Which place is cheaper, Malaga or Manila?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Manila or Malaga?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Manila and Malaga can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Manila or Malaga?
Manila
A sprawling metropolis that is home to more than 12 million people, Manila is one huge, misunderstood concrete jungle, full of diverse cultures, traffic, pollution, restaurants, shopping malls, noise and nightlife. If you're looking to soak in culture and feel the vibe of a place rather than seeking a city that specifically caters to tourists, Manila is the place to be. Capital of the Philippines, Manila is also the center for education, business, and transportation.
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.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Eco Tours in Philippines, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Philippines, The Best Budget Tours to Spain, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Spain.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayManila $93Malaga $150
The average daily cost (per person) in Manila is $93, while the average daily cost in Malaga is $150. 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 Manila and Malaga in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personManila $54Malaga $80
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomManila $108Malaga $160
Compare Hotels in Manila and Malaga
Looking for a hotel in Manila or Malaga? 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: Manila Hotel Prices and Malaga Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Manila $14Malaga $33
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Manila
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Manila:
- Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport Private Transfer: $9.80
- Private Transfer from Manila Airport (MNL) to Manila Cruise Port: $22
- Private Departure Airport Transfer in Manila Bay and Makati Area: $23
- Puerto Princesa Airport to El Nido Transfer: $25
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Manila APT-HTL (MNL) : $30
- Round-trip Coron Airport Transfer + Town Tour (Shared): $31
- Manila International Airport Private Transfer To & From City: $35
- Manila Airport Transfer: $37
- Private Arrival Airport Transfer: All Hotels in Ortigas: $41
- Private Transfer from Clark Airport (CRK) to Subic Bay Port: $46
- Manila Airport (MNL): One-way Private Transfers: $57
- Private Arrival Transfer: Ninoy Aquino International Airport to Manila: $68
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Malaga
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Malaga:
- Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP) to Malaga Port - Arrival private Transfer: $19
- Private Transfer from Malaga Cruise Port to Málaga Airport (AGP): $19
- Private Transfer from Malaga hotels to Malaga Cruise Port: $19
- Private Transfer from Malaga Cruise Port to Malaga hotels: $19
- Malaga hotels to Malaga Cruise Port - Departure Private Transfer: $19
- Private Transfer from Málaga Airport (AGP) to Malaga Cruise Port: $19
- Private Transfer: Malaga to Malaga Airport (AGP): $33
- Malaga to Malaga Airport (AGP) - Departure Private Transfer: $36
- Malaga Cruise Port to Malaga hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $37
- Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP) to Malaga Port - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $37
- Private Transfer from Malaga airport (AGP) to Torremolinos: $39
- Transfer from Malaga Airport to Costa del Sol Hotels (Any Hotel): $42
Is it cheaper to fly into Manila or Malaga?
Prices for flights to both Malaga and Manila 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 dayManila $18Malaga $37
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Manila
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Manila.
- Manila Night Market and food tour Experience: $58
- ⭐ Manila Street Food Tour in the Downtown, Eat and Drink⭐: $64
- Manila Food Tour: Explore World's Oldest Chinatown: $65
- Manila Food Tour: Introduction to Philippine Street Food: $65
- Makati Street Food Tour Experience: $69
- Food Tour at the World's Oldest Chinatown: $75
- Manila Chinatown Food Tour Experience with Mari: $82
- Cultural Dance Show with Dinner in Manila: $120
- Cultural Dinner and Show in Manila: $145
Typical Food Prices in Malaga
Some typical examples of dining costs in Malaga are as follows:
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Dinner for 2$32
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Dinner for 2$47
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Breakfast for 2$8.57
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Malaga
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Malaga.
