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.
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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.
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Marbella Prices
Spain PricesLos Cristianos Prices
Spain Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMarbella €145Los 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
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMarbella €61Los Cristianos €57
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMarbella €122Los 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.
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
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Marbella €24Los 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: $112
- Vip One Way Transfer from Malaga Airport to Malaga City: $39
- Vip Malaga Private Transfer to Marbella: $100
- TRANSFER MALAGA AIRPORT from OR to PUERTO BANUS-PRICE ALL INCUSIVE: $132
- TRANSFER MALAGA AIRPORT from OR to MARBELLA-PRICE ALL INCLUSIVE: $120
- Private Transfer from Torrox to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $284
- Private Transfer from Torreblanca to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $259
- Private Transfer from Las Chapas to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $296
- Private Transfer from La Quinta Golf Resort to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $171
- Private Transfer from Estepona to Malaga (AGP) airport: $170
- Private Transfer from Alhaurín El Grande to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $224
- Costa del Sol: Private 1-Way Transfer to/from Malaga Airport: $160
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
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Food Meals for one dayMarbella €66Los 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:
- 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 Old Town: Authentic Tapas Food Tour With Local Guide: $107
- Marbella Food Tour: Tapas, Drinks and Delights with a Local: $107
- Chefcooking Paella from our Andalusian Grandmother at a Family Farm: $107
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Marbella €19Los Cristianos €23
Tours and Activities in Marbella
For Marbella, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Guided tour to Caminito del Rey from the Costa del Sol: $67
- 2 h Estepona Bay Tour: $47
- 2 hours Quad Tour Marbella - 170€ per Quad up to 2 people: $100
- 2-Hour Catamaran Tour along the Costa Tropical and Malaga Coast: $46
- Active Sailing Experience in Marbella: $119
- Authentic Andalusia - Jeep Eco Tour (pick up from Marbella - Estepona) : $138
- Boat experience in Marbella: $576
- Buggy Adventure with Incredible Views of the Sea and the Reservoir: $120
- Caminito del Rey and Ardales Guided Tour from Costa del Sol: $84
- Catamaran Sailing Experience Manilva Dolphins Tapas and Welcome Drink: $83
- Catamaran Sailing Experience Manilva Tapas Drink Dolphins Swim Stop: $119
- Discover Marbella's Old Town with five-star private tour: $121
Tours and Activities in Los Cristianos
For Los Cristianos, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Camel Experience: $4.70
- Paddle Surf & Snorkeling Experience in Playa de las Américas: $35
- Tenerife: Electric Paddle Board Adventure Awaits: $65
- Unforgettable snorkeling tours with turtles: $59
- VESPA TOUR TENERIFE+BOAT TOUR CLIFFS OF THE GIANTS+BATH +LUNCH: $170
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMarbella €5.71Los 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:
- From Antequera Wine Tour with Tastings and Lunch: $816
- From Axarquia Wine Tour with Wine Pairing Lunch: $1,110
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.
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.