Which place is cheaper, Gran Canaria or Malaga?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Malaga or Gran Canaria?
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 Gran Canaria. 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 Gran Canaria?
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.
Gran Canaria
Gran Canaria is one of Spain's Canary Islands, located just off the coast of northwestern Africa. It is the third largest of the islands, and is known for its variety of volcanic beaches. This island is sometimes called a "Miniature Continent" due to the different climates and variety of landscapes found, which allow for a range of activities like hiking, biking, surfing, and scuba diving.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Madrid, The Best 10-Day Tours from Barcelona, The Best 2-Week Tours from Madrid, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Barcelona.
-
Malaga Prices
Spain PricesGran Canaria Prices
Spain Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMalaga €165Gran Canaria €150
The average daily cost (per person) in Malaga is €165, while the average daily cost in Gran Canaria is €150. 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 Gran Canaria in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMalaga €75Gran Canaria €63
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMalaga €150Gran Canaria €126
Compare Hotels in Malaga and Gran Canaria
Looking for a hotel in Malaga or Gran Canaria? 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.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Malaga €31Gran Canaria €46
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Malaga
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Malaga:
- Malaga Airport (AGP): Private Transfer to Granada city: $422
- Transfer from Malaga Airport to Tarifa: $311
- Transfer from Malaga Airport to Granada: $309
- Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Zafarraya: $298
- Private Transfer from Albuñol to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $292
- Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Ferreirola: $290
- Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Loja: $285
- Cordoba and its Mosque from Málaga with Private Transfer: $284
- Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Adra: $284
- Private Transfer from Malaga city hotels to Seville Cruise Port: $283
- Malaga Airport (AGP) to Cancelada - Arrival Private Transfer: $283
- Private Transfer Malaga Airport to Ronda: $268
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Gran Canaria
Also for Gran Canaria, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Agüimes to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $33
- Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Las Palmas airport (LPA) to Agüimes: $33
- El Salobre: Horse Riding Adventure with Transfer Options: $43
- Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Las Palmas airport (LPA) to Playa del Águila: $45
- Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Costa Meloneras to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $45
- Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Las Palmas airport (LPA) to Valsequillo: $46
- Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Las Palmas airport (LPA) to Puerto de la Luz: $46
- Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Las Palmas airport (LPA) to La Milagrosa: $46
- Las Palmas to Gran Canaria Airport (LPA) - Departure Transfer: $47
- Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Las Palmas airport (LPA) to Arucas: $47
- Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Las Palmas airport (LPA) to Monte León: $47
- Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Pasito Blanco to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $47
Is it cheaper to fly into Malaga or Gran Canaria?
Prices for flights to both Gran Canaria 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 dayMalaga €60Gran Canaria €59
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: $83
- Food Tour with Local Guide, Tapas, and Drinks: $83
- Pedregalejo Food Tour: Explore Malaga's most iconic quarter: $86
- Horse and Flamenco Show in Malaga with Dinner: $89
- Málaga: Tapas, Wine & Rooftops Small Group Food Tour: $93
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Gran Canaria
For Gran Canaria, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- MHT Comedy Drag Dinner Show & 3-Course Meal: $67
- MHT Comedy Drag Dinner Show & 3-Course Meal: $70
- Nomad Dinner Show at Sala Scala: $71
- Sunset Tour with Champagne & Optional Dinner.: $79
- Food Tour with Distillery Visit & Lunch: $99
- Private Boat Tour with Dinner and Champagne: $410
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Malaga €31Gran Canaria €20
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:
- 1 Hour Guided Adventure at Quads ATV in Mijas Malaga: $101
- 1 Hour Private Flamenco Class Experience in Málaga: $184
- 2 Hours Buggy Safari Experience in the Mountains of Mijas with Guide: $177
- 2 hours guided Quad tour in Mijas, Malaga.: $154
- 2-Hour Ronda Walking Tour: $95
- 3-Hours Catamaran Tour in Malaga with Paella: $53
- 3-hour guided quad/ATV adventure in Mijas, Málaga: $213
- Alcazaba and Gibralfaro Private Tour: $70
- Alcazaba and Gibralfaro Private Tour. Skip The Line: $291
- Alcazaba de Málaga: Ticket and Self-Guided Tour created by an Official Guide: $5.82
- Alhambra Sunset Tour from Malaga: $213
- Alhambra, Nasrid Palaces and Generalife Private Tour from Malaga: $142
Tours and Activities in Gran Canaria
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Gran Canaria.
