Which place is cheaper, Cordoba or Marbella?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Marbella or Cordoba?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Marbella or Cordoba, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Marbella or Cordoba?
Marbella
Marbella is a city in southern Spain in the province of Malaga. It is part of the Costa del Sol (Coast of the Sun) and is located on the Mediterranean Sea between Malaga and the Strait of Gibraltar. It is one of the most important tourist cities in the area and receives many national and international tourists year round due to its climate and tourism structures. Marbella is a bit of a glamorous city due to its beauty and resort-type environment. The old town with its narrow cobbled streets and flower-filled plazas is packed with shops and art galleries selling boutique clothes and accessories, and handmade wares. The city has significant archaeological and historical heritage and many events and performances throughout the year.
Cordoba
Cordoba is the capital of the Cordoba province and the second largest city in all of Argentina. The city is in a beautiful setting surrounded by valleys and hills. Within the city you will find many colonial buildings and beautiful architecture. Cordoba also has many universities and scientific institutes, giving it the nickname "La Docta." Because of the large number of students, Cordoba's population is young and active, which keeps the atmosphere light and fun.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Spain, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain, The Best Adventure Tours to Argentina, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Argentina.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMarbella €117Cordoba €7.83
The average daily cost (per person) in Marbella is €117, while the average daily cost in Cordoba is €7.83. 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 Marbella and Cordoba in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMarbella €61Cordoba €2.85
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMarbella €122Cordoba €5.70
Compare Hotels in Marbella and Cordoba
Looking for a hotel in Marbella or Cordoba? 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: Marbella Hotel Prices and Cordoba Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Marbella €24Cordoba €1.94
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Marbella
Also for Marbella, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- From Malaga: Private Transfer Malaga Airport to Marbella: $234
- Private Transfer from Gaucín to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $222
- Private Transfer from Benaoján to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $213
- Private Transfer from Sabinillas to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $174
- Private Transfer from Manilva to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $174
- Private Transfer from Estepona to Malaga (AGP) airport: $154
- Private Transfer from Cancelada to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $135
- Private Transfer from La Quinta Golf Resort to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $131
- Private Transfer from Guadalmina to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $131
- Private Transfer from Benahavís to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $131
- Private Transfer from Atalaya Park to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $126
- Private Transfer from Torrox to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $120
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Cordoba
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Cordoba are as follows:
-
Taxi Ride€0.01
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cordoba
Also for Cordoba, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer in private minivan from Cordoba to Ingeniero Ambrosio Taravella Airport: $61
Is it cheaper to fly into Marbella or Cordoba?
Prices for flights to both Cordoba and Marbella 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 dayMarbella €38Cordoba €3.58
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Marbella
For Marbella, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Food Tour: $86
- Gourmet Cooking Class & Culture in the rural Montes de Malaga.: $190
Typical Food Prices in Cordoba
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Cordoba:
-
Empanadas€0.01
-
Sandwich€0.00
-
Ice Cream€0.00
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Marbella €19Cordoba €1.75
Tours and Activities in Marbella
For Marbella, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Taste of Marbella Food & Market Small Group Tour : $105
- 2 h Estepona Bay Tour: $47
- 2 hours Quad Tour in Marbella - 1 quad for 1/2 persons 160€: $174
- 3-Hour Private Guided Bicycle Tour in Marbella: $53
- Antequera Classic Winery Tour: $205
- Authentic Andalusia - Jeep Eco Tour (pick up from Marbella - Estepona) : $98
- Bike City Tour Marbella: $32
- Buggy Adventure with Incredible Views of the Sea and the Reservoir: $109
- Caminito del Rey and Ardales Guided Tour from Costa del Sol: $75
- Canyoning Experience Near Marbella (Benahavís River Walk): $43
- Discover Marbella's Old Town with five-star private tour: $97
- Dolphin Watching Adventure in Estepona Bay: $38
Tours and Activities in Cordoba
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Cordoba.
