Which place is cheaper, Malmo or Marbella?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Marbella or Malmo?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Marbella or Malmo, 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 Malmo?
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.
Malmo
Located on the southern tip of Sweden, in the province of Skane, Malmo is Sweden's third largest city. It has a very international population with about a third of the residents being from countries other than Sweden. This diversity is evident within Malmo, which is rich in culture, interesting food, and an array of entertainment options. Historically, Malmo was an industrial city with a ship building company, Kockums being the area's largest employer. Today, however, the city is much more economicaly diverse with many eco friendly neighborhoods and plenty of suburban style housing.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Spain, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Sweden, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Sweden.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMarbella €117Malmo €76
The average daily cost (per person) in Marbella is €117, while the average daily cost in Malmo is €76. 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 Malmo in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMarbella €61Malmo €45
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMarbella €122Malmo €90
Compare Hotels in Marbella and Malmo
Looking for a hotel in Marbella or Malmo? 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 Malmo Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Marbella €24Malmo €7.39
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: $21
- TRANSFER MALAGA AIRPORT from OR to MARBELLA-PRICE ALL INCLUSIVE: $104
- Private Transfer from Vélez-Málaga to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $97
- Private Transfer from Torrox to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $120
- Private Transfer from Torrox Costa to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $120
- Private Transfer from Torre del Mar to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $97
- Private Transfer from San Pedro de Alcántara to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $132
- Private Transfer from Sabinillas to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $174
- Private Transfer from Mezquitilla to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $127
- Private Transfer from Marbesa to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $97
- Private Transfer from Manilva to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $175
- Private Transfer from Los Monteros to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $107
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Malmo
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Malmo:
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Malmö Bus Card€17
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Malmo
Also for Malmo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Malmo Airport MMX to Fredericia Port: $96
- Private Direct Transfer From Malmo to Copenhagen: $121
- Malmo Private Transfer from Malmo airport to Central Malmo : $95
- Malmo Private Transfer from Central Malmo to Malmo Airport: $95
- Malmo City Center to Malmo Airport (MMX) - Departure Private Transfer: $27
- Malmo Airport (MMX) to Malmo City Center - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $55
- Malmo Airport (MMX) to Malmo City Center - Arrival Private Transfer: $27
- Malmö City to Copenhagen hotel/address Private Departure Transfer: $128
Is it cheaper to fly into Marbella or Malmo?
Prices for flights to both Malmo 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 €38Malmo €24
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: $87
- The Mediterranean Diet & Lifestyle Cooking Class.: $180
- Gourmet Cooking Class & Culture in the rural Montes de Malaga.: $191
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Malmo
For Malmo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Self-guided Food Tour in Malmö: $59
- Guided Food Tour in Malmö (Private): $120
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Marbella €19Malmo €15
Tours and Activities in Marbella
For Marbella, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 2 h Estepona Bay Tour: $47
- 2 hours Quad Tour in Marbella - 1 quad for 1/2 persons 160€: $175
- Antequera Classic Winery Tour: $206
- 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): $49
- Discover Marbella's Old Town with five-star private tour: $97
- Dolphin Watching Adventure in Estepona Bay: $38
- Dolphin Watching Tour on Sailboat in Marbella: $71
- E-Bike Tour through Marbella/ Puerto Banús and San Pedro: $101
Tours and Activities in Malmo
For Malmo, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Canal Sightseeing Boat Tour of Malmö: $21
- Exploring Malmo Walking Tour: $147
- Half Day Walking Tour in Lund City and University: $33
- Joyful Malmo Walking Tour for Couples: $147
- Lund's Medieval and Modern History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
- Malmö Ghost Story: A self-guided audio walking tour: $9.35
- Malmö Photography Tour: $58
- Malmo Walking Tour, 3 hours (small group): $66
- Self-guided audio tour in Lund: explore the story of the Locus Peccatorum murder: $9.35
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMarbella €5.71Malmo €33
Sample the Local Flavors in Marbella
Also in Marbella, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Manilva & Gaucin Wine Tour from the Costa del Sol: $152
- From Manilva Sunset Wine Tasting Tour with Tapas: $159
- Ronda Full Day Wine Tour from Marbella: $195
- From Antequera Wine Tour with Tastings and Lunch: $213
- From Axarquia Wine Tour with Wine Pairing Lunch: $234
- Full-Day Private Ronda Wine Tour Experience from Marbella: $262
- VIP Ronda Wine Tour and Tasting and Gourmet Lunch Experience with Winemaker: $272
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Marbella and Malmo, we can see that Marbella is more expensive. And not only is Malmo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Malmo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Malmo 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 Malmo.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Marbella Expensive? and Is Malmo Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Marbella or Malmo?
Malmo has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Marbella. When comparing the sizes of Marbella and Malmo, 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 Malmo?
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 Malmo in the Summer?
Both Malmo and Marbella are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Marbella because of the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
Marbella is a little warmer than Malmo in the summer. The daily temperature in Marbella averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Malmo fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).
It's quite sunny in Malmo. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Marbella. Marbella usually receives more sunshine than Malmo during summer. Marbella gets 348 hours of sunny skies, while Malmo receives 247 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Marbella usually receives less rain than Malmo. Marbella gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Malmo receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyMarbella 25°C (77°F)Malmo 17°C (62°F)
Should I visit Marbella or Malmo in the Autumn?
Both Malmo and Marbella during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Marbella this time of year.
In the autumn, Marbella is much warmer than Malmo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Marbella in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Malmo averages at about 10°C (50°F).
It's quite sunny in Marbella. In the autumn, Marbella often gets more sunshine than Malmo. Marbella gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Malmo receives 104 hours of full sun.
Marbella usually gets more rain in October than Malmo. Marbella gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Malmo receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMarbella 19°C (67°F)Malmo 10°C (50°F)
Should I visit Marbella or Malmo in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Marbella and Malmo. Many travelers come to Marbella for the shopping scene and the cuisine.
Malmo can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Marbella is generally much warmer than Malmo. Daily temperatures in Marbella average around 12°C (54°F), and Malmo fluctuates around 0°C (32°F).
Marbella usually receives more sunshine than Malmo during winter. Marbella gets 171 hours of sunny skies, while Malmo receives 36 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Marbella usually receives more rain than Malmo. Marbella gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Malmo receives 37 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMarbella 12°C (54°F)Malmo 0°C (32°F)
Should I visit Marbella or Malmo in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Marbella as well as Malmo. Many visitors come to Marbella in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.
Marbella is much warmer than Malmo in the spring. The daily temperature in Marbella averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Malmo fluctuates around 5°C (42°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Marbella this time of the year. In the spring, Marbella often gets more sunshine than Malmo. Marbella gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Malmo receives 173 hours of full sun.
Marbella usually gets more rain in April than Malmo. Marbella gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Malmo receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilMarbella 16°C (60°F)Malmo 5°C (42°F)
Typical Weather for Malmo and Marbella
| Marbella | Malmo | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 12°C (54°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) | 0°C (32°F) | 37 mm (1.4 in) |
| Feb | 13°C (55°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | -0°C (32°F) | 25 mm (1 in) |
| Mar | 14°C (57°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | 2°C (35°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (60°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 5°C (42°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| May | 19°C (66°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Jun | 22°C (72°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Aug | 25°C (78°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (74°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (67°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Nov | 15°C (60°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Dec | 13°C (55°F) | 102 mm (4 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 41 mm (1.6 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.