A Travel Price Comparison for Spain Marbella vs. Los Cristianos for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Marbella or Los Cristianos?

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

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

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.

Los Cristianos

Picture your ultimate beach vacation. It probably consists of sand, sun and the most pristine resorts to pamper and spoil you. You've just dreamed up a place that actually exists - Los Cristianos. Located in the south of the Canary Island of Tenerife, Los Cristianos is one of the most popular tourist centers in this area, and for good reason. This area knows how to treat vacationers. The sea is a way of life in this area of the world, and that's apparent everywhere you look. Harbor tours, fishing trips and dolphin watching excursions are being advertised everywhere you look - all ready to give you the Los Cristianos experience.

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, Los Cristianos 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
    Los Cristianos Prices
    Spain Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Marbella 145
    Los Cristianos 152

The average daily cost (per person) in Marbella is €145, while the average daily cost in Los Cristianos is €152. 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 Los Cristianos in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Marbella 61
    Los Cristianos 57
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Marbella 122
    Los Cristianos 114
Compare Hotels in Marbella and Los Cristianos

Looking for a hotel in Marbella or Los Cristianos? 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 Los Cristianos


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 Los Cristianos Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Marbella 24
    Los Cristianos 49

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Marbella

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

  • Vip Transfer from Malaga Airport to Marbella: $111
  • Vip Malaga Private Transfer to Marbella: $99
  • TRANSFER MALAGA AIRPORT from OR to PUERTO BANUS-PRICE ALL INCUSIVE: $130
  • TRANSFER MALAGA AIRPORT from OR to MARBELLA-PRICE ALL INCLUSIVE: $118
  • Private Transfer from Vélez-Málaga to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $105
  • Private Transfer from San Pedro de Alcántara to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $144
  • Private Transfer from Sabinillas to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $192
  • Private Transfer from Riogordo to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $105
  • Private Transfer from Puerto de la Duquesa to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $189
  • Private Transfer from Marbesa to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $158
  • Private Transfer from Marbella to Malaga (AGP) airport: $157
  • Private Transfer from Manilva to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $219

Is it cheaper to fly into Marbella or Los Cristianos?

Prices for flights to both Los Cristianos 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
    Los Cristianos 65

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Marbella

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

  • Marbella Food Tour with Tapas & Drinks with a Local: $94
  • Explore Marbella Old Town: Authentic Tapas Food Tour: $104
  • Spanish Cooking Classes / Traditional Spanish Cooking Class: $138
  • The Mediterranean Diet & Lifestyle Cooking Class.: $195

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Marbella 19
    Los Cristianos 23

Tours and Activities in Marbella

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

  • 1H Private Boat Charter Experience in Estepona: $230
  • 2 hours Quad Tour Marbella - 170€ per Quad up to 2 people: $82
  • 2 hours Quad Tour in Marbella - 1 quad for 1/2 persons 170€: $100
  • 3-Hour Private Guided Bicycle Tour in Marbella: $82
  • 30mn Guided JET SKI Tour Fuengirola: $94
  • Authentic Andalusia - Jeep Eco Tour (pick up from Marbella - Estepona): $136
  • Buggy Adventure with Incredible Views of the Sea and the Reservoir: $118
  • Caminito del Rey and Ardales Guided Tour from Costa del Sol: $83
  • Catamaran 2.5h Morning & Sail Experience Manilva Tapas Drink Dolphin: $117
  • City Bike Guided Tour: Discover Estepona Best Kept Secrets: $24
  • Discover Marbella's Old Town with five-star private tour: $219
  • Dolphin Searching Sunset Cruise with Bottle of Cava & Snacks: $47

Tours and Activities in Los Cristianos

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

  • First Scuba Experience + SSI Basic Diver Certification: $114
  • Tenerife Buggy Tour The Golden Mile: $140
  • Tenerife: Electric Paddle Board Adventure Awaits: $63
  • Tenerife: Los Cristianos Kayak and Snorkeling Tour: $30
  • Tenerife: Whale Watching and Sea Swim Tour on a Yacht for 22 People: $46
  • Tenerife: Whale and Dolphin Watching Catamaran Cruise: $91
  • VESPA TOUR TENERIFE+BOAT TOUR CLIFFS OF THE GIANTS+BATH +LUNCH: $165

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Marbella 5.71
    Los Cristianos 7.14

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: $117


When comparing the travel costs between Marbella and Los Cristianos, we can see that Los Cristianos 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 Marbella Expensive? and Is Los Cristianos Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Marbella or Los Cristianos?

Marbella has a larger population, and is about 5220 times larger than the population of Los Cristianos. When comparing the sizes of Marbella and Los Cristianos, 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.