Which place is cheaper, Costa de Prata or Marbella?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Marbella or Costa de Prata?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Marbella or Costa de Prata, 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 Costa de Prata?
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.
Costa de Prata
Costa de Prata is a region located on the Silver Coast of Portugal, an hour north of Lisbon. The area is known for its beautiful beaches, ancient architecture, and relaxed, welcoming, atmosphere. The area experiences gorgeous weather nearly all year round, with temperatures in the high 70's and 80's Fahrenheit from May-September. June-August sees the warmest ocean temperatures, making these the best months for swimming. Even during their winter, temperatures rarely dip below 60°F, although ocean temperatures drop, making swimming a bit colder.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Spain, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain, The Best 10-Day Tours in Portugal, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Portugal.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMarbella €117Costa de Prata €151
The average daily cost (per person) in Marbella is €117, while the average daily cost in Costa de Prata is €151. 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 Costa de Prata in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMarbella €61Costa de Prata €78
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMarbella €122Costa de Prata €156
Compare Hotels in Marbella and Costa de Prata
Looking for a hotel in Marbella or Costa de Prata? 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Marbella €24Costa de Prata €53
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Marbella
Also for Marbella, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Vip Transfer from Malaga Airport to Fuengirola or Marbella: $20
- TRANSFER MALAGA AIRPORT from OR to PUERTO BANUS-PRICE ALL INCUSIVE: $103
- TRANSFER MALAGA AIRPORT from OR to MARBELLA-PRICE ALL INCLUSIVE: $103
- Private Transfer from Torrox to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $120
- Private Transfer from Torrox Costa to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $120
- Private Transfer from Torreblanca to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $70
- Private Transfer from Torre del Mar to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $97
- Private Transfer from Sabinillas to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $174
- Private Transfer from Riogordo to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $97
- Private Transfer from Marbesa to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $97
- Private Transfer from Manilva to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $174
- Private Transfer from Los Monteros to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $106
Is it cheaper to fly into Marbella or Costa de Prata?
Prices for flights to both Costa de Prata 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
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Food Meals for one dayMarbella €38Costa de Prata €44
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
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Marbella €19Costa de Prata €13
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
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMarbella €5.71Costa de Prata €8.13
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
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Marbella and Costa de Prata, we can see that Costa de Prata is more expensive. And not only is Marbella much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Marbella would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Marbella 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 Costa de Prata would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Costa de Prata than you might in Marbella.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Marbella Expensive? and Is Costa de Prata Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Marbella or Costa de Prata?
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 Marbella or Costa de Prata in the Summer?
Both Costa de Prata and Marbella are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Marbella in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
Marbella is around the same temperature as Costa de Prata in the summer. The daily temperature in Marbella averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Costa de Prata fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
It's quite sunny in Costa de Prata. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Marbella. Marbella usually receives more sunshine than Costa de Prata during summer. Marbella gets 348 hours of sunny skies, while Costa de Prata receives 308 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Marbella usually receives less rain than Costa de Prata. Marbella gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Costa de Prata receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyMarbella 25°C (77°F)Costa de Prata 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Marbella or Costa de Prata in the Autumn?
Both Costa de Prata and Marbella during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Marbella for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
In the autumn, Marbella is around the same temperature as Costa de Prata. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Marbella in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Costa de Prata averages at about 18°C (65°F).
It's quite sunny in Marbella. In the autumn, Marbella often gets more sunshine than Costa de Prata. Marbella gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Costa de Prata receives 184 hours of full sun.
Costa de Prata gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Marbella usually gets less rain in October than Costa de Prata. Marbella gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Costa de Prata receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMarbella 19°C (67°F)Costa de Prata 18°C (65°F)
Should I visit Marbella or Costa de Prata in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Marbella and Costa de Prata. The winter months attract visitors to Marbella because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.
In January, Marbella is generally a little warmer than Costa de Prata. Daily temperatures in Marbella average around 12°C (54°F), and Costa de Prata fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).
Marbella usually receives more sunshine than Costa de Prata during winter. Marbella gets 171 hours of sunny skies, while Costa de Prata receives 124 hours of full sun in the winter.
Costa de Prata receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Marbella usually receives less rain than Costa de Prata. Marbella gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Costa de Prata receives 139 mm (5.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMarbella 12°C (54°F)Costa de Prata 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Marbella or Costa de Prata in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Marbella as well as Costa de Prata. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Marbella this time of year.
Marbella is around the same temperature as Costa de Prata in the spring. The daily temperature in Marbella averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Costa de Prata fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Costa de Prata. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Marbella this time of the year. In the spring, Marbella often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Costa de Prata. Marbella gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Costa de Prata receives 217 hours of full sun.
Marbella usually gets less rain in April than Costa de Prata. Marbella gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Costa de Prata receives 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilMarbella 16°C (60°F)Costa de Prata 15°C (59°F)
Typical Weather for Costa de Prata and Marbella
| Marbella | Costa de Prata | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 12°C (54°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 139 mm (5.5 in) |
| Feb | 13°C (55°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Mar | 14°C (57°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (60°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) |
| May | 19°C (66°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| Jun | 22°C (72°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| Aug | 25°C (78°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (74°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (67°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Nov | 15°C (60°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 128 mm (5 in) |
| Dec | 13°C (55°F) | 102 mm (4 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 130 mm (5.1 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.