Which place is cheaper, Gran Canaria or Malaga?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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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 Budget Tours to Spain, The Best Tours for Seniors to Spain, The Best Contiki Tours to Spain, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMalaga €140Gran Canaria €125
The average daily cost (per person) in Malaga is €140, while the average daily cost in Gran Canaria is €125. 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
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMalaga €75Gran Canaria €63
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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
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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:
- 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
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 Vecindario to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $31
- Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Las Palmas airport (LPA) to La Garita: $31
- Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Las Palmas airport (LPA) to Agüimes: $31
- Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Ingenio to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $31
- Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Las Palmas airport (LPA) to Vecindario : $31
- El Salobre: Horse Riding Adventure with Transfer Options: $32
- Private Transfer from Gran Canaria Port to Gran Canaria Airport: $33
- Playa del Ingles to Gran Canaria Airport(LPA)- Departure Transfer: $33
- Gran Canaria Airport (LPA) to Playa del Ingles - Arrival Transfer: $33
- Gran Canaria Private Transfer from San Agustín to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $41
- Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Las Palmas airport (LPA) to San Agustín: $41
- Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Las Palmas airport (LPA) to Costa Meloneras: $41
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
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Food Meals for one dayMalaga €35Gran Canaria €34
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
Entertainment
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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:
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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 Gran Canaria
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Gran Canaria.
- Walking tour Vegueta (old town Las Palmas): $7.49
- Walking tour old town Las Palmas Vegueta: $7.64
- Las Palmas: Old Town Highlights Self-Guided Walking Tour: $8.45
- Agüimes: Cocodrilo Park Zoo Entry Ticket: $11
- Banana Plantation Guided Tour & Tasting: $13
- Angry Birds Activity Park Entry Ticket: $14
- Holiday World Maspalomas Wooland Ticket: $14
- Skip the Line: Holiday World Maspalomas Wooland Ticket: $14
- Maspalomas: Bowling Session Entry Ticket at Holiday World: $15
- Taurito: Lago Taurito Water Park Entrance Ticket: $17
- Puerto de Mogan: Friday Market Experience: $24
- Winery Tour, Wine Museum, and Tasting: $24
Alcohol
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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:
- 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
Sample the Local Flavors in Gran Canaria
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Gran Canaria:
- Spanish Tapas and Wine Tasting Tour in Mogan: $52
- Spanish Cured Meats & Wine Tasting Tour in Mogan: $60
- Gran Canaria Picnic Experience & Wine Tasting: $102
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.