Which place is cheaper, Chefchaouen or Malaga?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Malaga or Chefchaouen?
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 Chefchaouen. 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 Chefchaouen?
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.
Chefchaouen
To feel like you've really stepped back in time to the glory days of Morocco, you're going to want to spend time in Chefchaouen. This town's beautiful medina is filled with white washed buildings with blue highlights. The wandering alleyways provide a fairy tale setting where you can relax for a few days. This mountainous region is a humble example of the classic picture of this area. Set against the backdrop of the Rif Mountains, the white and powder blue accented buildings and call to calls to prayer throughout the day let every visitor know they've arrived in a relaxing spot of peace and serenity.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Spain, The Best Tours for Seniors to Spain, The Best Budget Tours to Morocco, and The Best Luxury Tours to Morocco.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMalaga €140Chefchaouen €54
The average daily cost (per person) in Malaga is €140, while the average daily cost in Chefchaouen is €54. 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 Chefchaouen in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMalaga €75Chefchaouen €23
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMalaga €150Chefchaouen €46
Compare Hotels in Malaga and Chefchaouen
Looking for a hotel in Malaga or Chefchaouen? 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 Chefchaouen Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Malaga €31Chefchaouen €14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Malaga
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Malaga:
- Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Córdoba: $295
- Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Ubrique: $291
- Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (Agp) to Granada City: $289
- Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Ferreirola: $267
- Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Bubión: $266
- Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Adra: $262
- Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Cortes de la Frontera: $247
- Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Lanjarón: $242
- Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Granada: $242
- Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Órgiva: $232
- Private Transfer from/to Seville to/from Malaga & Stop Alhambra: $230
- Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Gaucín: $223
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Chefchaouen
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Chefchaouen:
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Taxi Ride€0.93
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Chefchaouen
Also for Chefchaouen, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- One-Way Transfer from Chefchaouen to Fes : $23
- One-Way Transfer from Chefchaouen to Fes: $27
- Fes: One-Way Transfer to Chefchaouen "The Blue City": $27
- Vice versa transfer to chefchaouen with optional tour guide: $64
- Transfer Private From Chefchaouen To Tangier: $74
- From Fes:2-Day Transfers to Chefchaouen & back to Fez/Tanger: $75
- Tangier to Chefchaouen private transfer: $82
- Private Transfers from Chefchaouen to Fez (one way): $99
- transfers from Chefchaouen to Fez (Door to Door): $107
- Transfer to/from Tangier and Chefchaouen: $113
- One way transfer Chefchaouen to Fes or vice versa: $116
- Chefchaouen to Tangier private transfer: $119
Is it cheaper to fly into Malaga or Chefchaouen?
Prices for flights to both Chefchaouen 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 €35Chefchaouen €17
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
Typical Food Prices in Chefchaouen
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Chefchaouen:
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Lunch for Two€8.41
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Dinner for Two€9.34
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Cupcake€0.28
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Nutella and Yogurt€1.87
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Chefchaouen
For Chefchaouen, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Funny Family Cooking Class in Blue City: $28
- Cooking Class in Mountain From Chefchaouen: $44
- 3-Hour Cooking Class overlooking the Blue City: $55
- 4 hours Private Cooking Class With Family in Chefchaouen: $60
- Chefchaouen Food Tour: $66
- Chefchaouen Food Tour: $68
- Guided Food Tour with over 6 Tasting Stops: $69
- Discovery more Chefchaouen evening food tour with locals: $70
- Make Your Own Tajine and Pastilla Cooking Class: $76
- Discovery more Chefchaouen evening food tour with locals: $90
- Private Tagine Cooking Class in Chefchaouen with Lunch: $100
- Chaouen: 4- Hour Moroccan Cooking Class: $122
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Malaga €31Chefchaouen €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:
- Half-Day Luxury Motor Yacht Cruise in Granada: $153
- Private Tour of Ronda and Setenil de Las Bodegas: $240
- Sealife Benalmadena Entrance Ticket: $21
- Winery and Olive Mill Guided and Tasting Tour with Tapas: $120
- 1 Hour Buggy Safari Experience in the Mountains of Mijas with Guide: $87
- 1.5-Hour Roman Theater and Alcazaba Castle Walking Tour: $16
- 1h buggy tour: $115
- 2 Hour Family Buggy Tour, Off-Road Adventure in Mijas: $164
- 2 Hour Quad/ATV Tour Off-Road Adventure in Mijas: $142
- 2 Hours Buggy Safari Experience in the Mountains of Mijas with Guide: $125
- 2 Hours Kayak Tour in Cerro Gordo Natural Park, La Herradura: $28
- 2-Hour French Guided Walking Tour in Malaga: $20
Tours and Activities in Chefchaouen
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Chefchaouen.
