Transfer to Buenos Aires Airport (AEP): $19
  • Jorge Newbery Airport (AEP) Private Transfer to Buenos Aires City: $20
  • Private Aeroparque (AEP) Airport Transfer TO Buenos Aires City: $23
  • Private Transfer to Buenos Aires Airport (EZE): $29
  • Jorge Newbery Airport One-way Private Transfer to Buenos Aires City Center: $30
  • Buenos Aires Local Airport One - way Private Transfer from 30 USD: $30
  • Buenos Aires Center One-way Private Transfer to Local Airport: $30
  • Local Airport One-way Private Transfer to Buenos Aires City Center: $30
  • Private Transfer from Ezeiza (EZE) to Buenos Aires Cruise Port: $35
  • Private Transfer from Buenos Aires Cruise Port to Ezeiza: $35
  • Private Ezeiza (EZE) Airport Transfer to Buenos Aires City: $35
  • Madero Tango Show in Buenos Aires Without Transfers: $36

Is it cheaper to fly into Malaga or Buenos Aires, Argentina?

Prices for flights to both Buenos Aires, Argentina 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Malaga 60
    Buenos Aires, Argentina 6.71
Typical Food Prices in Malaga

Some typical examples of dining costs in Malaga are as follows:


  • Dinner for 2
    30
  • Dinner for 2
    44
  • 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.

  • Authentic Flamenco Dinner Show at Restaurant VinoMio: $17
  • Hard Rock Cafe Entrance with Lunch or Dinner: $37
  • Málaga: Morning Guided Food Tour: $75
  • Japanese cooking class Sushi: $76
  • Malaga -Italian cooking class : La domenica italiana: $76
  • Authentic Paella Cooking Class with Sangría: $77
  • Málaga: Spanish Cooking Workshop with Paella and Sangria: $77
  • Malaga Tapas Cooking Class: $82
  • Food Tour with Local Guide, Tapas, and Drinks: $83
  • Pedregalejo Food Tour: Explore Malaga's most iconic quarter: $86
  • Málaga: Tapas, Wine & Rooftops Small Group Food Tour: $93
  • Málaga: Paella and Sangria Cooking Class with Market Visit: $93

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

  • Esquina Homero Manzi Tango Show with Optional Transfer and Dinner: $28
  • Esquina Homero Manzi Tango Show Ticket Including Optional Dinner in Buenos Aires: $39
  • Tango Porteño Show with Optional Dinner in Buenos Aires: $40
  • Madero Tango Dance Show with Dinner on Demand: $42
  • BA: Premium Empanadas & Alfajores Cooking Experience in Palermo: $43
  • Tango Porteño Show in Buenos Aires (with optional dinner): $43
  • BA: Small-Group Empanadas Cooking Class in Palermo: $46
  • Early Tango Dinner Show with Optional Traditional Bus Transfer: $46
  • El Viejo Almacen Tango Show with Optional Dinner: $47
  • Tango Dinner-Show at El Aljibe with Optional Classic Bus Transfer: $48
  • BA: Empanadas and Alfajores Cooking Experience in Palermo: $49
  • Chacarita Walking Tour - Spooky Cemetery, History & Pizza: $49

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Malaga 31
    Buenos Aires, Argentina 27
Typical Entertainment Prices in Malaga

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Malaga are as follows:


  • Entrance to Castillos
    7.10
  • Concert
    31

Tours and Activities in Malaga

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

  • Honey Museum Entry Ticket: $2.91
  • Picasso's Puzzle Walking Tour: Self-Guided City Game: $4.94
  • Malaga's historic center: A self-guided tour created by a local official guide: $5.82
  • Alcazaba de Málaga: Ticket and Self-Guided Tour created by an Official Guide: $5.82
  • Essential Round : Self-Guided Tour created by local Official Guide: $5.83
  • Malaga Essential : Self-Guided Tour created by local Official Guide: $5.83
  • Malaga Self Guided Audio Experience: $6.00
  • Malaga City Center's Architecture: A Self Guided Walking Tour: $9.99
  • Guided tour of Castillo Colomares: $11
  • Skip the Line: Centre Pompidou in Malaga Ticket: $11
  • Málaga: Picasso Birthplace Museum Ticket & City Audio Guide: $11
  • Audioguide City Walk Malaga for cruises (German & English): $12

Tours and Activities in Buenos Aires, Argentina

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

  • Literature Self-Guided Audio Tour in Buenos Aires: $6.72
  • Buenos Aires Audio Guided Walking Tour 2h30 and 18 reviews: $7.08
  • Discover Buenos Aires: A Self-Guided Tour: $8.15
  • Small Group Buenos Aires Walking Tour: $10
  • Walking Tour in Retreat Palaces and Trains and Authentic Mate.: $10
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour - Discover Caminito and Tango: $11
  • Guided tour of the Mate Museum: $13
  • 2 hrs. Walking Tour in San Telmo & Market: $13
  • Palermo Graffiti Tour: $13
  • Walking Tour Knowing Rodrigo Bueno in Buenos Aires: $15
  • Small Group Tour of Buenos Aires Historic: $15
  • Recoleta Cemetery Tour in English: $16

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Malaga 22
    Buenos Aires, Argentina 8.19

