Which place is cheaper, Playa de las Americas or Marbella?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Marbella or Playa de las Americas?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Marbella or Playa de las Americas, 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 Playa de las Americas?
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.
Playa de las Americas
If you are looking to escape your life - to relax on a modern day pleasure island, then you need to book a trip to the Playa de las Americas resort town. Located on the south coast of Tenerife, this party, beach, and vacation capital never goes to sleep. Packed with nightclubs, bars, live music, shops and restaurants, Playa de las Americas is the stuff Hollywood movies are made of.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Spain, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain, The Best Luxury Tours to Spain, and The Best Budget Tours to Spain.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMarbella €117Playa de las Americas €195
The average daily cost (per person) in Marbella is €117, while the average daily cost in Playa de las Americas is €195. 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 Playa de las Americas in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMarbella €61Playa de las Americas €115
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMarbella €122Playa de las Americas €230
Compare Hotels in Marbella and Playa de las Americas
Looking for a hotel in Marbella or Playa de las Americas? 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 Playa de las Americas Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Marbella €24Playa de las Americas €56
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Marbella
Also for Marbella, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- From Malaga: Private Transfer Malaga Airport to Marbella: $235
- Private Transfer from Benaoján to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $214
- Private Transfer from Sabinillas to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $174
- Private Transfer from Estepona to Malaga (AGP) airport: $155
- Private Transfer from La Quinta Golf Resort to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $132
- Private Transfer from Benahavís to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $131
- Private Transfer from Guadalmina to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $131
- Private Transfer from Benamargosa to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $120
- Private Transfer from Torrox Costa to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $120
- Private Transfer from Torrox to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $120
- Private Transfer from Algarrobo to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $109
- Private Transfer from Los Monteros to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $107
Is it cheaper to fly into Marbella or Playa de las Americas?
Prices for flights to both Playa de las Americas 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 €38Playa de las Americas €45
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
- Gourmet Cooking Class & Culture in the rural Montes de Malaga.: $190
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Marbella €19Playa de las Americas €30
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€: $174
- 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): $43
- 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
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMarbella €5.71Playa de las Americas €8.57
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: $271
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Marbella and Playa de las Americas, we can see that Playa de las Americas 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 Playa de las Americas would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Playa de las Americas 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 Playa de las Americas Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Marbella or Playa de las Americas?
Marbella has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Playa de las Americas. When comparing the sizes of Marbella and Playa de las Americas, 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 Playa de las Americas?
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 Playa de las Americas in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Marbella and Playa de las Americas. Most visitors come to Marbella for the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
Marbella is around the same temperature as Playa de las Americas in the summer. The daily temperature in Marbella averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Playa de las Americas fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Playa de las Americas this time of the year. In Marbella, it's very sunny this time of the year. Marbella usually receives more sunshine than Playa de las Americas during summer. Marbella gets 348 hours of sunny skies, while Playa de las Americas receives 268 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Marbella usually receives around the same amount of rain as Playa de las Americas. Marbella gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Playa de las Americas receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyMarbella 25°C (77°F)Playa de las Americas 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Marbella or Playa de las Americas in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Marbella as well as Playa de las Americas. The autumn months attract visitors to Marbella because of the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Marbella is cooler than Playa de las Americas. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Marbella in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Playa de las Americas averages at about 24°C (75°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Playa de las Americas. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Marbella this time of the year. In the autumn, Marbella often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Playa de las Americas. Marbella gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Playa de las Americas receives 200 hours of full sun.
Marbella usually gets more rain in October than Playa de las Americas. Marbella gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Playa de las Americas receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMarbella 19°C (67°F)Playa de las Americas 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Marbella or Playa de las Americas in the Winter?
Both Playa de las Americas and Marbella are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Marbella this time of year.
In January, Marbella is generally much colder than Playa de las Americas. Daily temperatures in Marbella average around 12°C (54°F), and Playa de las Americas fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).
Marbella usually receives less sunshine than Playa de las Americas during winter. Marbella gets 171 hours of sunny skies, while Playa de las Americas receives 191 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Marbella usually receives more rain than Playa de las Americas. Marbella gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Playa de las Americas receives 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMarbella 12°C (54°F)Playa de las Americas 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Marbella or Playa de las Americas in the Spring?
Both Playa de las Americas and Marbella during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Marbella for the beaches and the natural beauty.
Marbella is cooler than Playa de las Americas in the spring. The daily temperature in Marbella averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Playa de las Americas fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).
In Playa de las Americas, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Marbella. In the spring, Marbella often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Playa de las Americas. Marbella gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Playa de las Americas receives 205 hours of full sun.
Marbella usually gets more rain in April than Playa de las Americas. Marbella gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Playa de las Americas receives 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilMarbella 16°C (60°F)Playa de las Americas 20°C (68°F)
Typical Weather for Playa de las Americas and Marbella
| Marbella | Playa de las Americas | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 12°C (54°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| Feb | 13°C (55°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) |
| Mar | 14°C (57°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (60°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) |
| May | 19°C (66°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Jun | 22°C (72°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Aug | 25°C (78°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (74°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (67°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Nov | 15°C (60°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Dec | 13°C (55°F) | 102 mm (4 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 43 mm (1.7 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.