Which place is cheaper, Cordoba or Malaga?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Malaga or Cordoba?
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 Cordoba. 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 Cordoba?
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.
Cordoba
Cordoba is the capital of the Cordoba province and the second largest city in all of Argentina. The city is in a beautiful setting surrounded by valleys and hills. Within the city you will find many colonial buildings and beautiful architecture. Cordoba also has many universities and scientific institutes, giving it the nickname "La Docta." Because of the large number of students, Cordoba's population is young and active, which keeps the atmosphere light and fun.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Madrid, The Best 10-Day Tours from Barcelona, The Best Adventure Tours to Argentina, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Argentina.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMalaga €140Cordoba €7.83
The average daily cost (per person) in Malaga is €140, while the average daily cost in Cordoba is €7.83. 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 Cordoba in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMalaga €75Cordoba €2.85
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMalaga €150Cordoba €5.70
Compare Hotels in Malaga and Cordoba
Looking for a hotel in Malaga or Cordoba? 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 Cordoba Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Malaga €31Cordoba €1.94
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Malaga
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Malaga:
- Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Córdoba: $294
- Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Ubrique: $291
- Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (Agp) to Granada City: $288
- Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Ferreirola: $267
- Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Adra: $261
- Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Lanjarón: $242
- Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Granada: $242
- Private Transfer from/to Seville to/from Malaga & Stop Alhambra: $230
- Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Gaucín: $222
- Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Algodonales: $222
- Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Benaoján: $213
- Private Transfer from Ronda to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $213
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Cordoba
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Cordoba are as follows:
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Taxi Ride€0.01
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cordoba
Also for Cordoba, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer in private minivan from Cordoba to Ingeniero Ambrosio Taravella Airport: $61
Is it cheaper to fly into Malaga or Cordoba?
Prices for flights to both Cordoba 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 €35Cordoba €3.58
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
- Paella Cooking Class with English Guide in Malaga: $76
- Paella Cooking Class in Malaga: $84
- Malaga Tapas Cooking Class: $89
- Andalucia by Sunset - half day tour including dinner and Ronda pickup: $93
- Sardines On Skewers Show Cooking in Malaga beach: $147
Typical Food Prices in Cordoba
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Cordoba:
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Empanadas€0.01
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Sandwich€0.00
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Ice Cream€0.00
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Malaga €31Cordoba €1.75
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: $152
- Private Tour of Ronda and Setenil de Las Bodegas: $239
- 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 Hour Buggy Tour Off-Road Adventure in Mijas: $98
- 1 Hour Quad/ATV Tour Off-Road Adventure in Mijas: $98
- 1.5-Hour Roman Theater and Alcazaba Castle Walking Tour: $16
- 1h buggy tour: $114
- 2 Hour Family Buggy Tour, Off-Road Adventure in Mijas: $163
- 2 Hour Quad/ATV Tour Off-Road Adventure in Mijas: $141
- 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
Tours and Activities in Cordoba
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Cordoba.
- Traditional Córdoba CityTour x 2 Pax: $45
- Exploring Villa Carlos Paz: Guided Sightseeing Tour: $50
- Alta Gracia: Unveiling Cordoba's Cultural Heritage Tour: $50
- Cordoba City Tour: $50
- Private Cordoba City Tour: $53
- Córdoba: Villa Carlos Paz Tour: $59
- Córdoba CityTour FULLDAY x 2 pax: $60
- Caroya WineTour x 2 Pax: $60
- Cordoba City Tour with Optional Jesuitic Square: $62
- Full Day Tour to Punilla Valley from Cordoba: $75
- La Cumbrecita and Villa General Belgrano Full Day Tour: $75
- Full Day Jesuit Legacy Tour from Cordoba: $80
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMalaga €22Cordoba €1.38
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
- Evening Tapas Tour and Wine Tasting in Malaga: $87
- Malaga Food Walking Tour with Tapas & Wine Tasting: $98
- Traditional Malaga Tapas and Wine Tour: $118
- Axarquia VIP Wine Tour with Gourmet Winery Lunch Experience: $227
Sample the Local Flavors in Cordoba
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Cordoba:
- Full-Day Private Colonia Caroya Wine Tour from Córdoba: $119
- Wine Tour Privado - Colonia Caroya: $130
- Wine Tour Privado - Calamuchita: $150
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Malaga and Cordoba, we can see that Malaga is more expensive. And not only is Cordoba much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Malaga is in Europe and Cordoba 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 Cordoba would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cordoba 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 Cordoba.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Malaga Expensive? and Is Cordoba Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Malaga or Cordoba?
Cordoba has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Malaga. When comparing the sizes of Malaga and Cordoba, 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 Cordoba?
Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Cordoba 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 Cordoba in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Malaga as well as Cordoba. Many visitors come to Malaga in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Malaga is generally much warmer than Cordobain January. Daily temperatures in Malaga average around 25°C (77°F), and Cordoba fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cordoba. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Malaga this time of the year. In the summer, Malaga often gets more sunshine than Cordobain January. Malaga gets 348 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cordoba receives 277 hours of full sun.
Malaga usually gets less rain in July than Cordobain January. Malaga gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Cordoba receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryMalaga 25°C (77°F)Cordoba 10°C (50°F)
Should I visit Malaga or Cordoba in the Autumn?
Both Cordoba and Malaga are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Malaga for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
Malaga is a little warmer than Cordoba in the autumn. The daily temperature in Malaga averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Cordoba fluctuates around 16°C (61°F)in April.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Malaga. Malaga usually receives more sunshine than Cordoba during autumn. Malaga gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Cordoba receives 196 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Malaga usually receives more rain than Cordobain April. Malaga gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Cordoba receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilMalaga 19°C (67°F)Cordoba 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Malaga or Cordoba in the Winter?
Both Cordoba and Malaga during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Malaga because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.
In the winter, Malaga is much colder than Cordoba. Typically, the winter temperatures in Malaga in January average around 12°C (54°F), and Cordoba averages at about 27°C (81°F)in July.
In the winter, Malaga often gets less sunshine than Cordobain July. Malaga gets 171 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cordoba receives 189 hours of full sun.
Malaga usually gets more rain in January than Cordobain July. Malaga gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Cordoba receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyMalaga 12°C (54°F)Cordoba 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Malaga or Cordoba in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Malaga and Cordoba. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Malaga this time of year.
In April, Malaga is generally cooler than Cordobain October. Daily temperatures in Malaga average around 16°C (60°F), and Cordoba fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cordoba this time of the year. In Malaga, it's very sunny this time of the year. Malaga usually receives less sunshine than Cordoba during spring. Malaga gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while Cordoba receives 243 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Malaga usually receives less rain than Cordobain October. Malaga gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Cordoba receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberMalaga 16°C (60°F)Cordoba 19°C (66°F)
Typical Weather for Cordoba and Malaga
| Malaga | Cordoba | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 12°C (54°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Feb | 13°C (55°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Mar | 14°C (57°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (60°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| May | 19°C (66°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Jun | 22°C (72°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Aug | 25°C (78°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (74°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (67°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Nov | 15°C (60°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Dec | 13°C (55°F) | 102 mm (4 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 70 mm (2.8 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.