A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Malaga vs. Havana for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Malaga or Havana?

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 Havana. 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 Havana?

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.

Havana

The city of Havana is at the top of most peoples' bucket list - mostly because of the allure of a forbidden land. Before the Communist revolution, Cuba was a popular tourist destination. Since it has reopened in the 1990s, it has drawn tourists from all over the world (except the US).

This capital city is a land trapped in the past. With 50 years of neglect, when you step off the plane, prepare to step back in time. A trip to Havana is meant for those with truly open minds - and when they arrive they'll be swept away.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Madrid, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Barcelona.


Which place is cheaper, Havana or Malaga?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Malaga Prices
    Spain Prices
    Havana Prices
    Cuba Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Malaga 165
    Havana 63

The average daily cost (per person) in Malaga is €165, while the average daily cost in Havana is €63. 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 Havana in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Malaga 75
    Havana 36
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Malaga 150
    Havana 72
Compare Hotels in Malaga and Havana

Looking for a hotel in Malaga or Havana? 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.

Hotels in Malaga


Hotels in Havana


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 31
    Havana 16

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Malaga

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Malaga:

  • Airport Transfer: Malaga Airport AGP to Malaga by Business Car: $65
  • Airport Transfer: Malaga to Malaga Airport AGP by Luxury Car: $80
  • Airport Transfer: Malaga to Malaga Airport AGP by Luxury Van: $71
  • Alegria Flamenco in Malaga, with Transfer, Cocktail and Premium Location: $88
  • Arrival Transfer from Malaga airport AGP to Malaga City by Sedan: $55
  • Benalmadena: AGP Airport to Downtown|Hotels Private Transfer: $51
  • Departure Transfer: Malaga to Malaga Airport AGP by Business Car: $59
  • Departure Transfer: Malaga to Malaga Airport AGP by Luxury Van: $66
  • Málaga-Costa Airport (AGP): Transfer to Malaga Cruise Port: $120
  • Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP) to Malaga Port - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $139
  • Malaga : Private Transfer to/from Airport and City: $71
  • Malaga Airport (AGP) to Cancelada - Arrival Private Transfer: $286

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Havana

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Havana:


  • Short Taxi Ride
    0.58

Is it cheaper to fly into Malaga or Havana?

Prices for flights to both Havana 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 day
    Malaga 60
    Havana 15
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: $8.81
  • Hard Rock Cafe Entrance with Lunch or Dinner: $38
  • Málaga: Morning Guided Food Tour: $68
  • Malaga Atarazanas Market Guided Food Tour with Tastings: $71
  • Dinner and Show at Alegría Flamenco & Restaurant in Malaga: $72
  • Paella Cooking Class with English Guide in Malaga: $73
  • The Málaga Morning Food Tour By Food Lover Tour: $77
  • Málaga: Spanish Cooking Workshop with Paella and Sangria: $78
  • Malaga Food Tour with Tapas & Drinks with a Local: $84
  • Pedregalejo Food Tour: Explore Malaga's most iconic quarter: $87
  • Authentic Paella Cooking Class with Sangría: $88
  • Málaga: Tapas, Wine & Rooftops Small Group Food Tour: $94

Typical Food Prices in Havana

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Havana:


  • Pizza
    0.03

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Malaga 31
    Havana 9.53
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:

  • Alcazaba to Picasso: Málaga’s Best in a Self-Guided Tour: $1.17
  • Malaga's historic center: Self-guided tour created by a local Official Guide: $4.70
  • Skip the Line: Picasso's Birthplace Museum Entrance Ticket: $4.79
  • Malaga Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $5.15
  • Malaga Highlights Exploration Game and Tour: $5.98
  • Guided Walking Tour of the Old Town of Frigiliana: $5.99
  • Malaga Self Guided Audio Experience: $9.00
  • Málaga Exploration Game and City Tour on your Phone: $9.57
  • Malaga City Center's Architecture: A Self Guided Walking Tour: $9.99
  • Málaga: Picasso Birthplace Museum Ticket & City Audio Guide: $11
  • Picasso Birthplace Museum Ticket with Digital Audio Guide: $11
  • Audioguide City Walk Malaga for cruises (German & English): $12

