Which place is cheaper, Madrid or Malaga?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
A Travel Price Comparison for Spain Malaga vs. Madrid for Food, Nightlife, Music, and Backpackers
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Should you visit Malaga or Madrid?
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 Madrid. 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 beautiful, friendly, and welcoming port city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.
Madrid
Madrid is a diverse, compact, and friendly city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. And you can't forget about the live music, food, and shopping.
Malaga and Madrid: Pros and Cons
Malaga
Pros- Active nightlife
- Good music scene
- Good scuba and snorkeling destination
- Popular beach
- Scenic old town
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Impressive beauty
- Less popular for shopping
- Public transit not as usable
Madrid
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Active nightlife
- Good music scene
- Fun shopping
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Good public transit
- Big city activities
Is there more to do in Malaga or Madrid?
Tourists will generally find more to do in Madrid than Malaga. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Madrid is very popular for its museums, food, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Malaga attracts visitors for its nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Malaga is famous for its perfect blend of sandy beaches, beautiful culture, fascinating history, and a lively nightlife scene. Madrid is famous for its art and architecture, its tapas and culinary scene, and its lively flamenco dancing. It is also well known for The Prado Museum.
How is Malaga different from Madrid?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Madrid 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 Madrid?
Malaga
Madrid
Madrid is a good destination for its sights and museums. However, Malaga does not have museums and landmarks.
Madrid offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are a number of cultural sights in the city including Museo Nacional del Prado, the Royal Palace and Gardens, and Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía.
Malaga does not have museums and landmarks.
Is the Food Better in Malaga or Madrid? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?
Malaga
Madrid
Madrid is a must-visit destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Malaga is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its restaurants.
Eat your way through Madrid, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The city has a mix of flavors that come from all of Spain. There are amazing markets where you can grab a meal or snack. There are also many high quality restaurants around town where you're guaranteed a good meal. Local favorites include roast suckling pig, Spanish omelette, and meat and chickpea stew.
Malaga has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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.
Is Malaga or Madrid Better for Nightlife?
Malaga
Madrid
Malaga is renowned for nightlife. Also, Madrid is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.
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.
Madrid offers plenty to do in the evening. Many tourists and international students hang out in the Huertas area, while Malasaña has a bohemian, hipster vibe with small clubs that play indie music. Chueca is a fun area that's known for being gay-friendly with many good bars. Finally, you'll find that the area around Avenida de Brasil is where famous DJs often perform.
Is Malaga or Madrid Better for Music?
Malaga
Madrid
Madrid is a must-visit destination for its live music scene. Also, Malaga is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its music scene.
Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Madrid Rock, jazz, and flamenco are all popular in the city. Some of the most well known music venues include Sala Caracol, Sala Clamores, and Costello Club.
It's worth checking out the music scene in Malaga while you're in town. 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.
Is Malaga or Madrid Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?
Malaga
Madrid
Malaga is a port city with good options for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Madrid is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.
It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life 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.
Madrid is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.
Is Malaga or Madrid Better for Beaches?
Malaga
Madrid
Malaga is a port city with good options for its beaches. However, Madrid is not a beach destination.
Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Malaga. There are some nice beaches around Malaga, but for the best options you'll have to travel further outside of the city.
Madrid is not a beach destination.
Is Malaga or Madrid Better for its Old Town?
Malaga
Madrid
Malaga is a great port city for its historic old town. However, Madrid does not have a historic old town.
Malaga is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. 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.
Madrid does not have a historic old town.
Is the Shopping Better in Malaga or Madrid?
Malaga
Madrid
Madrid is a must-visit destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Malaga is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its shopping areas.
The abundance of shops in Madrid make it a world-class shopping destination. Gran Vía is a main thoroughfare in Madrid that is also popular for shopping. Calle Fuencarral is where you'll find the fashion shops and Calle Preciados is a fun pedestrian area to explore.
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 Madrid Better for Families?
Malaga
Madrid
Madrid 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.
Madrid is a very kid-friendly city. Kids love splashing around at Madrid Río, taking a ride on the cable car (Teleférico), and exploring the city's many parks and playgrounds. There's even a maze at Sabatini Gardens. Restaurants around the city are also very kid-friendly.
Malaga is a family-friendly port city. The city has castles that you can explore as well as a waterpark.
Is Malaga or Madrid Better for Couples?
Malaga
Madrid
Madrid 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.
Madrid is a very popular place to visit for couples. Fun and romantic activities around town include taking a boat ride at Casa de Campo, riding a bike in one of the many parks, and enjoy dinner and show in the evening.
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 Madrid Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?
Malaga
Madrid
Malaga is renowned for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Madrid is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.
Many backpackers frequent Malaga. From an endless supply of hostels to plenty of opportunities to meet other backpackers, this is a very backpacker friendly area.