- Las Palmas Audio Guided Walking Tour 1h15 and 18 reviews: $6.98
- Las Palmas Pirates Self Guided Treasure Adventure Walk: $7.02
- Walking tour Vegueta (old town Las Palmas): $8.15
- Walking tour old town Las Palmas Vegueta: $11
- Las Palmas Old Town: Walking Tour: $12
- Holiday World Maspalomas Wooland Ticket: $15
- Angry Birds Activity Park Entry Ticket: $15
- Agüimes: Cocodrilo Park Zoo Entry Ticket: $15
- Cocodrilo Park Zoo Admission Ticket in Agüimes: $15
- Maspalomas: Bowling Session Entry Ticket at Holiday World: $16
- Las Palmas BEACH SUNSET: City Walking Tour: $16
- Banana World Guided Tour & Tasting: $17
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayMalaga €22Gran Canaria €7.14
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
- Málaga Spanish Wine Tasting with 5 Wines and Gourmet Tapas: $39
- Málaga Andalusian Wine Tasting: 5 Wines and Local Food: $39
- Conrad Guided Cellar Tour and wine tasting in Ronda: $41
- Andalusian Wine Tasting Tapas and DE wine tastings: $46
- Gourmet Tapas and Wine Tour in Málaga: $53
- Frigiliana Small-Group Hike and Wine Tasting Tour from Malaga: $65
- C/Echegaray 5 Málaga center: Malagueño Massage: Massage + Wine Tasting: $68
- Malaga Food & Wine Tour: Tapas, Drinks and Delights with a Local: $69
- Winederlust Wine Tasting: $71
Sample the Local Flavors in Gran Canaria
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Gran Canaria:
- Guided Tour at Ron Arehucas Distillery: $13
- Guided Tour at Ron Arehucas Distillery: $15
- Las Palmas Pub Crawl 3 Bars and Nightclub Tour with Free Shots: $24
- Painting and textures workshop with volcanic wine tasting: $47
- Las Palmas: Gourmet Tapas and Wine Tour in the Old Town: $52
- Spanish Tapas and Wine Tasting Tour in Mogan: $68
- Spanish Cured Meats & Wine Tasting Tour in Mogan: $68
- Gran Canaria flavours with distillery visit and tastings: $79
- Gran Canaria:Agaete Coffee Plantation, Wine Tasting & Garden Tour: $89
When comparing the travel costs between Malaga and Gran Canaria, 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. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Malaga Expensive? and Is Gran Canaria Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Malaga or Gran Canaria?
Gran Canaria has a larger population, and is about 53% larger than the population of Malaga. When comparing the sizes of Malaga and Gran Canaria, 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 Gran Canaria?
Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Malaga or Gran Canaria in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Malaga as well as Gran Canaria. The beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Malaga this time of year.
In the summer, Malaga is around the same temperature as Gran Canaria. Typically, the summer temperatures in Malaga in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Gran Canaria averages at about 23°C (73°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Gran Canaria. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Malaga this time of the year. In the summer, Malaga often gets more sunshine than Gran Canaria. Malaga gets 348 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gran Canaria receives 293 hours of full sun.
Malaga usually gets more rain in July than Gran Canaria. Malaga gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Gran Canaria receives 0 mm (0 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyMalaga 25°C (77°F)Gran Canaria 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Malaga or Gran Canaria in the Autumn?
Both Gran Canaria and Malaga are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Malaga for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Malaga is generally cooler than Gran Canaria. Daily temperatures in Malaga average around 19°C (67°F), and Gran Canaria fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
It's quite sunny in Gran Canaria. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Malaga. Malaga usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Gran Canaria during autumn. Malaga gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Gran Canaria receives 213 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Malaga usually receives more rain than Gran Canaria. Malaga gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Gran Canaria receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMalaga 19°C (67°F)Gran Canaria 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Malaga or Gran Canaria in the Winter?
Both Gran Canaria and Malaga during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Malaga in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.
Malaga is cooler than Gran Canaria in the winter. The daily temperature in Malaga averages around 12°C (54°F) in January, and Gran Canaria fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
In the winter, Malaga often gets less sunshine than Gran Canaria. Malaga gets 171 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gran Canaria receives 187 hours of full sun.
Malaga usually gets more rain in January than Gran Canaria. Malaga gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Gran Canaria receives 25 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMalaga 12°C (54°F)Gran Canaria 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Malaga or Gran Canaria in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Malaga and Gran Canaria. Most visitors come to Malaga for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.
In the spring, Malaga is cooler than Gran Canaria. Typically, the spring temperatures in Malaga in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Gran Canaria averages at about 19°C (66°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Gran Canaria this time of the year. In Malaga, it's very sunny this time of the year. Malaga usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Gran Canaria during spring. Malaga gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while Gran Canaria receives 225 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Malaga usually receives more rain than Gran Canaria. Malaga gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Gran Canaria receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilMalaga 16°C (60°F)Gran Canaria 19°C (66°F)
Typical Weather for Gran Canaria and Malaga
| Malaga | Gran Canaria | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 12°C (54°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 25 mm (1 in) |
| Feb | 13°C (55°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) |
| Mar | 14°C (57°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (60°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| May | 19°C (66°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Jun | 22°C (72°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 0 mm (0 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 0 mm (0 in) |
| Aug | 25°C (78°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 0 mm (0 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (74°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (67°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) |
| Nov | 15°C (60°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) |
| Dec | 13°C (55°F) | 102 mm (4 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 31 mm (1.2 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.