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

Should you visit Malaga or Montevideo?

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 Montevideo. 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 Montevideo?

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.

Montevideo

As the morning sun tinges the calm waters of the Rio de la Plata with a golden hue, the Rambla and its city awakens to life with new adventures for those near and far. From tanning on the luxurious beaches to peering into Uruguayan history at local museums, one can be far from bored while staying in Montevideo. Combining the quaintness of the countryside with the excitement of urban life, this city holds a unique trait that cannot easily be replicated.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Spain, The Best Tours for Seniors to Spain, The Best Cultural Tours in Uruguay, and The Best Adventure Tours to Uruguay.


Which place is cheaper, Montevideo 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 Montevideo is €59. 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 Montevideo in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Malaga 75
    Montevideo 37
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Malaga 150
    Montevideo 74
Compare Hotels in Malaga and Montevideo

Looking for a hotel in Malaga or Montevideo? 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 Montevideo


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 Montevideo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Malaga 31
    Montevideo 6.80

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Malaga

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Malaga:

  • Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Córdoba: $296
  • Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (Agp) to Granada City: $289
  • Private Transfer from Albuñol to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $271
  • Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Albuñol: $270
  • Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Ferreirola: $268
  • Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Bubión: $267
  • Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Adra: $263
  • Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Tarifa: $263
  • Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Almerimar: $262
  • Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Osuna: $243
  • Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to La Mamola: $243
  • Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Granada: $243

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montevideo

Also for Montevideo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Transfer in private vehicle from Montevideo Airport (MVD) -Montevideo City: $19
  • Carrasco Airport Transfer: $20
  • Private Transfer from Montevideo Port to Carrasco Airport (MVD): $26
  • Private Transfer from Carrasco Airport (MVD) to Montevideo Port: $30
  • Shared 1-Way or Round Trip MVD Airport Transfer: $35
  • Airport-Hotel or Hotel-Airport Transfers: $36
  • Transfer from Montevideo to Carrasco Airport: $45
  • Private 1-Way or Round Trip MVD Airport Transfer: $45
  • 1 - way - Transfer from Carrasco Interational Airport to Montevideo: $51
  • Private Transfer from Punta Del Este Port to Carrasco Airport MVD: $72
  • TRANSFER FROM OR TO THE AIRPORT (4 to 12 paxs): $80
  • Carrasco International Airport (MVD) to Montevideo hotels - Round-Trip Transfer: $98

Is it cheaper to fly into Malaga or Montevideo?

Prices for flights to both Montevideo 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
    Montevideo 13
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: $77
  • Paella Cooking Class in Malaga: $84
  • 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: $148

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Montevideo

For Montevideo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • The best Montevideo Dinner Show. Tango and Candombe. El Milongon.: $85
  • El Milongon Dinner & Show: Candombe, Tango and Folklore: $98

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Malaga 31
    Montevideo 19
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:

  • Half-Day Luxury Motor Yacht Cruise in Granada: $153
  • Private Tour of Ronda and Setenil de Las Bodegas: $240
  • Ronda group walking Tour: $27
  • Sealife Benalmadena Entrance Ticket: $21
  • Winery and Olive Mill Guided and Tasting Tour with Tapas: $120
  • 1 Hour Family Buggy Tour, Off-Road Adventure in Mijas: $120
  • 1 Hour Malaga Panoramic Segway Tour : $38
  • 1 Hour Quad/ATV Tour Off-Road Adventure in Mijas: $98
  • 1.5-Hour Roman Theater and Alcazaba Castle Walking Tour: $16
  • 2 Hour Buggy Tour Off-Road Adventure in Mijas: $142
  • 2 Hour Family Buggy Tour, Off-Road Adventure in Mijas: $164
  • 2 Hours Buggy Safari Experience in the Mountains of Mijas with Guide: $126

Tours and Activities in Montevideo

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Montevideo.

