A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Malaga vs. Phoenix for Nightlife, Backpackers, Food, and Families

Should you visit Malaga or Phoenix?

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 Phoenix. 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. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and live music.

Phoenix

Phoenix is a desert, laid back, and sprawling city. And you can't forget about the food, hiking, and shopping.

Malaga and Phoenix: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Malaga or Phoenix?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Malaga than Phoenix. While Phoenix is larger than Malaga, Malaga has more sights and attractions for tourists. Malaga is more popular for its food, nightlife, music, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, and impressive beauty, while Phoenix is known for its museums and hiking. Malaga is more touristy than Phoenix and is popular for its perfect blend of sandy beaches, beautiful culture, fascinating history, and a lively nightlife scene. It is also home to The Alcazaba. Phoenix is popular for its desert landscapes, high number of golf courses, and year round warm weather.

How is Malaga different from Phoenix?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Phoenix 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 Phoenix?

Phoenix is a good destination for its sights and museums. However, Malaga does not have museums and landmarks.

Phoenix offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. You'll find art, science, and cultural museums around town. Favorites include the Heard Museum, the Phoenix Art Museum, S'edav Va'aki Museum, and the Arizona Science Museum.

Malaga does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Malaga or Phoenix? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Malaga is a great port city for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Phoenix is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

Phoenix offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are many mom-and-pop shops around town that serve everything from casual meals to quality steaks. There's also a huge selection of Mexican restaurants, as well as other international options such as sushi, dim sum, and Italian.

Is Malaga or Phoenix Better for Nightlife?

Malaga is an unbeatable place for its evening party scene. Also, Phoenix is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.

The nightlife in Malaga is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Phoenix. The best nightlife scene is found in downtown and central Phoenix. There are bars, restaurants, and venues where you can catch a show. North Phoenix also has grown into a popular evening spot with cocktail bars and pubs.

Is Malaga or Phoenix Better for Music?

Malaga is a great port city for its music scene. However, Phoenix is not a live music destination.

Malaga has a thriving music scene. 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.

Phoenix is not a live music destination.

Is Malaga or Phoenix Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Malaga is a port city with good options for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Phoenix 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.

Phoenix is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Malaga or Phoenix Better for Beaches?

Malaga is a port city with good options for the beach. However, Phoenix 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.

Phoenix is not a beach destination.

Is Malaga or Phoenix Better for its Old Town?

Malaga is a great port city for its historic old town charm. However, Phoenix 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.

Phoenix does not have a historic old town.

Is Malaga or Phoenix Better for Hiking?

Phoenix is a good destination for the nearby hiking options. However, Malaga is not a hiking destination.

Phoenix offers some nice hiking trails. You don't have to head far out of town for impressive hiking opportunities. You'll find trails that range from easy to challenging, and many pass through other-worldly landscapes. You'll find popular trails in Usery Mountain Regional Park, Papago Park, White Tank Mountain Regional Park, South Mountain Park and many others.

Malaga is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Malaga or Phoenix?

Both Malaga and Phoenix are good shopping destinations.

Malaga offers some nice shopping areas. There are a number of shopping areas in the city with both local boutiques and name brands.

Phoenix has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are plenty of shopping centers, outlets, and malls where you'll find the standard chain stores. You'll also find farmer's markets around town.

Is Malaga or Phoenix Better for Families?

Both Malaga and Phoenix are good family-friendly destinations.

Malaga is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has castles that you can explore as well as a waterpark.

Phoenix is a family-friendly port city. Kids will love the Phoenix Zoo, the Arizona Science Center, the SEA LIFE Arizona Aquarium, and the Bearizona Wildlife Park. There's also a number of parks and gardens as well as a children's museum and several other interactive museums for kids.

Is Malaga or Phoenix Better for Couples?

Malaga and Phoenix both good destinations for a couple.

Malaga makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It has a beautiful coastline and a rich history that makes it unique.

Phoenix is a good port city for couples to visit. There are many parks and gardens in town as well as beautiful hikes and outdoor activities that couples will enjoy. In the evening, there's theater, shows, and many romantic restaurants.

