Which place is cheaper, Vigo or Malaga?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Malaga or Vigo?
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 Vigo. 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 Vigo?
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.
Vigo
Originally a small fishing town, Vigo has grown to become the most populated municipality in the region of Galicia in northwestern Spain. Remnants of the old world still exist in its historic center architecture and plazas, while the commodities of a modern city have blended into its boundaries. The old center remains the hub of activity with plenty to see and do, shopping and dining included.
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.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMalaga €140Vigo €99
The average daily cost (per person) in Malaga is €140, while the average daily cost in Vigo is €99. 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 Vigo in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMalaga €75Vigo €43
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMalaga €150Vigo €86
Compare Hotels in Malaga and Vigo
Looking for a hotel in Malaga or Vigo? 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 Vigo Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Malaga €31Vigo €37
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 Vigo
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Vigo:
- Private Transfer from Vigo Cruise Port to Porto Hotels: $43
- Private Transfer from Vigo Cruise Port to Porto Airport (OPO): $43
- One-Way Private Transfer From/To Vigo Airport: $54
Is it cheaper to fly into Malaga or Vigo?
Prices for flights to both Vigo 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 €35Vigo €35
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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Vigo
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Vigo.
- Gourmet Hands on Cooking Class in Galicia with the Chef: $162
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Malaga €31Vigo €10
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 Vigo
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Vigo are as follows:
- GROUP walking tour in Vigo: $1.09
- Walking Tour in Pontevedra: $1.09
- Vigo Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $8.75
- Vigo Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $8.94
- Self-Guided Audio Tour - The Secrets of Pontevedra: $10
- Self-Guided Audio Tour - Squares of Pontevedra: $10
- Tui Cathedral Guided Tour: $13
- Abanca Balaídos Tour, RC Celta’s Stadium: $16
- Ticket/Photo-Theme Park and Retro Gamer Activity in Vigo: $17
- Monumental Morning Walking Tour in Pontevedra: $17
- Afternoon Walking Tour in Pontevedra: $18
- Night Walking Tour of Pontevedra: $21
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMalaga €22Vigo €5.71
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 Vigo, we can see that Malaga is more expensive. And not only is Vigo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Vigo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Vigo 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 Vigo.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Malaga Expensive? and Is Vigo Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Malaga or Vigo?
Malaga has a larger population, and is about 88% larger than the population of Vigo. When comparing the sizes of Malaga and Vigo, 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 Vigo?
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 Vigo in the Summer?
Both Vigo and Malaga are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Malaga because of the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
Malaga is a little warmer than Vigo in the summer. The daily temperature in Malaga averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Vigo fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).
It's quite sunny in Vigo. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Malaga. Malaga usually receives more sunshine than Vigo during summer. Malaga gets 348 hours of sunny skies, while Vigo receives 299 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Malaga usually receives less rain than Vigo. Malaga gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Vigo receives 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyMalaga 25°C (77°F)Vigo 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Malaga or Vigo in the Autumn?
Both Vigo and Malaga during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Malaga this time of year.
In the autumn, Malaga is a little warmer than Vigo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Malaga in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Vigo averages at about 17°C (62°F).
It's quite sunny in Malaga. In the autumn, Malaga often gets more sunshine than Vigo. Malaga gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vigo receives 174 hours of full sun.
Vigo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Malaga usually gets less rain in October than Vigo. Malaga gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Vigo receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMalaga 19°C (67°F)Vigo 17°C (62°F)
Should I visit Malaga or Vigo in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Malaga and Vigo. Many travelers come to Malaga for the shopping scene and the cuisine.
In January, Malaga is generally a little warmer than Vigo. Daily temperatures in Malaga average around 12°C (54°F), and Vigo fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).
Malaga usually receives more sunshine than Vigo during winter. Malaga gets 171 hours of sunny skies, while Vigo receives 110 hours of full sun in the winter.
Vigo receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Malaga usually receives less rain than Vigo. Malaga gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Vigo receives 232 mm (9.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMalaga 12°C (54°F)Vigo 10°C (50°F)
Should I visit Malaga or Vigo in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Malaga as well as Vigo. Many visitors come to Malaga in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.
Malaga is a little warmer than Vigo in the spring. The daily temperature in Malaga averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Vigo fluctuates around 13°C (56°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 Vigo. Malaga gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vigo receives 198 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Vigo. Malaga usually gets less rain in April than Vigo. Malaga gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Vigo receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilMalaga 16°C (60°F)Vigo 13°C (56°F)
Typical Weather for Vigo and Malaga
| Malaga | Vigo | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 12°C (54°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 232 mm (9.1 in) |
| Feb | 13°C (55°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) |
| Mar | 14°C (57°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 160 mm (6.3 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (60°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 125 mm (4.9 in) |
| May | 19°C (66°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) |
| Jun | 22°C (72°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) |
| Aug | 25°C (78°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (74°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 118 mm (4.6 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (67°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Nov | 15°C (60°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 186 mm (7.3 in) |
| Dec | 13°C (55°F) | 102 mm (4 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 228 mm (9 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.