- Horse and Flamenco Show in Malaga with Dinner: $76
- Malaga Tapas Cooking Class: $89
- Andalucia by Sunset - half day tour including dinner and Ronda pickup: $93
- Sardines On Skewers Show Cooking in Malaga beach: $147
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Manila $19Malaga $33
Tours and Activities in Manila
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Manila are as follows:
- Guided Tour of the Historic San Sebastian Basilica (Manila): $6.42
- Historical Bamboo Bike Tour in Intramuros: $18
- Skip the Line: Hike Eat Swim at Mount Purro Nature Reserve Ticket: $22
- ⭐ Makati Bar Hopping Tour with Venus ⭐: $27
- Intramuros Historical Walk Tour: $27
- Old Manila Intramuros Area Walking Tour: $33
- Guided Sunset Bamboo Bike Tour in Intramuros: $35
- Experience Intramuros with Bamboo Bicycle - Ecotours: $37
- Private Custom Tour with a Local Guide: $43
- ⭐ Intramuros The Walled City Walking Tour ⭐: $46
- ⭐ Authentic Manila Chinatown Experience ⭐: $46
- Manila One-on-One Walking Tour with Mobile Photography: $50
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$7.61
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Concert$33
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: $4.37
- Sightseeing Outdoor Escape Game in Malaga: $7.09
- Ronda Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $8.89
- Guided tour of Castillo Colomares: $9.83
- Alcazaba Malaga Guided Tour: $11
- Guided tour in Ronda: $13
- Andalucia's City Of Dreams: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Ronda: $15
- Essential Malaga City Tour: $16
- City Sightseeing Benalmadena Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $16
- Private Guided Tour to the only coffee farm in Europe: $16
- Tour around the Central Market of Malaga: $16
- 1.5-Hour Roman Theater and Alcazaba Castle Walking Tour: $16
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayManila $9.88Malaga $24
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
- Sun and Wine Route - Small group, wine tasting and lunch included: $76
- Malaga City Wine Tour: $94
- Flamenco, Tapas and Wine Tour: Best of Málaga in one Evening: $104
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Manila and Malaga, we can see that Malaga is more expensive. And not only is Manila much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Manila is in Asia and Malaga is in Europe, 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 Manila would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Manila 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 Manila.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Manila Expensive? and Is Malaga Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Manila or Malaga?
Manila has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Malaga. When comparing the sizes of Manila and Malaga, 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 Manila or Malaga?
Malaga has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Manila experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Manila or Malaga in the Summer?
Both Malaga and Manila are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Manila throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Malaga for the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In July, Manila is generally around the same temperature as Malaga. Daily temperatures in Manila average around 27°C (80°F), and Malaga fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
It's quite rainy in Manila. In July, Manila usually receives more rain than Malaga. Manila gets 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain, while Malaga receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyManila 27°C (80°F)Malaga 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Manila or Malaga in the Autumn?
Both Malaga and Manila during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Manila because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Malaga because of the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Manila is a little warmer than Malaga in the autumn. The daily temperature in Manila averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Malaga fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Manila. Manila usually gets more rain in October than Malaga. Manila gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Malaga receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberManila 26°C (79°F)Malaga 19°C (67°F)
Should I visit Manila or Malaga in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Manila and Malaga. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Manila year-round. Furthermore, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Malaga this time of year.
In the winter, Manila is much warmer than Malaga. Typically, the winter temperatures in Manila in January average around 24°C (76°F), and Malaga averages at about 12°C (54°F).
In January, Manila usually receives less rain than Malaga. Manila gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Malaga receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryManila 24°C (76°F)Malaga 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Manila or Malaga in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Manila as well as Malaga. Manila attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many travelers come to Malaga for the beaches and the natural beauty.
In April, Manila is generally much warmer than Malaga. Daily temperatures in Manila average around 29°C (84°F), and Malaga fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).
Manila usually gets less rain in April than Malaga. Manila gets 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Malaga receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilManila 29°C (84°F)Malaga 16°C (60°F)
Typical Weather for Malaga and Manila
| Manila | Malaga | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (76°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (80°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| May | 29°C (83°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 303 mm (11.9 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (80°F) | 408 mm (16.1 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (80°F) | 452 mm (17.8 in) | 25°C (78°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (80°F) | 357 mm (14.1 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (73°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 102 mm (4 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.