Is Malaga or Phoenix Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Malaga is an unbeatable place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Phoenix is not known for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Malaga, as it is a very popular port city for budget travelers. From an endless supply of hostels to plenty of opportunities to meet other backpackers, this is a very backpacker friendly area.

Phoenix is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There is a hostel or two around town for budget travelers.

Is Malaga or Phoenix Better for Students?

Malaga is a great port city for its student-friendly activities. However, Phoenix is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Malaga. 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.

Phoenix is not popular with students.

Is Malaga or Phoenix Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Malaga is a port city with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Phoenix is not known for its public transit.

While Malaga offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is an efficient bus system as well as a light metro system.

Public transit is generally limited in Phoenix. There's a bus and light rail system, but you really need your own vehicle to get around.

Is Malaga or Phoenix a more walkable city?

Malaga is a great port city for its ease of walking around. However, Phoenix is not known for its walkability.

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.

Phoenix is generally not very walkable. It's a sprawling city and the only real area that's walkable is the downtown.

For even more information, also check out Is Malaga Worth Visiting? and Is Phoenix Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Phoenix or Malaga?

How long in Malaga or Phoenix?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Malaga and Phoenix. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Malaga than in Phoenix. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Malaga, and 1-3 days is enough time in Phoenix.

Families should spend more time in Malaga than Phoenix. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Malaga, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Malaga than Phoenix. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Malaga that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Malaga than Phoenix 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.

One day in Malaga or Phoenix?

In Malaga, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. This port city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Phoenix. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Malaga or Phoenix?

In Malaga, you'll find shopping and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Visiting the old town is also a must. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Phoenix 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 Phoenix?

Malaga is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Malaga has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Phoenix. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Malaga or Phoenix?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Malaga. In Malaga, you'll find live music and food. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the sprawling destination of Phoenix. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Spain, The Best Tours for Seniors to Spain, The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, and The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Malaga and Phoenix, we can see that Phoenix is more expensive. And not only is Malaga much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Malaga is in Europe and Phoenix is in North 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 Malaga would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Malaga 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 Phoenix would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Phoenix than you might in Malaga.

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

Which is Bigger, Malaga or Phoenix?

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

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Malaga or Phoenix in the Summer?

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

Phoenix can become quite hot in the summer. In the summer, Malaga is cooler than Phoenix. Typically, the summer temperatures in Malaga in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Phoenix averages at about 98°F (36°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Phoenix. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Malaga this time of the year. In the summer, Malaga often gets less sunshine than Phoenix. Malaga gets 348 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Phoenix receives 380 hours of full sun.

Malaga usually gets less rain in July than Phoenix. Malaga gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Malaga or Phoenix in the Autumn?

Both Phoenix 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. Also, the hiking trails and the shopping scene are the main draw to Phoenix this time of year.

In October, Malaga is generally cooler than Phoenix. Daily temperatures in Malaga average around 19°C (67°F), and Phoenix fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).

It's quite sunny in Phoenix. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Malaga. Malaga usually receives less sunshine than Phoenix during autumn. Malaga gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Phoenix receives 305 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Malaga usually receives more rain than Phoenix. Malaga gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Malaga or Phoenix in the Winter?

Both Phoenix 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. Also, many travelers come to Phoenix for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Malaga is cooler than Phoenix in the winter. The daily temperature in Malaga averages around 12°C (54°F) in January, and Phoenix fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

In Phoenix, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Malaga often gets less sunshine than Phoenix. Malaga gets 171 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Phoenix receives 254 hours of full sun.

Malaga usually gets more rain in January than Phoenix. Malaga gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Malaga or Phoenix in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Malaga is cooler than Phoenix. Typically, the spring temperatures in Malaga in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Phoenix averages at about 74°F (23°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Phoenix this time of the year. In Malaga, it's very sunny this time of the year. Malaga usually receives less sunshine than Phoenix during spring. Malaga gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while Phoenix receives 355 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Malaga usually receives more rain than Phoenix. Malaga gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.2 inches (6 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Phoenix and Malaga