- Alta Gracia: Unveiling Cordoba's Cultural Heritage Tour: $50
- Córdoba CityTour FULLDAY x 2 pax: $60
- Córdoba: Villa Carlos Paz Tour: $59
- Caroya WineTour x 2 Pax: $60
- Cordoba City Tour: $50
- Cordoba City Tour with Optional Jesuitic Square: $62
- Cordoba Cumbrecita Tour with Spanish Speaking Guide: $88
- Cordoba Jesuit Legacy Tour: $87
- Cumbrecita Tour: $88
- El Inicio WineTour x 2 Pax (History and Wines): $85
- Exploring Villa Carlos Paz: Guided Sightseeing Tour: $50
- Full Day Jesuit Legacy Tour from Cordoba: $80
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayMarbella €5.71Cordoba €1.38
Sample the Local Flavors in Marbella
Also in Marbella, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- E-Mountain Bike & Wine Tour from Marbella to Sierra Blanca: $108
- Manilva & Gaucin Wine Tour from the Costa del Sol: $151
- From Manilva Sunset Wine Tasting Tour with Tapas: $159
- Ronda Full Day Wine Tour from Marbella: $194
- From Antequera Wine Tour with Tastings and Lunch: $212
- From Axarquia Wine Tour with Wine Pairing Lunch: $233
- Full-Day Private Ronda Wine Tour Experience from Marbella: $261
- VIP Ronda Wine Tour and Tasting and Gourmet Lunch Experience with Winemaker: $271
Sample the Local Flavors in Cordoba
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Cordoba:
- Full-Day Private Colonia Caroya Wine Tour from Córdoba: $119
- Wine Tour Privado - Colonia Caroya: $130
- Wine Tour Privado - Calamuchita: $150
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Marbella and Cordoba, we can see that Marbella is more expensive. And not only is Cordoba much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Marbella is in Europe and Cordoba is in South 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 Cordoba would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cordoba 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 Marbella would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Marbella than you might in Cordoba.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Marbella Expensive? and Is Cordoba Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Marbella or Cordoba?
Cordoba has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Marbella. When comparing the sizes of Marbella and Cordoba, 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 Marbella or Cordoba?
Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Cordoba is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Marbella has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Marbella or Cordoba in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Marbella and Cordoba. The summer months attract visitors to Marbella because of the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Marbella is generally much warmer than Cordobain January. Daily temperatures in Marbella average around 25°C (77°F), and Cordoba fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cordoba this time of the year. In Marbella, it's very sunny this time of the year. Marbella usually receives more sunshine than Cordoba during summer. Marbella gets 348 hours of sunny skies, while Cordoba receives 277 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Marbella usually receives less rain than Cordobain January. Marbella gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Cordoba receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryMarbella 25°C (77°F)Cordoba 10°C (50°F)
Should I visit Marbella or Cordoba in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Marbella as well as Cordoba. The shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Marbella this time of year.
Marbella is a little warmer than Cordoba in the autumn. The daily temperature in Marbella averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Cordoba fluctuates around 16°C (61°F)in April.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Marbella this time of the year. In the autumn, Marbella often gets more sunshine than Cordobain April. Marbella gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cordoba receives 196 hours of full sun.
Marbella usually gets more rain in October than Cordobain April. Marbella gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Cordoba receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilMarbella 19°C (67°F)Cordoba 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Marbella or Cordoba in the Winter?
Both Cordoba and Marbella are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Marbella for the shopping scene and the cuisine.
In the winter, Marbella is much colder than Cordoba. Typically, the winter temperatures in Marbella in January average around 12°C (54°F), and Cordoba averages at about 27°C (81°F)in July.
Marbella usually receives less sunshine than Cordoba during winter. Marbella gets 171 hours of sunny skies, while Cordoba receives 189 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Marbella usually receives more rain than Cordobain July. Marbella gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Cordoba receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyMarbella 12°C (54°F)Cordoba 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Marbella or Cordoba in the Spring?
Both Cordoba and Marbella during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Marbella in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.
In April, Marbella is generally cooler than Cordobain October. Daily temperatures in Marbella average around 16°C (60°F), and Cordoba fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).
In Cordoba, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Marbella. In the spring, Marbella often gets less sunshine than Cordobain October. Marbella gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cordoba receives 243 hours of full sun.
Marbella usually gets less rain in April than Cordobain October. Marbella gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Cordoba receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberMarbella 16°C (60°F)Cordoba 19°C (66°F)
Typical Weather for Cordoba and Marbella
| Marbella | Cordoba | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 12°C (54°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Feb | 13°C (55°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Mar | 14°C (57°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (60°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| May | 19°C (66°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Jun | 22°C (72°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Aug | 25°C (78°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (74°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (67°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Nov | 15°C (60°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Dec | 13°C (55°F) | 102 mm (4 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 70 mm (2.8 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.