Which place is cheaper, Playa del Ingles or Marbella?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Marbella or Playa del Ingles?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Marbella or Playa del Ingles, 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 del Ingles?
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 del Ingles
Translating to "Englishman's Beach," Playa del Ingles is a sea resort located on the south coast of the Gran Canaria island of Spain's Canary Islands. Since the 1960s it has been built up to accommodate tourists from around the world, especially from Europe. Some of the most popular attractions include an abundance of bars and clubs as well as beachside activities like swimming, surfing, scuba, and snorkeling.
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 del Ingles €180
The average daily cost (per person) in Marbella is €117, while the average daily cost in Playa del Ingles is €180. 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 del Ingles in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMarbella €61Playa del Ingles €93
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMarbella €122Playa del Ingles €186
Compare Hotels in Marbella and Playa del Ingles
Looking for a hotel in Marbella or Playa del Ingles? 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Marbella €24Playa del Ingles €61
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
Is it cheaper to fly into Marbella or Playa del Ingles?
Prices for flights to both Playa del Ingles 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 del Ingles €49
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
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Marbella €19Playa del Ingles €33
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
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMarbella €5.71Playa del Ingles €7.86
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 Playa del Ingles, we can see that Playa del Ingles 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 del Ingles would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Playa del Ingles 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 del Ingles Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Marbella or Playa del Ingles?
Marbella has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Playa del Ingles. When comparing the sizes of Marbella and Playa del Ingles, 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 del Ingles?
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 del Ingles in the Summer?
Both Playa del Ingles 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.
In July, Marbella is generally a little warmer than Playa del Ingles. Daily temperatures in Marbella average around 25°C (77°F), and Playa del Ingles fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).
It's quite sunny in Playa del Ingles. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Marbella. Marbella usually receives more sunshine than Playa del Ingles during summer. Marbella gets 348 hours of sunny skies, while Playa del Ingles receives 293 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Marbella usually receives more rain than Playa del Ingles. Marbella gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Playa del Ingles receives 0 mm (0 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyMarbella 25°C (77°F)Playa del Ingles 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Marbella or Playa del Ingles in the Autumn?
Both Playa del Ingles 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.
Marbella is cooler than Playa del Ingles in the autumn. The daily temperature in Marbella averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Playa del Ingles fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
In Playa del Ingles, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Marbella. In the autumn, Marbella often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Playa del Ingles. Marbella gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Playa del Ingles receives 213 hours of full sun.
Marbella usually gets more rain in October than Playa del Ingles. Marbella gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Playa del Ingles receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMarbella 19°C (67°F)Playa del Ingles 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Marbella or Playa del Ingles in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Marbella and Playa del Ingles. Many travelers come to Marbella for the shopping scene and the cuisine.
In the winter, Marbella is cooler than Playa del Ingles. Typically, the winter temperatures in Marbella in January average around 12°C (54°F), and Playa del Ingles averages at about 17°C (63°F).
Marbella usually receives less sunshine than Playa del Ingles during winter. Marbella gets 171 hours of sunny skies, while Playa del Ingles receives 187 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Marbella usually receives more rain than Playa del Ingles. Marbella gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Playa del Ingles receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMarbella 12°C (54°F)Playa del Ingles 17°C (63°F)
Should I visit Marbella or Playa del Ingles in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Marbella as well as Playa del Ingles. Many visitors come to Marbella in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.
In April, Marbella is generally cooler than Playa del Ingles. Daily temperatures in Marbella average around 16°C (60°F), and Playa del Ingles fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Playa del Ingles. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Marbella this time of the year. In the spring, Marbella often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Playa del Ingles. Marbella gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Playa del Ingles receives 225 hours of full sun.
Marbella usually gets more rain in April than Playa del Ingles. Marbella gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Playa del Ingles receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilMarbella 16°C (60°F)Playa del Ingles 19°C (66°F)
Typical Weather for Playa del Ingles and Marbella
| Marbella | Playa del Ingles | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 12°C (54°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) |
| Feb | 13°C (55°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) |
| Mar | 14°C (57°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (60°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| May | 19°C (66°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Jun | 22°C (72°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 0 mm (0 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 0 mm (0 in) |
| Aug | 25°C (78°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 0 mm (0 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (74°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (67°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Nov | 15°C (60°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) |
| Dec | 13°C (55°F) | 102 mm (4 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 21 mm (0.8 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.