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

Should you visit Malaga or Mostar?

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 Mostar. 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 Mostar?

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.

Mostar

Mostar has historically been a culturally and ethnically diverse city. It was heavily bombed during the country's civil war and many of the city's most important buildings and structures were destroyed. Most significantly, the city's Old Bridge, Stari Most, was destoryed. The bridge was rebuilt through an international effort just eleven years after the war. It was completed in 2004 and included pieces of the original bridge. Today, much of the city has been rebuilt and the city is a beautiful and impressive travel destination. The old town still has much of its original charm and it is a great place to explore.

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


Which place is cheaper, Mostar 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 Mostar is €65. 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 Mostar in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Malaga 75
    Mostar 34
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Malaga 150
    Mostar 68
Compare Hotels in Malaga and Mostar

Looking for a hotel in Malaga or Mostar? 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 Mostar


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 Mostar Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Malaga 31
    Mostar 8.11

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Malaga

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Malaga:

  • Malaga hotels to Malaga Cruise Port - Departure Private Transfer: $19
  • Malaga Port to Malaga Airport (AGP) - Departure Private Transfer: $19
  • Private Transfer from Malaga hotels to Malaga Cruise Port: $19
  • Private Transfer from Malaga Cruise Port to Málaga Airport (AGP): $19
  • Private Transfer from Málaga Airport (AGP) to Malaga Cruise Port: $19
  • Malaga Cruise Port to Malaga Hotels - Arrival Private Transfer : $19
  • Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP) to Malaga Port - Arrival private Transfer: $19
  • Private Transfer from Malaga City Center to Malaga Airport (AGP): $31
  • Private Transfer: Malaga to Malaga Airport (AGP): $33
  • Private One Way Airport Transfer (Malaga Airport To/From Malaga): $34
  • Malaga Airport (AGP) to Malaga - Arrival Private Transfer: $36
  • Malaga to Malaga Airport (AGP) - Departure Private Transfer: $36

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Mostar

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


  • Taxi To & From Blagaj (hiking)
    20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mostar

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Mostar:

  • Private Transfer from Mostar Airport (OMO) to Grude: $117
  • Transfer Mostar to Dubrovnik with Kravice Waterfalls, Blagaj and Počitelj tour: $122
  • Private Transfer from Mostar Airport (OMO) to Jablanica: $135
  • Transfer from Sarajevo to Mostar: $160
  • Transfer service from Mostar-Sarajevo: $174
  • Private Transfer from Mostar Airport (OMO) to Konjic: $174
  • Transfer Sarajevo ⇄ Dubrovnik + Herzegovina Tour: $196
  • Private Transfer from Mostar Airport (OMO) to Tomislav grad: $214
  • From Scenic Private Transfer to Dubrovnik: $267
  • Private Transfer from Mostar to Sarajevo Airport (SJJ): $291
  • Private Transfer from Mostar Airport (OMO) to Medugorje: $291
  • Private Transfer from Mostar Airport (OMO) to Bugojno: $291

Is it cheaper to fly into Malaga or Mostar?

Prices for flights to both Mostar 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
    Mostar 24
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.

  • 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

Typical Food Prices in Mostar

Some typical examples of dining costs in Mostar are as follows:


  • A Casual Dinner Out (for 2)
    14

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Mostar

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Mostar.

  • Mostar street food tour: $57
  • Traditional Bosnian Cooking Class in Mostar: $80
  • Tastes and Tales of Traditional Bosnian Cooking Class: $82

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Malaga 31
    Mostar 8.78
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: $4.36
  • Guided Walking Tour of the Old Town of Frigiliana: $5.45
  • Sightseeing Outdoor Escape Game in Malaga: $7.08
  • Ronda Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $8.95
  • Malaga Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
  • Skip the Line: Centre Pompidou in Malaga Ticket: $9.82
  • Museo Carmen Thyssen de Malaga Entrance Ticket: $12
  • Skip the Line: Malaga Automobile and Fashion Museum Entrance Ticket: $13
  • Guided tour in Ronda: $13
  • Andalucia's City Of Dreams: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Ronda: $15
  • Essential Malaga City Tour: $16
  • Tour around the Central Market of Malaga: $16

Tours and Activities in Mostar

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Mostar are as follows:

  • Museum of War and Genocide Victims 1992-1995 Entrance Ticket: $5.94
  • Walking tour in Old Town Mostar: $18
  • Walking Tour in Old Town Mostar: $20
  • Mostar city Tour: $22
  • Mostar Walking Tour: Orient in the West: $22
  • Mostar in War: Historical Walking Tour: $22
  • Street Art Guided Tour in Mostar: $22
  • Mostar Private Walking Tour - where East meets West: $32
  • Mostar Shelters tour in Mostar: $37
  • The Ottoman Experience Tour in Mostar: $37
  • The Death of Yugoslavia Tour in Mostar: $38
  • Private Half-Day Oriental Tour of Mostar with Food Tasting: $38

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Malaga 22
    Mostar 3.47

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

Typical Alcohol Prices in Mostar

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


  • A Few Drinks (for 2)
    6.14

Sample the Local Flavors in Mostar

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

  • 1-Hour Wine Tasting Tour in Medjugorje: $16
  • Wine Tour & Tasting (Herzegovina): $91


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

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


Which is Bigger, Malaga or Mostar?

Malaga has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Mostar. When comparing the sizes of Malaga and Mostar, 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 Mostar?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Malaga or Mostar in the Summer?

Both Mostar and Malaga are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Malaga for the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Malaga is around the same temperature as Mostar. Typically, the summer temperatures in Malaga in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Mostar averages at about 26°C (78°F).

It's quite sunny in Mostar. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Malaga. Malaga usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Mostar during summer. Malaga gets 348 hours of sunny skies, while Mostar receives 323 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Malaga usually receives less rain than Mostar. Malaga gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Mostar receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Malaga 25°C (77°F) 
    Mostar 26°C (78°F)

Should I visit Malaga or Mostar in the Autumn?

Both Mostar and Malaga during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Malaga in the autumn for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Malaga is generally a little warmer than Mostar. Daily temperatures in Malaga average around 19°C (67°F), and Mostar fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

It's quite sunny in Malaga. In the autumn, Malaga often gets more sunshine than Mostar. Malaga gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mostar receives 178 hours of full sun.

Mostar gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Malaga usually gets less rain in October than Mostar. Malaga gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Mostar receives 153 mm (6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Malaga 19°C (67°F) 
    Mostar 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Malaga or Mostar in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Malaga and Mostar. Most visitors come to Malaga for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

Malaga is much warmer than Mostar in the winter. The daily temperature in Malaga averages around 12°C (54°F) in January, and Mostar fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

Malaga usually receives more sunshine than Mostar during winter. Malaga gets 171 hours of sunny skies, while Mostar receives 113 hours of full sun in the winter.

Mostar receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Malaga usually receives less rain than Mostar. Malaga gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Mostar receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Malaga 12°C (54°F) 
    Mostar 6°C (42°F)

Should I visit Malaga or Mostar in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Malaga as well as Mostar. The spring months attract visitors to Malaga because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Malaga is around the same temperature as Mostar. Typically, the spring temperatures in Malaga in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Mostar averages at about 14°C (58°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Malaga this time of the year. In the spring, Malaga often gets more sunshine than Mostar. Malaga gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mostar receives 174 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Mostar. Malaga usually gets less rain in April than Mostar. Malaga gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Mostar receives 127 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Malaga 16°C (60°F) 
    Mostar 14°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Mostar and Malaga

Malaga Mostar
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 12°C (54°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 6°C (42°F) 148 mm (5.8 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 75 mm (3 in) 8°C (46°F) 134 mm (5.3 in)
Mar 14°C (57°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 11°C (51°F) 124 mm (4.9 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 14°C (58°F) 127 mm (5 in)
May 19°C (66°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 19°C (66°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 13 mm (0.5 in) 22°C (72°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 26°C (78°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Aug 25°C (78°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 26°C (78°F) 65 mm (2.5 in)
Sep 23°C (74°F) 15 mm (0.6 in) 22°C (71°F) 109 mm (4.3 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 17°C (62°F) 153 mm (6 in)
Nov 15°C (60°F) 115 mm (4.5 in) 11°C (52°F) 203 mm (8 in)
Dec 13°C (55°F) 102 mm (4 in) 7°C (45°F) 196 mm (7.7 in)