A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Malaga vs. Saint-Etienne for Nightlife, Backpackers, Food, and Families

Should you visit Malaga or Saint-Etienne?

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 Saint-Etienne. 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. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the live music, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Saint-Etienne

Saint-Etienne is a authentic, historic, and park-filled city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the hiking, museums, and nightlife.

Malaga and Saint-Etienne: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Malaga or Saint-Etienne?

You'll generally find more things to do in Malaga than Saint-Etienne. Malaga is bigger than Saint-Etienne, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Malaga is better known for its food, nightlife, music, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Saint-Etienne is more popular for its museums and hiking. Malaga is more touristy than Saint-Etienne and is popular for its perfect blend of sandy beaches, beautiful culture, fascinating history, and a lively nightlife scene. Also, Malaga is famous for The Alcazaba. Saint-Etienne is well known for its industrial and manufacturing past.

How is Malaga different from Saint-Etienne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne?

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

Saint-Etienne offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are several great museums in town including the Musée d'Art et d'Industrie, Musée de la Mine, Musée des Verts, and the planetarium.

Malaga does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Malaga or Saint-Etienne? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Malaga is great for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Malaga has a huge number of terrific 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.

Saint-Etienne may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Try the many local cheeses which are a defining part of the cuisine in the area. You'll find some local restaurants around town where you can sample local flavors.

Is Malaga or Saint-Etienne Better for Nightlife?

Malaga is an amazing port city to visit for nightlife and partying. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its evening party scene.

Malaga has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. 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 Saint-Etienne. The nightlife is centered around sipping wine or visiting one of the clubs in town.

Is Malaga or Saint-Etienne Better for Music?

Malaga is great for its live music scene. However, Saint-Etienne is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Malaga draws a good crowd. 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.

Saint-Etienne is not a live music destination.

Is Malaga or Saint-Etienne Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Malaga is a good destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Saint-Etienne is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery 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.

Saint-Etienne is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Malaga or Saint-Etienne Better for Beaches?

Malaga is a good destination for the beache. However, Saint-Etienne is not a beach destination.

Malaga offers a nice beach destination. There are some nice beaches around Malaga, but for the best options you'll have to travel further outside of the city.

Saint-Etienne is not a beach destination.

Is Malaga or Saint-Etienne Better for its Old Town?

Malaga is great for its old town. However, Saint-Etienne does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Malaga. 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.

Saint-Etienne does not have a historic old town.

Is Malaga or Saint-Etienne Better for Hiking?

Saint-Etienne is a good destination for the nearby hiking options. However, Malaga is not a hiking destination.

Saint-Etienne offers some nice hiking trails. You'll find several great hikes just outside of town. It's a great way to experience the surrounding countryside.

Malaga is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Malaga or Saint-Etienne?

Malaga is a good destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for its shopping areas.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Malaga. There are a number of shopping areas in the city with both local boutiques and name brands.

Saint-Etienne has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. Shopping malls and several boutique shopping areas make up the city's shopping scene.

Is Malaga or Saint-Etienne Better for Families?

Both Malaga and Saint-Etienne are notable family-friendly destinations.

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

Saint-Etienne is a family-friendly port city. There are several kid-friendly museums as well as plenty of natural settings just outside of town. Your kids can run around and stretch their legs nearby at Crest of the Partridge or on a rainy day, the planetarium is a fun place to visit.

Is Malaga or Saint-Etienne Better for Couples?

Malaga is a good destination for its romantic activities. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for couples.

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

Saint-Etienne is not always the best place to visit for a couple. There are museums, parks, gardens, and beautiful architecture that make this a wonderful place for couples.

Is Malaga or Saint-Etienne Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Malaga is an amazing port city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Malaga is extremely popular for backpackers. From an endless supply of hostels to plenty of opportunities to meet other backpackers, this is a very backpacker friendly area.

Saint-Etienne is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not high on the backpacker trail, but there are hostels and plenty of activities to enjoy.

Is Malaga or Saint-Etienne Better for Students?

Malaga is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Saint-Etienne is not popular with students.

Many students visit 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.

Saint-Etienne is not popular with students.

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

Both Malaga and Saint-Etienne offer notable public transit options.

Malaga has a few public transit options. There is an efficient bus system as well as a light metro system.

Saint-Etienne has some public transit options. There are tram and bus options available in town.

Is Malaga or Saint-Etienne a more walkable city?

Malaga is great for its high level of walkability. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its ease of walking around.

Malaga is a very walkable port city. It has a very compact and walkable historic center with most of the tourist attractions easily accessible on foot.

Saint-Etienne is a somewhat walkable port city. There are several walkable areas in the city.

For even more information, also check out Is Malaga Worth Visiting? and Is Saint-Etienne Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Saint-Etienne or Malaga?

How long in Malaga or Saint-Etienne?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Malaga or Saint-Etienne to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Malaga than Saint-Etienne because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Malaga, and 1-2 days is enough time in Saint-Etienne.

Families should spend more time in Malaga than Saint-Etienne. 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 Saint-Etienne. 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 Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the historic destination of Malaga. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

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

A weekend in Malaga or Saint-Etienne?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Malaga. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne?

Many travelers enjoy the live music and food when visiting the welcoming destination of Malaga. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Saint-Etienne. 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 Saint-Etienne?

Many travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the beautiful port city of Malaga. Visiting the old town is also a must. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling.So, one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and museums when visiting the historic destination of Saint-Etienne. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Paris, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Malaga or Saint-Etienne?

Malaga has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Saint-Etienne. When comparing the sizes of Malaga and Saint-Etienne, 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 Saint-Etienne?

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 Saint-Etienne in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Malaga as well as Saint-Etienne. The summer months attract visitors to Malaga because of the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Saint-Etienne this time of year.

Malaga is a little warmer than Saint-Etienne in the summer. The daily temperature in Malaga averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Saint-Etienne fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint-Etienne. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Malaga this time of the year. In the summer, Malaga often gets more sunshine than Saint-Etienne. Malaga gets 348 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint-Etienne receives 285 hours of full sun.

Malaga usually gets less rain in July than Saint-Etienne. Malaga gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Malaga or Saint-Etienne in the Autumn?

Both Saint-Etienne and Malaga are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Malaga this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Saint-Etienne for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Malaga is a little warmer than Saint-Etienne. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Malaga in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Saint-Etienne averages at about 14°C (56°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Malaga. Malaga usually receives more sunshine than Saint-Etienne during autumn. Malaga gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Saint-Etienne receives 127 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Malaga usually receives less rain than Saint-Etienne. Malaga gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Malaga or Saint-Etienne in the Winter?

Both Saint-Etienne and Malaga during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Malaga for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Saint-Etienne in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Saint-Etienne can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Malaga is generally much warmer than Saint-Etienne. Daily temperatures in Malaga average around 12°C (54°F), and Saint-Etienne fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

In the winter, Malaga often gets more sunshine than Saint-Etienne. Malaga gets 171 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint-Etienne receives 62 hours of full sun.

Malaga usually gets more rain in January than Saint-Etienne. Malaga gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Malaga or Saint-Etienne in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Malaga and Saint-Etienne. Many visitors come to Malaga in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Saint-Etienne for the natural beauty during these months.

Malaga is a little warmer than Saint-Etienne in the spring. The daily temperature in Malaga averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Saint-Etienne fluctuates around 11°C (53°F).

In Malaga, it's very sunny this time of the year. Malaga usually receives more sunshine than Saint-Etienne during spring. Malaga gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while Saint-Etienne receives 174 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Malaga usually receives less rain than Saint-Etienne. Malaga gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Saint-Etienne and Malaga