A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Marbella vs. Havana for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Marbella or Havana?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Marbella or Havana, 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 Havana?

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.

Havana

The city of Havana is at the top of most peoples' bucket list - mostly because of the allure of a forbidden land. Before the Communist revolution, Cuba was a popular tourist destination. Since it has reopened in the 1990s, it has drawn tourists from all over the world (except the US).

This capital city is a land trapped in the past. With 50 years of neglect, when you step off the plane, prepare to step back in time. A trip to Havana is meant for those with truly open minds - and when they arrive they'll be swept away.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Spain, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Spain.


Which place is cheaper, Havana or Marbella?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Marbella Prices
    Spain Prices
    Havana Prices
    Cuba Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Marbella 145
    Havana 63

The average daily cost (per person) in Marbella is €145, while the average daily cost in Havana is €63. 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 Havana in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Marbella 61
    Havana 36
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Marbella 122
    Havana 72
Compare Hotels in Marbella and Havana

Looking for a hotel in Marbella or Havana? 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 Marbella


Hotels in Havana


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
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Marbella 24
    Havana 16

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Marbella

Also for Marbella, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Costa del Sol: Private 1-Way Transfer to/from Malaga Airport: $160
  • Marbella to Malaga Airport (AGP) - Departure Private Transfer: $56
  • Private Transfer from Alhaurín El Grande to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $223
  • Private Transfer from La Quinta Golf Resort to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $171
  • Private Transfer from Las Chapas to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $295
  • Private Transfer from Torreblanca to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $258
  • TRANSFER MALAGA AIRPORT from OR to MARBELLA-PRICE ALL INCLUSIVE: $119
  • Vip Malaga Private Transfer to Marbella: $100
  • Vip One Way Transfer from Malaga Airport to Malaga City: $39
  • Vip Transfer from Malaga Airport to Marbella: $112

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Havana

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Havana:


  • Short Taxi Ride
    0.58

Is it cheaper to fly into Marbella or Havana?

Prices for flights to both Havana 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 day
    Marbella 66
    Havana 15

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Marbella

For Marbella, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Flamenco Show & Dinner in Fuengirola/Mijas - Tipi Tapa Restaurant: $34
  • Marbella Food Tour with Tapas & Drinks with a Local: $95
  • Explore Marbella Old Town: Authentic Tapas Food Tour: $105
  • Marbella Food Tour: Tapas, Drinks and Delights with a Local: $106
  • Marbella Old Town: Authentic Tapas Food Tour With Local Guide: $106

Typical Food Prices in Havana

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Havana:


  • Pizza
    0.03

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Marbella 19
    Havana 9.53

Tours and Activities in Marbella

For Marbella, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Magic Blocks in Estepona: Quest Experience: $5.95
  • The Magic Coins of Outdoor Escape Adventure: $7.15
  • Tourist Bus Velez Malaga to Torre del Mar: $8.35
  • Glorious Grazalema Self Guided Walking Tour: $9.99
  • City Highlights Tour: $18
  • Sightseeing Walking Tour: $22
  • City Highlights Tour: $24
  • Marbella Old Town: Group Tour with a True Local: $26
  • Marbella Guided Hiking and Foraging Adventure: $35
  • Private Walking Tour with a Local: $35
  • Manilva Oceanfront Wine Experience in the Marbella Area: $36
  • Beachfront Yoga and Cava Experience: $41

Tours and Activities in Havana

Here are a few actual costs in Havana for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Private: City Tour with Lunch, Rum, and Chocolate: $2,000

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Marbella 5.71
    Havana 4.90

Sample the Local Flavors in Marbella

Also in Marbella, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • From Antequera Wine Tour with Tastings and Lunch: $816
  • From Axarquia Wine Tour with Wine Pairing Lunch: $1,110

Typical Alcohol Prices in Havana

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Havana:


  • Mojito
    0.13


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Marbella and Havana, we can see that Marbella is more expensive. And not only is Havana much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Marbella is in Europe and Havana is in Caribbean Islands, 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 Havana would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Havana 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 Havana.

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


Which is Bigger, Marbella or Havana?

Havana has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Marbella. When comparing the sizes of Marbella and Havana, 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 Havana?

Marbella has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Havana experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Marbella or Havana in the Summer?

Both Havana and Marbella during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Marbella for the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Havana year-round.

In the summer, Marbella is around the same temperature as Havana. Typically, the summer temperatures in Marbella in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Havana averages at about 27°C (81°F).

Marbella usually gets less rain in July than Havana. Marbella gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Havana receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Marbella 25°C (77°F) 
    Havana 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Marbella or Havana in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Marbella and Havana. The autumn months attract visitors to Marbella because of the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Havana attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In October, Marbella is generally cooler than Havana. Daily temperatures in Marbella average around 19°C (67°F), and Havana fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

In October, Marbella usually receives less rain than Havana. Marbella gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Havana receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Marbella 19°C (67°F) 
    Havana 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Marbella or Havana in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Marbella as well as Havana. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Marbella this time of year. The warm climate attracts visitors to Havana throughout the year.

Marbella is much colder than Havana in the winter. The daily temperature in Marbella averages around 12°C (54°F) in January, and Havana fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

Marbella usually gets more rain in January than Havana. Marbella gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Havana receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Marbella 12°C (54°F) 
    Havana 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Marbella or Havana in the Spring?

Both Havana and Marbella are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Marbella for the beaches and the natural beauty. Plenty of visitors come to Havana because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In the spring, Marbella is much colder than Havana. Typically, the spring temperatures in Marbella in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Havana averages at about 24°C (75°F).

In April, Marbella usually receives more rain than Havana. Marbella gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Havana receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Marbella 16°C (60°F) 
    Havana 24°C (75°F)

Typical Weather for Havana and Marbella

Marbella Havana
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 12°C (54°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 21°C (70°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 75 mm (3 in) 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Mar 14°C (57°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 23°C (73°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 24°C (75°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
May 19°C (66°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 26°C (79°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 13 mm (0.5 in) 27°C (81°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 27°C (81°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Aug 25°C (78°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 27°C (81°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 23°C (74°F) 15 mm (0.6 in) 26°C (79°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 25°C (77°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 15°C (60°F) 115 mm (4.5 in) 23°C (73°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Dec 13°C (55°F) 102 mm (4 in) 22°C (72°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)