- Walking Tour in Chefchaouen: $14
- Chefchaouen with Local Eyes Guided Walking Tour: $15
- Tour by local guide : $16
- Chefchaouen tour guide: $22
- From Fez: Day Tour to the Blue Town of Chefchaouenf: $26
- From Fez: Day Tour to the Blue Town of Chefchaouen: $28
- Day Tour to Chefchaouen from Fes with Local Expert: $28
- Best Experience Fes to Chefchaouen Day Tour multi languages: $34
- From Fez: Chefchaouen Guided Day Tour: $35
- Discover Chefchaouen : A Walking Tour through Hidden Gems: $35
- Discover the Blue Pearl - A Walking Tour through Hidden Gems: $38
- Private walking tour of Chefchaouen (The blue city): $38
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMalaga €22Chefchaouen €13
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 Chefchaouen, we can see that Malaga is more expensive. And not only is Chefchaouen much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Malaga is in Europe and Chefchaouen is in Africa, 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 Chefchaouen would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Chefchaouen 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 Chefchaouen.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Malaga Expensive? and Is Chefchaouen Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Malaga or Chefchaouen?
Malaga has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Chefchaouen. When comparing the sizes of Malaga and Chefchaouen, 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 Chefchaouen?
Malaga has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Chefchaouen experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Malaga or Chefchaouen in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Malaga as well as Chefchaouen. Most visitors come to Malaga for the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. The warm climate attracts visitors to Chefchaouen throughout the year.
In the summer, Malaga is around the same temperature as Chefchaouen. Typically, the summer temperatures in Malaga in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Chefchaouen averages at about 24°C (74°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Chefchaouen. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Malaga this time of the year. In the summer, Malaga often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Chefchaouen. Malaga gets 348 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chefchaouen receives 346 hours of full sun.
Malaga usually gets more rain in July than Chefchaouen. Malaga gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Chefchaouen receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyMalaga 25°C (77°F)Chefchaouen 24°C (74°F)
Should I visit Malaga or Chefchaouen in the Autumn?
Both Chefchaouen and Malaga are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Malaga because of the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Plenty of visitors come to Chefchaouen because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In October, Malaga is generally around the same temperature as Chefchaouen. Daily temperatures in Malaga average around 19°C (67°F), and Chefchaouen fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).
It's quite sunny in Chefchaouen. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Malaga. Malaga usually receives less sunshine than Chefchaouen during autumn. Malaga gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Chefchaouen receives 235 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Malaga usually receives around the same amount of rain as Chefchaouen. Malaga gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Chefchaouen receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMalaga 19°C (67°F)Chefchaouen 20°C (68°F)
Should I visit Malaga or Chefchaouen in the Winter?
Both Chefchaouen and Malaga during the winter are popular places to visit. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Malaga this time of year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Chefchaouen year-round.
Malaga is around the same temperature as Chefchaouen in the winter. The daily temperature in Malaga averages around 12°C (54°F) in January, and Chefchaouen fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).
In the winter, Malaga often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Chefchaouen. Malaga gets 171 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chefchaouen receives 169 hours of full sun.
Chefchaouen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Malaga usually gets less rain in January than Chefchaouen. Malaga gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Chefchaouen receives 127 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMalaga 12°C (54°F)Chefchaouen 13°C (55°F)
Should I visit Malaga or Chefchaouen in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Malaga and Chefchaouen. Many travelers come to Malaga for the beaches and the natural beauty. Chefchaouen attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the spring, Malaga is around the same temperature as Chefchaouen. Typically, the spring temperatures in Malaga in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Chefchaouen averages at about 15°C (60°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Chefchaouen this time of the year. In Malaga, it's very sunny this time of the year. Malaga usually receives less sunshine than Chefchaouen during spring. Malaga gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while Chefchaouen receives 251 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Malaga usually receives more rain than Chefchaouen. Malaga gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Chefchaouen receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilMalaga 16°C (60°F)Chefchaouen 15°C (60°F)
Typical Weather for Chefchaouen and Malaga
| Malaga | Chefchaouen | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 12°C (54°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
| Feb | 13°C (55°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) |
| Mar | 14°C (57°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (60°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| May | 19°C (66°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Jun | 22°C (72°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 24°C (74°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Aug | 25°C (78°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (74°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (67°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| Nov | 15°C (60°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 113 mm (4.4 in) |
| Dec | 13°C (55°F) | 102 mm (4 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 144 mm (5.7 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.