A Travel Price Comparison for Spain Malaga vs. Vitoria-Gasteiz for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Malaga or Vitoria-Gasteiz?

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 Vitoria-Gasteiz. 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 Vitoria-Gasteiz?

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.

Vitoria-Gasteiz

In the midst of a vast, starry night, medieval cathedrals and ancient buildings are scattered with light across the humming city. This is none other than Vitoria-Gasteiz, a town located in the province of Araba/Alava in northern Spain. Within its border, this city contains Basque Country's House of Parliament, the headquarters of the Government, and the Lehendakari's (Prime Minister's) official residence. In 2012, Vitoria-Gasteiz was awarded the title of European Green Capital and now is one of the top five places to live in Spain. This multicultural city is chock full of amazing national history as well as unique cultural traditions. Vitoria-Gasteiz is also well known for its festivals, including Azkena rock festival, FesTVal, Vitoria-Gasteiz jazz festival, and the Virgen Blanca Festivities. Whether you seek to explore its world-renowned wineries or dine in a chic restaurant, Vitoria-Gasteiz holds an endless amount of possibilities.

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.


Which place is cheaper, Vitoria-Gasteiz or Malaga?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Malaga is €140, while the average daily cost in Vitoria-Gasteiz is €146. 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 Vitoria-Gasteiz in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Malaga 75
    Vitoria-Gasteiz 69
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Malaga 150
    Vitoria-Gasteiz 138
Compare Hotels in Malaga and Vitoria-Gasteiz

Looking for a hotel in Malaga or Vitoria-Gasteiz? 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.

Hotels in Malaga


Hotels in Vitoria-Gasteiz


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 Vitoria-Gasteiz Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Malaga 31
    Vitoria-Gasteiz 34

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Malaga

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Malaga:

  • Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Córdoba: $295
  • Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Ubrique: $291
  • Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (Agp) to Granada City: $289
  • Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Ferreirola: $267
  • Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Bubión: $266
  • Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Adra: $262
  • Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Cortes de la Frontera: $247
  • Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Lanjarón: $242
  • Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Granada: $242
  • Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Órgiva: $232
  • Private Transfer from/to Seville to/from Malaga & Stop Alhambra: $230
  • Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Gaucín: $223

Is it cheaper to fly into Malaga or Vitoria-Gasteiz?

Prices for flights to both Vitoria-Gasteiz 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 day
    Malaga 35
    Vitoria-Gasteiz 51
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 31
    Vitoria-Gasteiz 36
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:

  • Half-Day Luxury Motor Yacht Cruise in Granada: $153
  • Private Tour of Ronda and Setenil de Las Bodegas: $240
  • Sealife Benalmadena Entrance Ticket: $21
  • Winery and Olive Mill Guided and Tasting Tour with Tapas: $120
  • 1 Hour Buggy Safari Experience in the Mountains of Mijas with Guide: $87
  • 1.5-Hour Roman Theater and Alcazaba Castle Walking Tour: $16
  • 1h buggy tour: $115
  • 2 Hour Family Buggy Tour, Off-Road Adventure in Mijas: $164
  • 2 Hour Quad/ATV Tour Off-Road Adventure in Mijas: $142
  • 2 Hours Buggy Safari Experience in the Mountains of Mijas with Guide: $125
  • 2 Hours Kayak Tour in Cerro Gordo Natural Park, La Herradura: $28
  • 2-Hour French Guided Walking Tour in Malaga: $20

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Malaga 22
    Vitoria-Gasteiz 23

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 comparing the travel costs between Malaga and Vitoria-Gasteiz, we can see that Vitoria-Gasteiz is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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


Which is Bigger, Malaga or Vitoria-Gasteiz?

Malaga has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Vitoria-Gasteiz. When comparing the sizes of Malaga and Vitoria-Gasteiz, 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 Vitoria-Gasteiz?

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 Vitoria-Gasteiz in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Malaga as well as Vitoria-Gasteiz. 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 a little warmer than Vitoria-Gasteiz. Daily temperatures in Malaga average around 25°C (77°F), and Vitoria-Gasteiz fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Malaga this time of the year. In the summer, Malaga often gets more sunshine than Vitoria-Gasteiz. Malaga gets 348 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vitoria-Gasteiz receives 188 hours of full sun.

Malaga usually gets less rain in July than Vitoria-Gasteiz. Malaga gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Vitoria-Gasteiz receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Malaga 25°C (77°F) 
    Vitoria-Gasteiz 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Malaga or Vitoria-Gasteiz in the Autumn?

Both Vitoria-Gasteiz and Malaga are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. 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 Vitoria-Gasteiz in the autumn. The daily temperature in Malaga averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Vitoria-Gasteiz fluctuates around 16°C (62°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Malaga. Malaga usually receives more sunshine than Vitoria-Gasteiz during autumn. Malaga gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Vitoria-Gasteiz receives 125 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Vitoria-Gasteiz. In October, Malaga usually receives less rain than Vitoria-Gasteiz. Malaga gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Vitoria-Gasteiz receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Malaga 19°C (67°F) 
    Vitoria-Gasteiz 16°C (62°F)

Should I visit Malaga or Vitoria-Gasteiz in the Winter?

Both Vitoria-Gasteiz and Malaga during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Malaga because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

In the winter, Malaga is a little warmer than Vitoria-Gasteiz. Typically, the winter temperatures in Malaga in January average around 12°C (54°F), and Vitoria-Gasteiz averages at about 9°C (48°F).

In the winter, Malaga often gets more sunshine than Vitoria-Gasteiz. Malaga gets 171 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vitoria-Gasteiz receives 77 hours of full sun.

Vitoria-Gasteiz gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Malaga usually gets less rain in January than Vitoria-Gasteiz. Malaga gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Vitoria-Gasteiz receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Malaga 12°C (54°F) 
    Vitoria-Gasteiz 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Malaga or Vitoria-Gasteiz in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Malaga and Vitoria-Gasteiz. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Malaga this time of year.

In April, Malaga is generally a little warmer than Vitoria-Gasteiz. Daily temperatures in Malaga average around 16°C (60°F), and Vitoria-Gasteiz fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In Malaga, it's very sunny this time of the year. Malaga usually receives more sunshine than Vitoria-Gasteiz during spring. Malaga gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while Vitoria-Gasteiz receives 117 hours of full sun in the spring.

Vitoria-Gasteiz receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Malaga usually receives less rain than Vitoria-Gasteiz. Malaga gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Vitoria-Gasteiz receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Malaga 16°C (60°F) 
    Vitoria-Gasteiz 12°C (54°F)

Typical Weather for Vitoria-Gasteiz and Malaga

Malaga Vitoria-Gasteiz
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 12°C (54°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 9°C (48°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 75 mm (3 in) 10°C (50°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Mar 14°C (57°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 11°C (51°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 12°C (54°F) 129 mm (5.1 in)
May 19°C (66°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 15°C (59°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 13 mm (0.5 in) 18°C (64°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 20°C (68°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Aug 25°C (78°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 20°C (68°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Sep 23°C (74°F) 15 mm (0.6 in) 19°C (66°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 16°C (62°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Nov 15°C (60°F) 115 mm (4.5 in) 12°C (54°F) 152 mm (6 in)
Dec 13°C (55°F) 102 mm (4 in) 10°C (50°F) 135 mm (5.3 in)