  • Montevideo's Culture and History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.20
  • Museo Andes 1972 / Crash Memorial Admission Ticket: $8.00
  • Palacio Salvo Official Ticket with Guided Tour: $13
  • Tourist Bus "Discover Montevideo": $25
  • Half-day Regular City Tour at Montevideo : $25
  • Audio Guided Tour in Montevideo City for Cruisers: $26
  • Montevideo City Tour for Cruisers - AudioGuided: $26
  • City tour Montevideo: $27
  • Half-Day Sightseeing Tour: $28
  • Shared Montevideo Tour for Cruisers: $30
  • Old City Walking Tour with Private Photographer: $30
  • Walking Tour with Photographer and Audioguide: $31

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Malaga 22
    Montevideo -

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
  • Guided Cellar Tour and wine tasting: $35
  • Winederlust Wine Tasting: $66
  • Sun and Wine Route - Small group, wine tasting and lunch included: $76
  • Malaga City Wine Tour: $95
  • Flamenco, Tapas and Wine Tour: Best of Málaga in one Evening: $104
  • Traditional Malaga Tapas and Wine Tour: $119
  • Malaga Tapas and Wine Tour: $137

Sample the Local Flavors in Montevideo

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Montevideo:

  • Half Day Tour at Pizzorno Winery with Lunch and Wine Tasting: $120
  • The best wine tour: $140
  • Wine tour - Lunch & Tasting with Wine Explorers: $198
  • Wine Tasting & Countryside Lunch Experience: $210


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

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


Which is Bigger, Malaga or Montevideo?

Montevideo has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Malaga. When comparing the sizes of Malaga and Montevideo, 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 Montevideo?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Montevideo is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Malaga has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Malaga or Montevideo in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Malaga as well as Montevideo. Most visitors come to Malaga for the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Malaga is around the same temperature as Montevideo. Typically, the summer temperatures in Malaga in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Montevideo averages at about 24°C (75°F)in January.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Montevideo. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Malaga this time of the year. In the summer, Malaga often gets more sunshine than Montevideoin January. Malaga gets 348 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montevideo receives 296 hours of full sun.

Malaga usually gets less rain in July than Montevideoin January. Malaga gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Montevideo receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Malaga 25°C (77°F) 
    Montevideo 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Malaga or Montevideo in the Autumn?

Both Montevideo and Malaga are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Malaga because of the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Malaga is generally a little warmer than Montevideoin April. Daily temperatures in Malaga average around 19°C (67°F), and Montevideo fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Malaga. Malaga usually receives more sunshine than Montevideo during autumn. Malaga gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Montevideo receives 171 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Montevideo. In October, Malaga usually receives less rain than Montevideoin April. Malaga gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Montevideo receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Malaga 19°C (67°F) 
    Montevideo 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Malaga or Montevideo in the Winter?

Both Montevideo and Malaga during the winter are popular places to visit. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Malaga this time of year.

Malaga is a little warmer than Montevideo in the winter. The daily temperature in Malaga averages around 12°C (54°F) in January, and Montevideo fluctuates around 11°C (52°F)in July.

In the winter, Malaga often gets more sunshine than Montevideoin July. Malaga gets 171 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montevideo receives 135 hours of full sun.

Malaga usually gets more rain in January than Montevideoin July. Malaga gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Montevideo receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Malaga 12°C (54°F) 
    Montevideo 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Malaga or Montevideo in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Malaga and Montevideo. Many travelers come to Malaga for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Malaga is around the same temperature as Montevideo. Typically, the spring temperatures in Malaga in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Montevideo averages at about 17°C (63°F)in October.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Montevideo this time of the year. In Malaga, it's very sunny this time of the year. Malaga usually receives less sunshine than Montevideo during spring. Malaga gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while Montevideo receives 248 hours of full sun in the spring.

Montevideo receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Malaga usually receives less rain than Montevideoin October. Malaga gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Montevideo receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Malaga 16°C (60°F) 
    Montevideo 17°C (63°F)

Typical Weather for Montevideo and Malaga

Malaga Montevideo
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 12°C (54°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 24°C (75°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 75 mm (3 in) 23°C (73°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Mar 14°C (57°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 21°C (70°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 17°C (63°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
May 19°C (66°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 14°C (57°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 13 mm (0.5 in) 11°C (52°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 11°C (52°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Aug 25°C (78°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 12°C (54°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 23°C (74°F) 15 mm (0.6 in) 14°C (57°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 17°C (63°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Nov 15°C (60°F) 115 mm (4.5 in) 19°C (66°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Dec 13°C (55°F) 102 mm (4 in) 22°C (72°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)