Which place is cheaper, Santander or Malaga?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Malaga or Santander?
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 Santander. 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 Santander?
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.
Santander
Santander is the capital of the Cantabria Region which runs along the northern coast of Spain. Located right on the bay, it is a place of many historic churches and a handful of interesting museums that range from archaeological discoveries of the region, to maritime history, and cultural features like bullfighting. There is also a large selection of beaches for those looking for a more relaxing getaway in the sun and sand.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Spain, The Best Tours for Seniors to Spain, The Best Contiki Tours to Spain, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMalaga €140Santander €108
The average daily cost (per person) in Malaga is €140, while the average daily cost in Santander is €108. 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 Santander in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMalaga €75Santander €51
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMalaga €150Santander €102
Compare Hotels in Malaga and Santander
Looking for a hotel in Malaga or Santander? 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 Santander Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Malaga €31Santander €24
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Malaga
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Malaga:
- Malaga Airport (AGP) to Marbella - Arrival Private Transfer: $44
- Airport Transfer: Malaga Airport AGP to Malaga by Luxury Van: $57
- Airport Transfer: Malaga to Malaga Airport AGP by Business Car: $51
- Airport Transfer: Malaga to Malaga Airport AGP by Luxury Car: $73
- Airport Transfer: Malaga to Malaga Airport AGP by Luxury Van: $53
- Departure Transfer: Malaga to Malaga Airport AGP by Business Car: $51
- Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP) to Malaga Port - Arrival private Transfer: $19
- Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP) to Malaga Port - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $37
- Malaga Airport (AGP) to Granada - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $98
- Malaga Airport (AGP) to Malaga - Arrival Private Transfer: $36
- Malaga Airport (AGP) to Marbella - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $87
- Malaga Airport (Costa del Sol) Private Arrival Transfer: $44
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santander
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Santander:
- Santander Private Departure Transfer: $35
- Santander Private Arrival Transfer: $35
- One-way Private Transfer From/To Santander Airport: $41
- Santander Private Transfer from the city centre to Santander Airport: $43
- Santander Private Transfer from Santander Airport to City centre: $43
- Private Transfer from Santander Port to Bilbao Airport: $251
- Private Transfer from Santander city to Bilbao Airport: $251
- Private Transfer from Santander city to Bilbao: $251
Is it cheaper to fly into Malaga or Santander?
Prices for flights to both Santander 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 dayMalaga €35Santander €41
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
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Malaga €31Santander €18
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
- 1.5-Hour Roman Theater and Alcazaba Castle Walking Tour: $16
Tours and Activities in Santander
Here are a few actual costs in Santander for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 1-Hour City Cruise Around the Bay: $14
- City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $22
- City Sightseeing Santander Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $23
- Obregón: Parque de la Naturaleza de Cabárceno Entry Ticket: $26
- From Potes, Santillana and Altamira Day Tour: $42
- Full Day Tour Lakes of Covadonga and Santillana from Santander: $46
- Guided Tour by Electric Bike: $53
- Full Day Self Guided Tour in Santillana del Mar and Comillas: $54
- From Santillana del Mar & Altamira Museum Tour: $64
- Santoña: Anchovy Factory Tour and Boat Trip: $70
- Tour to the Towns of the Western Coast of Cantabria: $78
- Picos, Santo Toribio Monastery and Potes Day Tour: $82
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayMalaga €22Santander €14
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
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Malaga and Santander, we can see that Malaga is more expensive. And not only is Santander much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Santander would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Santander 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 Santander.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Malaga Expensive? and Is Santander Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Malaga or Santander?
Malaga has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Santander. When comparing the sizes of Malaga and Santander, 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 Santander?
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 Santander in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Malaga and Santander. Many travelers come to Malaga for the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Malaga is a little warmer than Santander. Typically, the summer temperatures in Malaga in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Santander averages at about 19°C (66°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Santander this time of the year. In Malaga, it's very sunny this time of the year. Malaga usually receives more sunshine than Santander during summer. Malaga gets 348 hours of sunny skies, while Santander receives 213 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Malaga usually receives less rain than Santander. Malaga gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Santander receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyMalaga 25°C (77°F)Santander 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Malaga or Santander in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Malaga as well as Santander. 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 Santander. Daily temperatures in Malaga average around 19°C (67°F), and Santander fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Malaga this time of the year. In the autumn, Malaga often gets more sunshine than Santander. Malaga gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Santander receives 133 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Santander. Malaga usually gets less rain in October than Santander. Malaga gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Santander receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMalaga 19°C (67°F)Santander 16°C (60°F)
Should I visit Malaga or Santander in the Winter?
Both Santander and Malaga are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Malaga for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.
Malaga is a little warmer than Santander in the winter. The daily temperature in Malaga averages around 12°C (54°F) in January, and Santander fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).
Malaga usually receives more sunshine than Santander during winter. Malaga gets 171 hours of sunny skies, while Santander receives 91 hours of full sun in the winter.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Santander. In January, Malaga usually receives less rain than Santander. Malaga gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Santander receives 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMalaga 12°C (54°F)Santander 9°C (49°F)
Should I visit Malaga or Santander in the Spring?
Both Santander and Malaga during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Malaga because of the beaches and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Malaga is a little warmer than Santander. Typically, the spring temperatures in Malaga in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Santander averages at about 12°C (53°F).
It's quite sunny in Malaga. In the spring, Malaga often gets more sunshine than Santander. Malaga gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Santander receives 148 hours of full sun.
Santander gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Malaga usually gets less rain in April than Santander. Malaga gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Santander receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilMalaga 16°C (60°F)Santander 12°C (53°F)
Typical Weather for Santander and Malaga
| Malaga | Santander | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 12°C (54°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 149 mm (5.9 in) |
| Feb | 13°C (55°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) |
| Mar | 14°C (57°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | 10°C (51°F) | 119 mm (4.7 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (60°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
| May | 19°C (66°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Jun | 22°C (72°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Aug | 25°C (78°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (74°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 88 mm (3.4 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (67°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) |
| Nov | 15°C (60°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 181 mm (7.1 in) |
| Dec | 13°C (55°F) | 102 mm (4 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 157 mm (6.2 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.