Which place is cheaper, Podgorica or Malaga?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Malaga or Podgorica?
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 Podgorica. 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 Podgorica?
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.
Podgorica
Podgorica is Montenegro's capital city, and also its largest. Dating back to the Ottoman Empire, World War II destroyed much of this history, but there are a few Turkish remnants worth visiting. Podgorica's central location often makes the city a good starting point for day trips to coastal cities or mountain resorts.
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 Montenegro, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Montenegro.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMalaga €140Podgorica €105
The average daily cost (per person) in Malaga is €140, while the average daily cost in Podgorica is €105. 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 Podgorica in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMalaga €75Podgorica €46
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMalaga €150Podgorica €92
Compare Hotels in Malaga and Podgorica
Looking for a hotel in Malaga or Podgorica? 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 Podgorica Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Malaga €31Podgorica €20
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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Podgorica
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Podgorica:
- Private transfer from Podgorica airport to Podgorica city: $26
- Private Transfer to Budva: $39
- Podgorica Airport (TGD) to Kotor Cruise Port - Arrival Private Transfer: $47
- Private transfer to Tivat: $53
- Private transfer to Kotor: $53
- From One-Way Private Transfer to/from Virpazar: $57
- Private Transfer from Podgorica Airport (TGD) to Petrovac : $58
- Private Airport Transfer from Podgorica airport to Budva: $68
- Podgorica airport: Private Transfer to/from Budva: $75
- Private transfers from Podgorica Airport and city to Budva: $75
- Private transfers from Podgorica Airport and city to Bar: $75
- Transfer from Podgorica Airport to Budva: $87
Is it cheaper to fly into Malaga or Podgorica?
Prices for flights to both Podgorica 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 €35Podgorica €41
Typical Food Prices in Malaga
Some typical examples of dining costs in Malaga are as follows:
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Dinner for 2€30
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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.
- 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
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Malaga €31Podgorica €21
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:
- 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 Podgorica
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Podgorica are as follows:
- Skip The Line: National Park Skadar Lake - Tickets: $8.17
- Skadar lake - Falcon kayak tour: $13
- Lake Skadar: Guided Sightseeing Boat Tour with Refreshments: $16
- Two Hours Sightseeing Lake Cruise at Montenegro National Park: $16
- Podgorica City Walking Tour: $22
- Lake Skadar: Guided Panoramic Boat Tour to Kom Monastery : $22
- Lake Skadar: Early-morning Birdwatching and Photography Tour: $27
- From Virpazar: Guided Lake Skadar cruise and Crnojevića River: $33
- Book Your Tour Podgorica by walk: $36
- Book Your Donkey Farm Tour: $57
- Book Your Tour Ostrog Monastery: $65
- Cultural Bike Tour of Podgorica;Discovering the Ancient Treasures: $71
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMalaga €22Podgorica €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: $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
Sample the Local Flavors in Podgorica
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Podgorica:
- Private Wine Tasting Activity at Lipovac Winery: $27
- Book Your Wine Tour: $77
- Podgorica Car Trip - Architecture, History, Wine tasting, Churches, Doclea city: $93
- Podgorica Car Trip, Doclea city, Wine tasting, Niagara falls: $106
- Wine tasting in the family winery, feel the spirit: $120
- Montenegro: Nature, Locals & Wine Tour: $128
- Skadar lake boat ride through "Montenegrin Amazon", wine tasting & Niagara falls: $196
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Malaga and Podgorica, we can see that Malaga is more expensive. And not only is Podgorica much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Podgorica would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Podgorica 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 Podgorica.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Malaga Expensive? and Is Podgorica Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Malaga or Podgorica?
Malaga has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Podgorica. When comparing the sizes of Malaga and Podgorica, 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 Podgorica?
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 Podgorica in the Summer?
Both Podgorica and Malaga are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Malaga in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Malaga is generally around the same temperature as Podgorica. Daily temperatures in Malaga average around 25°C (77°F), and Podgorica fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).
It's quite sunny in Podgorica. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Malaga. Malaga usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Podgorica during summer. Malaga gets 348 hours of sunny skies, while Podgorica receives 341 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Malaga usually receives less rain than Podgorica. Malaga gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Podgorica receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyMalaga 25°C (77°F)Podgorica 26°C (80°F)
Should I visit Malaga or Podgorica in the Autumn?
Both Podgorica and Malaga during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Malaga for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
Malaga is a little warmer than Podgorica in the autumn. The daily temperature in Malaga averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Podgorica fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).
In Podgorica, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Malaga. In the autumn, Malaga often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Podgorica. Malaga gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Podgorica receives 203 hours of full sun.
Podgorica gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Malaga usually gets less rain in October than Podgorica. Malaga gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Podgorica receives 166 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMalaga 19°C (67°F)Podgorica 17°C (63°F)
Should I visit Malaga or Podgorica in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Malaga and Podgorica. The winter months attract visitors to Malaga because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.
In the winter, Malaga is much warmer than Podgorica. Typically, the winter temperatures in Malaga in January average around 12°C (54°F), and Podgorica averages at about 6°C (42°F).
Malaga usually receives more sunshine than Podgorica during winter. Malaga gets 171 hours of sunny skies, while Podgorica receives 121 hours of full sun in the winter.
Podgorica receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Malaga usually receives less rain than Podgorica. Malaga gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Podgorica receives 192 mm (7.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMalaga 12°C (54°F)Podgorica 6°C (42°F)
Should I visit Malaga or Podgorica in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Malaga as well as Podgorica. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Malaga this time of year.
In April, Malaga is generally around the same temperature as Podgorica. Daily temperatures in Malaga average around 16°C (60°F), and Podgorica fluctuates around 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 Podgorica. Malaga gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Podgorica receives 194 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Podgorica. Malaga usually gets less rain in April than Podgorica. Malaga gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Podgorica receives 144 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilMalaga 16°C (60°F)Podgorica 14°C (58°F)
Typical Weather for Podgorica and Malaga
| Malaga | Podgorica | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 12°C (54°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 192 mm (7.6 in) |
| Feb | 13°C (55°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) |
| Mar | 14°C (57°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 159 mm (6.3 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (60°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 144 mm (5.7 in) |
| May | 19°C (66°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) |
| Jun | 22°C (72°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Aug | 25°C (78°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (74°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (67°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 166 mm (6.5 in) |
| Nov | 15°C (60°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) | 11°C (53°F) | 239 mm (9.4 in) |
| Dec | 13°C (55°F) | 102 mm (4 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 217 mm (8.5 in) |
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.