Madrid is a great port city to visit for backpackers. The many hostels around town make it easy for backpackers to find affordable accommodation while also meeting other travelers.
Is Malaga or Madrid Better for Students?
Malaga
Madrid
Madrid is a must-visit destination for students. Also, Malaga is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its student-friendly activities.
Madrid is a very popular place to visit for students. With several great universities, this city is popular with international and study abroad students. The city also has a diverse population and an active nightlife that appeals to students.
Malaga is a very popular port city for students and younger travelers. 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.
Is Malaga or Madrid Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?
Malaga
Madrid
Madrid is a must-visit destination for its public transit. Also, Malaga is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for times when you don't have a car.
Madrid has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. The system includes the Madrid Metro, buses, and a light rail system.
Malaga has some public transit options. There is an efficient bus system as well as a light metro system.
Is Malaga or Madrid a more walkable city?
Malaga
Madrid
Madrid is a must-visit destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Malaga is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its ease of walking around.
It is easy to get around Madrid on foot. Most tourists stay in the central part of Madrid where it's compact and relatively easy to walk to most tourist sights.
Malaga is a very walkable destination. It has a very compact and walkable historic center with most of the tourist attractions easily accessible on foot.
Should I spend more time in Madrid or Malaga?
How long in Malaga or Madrid?
In either Malaga or Madrid, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Malaga than Madrid because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Malaga, and 2-5 days is enough time in Madrid.
Families should spend more time in Madrid than Malaga. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Madrid, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.
Couples should spend more time in Madrid than Malaga. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Madrid that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Malaga than Madrid 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.
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How many days in Malaga or Madrid? Ideal Length of StayMalaga 3-7Madrid 2-5
One day in Malaga or Madrid?
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.
Madrid is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.
A weekend in Malaga or Madrid?
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.
Madrid 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 Madrid?
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 Madrid. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.
A week in Malaga or Madrid?
Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the beautiful 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 nightlife and live music when visiting the authentic big city of Madrid. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMalaga €140Madrid €136
The average daily cost (per person) in Malaga is €140, while the average daily cost in Madrid is €136. 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 Madrid in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMalaga €75Madrid €77
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMalaga €150Madrid €154
Compare Hotels in Malaga and Madrid
Looking for a hotel in Malaga or Madrid? 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 and Madrid Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Malaga €31Madrid €19
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Malaga
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Malaga:
- Private 5 days in Malaga - Private tours and arrival and departure transfer : $1,506
- Malaga to Seville Private Transfer: $922
- Private Transfer from Málaga to Faro (FAO) Airport: $802
- Departure Private Transfer Malaga Airport AGP to Seville Airport by Luxury Van: $547
- Malaga Airport: Cadiz, Jerez, Chiclana & Rota private arrival transfer: $542
- Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Huelva: $487
- Departure Private Transfer Malaga Airport AGP to Seville SVQ by Business Car: $473
- Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Sanlúcar la Mayor: $429
- Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Cádiz: $419
- Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Novo Sancti Petri: $409
- Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Conil de la Frontera: $391
- Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Retamar: $391
Typical Local Transportation prices in Madrid
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Madrid are as follows:
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Taxi Ride€26
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Madrid
Also for Madrid, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Madrid Barajas Airport: Transfer to/from Atocha Bus Station: $7.61
- Madrid Barajas International Airport - Private Arrival Transfer: $22
- Hotel Madrid City Private Transfer To Madrid Barajas Airport: $25
- Madrid Barajas Airport Private Transfer To Madrid City: $27
- Private One-way Airport Transfer (Madrid Airport To/From Madrid): $28
- Car Rental with Driver Madrid, Airport Transfers: $30
- Private Transfer from Madrid Airport to Madrid Hotels: $38
- Private Transfer from Madrid Hotels to Madrid Airport: $38
- Transfer in private vehicle from Madrid City - Madrid Barajas Airport (MAD): $42
- Transfer in Private Vehicle from Madrid Barajas Airport (MAD) - Madrid City: $42
- Private Transfer: Madrid to Madrid Barajas Adolfo Suárez Airport (MAD): $42
- Private Transfer: Barajas Adolfo Suárez Airport (MAD) to Madrid: $42
Is it cheaper to fly into Malaga or Madrid?
Prices for flights to both Madrid 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 €35Madrid €34
Typical Food prices in Malaga
Some typical examples of dining costs in Malaga are as follows:
-
Dinner for 2€30
-
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.