Tours and Activities in Havana

Here are a few actual costs in Havana for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Private: City Tour with Lunch, Rum, and Chocolate: $2,000

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Malaga 22
    Havana 4.90

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
  • Andalusian Wine Tasting Tapas and DE wine tastings: $47
  • RONDA WINE EXPERIENCE Wine Tastings DE Olive Oil and Tapas: $59
  • C/Echegaray 5 Málaga center: Malagueño Massage: Massage + Wine Tasting: $65
  • Artisan Spanish Wine Tasting of 6 Wines: $66
  • Ronda Wine Tasting with Tapas in a Scenic Vineyard: $66
  • Málaga: Traditional Andalusian Tapas and Wine Tour: $77
  • White Village, Vineyard, and Wine Tasting Wine Tour: $106
  • Málaga Small‑Group Wine Tour – Álora Castle Views & 4 Tastings: $108
  • Flamenco, Tapas, and Wine Tour: $110
  • OLIVE OIL & WINE TOUR Organic fields - 5 Wines + 3Olive Oils: $112

Typical Alcohol Prices in Havana

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Havana:


  • Mojito
    0.13


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Malaga and Havana, we can see that Malaga is more expensive. And not only is Havana much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Malaga is in Europe and Havana is in Caribbean Islands, 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 Havana would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Havana 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 Havana.

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


Which is Bigger, Malaga or Havana?

Havana has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Malaga. When comparing the sizes of Malaga and Havana, 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 Havana?

Malaga has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Havana experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Malaga or Havana in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Malaga and Havana. Many travelers come to Malaga for the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Havana attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the summer, Malaga is around the same temperature as Havana. Typically, the summer temperatures in Malaga in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Havana averages at about 27°C (81°F).

In July, Malaga usually receives less rain than Havana. Malaga gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Havana receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Malaga 25°C (77°F) 
    Havana 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Malaga or Havana in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Malaga as well as Havana. Many visitors come to Malaga in the autumn for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. The warm climate attracts visitors to Havana throughout the year.

In October, Malaga is generally cooler than Havana. Daily temperatures in Malaga average around 19°C (67°F), and Havana fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

Malaga usually gets less rain in October than Havana. Malaga gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Havana receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Malaga 19°C (67°F) 
    Havana 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Malaga or Havana in the Winter?

Both Havana and Malaga are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Malaga for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months. Plenty of visitors come to Havana because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Malaga is much colder than Havana in the winter. The daily temperature in Malaga averages around 12°C (54°F) in January, and Havana fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

In January, Malaga usually receives more rain than Havana. Malaga gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Havana receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Malaga 12°C (54°F) 
    Havana 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Malaga or Havana in the Spring?

Both Havana and Malaga during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Malaga because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Havana year-round.

In the spring, Malaga is much colder than Havana. Typically, the spring temperatures in Malaga in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Havana averages at about 24°C (75°F).

Malaga usually gets more rain in April than Havana. Malaga gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Havana receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Malaga 16°C (60°F) 
    Havana 24°C (75°F)

Typical Weather for Havana and Malaga

Malaga Havana
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 12°C (54°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 21°C (70°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 75 mm (3 in) 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Mar 14°C (57°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 23°C (73°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 24°C (75°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
May 19°C (66°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 26°C (79°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 13 mm (0.5 in) 27°C (81°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 27°C (81°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Aug 25°C (78°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 27°C (81°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 23°C (74°F) 15 mm (0.6 in) 26°C (79°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 25°C (77°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 15°C (60°F) 115 mm (4.5 in) 23°C (73°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Dec 13°C (55°F) 102 mm (4 in) 22°C (72°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)