Sample the Local Flavors in Malaga

Also in Malaga, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Málaga: Pub Crawl Málaga Madness: $14
  • Malaga Nightlife Pub Crawl Tour with Drinks and Clubs Entry: $19
  • Bodegas Quitapenas: Guided Visit + Wine Tasting: $22
  • Torremolinos Gay Pub Crawl & Nightclub Experience: $35
  • Conrad Guided Cellar Tour and wine tasting in Ronda: $41
  • Andalusian Wine Tasting Tapas and DE wine tastings: $45
  • C/Echegaray 5 Málaga center: Malagueño Massage: Massage + Wine Tasting: $68
  • Winederlust Wine Tasting: $70
  • Málaga: Traditional Andalusian Tapas and Wine Tour: $72
  • Malaga Food & Wine Tour: Tapas, Drinks and Delights with a Local: $76
  • Ronda Wine Tasting with Tapas in a Scenic Vineyard: $78
  • Sun and Wine Route - Small group, wine tasting and tapas included: $91

Sample the Local Flavors in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Also in Buenos Aires, Argentina, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Buenos Aires Full City Tour with Wine Tasting and Stops: $35
  • Exclusive Malbec Wine Tasting in Buenos Aires: $42
  • BA: Small Group Wine Tasting and Blending in Palermo: $54
  • Wine tasting in OASIS Palermo: $55
  • Malbec Wine Tasting at Boutique Hotel in Palermo: $59
  • Wine Tasting at Encuentro Nativo a Historic Tenement in Caminito: $60
  • Wine Tasting in Palermo, City of Buenos Aires.: $65
  • Premium Wine Tasting in Buenos Aires: $85
  • Wine Tasting Boutique in Buenos Aires: $94
  • Private Malbec Wine Tasting Experience in Buenos Aires: $95
  • Private argentinian wine tasting in downtown: $97
  • Argentinian Private Premium Wine Tasting Live+Guided Walking tour: $106


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Malaga and Buenos Aires, Argentina, we can see that Malaga is more expensive. And not only is Buenos Aires, Argentina much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Malaga is in Europe and Buenos Aires, Argentina is in South America, 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 Buenos Aires, Argentina would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Buenos Aires, Argentina 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 Buenos Aires, Argentina.

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


Which is Bigger, Malaga or Buenos Aires, Argentina?

Buenos Aires, Argentina has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Malaga. When comparing the sizes of Malaga and Buenos Aires, Argentina, 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 Buenos Aires, Argentina?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Buenos Aires, Argentina is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Malaga has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Malaga or Buenos Aires, Argentina in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Malaga and Buenos Aires, Argentina. Most visitors come to Malaga for the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Malaga is around the same temperature as Buenos Aires, Argentina in the summer. The daily temperature in Malaga averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Buenos Aires, Argentina fluctuates around 25°C (77°F)in January.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Buenos Aires, Argentina this time of the year. In Malaga, it's very sunny this time of the year. Malaga usually receives more sunshine than Buenos Aires, Argentina during summer. Malaga gets 348 hours of sunny skies, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 279 hours of full sun in the summer.

Buenos Aires, Argentina receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Malaga usually receives less rain than Buenos Aires, Argentinain January. Malaga gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 118 mm (4.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Malaga 25°C (77°F) 
    Buenos Aires, Argentina 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Malaga or Buenos Aires, Argentina in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Malaga as well as Buenos Aires, Argentina. The autumn months attract visitors to Malaga because of the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Malaga is around the same temperature as Buenos Aires, Argentina. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Malaga in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Buenos Aires, Argentina averages at about 18°C (65°F)in April.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Buenos Aires, Argentina. 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 Buenos Aires, Argentinain April. Malaga gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 220 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Malaga usually gets less rain in October than Buenos Aires, Argentinain April. Malaga gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Malaga 19°C (67°F) 
    Buenos Aires, Argentina 18°C (65°F)

Should I visit Malaga or Buenos Aires, Argentina in the Winter?

Both Buenos Aires, Argentina and Malaga are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Malaga this time of year.

In January, Malaga is generally around the same temperature as Buenos Aires, Argentinain July. Daily temperatures in Malaga average around 12°C (54°F), and Buenos Aires, Argentina fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

Malaga usually receives more sunshine than Buenos Aires, Argentina during winter. Malaga gets 171 hours of sunny skies, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 143 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Malaga usually receives more rain than Buenos Aires, Argentinain July. Malaga gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Malaga 12°C (54°F) 
    Buenos Aires, Argentina 12°C (53°F)

Should I visit Malaga or Buenos Aires, Argentina in the Spring?

Both Buenos Aires, Argentina and Malaga during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Malaga for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Malaga is cooler than Buenos Aires, Argentina in the spring. The daily temperature in Malaga averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Buenos Aires, Argentina fluctuates around 18°C (64°F)in October.

In Buenos Aires, Argentina, 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 Buenos Aires, Argentinain October. Malaga gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 227 hours of full sun.

Buenos Aires, Argentina gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Malaga usually gets less rain in April than Buenos Aires, Argentinain October. Malaga gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Malaga 16°C (60°F) 
    Buenos Aires, Argentina 18°C (64°F)

Typical Weather for Buenos Aires, Argentina and Malaga

Malaga Buenos Aires, Argentina
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 12°C (54°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 25°C (77°F) 118 mm (4.6 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 75 mm (3 in) 24°C (75°F) 117 mm (4.6 in)
Mar 14°C (57°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 22°C (71°F) 142 mm (5.6 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 18°C (65°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
May 19°C (66°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 15°C (59°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 13 mm (0.5 in) 12°C (53°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 12°C (53°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Aug 25°C (78°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 13°C (55°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Sep 23°C (74°F) 15 mm (0.6 in) 15°C (59°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 18°C (64°F) 125 mm (4.9 in)
Nov 15°C (60°F) 115 mm (4.5 in) 21°C (69°F) 117 mm (4.6 in)
Dec 13°C (55°F) 102 mm (4 in) 23°C (74°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)