A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Malaga vs. Dallas for Nightlife, Backpackers, Food, and Families

Should you visit Malaga or Dallas?

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 Dallas. 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.

Malaga

Malaga is a friendly, welcoming, and historic port city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Dallas

Dallas is a upscale, chic, and active city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Malaga and Dallas: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Malaga or Dallas?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Malaga than Dallas. While Dallas is larger than Malaga, Malaga has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Malaga is better known for its nightlife, music, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, and impressive beauty, while Dallas is more popular for its museums, shopping, and big city activities. Malaga is more touristy than Dallas and is known for its perfect blend of sandy beaches, beautiful culture, fascinating history, and a lively nightlife scene. Also, Malaga is famous for The Alcazaba. Dallas is well known for its Tex Mex cuisine, upscale shopping venues, and cowboy culture.

How is Malaga different from Dallas?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Dallas and Malaga. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Malaga or Dallas?

Dallas is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Malaga does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Dallas. Museums range from historical to art and science with some of the favorites being the Dallas Contemporary Museum, the African American Museum, the Dallas Museum of Art, and the Frontiers of Flight Museum. The city is also home to the George W. Bush Presidential Library and the Nasher Sculpture Center. A must-see is the Sixth Floor Museum, which is in historic Dealey Plaza and is where Lee Harvey Oswald fired the shots that killed JFK. Today there's a museum that goes over the events of that day.

Malaga does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Malaga or Dallas? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Malaga and Dallas offer a number of high quality restaurants to choose from.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Malaga. Head to any of the local food markets and seafood shops to try local cuisine. Also make sure you try tapas and a filling Andalusian breakfast.

Dallas has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There's a perfect combination of Texas cuisine and international flavors. You'll find Texas barbecue, Tex Mex, and steakhouses intermixed with Thai, Japanese, and Caribbean cuisine. There's also a great food truck scene and many local eateries.

Is Malaga or Dallas Better for Nightlife?

Malaga is renowned for nightlife and partying. Also, Dallas is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.

Malaga is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. The city has some of the most active nightlife in Europe. There are plenty of opportunities to party in Malaga and you'll find the most vibrant nightlife in the Centro Historico.

Dallas has a large number of nightlife venues. Head to East Dallas for the most active clubs with large dance floors and great music. The city also has rooftop lounges and plenty of live music as well as comedy clubs.

Is Malaga or Dallas Better for Music?

Malaga is a well-known place for its live music scene. However, Dallas is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Malaga is very popular with diverse venues. The city has venues that offer pop, rock, blues, soulful, and more. Some of the most popular include ZZ club, Clarence Jazz Club, and Velvet Club.

Dallas is not a live music destination.

Is Malaga or Dallas Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Malaga is very good for its diving and snorkeling. However, Dallas is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Malaga. Water temperatures are mild enough for diving or snorkeling near Malaga. For the best diving, head to Cala del Canuelo Beach. Closer by, Penon del Cuervo Beach offers diving and snorkeling as well.

Dallas is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Malaga or Dallas Better for Beaches?

Malaga is very good for the beache. However, Dallas is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Malaga to enjoy the beach. There are some nice beaches around Malaga, but for the best options you'll have to travel further outside of the city.

Dallas is not a beach destination.

Is Malaga or Dallas Better for its Old Town?

Malaga is a well-known place for its old town. However, Dallas does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Malaga. The city's old town is compact and small, making it a fun place to walk. There are historic buildings, museums, churches, and squares, as well as many restaurants and shops.

Dallas does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Malaga or Dallas?

Dallas is a well-known place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Malaga is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its shopping areas.

Dallas is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. You'll find a very diverse shopping scene around town, with everything from quirky local vendors to upscale fashion boutiques. There are cowboy outfitters where you can get a feel for the Texas style, but there are also posh shopping centers and local flea markets.

Malaga has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are a number of shopping areas in the city with both local boutiques and name brands.

Is Malaga or Dallas Better for Families?

Dallas is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Malaga is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Dallas is a very kid-friendly city. The city is filled with families, and you'll find many kid-friendly activities around town. For some outdoor time you can visit the Rory Meyers Children's Adventure Garden or the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. The Dallas Zoo is a favorite for many kids and there are also a number of kid-friendly museums around town such as the Perot Museum of Nature and Science and the Dallas World Aquarium.

Malaga is a family-friendly port city. The city has castles that you can explore as well as a waterpark.

Is Malaga or Dallas Better for Couples?

Dallas is a well-known place for its romantic activities. Also, Malaga is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for couples.

