A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Malaga vs. San Diego for Nightlife, Beaches, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Malaga or San Diego?

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 San Diego. 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.

San Diego

San Diego is a hip, dynamic, and energetic coastal city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. And you can't forget about the nightlife, live music, and food.

Malaga and San Diego: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Malaga or San Diego?

You'll generally find more things to do in San Diego than Malaga. San Diego is bigger than Malaga, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. San Diego is better known for its museums, resorts, beaches, hiking, big city activities, and quaint atmosphere, while Malaga is more popular for its food, nightlife, historical sights, and impressive beauty. San Diego is more touristy than Malaga and is popular for its relaxed coastal atmosphere, its many kid-friendly sights, and its beautiful beaches with critter-filled tidal pools. Also, San Diego is famous for The San Diego Zoo. Malaga is well known for its perfect blend of sandy beaches, beautiful culture, fascinating history, and a lively nightlife scene.

How is Malaga different from San Diego?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

San Diego is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Malaga does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around San Diego. While the city is famous for it's beaches, zoos, and aquariums, don't overlook the museums and other landmarks. Popular options include the Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum, the Old Town State Historic Park, and Point Loma and Cabrillo Monument.

Malaga does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Malaga is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, San Diego is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city 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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the San Diego area. The city has great seafood and a diversity of cuisines. There are many casual dining options that serve informal foods like burgers or salads, but there are also award-winning fine dining restaurants with elegant atmospheres. Popular local dishes include fish tacos and California burritos.

Is Malaga or San Diego Better for Nightlife?

Malaga is renowned for nightlife and partying. Also, San Diego is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its evening party scene.

Malaga is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. 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.

San Diego has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The heart of the city's nightlife scene is in the Gaslamp District, which is filled with bars, clubs, and music venues. There's a young student population that keeps the nightlife scene casual and fun.

Is Malaga or San Diego Better for Music?

Both Malaga and San Diego offer excellent live music venues.

The music scene in Malaga is very popular with diverse venues. 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.

It's worth checking out the music scene in San Diego while you're in town. Popular venues include the House of Blues, The Belly Up, and The Shout House.

Is Malaga or San Diego Better for Resorts?

San Diego is a good destination for its resorts. However, Malaga is not a resort destination.

With a selection of resorts, San Diego makes a nice vacation spot. Most people prefer to stay in hotels or VRBOs, but several popular resorts include Fairmont Grand Del Mar, Paradise Point, and the famous Hotel del Coronado.

Malaga is not a resort destination.

Is Malaga or San Diego Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

You'll find notable places where you can go scuba diving or snorkeling in Malaga and San Diego.

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.

San Diego has a few good snorkeling spots. Popular snorkeling and diving spots include La Jolla Cove, Mission Bay, and Turtle Town. The water's a bit chili, but it's still worth going for a dive or popping on a mask and snorkeling around for a bit.

Is Malaga or San Diego Better for Beaches?

San Diego is a must-visit destination for the beache. Also, Malaga is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for the beach.

San Diego offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. The city has great beaches with tidal pools and interesting sea life at low tide. Adults and kids alike will enjoy hitting the beach when the tides are out and looking for local critters in the tidal pools. Popular beaches in the area include La Jolla Cove Beach, Coronado Beach, and Pacific Beach.

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

Is Malaga or San Diego Better for its Old Town?

Malaga is great for its old town. However, San Diego 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.

San Diego does not have a historic old town.

Is Malaga or San Diego Better for Hiking?

San Diego is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Malaga is not a hiking destination.

San Diego is a popular spot for hiking. The city is filled with parks and has tons of natural beauty. There is plenty of urban hiking in town, or you can visit more natural areas just out of town. Head to Torrey Pines State Park or Los Penasquitos Canyon Trail for some nice hikes.

Malaga is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Malaga or San Diego?

Both Malaga and San Diego are notable 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.

San Diego has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Head to Fashion Valley or Westfield UTC for some fun shopping. There are suburban shopping malls in the area as well as souvenir shops in the more touristy areas.

Is Malaga or San Diego Better for Families?

San Diego is a must-visit destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Malaga is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, San Diego is very family-friendly. The city is filled with kid-friendly activities that everyone can enjoy. There's the world-class zoo, several amusement parks, the beaches, aquariums, and more. The year-round warm weather makes it easy to spend plenty of time outdoors in parks, playgrounds, and beaches where kids can stretch their legs and run around.