- Horse and Flamenco Show in Malaga with Dinner: $77
- Paella Cooking Class in Malaga: $84
- Malaga Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $87
- Andalucia by Sunset - half day tour including dinner and Ronda pickup: $93
- Malaga Sunset Cruise and Restaurant Dinner: $109
- Malaga Catamaran Cruise with Paella Lunch and Dinner: $146
- Sardines On Skewers Show Cooking in Malaga beach: $148
Typical Food prices in Madrid
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Madrid:
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Coffee€2.00
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Ice Cream€3.00
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Kebabs (for 2)€16
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Croissant€1.50
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Lunch at Airport (for 2)€16
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Madrid
For Madrid, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Fashion, Design & Food Tour in Chamberì: $29
- Torres Bermejas Flamenco Show in Madrid with Dinner, Tapas or Drink: $38
- Fashion, Design & Food Tour in Chamberì : $39
- Flamenco Show La Quimera with Drinks & Dinner Option: $42
- Skip the Line: Flamenco Show with Dinner and Workshop in Madrid Ticket: $49
- Flamenco Show at Corral de la Morería in Madrid with Optional Dinner: $55
- Opera and Zarzuela Show and Dinner: $58
- The Authentic Morning Madrid's Food Tour: $60
- Zarzuela Opera and Dinner at La Castafiore Restaurant in Madrid: $60
- The Ultimate Madrid Food Tour: $63
- Iberico Ham and Spanish Wine Small-Group Food Tour: $64
- Madrid Old Town Tour & Flamenco Show with Optional Dinner: $65
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Malaga €31Madrid €34
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:
- 2 Days Private Tour to Casablanca, Rabat and Tangier: $1,712
- 5-Day Tour Morocco, Imperial Cities Express from Costa del Sol: $1,296
- 8-Day Tour Morocco, the Great Desert from Costa del Sol: $1,666
- Private Tour of Ronda, Setenil & Optional Olive Oil Tasting : $315
- Ronda group walking Tour: $27
- Sealife Benalmadena Entrance Ticket: $20
- Winery and Olive Mill Guided and Tasting Tour with Tapas: $121
- 1 Hour Buggy Safari Experience in the Mountains of Mijas with Guide: $88
- 1 Hour Buggy Tour Off-Road Adventure in Mijas: $99
- 1 Hour Family Buggy Tour, Off-Road Adventure in Mijas: $121
- 1 Hour Malaga Panoramic Segway Tour : $38
- 1 Hour Navigation Tour Dolphin Sighting: $318
Tours and Activities in Madrid
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Madrid.
- First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.27
- Tour Madrid of the Austrians Old City: $3.28
- Horror Night Tour in Madrid on Foot: $3.28
- Literary Quarter Tour: $3.29
- Free Tour - Majestic Madrid: $3.29
- Guided tour of the Madrid of spies: $3.29
- Escape Game and Tour: $4.35
- Mapfre Foundation Entry Ticket: $5.44
- Private Audio Guided Walking Tour in Madrid: $5.48
- Manzanares River’s Story Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
- Manzanares River’s Story: A Self-Guided Audio Tour in Madrid: $5.99
- Madrid Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.00
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMalaga €22Madrid €20
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: $18
- Frigiliana Small-Group Hike and Wine Tasting Tour from Malaga: $60
- Winederlust Wine Tasting: $66
- Malaga Shore Excursion: scenic & walking tour, Alcazaba visit with wine tasting: $73
- Sun and Wine Route - Small group, wine tasting and lunch included: $77
- Day trip from White Washed Town, Vineyard & Wine Tasting: $88
- Evening Tapas Tour and Wine Tasting in Malaga: $88
- Flamenco, Tapas and Wine Tour: Best of Málaga in one Evening: $98
- Malaga Food Walking Tour with Tapas & Wine Tasting: $99
- Traditional Malaga Tapas and Wine Tour: $115
- Malaga Tapas and Wine Tour: $137
- Wellness & Wine–A day of Yoga, Connection & Wine Tasting in Ronda: $154
Typical Alcohol prices in Madrid
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Madrid are as follows:
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Beer€5.00
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Drinks and Tapas (for 2)€13
Sample the Local Flavors in Madrid
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Madrid:
- Madrid Pub Crawl with VIP Club Entrance: $9.88
- Visit to the Winery with Wine Tasting and Appetizers in Navarra: $12
- Pub Crawl with Tapas and VIP Club Entry: $15
- Guided Pub Crawl Madrid Experience: $16
- Pub Crawl Madrid Running since 2005 Bar Exploration: $16
- Pub Crawl Madrid-The Original since 2005-Shots-Fun-Clubs-Dance: $18
- Pub Crawl Madrid: $19
- Wine Tasting near Plaza Mayor: $22
- Pub Crawl Masters: $22
- Wine Tasting Experience: $50
- Wine Tasting Experience: $50
- Hypno Tasting Wine Tasting under Hypnosis in Madrid: $54
When comparing the travel costs between Malaga and Madrid, 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.
Which is Bigger, Malaga or Madrid?
Madrid is bigger, and its population is about 5.7 times larger than the population of Malaga. When comparing the population of Malaga vs. Madrid, 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 and the activities that interest you.
Related Articles for Malaga
Related Articles for Madrid
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.
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