Dallas is a very popular place to visit for couples. Head to the observation deck at Reunion Tower for spectacular views of the night skyline. The city also has many great comedy clubs and performing arts venues as well as fine dining restaurants that make for a great date night.

Malaga is a good port city for couples to visit. It has a beautiful coastline and a rich history that makes it unique.

Is Malaga or Dallas Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Malaga is renowned for backpackers. However, Dallas is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Malaga. From an endless supply of hostels to plenty of opportunities to meet other backpackers, this is a very backpacker friendly area.

Dallas is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While there are a couple of hostels around town, this isn't a popular destination for the backpacker crowd.

Is Malaga or Dallas Better for Students?

Malaga is a well-known place for students. However, Dallas is not a good city for its student-friendly activities.

Malaga is very popular with students. The city has many opportunities to learn Spanish. It's also an affordable city with a young population and a lively atmosphere that appeals to international students.

Dallas is a decent spot for students. There are a couple of universities and colleges in the area that keep things interesting for students.

Is Malaga or Dallas Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Both Malaga and Dallas offer notable public transit options.

Malaga has a few public transit options. There is an efficient bus system as well as a light metro system.

Dallas has some public transit options. While it's still very much a car-centered city, the public transportation system, DART, is one of the fastest growing in the country. It includes both light rail and bus service.

Is Malaga or Dallas a more walkable city?

Malaga is a well-known place for its high level of walkability. However, Dallas is not a good city for its ease of walking around.

Malaga is a very walkable port city. It has a very compact and walkable historic center with most of the tourist attractions easily accessible on foot.

Dallas is generally not a very walkable port city. The city is not particularly walkable, but there are several more walkable areas such as Ellum and Uptown.

For even more information, also check out Is Malaga Worth Visiting? and Is Dallas Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Dallas or Malaga?

How long in Malaga or Dallas?

It's fun to spend time in either Malaga or Dallas. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Malaga due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Malaga, and 2-4 days is enough time in Dallas.

Families should spend more time in Dallas than Malaga. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Dallas, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Malaga than Dallas if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Malaga.

One day in Malaga or Dallas?

Many travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the destination of Malaga. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Dallas. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Malaga or Dallas?

Malaga is a great place to explore. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Dallas is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Malaga or Dallas?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Malaga. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Dallas. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Malaga or Dallas?

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the welcoming destination of Malaga. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the chic destination of Dallas. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

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 Los Angeles, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City.

When comparing the travel costs between Malaga and Dallas, we can see that Malaga is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Malaga is in Europe and Dallas is in North America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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

Which is Bigger, Malaga or Dallas?

Dallas has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Malaga. When comparing the sizes of Malaga and Dallas, 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 Dallas?

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 Dallas in the Summer?

Both Dallas and Malaga are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Malaga for the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Dallas in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Malaga is cooler than Dallas in the summer. The daily temperature in Malaga averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Dallas fluctuates around 88°F (31°C).

It's quite sunny in Dallas. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Malaga. Malaga usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Dallas during summer. Malaga gets 348 hours of sunny skies, while Dallas receives 337 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Malaga usually receives less rain than Dallas. Malaga gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Dallas receives 2.4 inches (60 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Malaga or Dallas in the Autumn?

Both Dallas and Malaga during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Malaga in the autumn for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Dallas for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Malaga is around the same temperature as Dallas. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Malaga in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Dallas averages at about 69°F (21°C).

In Dallas, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Malaga. In the autumn, Malaga often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Dallas. Malaga gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dallas receives 222 hours of full sun.

Malaga usually gets less rain in October than Dallas. Malaga gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Dallas receives 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Malaga or Dallas in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Malaga and Dallas. Most visitors come to Malaga for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Dallas because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Malaga is generally much warmer than Dallas. Daily temperatures in Malaga average around 12°C (54°F), and Dallas fluctuates around 46°F (8°C).

Malaga usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Dallas during winter. Malaga gets 171 hours of sunny skies, while Dallas receives 183 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Malaga usually receives more rain than Dallas. Malaga gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Dallas receives 1.8 inches (45 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Malaga or Dallas in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Malaga as well as Dallas. The spring months attract visitors to Malaga because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Dallas this time of year.

Malaga is cooler than Dallas in the spring. The daily temperature in Malaga averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Dallas fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Dallas. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Malaga this time of the year. In the spring, Malaga often gets less sunshine than Dallas. Malaga gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dallas receives 251 hours of full sun.

Malaga usually gets less rain in April than Dallas. Malaga gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Dallas receives 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Dallas and Malaga