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

Is Malaga or San Diego Better for Couples?

San Diego is a must-visit destination for its romantic activities. Also, Malaga is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for couples.

San Diego is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. For adventurous couples, there are many outdoor activities that you can enjoy together. The beaches offer a great playground for adults who enjoy the water and warm weather. There are also restaurants and a great nightlife in San Diego.

Malaga is a good port city for couples to visit. It has a beautiful coastline and a rich history that makes it unique.

Is Malaga or San Diego Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Malaga is renowned for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, San Diego is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city 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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit San Diego. Backpackers will enjoy the young vibe of the city. There are a few great hostels near the beach or in town.

Is Malaga or San Diego Better for Students?

San Diego is a must-visit destination for students. Also, Malaga is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

San Diego is a very popular place to visit for students. With its young population and many universities, international students will feel right at home in San Diego. There are also many great outdoor activities for the adventurous.

Malaga is a very popular port city for students and younger travelers. 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.

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

Malaga is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, San Diego is not a good destination 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 San Diego. The city has a trolley (light rail system) as well as a bus system. Most people depend on cars to get around, and you'll likely enjoy your trip a bit more if you have your own vehicle.

Is Malaga or San Diego a more walkable city?

Malaga is great for its high level of walkability. Also, San Diego is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal 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.

San Diego is a somewhat walkable port city. The downtown area is walkable, but if you want to travel further, you'll need to find a different form of transportation.

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

Should I spend more time in San Diego or Malaga?

How long in Malaga or San Diego?

In either Malaga or San Diego, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Malaga than San Diego because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Malaga, and 3-5 days is enough time in San Diego.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Malaga than San Diego 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 San Diego?

You'll find nightlife and live music around the port city of Malaga. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Many travelers enjoy the live music and food when visiting the destination of San Diego. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Malaga or San Diego?

You'll find live music and food around the historic destination of Malaga. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

San Diego is a great place to explore. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Malaga or San Diego?

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the historic port city of Malaga. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this port city makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Most people head to the area for the nightlife. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this port city has to offer.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in San Diego. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Malaga or San Diego?

Malaga is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Malaga, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the hip destination of San Diego. This coastal city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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 Tours for Seniors to United States of America, and The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Malaga and San Diego, we can see that San Diego 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 San Diego 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 San Diego would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in San Diego 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 San Diego Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Malaga or San Diego?

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

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 San Diego in the Summer?

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

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Diego. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Malaga this time of the year. In the summer, Malaga often gets more sunshine than San Diego. Malaga gets 348 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Diego receives 306 hours of full sun.

Malaga usually gets more rain in July than San Diego. Malaga gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while San Diego receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Malaga or San Diego in the Autumn?

Both San Diego 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 San Diego for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Malaga is around the same temperature as San Diego. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Malaga in October average around 19°C (67°F), and San Diego averages at about 68°F (20°C).

It's quite sunny in San Diego. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Malaga. Malaga usually receives less sunshine than San Diego during autumn. Malaga gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while San Diego receives 244 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Malaga usually receives more rain than San Diego. Malaga gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while San Diego receives 0.4 inches (9 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Malaga or San Diego in the Winter?

Both San Diego 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 San Diego in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Malaga is generally cooler than San Diego. Daily temperatures in Malaga average around 12°C (54°F), and San Diego fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

In San Diego, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Malaga often gets less sunshine than San Diego. Malaga gets 171 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Diego receives 239 hours of full sun.

Malaga usually gets more rain in January than San Diego. Malaga gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while San Diego receives 1.8 inches (46 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Malaga or San Diego in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Malaga and San Diego. Many visitors come to Malaga in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to San Diego for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty during these months.

Malaga is around the same temperature as San Diego in the spring. The daily temperature in Malaga averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and San Diego fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Diego this time of the year. In Malaga, it's very sunny this time of the year. Malaga usually receives less sunshine than San Diego during spring. Malaga gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while San Diego receives 277 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Malaga usually receives more rain than San Diego. Malaga gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while San Diego receives 0.8 inches (20 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for San Diego and Malaga