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 Budget Tours to Spain, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Spain.


Which place is cheaper, Havana or Malaga?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Malaga is €140, while the average daily cost in Havana is €61. 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 38
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Malaga 150
    Havana 76
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 18

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Malaga

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Malaga:

  • Malaga Airport (AGP) to Marbella - Arrival Private Transfer: $44
  • Airport Transfer: Malaga Airport AGP to Malaga by Luxury Van: $57
  • Airport Transfer: Malaga to Malaga Airport AGP by Business Car: $51
  • Arrival Transfer from Malaga airport AGP to Malaga City by Sedan: $46
  • Departure Transfer: Malaga to Malaga Airport AGP by Business Car: $51
  • Departure Transfer: Malaga to Malaga Airport AGP by Luxury Van: $57
  • Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP) to Malaga Port - Arrival private Transfer: $19
  • Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP) to Malaga Port - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $37
  • Malaga Airport (AGP) to Marbella - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $88
  • Malaga Airport (Costa del Sol) Private Arrival Transfer: $44
  • Malaga Airport (Costa del Sol) Private Departure Transfer: $44
  • Malaga Airport to Granada Hotel or Family House in Private Transfer: $189

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Havana

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


  • Short Taxi Ride
    0.63

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 35
    Havana 9.53
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.

  • Horse and Flamenco Show in Malaga with Dinner: $76
  • 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 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 10
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:

  • Skip the Line: Picasso's Birthplace Museum Entrance Ticket: $4.37
  • Sightseeing Outdoor Escape Game in Malaga: $7.09
  • Ronda Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $8.89
  • Guided tour of Castillo Colomares: $9.83
  • Alcazaba Malaga Guided Tour: $11
  • Guided tour in Ronda: $13
  • Andalucia's City Of Dreams: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Ronda: $15
  • Essential Malaga City Tour: $16
  • City Sightseeing Benalmadena Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $16
  • Private Guided Tour to the only coffee farm in Europe: $16
  • Tour around the Central Market of Malaga: $16
  • 1.5-Hour Roman Theater and Alcazaba Castle Walking Tour: $16

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Malaga 22
    Havana 5.37

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
  • Sun and Wine Route - Small group, wine tasting and lunch included: $76
  • Malaga City Wine Tour: $94
  • Flamenco, Tapas and Wine Tour: Best of Málaga in one Evening: $104

Typical Alcohol Prices in Havana

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


  • Mojito
    0.14


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)