Which place is cheaper, Tangier or Marbella?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Marbella or Tangier?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Marbella or Tangier, 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 Tangier?
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.
Tangier
Welcome to the gateway to Africa. Sitting on the coast of the Strait of Gibraltar, Tangier, Morocco has historically served as the meeting point of the Mediterranean and Africa.
After World War II, this city became a destination for eccentric foreigners, artists, spies and hippies. After that, the city was neglected and gained a horrible reputation for the hustlers cheating visitors left and right.
In 1999 Morocco saw the beginning of a new monarch who was more progressive with his vision for tourism. This message lit a fire under Tangier, helping the people see the amazing potential in their great city. They built a new port, a new business district and revamped the airport. The beaches and streets have been cleaned up of trash and hustlers and there's a sudden surge in cultural activities.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Spain, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain, The Best 10-Day Tours in Morocco, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Morocco.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMarbella €117Tangier €57
The average daily cost (per person) in Marbella is €117, while the average daily cost in Tangier is €57. 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 Tangier in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMarbella €61Tangier €22
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMarbella €122Tangier €44
Compare Hotels in Marbella and Tangier
Looking for a hotel in Marbella or Tangier? 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 Tangier Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Marbella €24Tangier €22
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: $234
- Private Transfer from Gaucín to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $221
- Private Transfer from Puerto de la Duquesa to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $174
- Private Transfer from Estepona to Malaga (AGP) airport: $154
- Private Transfer from Cómpeta to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $137
- Private Transfer from El Paraíso to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $134
- Private Transfer from Cancelada to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $134
- Private Transfer from Guadalmina to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $131
- Private Transfer from Benahavís to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $131
- Private Transfer from San Pedro de Alcántara to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $131
- Private Transfer from La Quinta Golf Resort to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $131
- Private Transfer from Istán to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $131
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tangier
Also for Tangier, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Vip Transfer . Tanger - Casablanca: $300
- Vip Private Transfer From Airport/Port to Tangier Vice Versa: $36
- VIP transfer from Tangier to Chefchaouen or vice versa: $197
- Transfers from Tangier to chefchaouen "blue city": $70
- Transfers From Tangier To Marrakech: $243
- Transfers From Tangier To Chefchaouen-Asilah-Fes-Casablanca .: $130
- Transfers From Tangier Airport to Asilah: $51
- Transfer to Tangier from fes via Chefchaeun: $161
- Transfer to Fes from Tangier via Chefchaeun: $161
- Transfer from Tangier to Tetouan: $83
- Transfer from Tangier to Nador: $623
- Transfer from Tangier to Marrakesh: $807
Is it cheaper to fly into Marbella or Tangier?
Prices for flights to both Tangier 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 €38Tangier €19
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: $86
- Gourmet Cooking Class & Culture in the rural Montes de Malaga.: $190
Typical Food Prices in Tangier
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Tangier:
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Fruit & Yogurt€1.59
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tangier
For Tangier, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Tangier Private Food Tour with Local Guide: $30
- Tangier Private Cooking Class With a Local Family: $52
- 3 Hour Private Moroccan Food Tour in Tanger : $65
- Tangier Food Tour with a certified guide!: $70
- Morocco Food Cooking Class and Tangier City Tour: $70
- Tangier food tour : $70
- Tangier Food Tour with a certified local guide!: $74
- Moroccan 3-in-1 Cooking Experience: $74
- Inclusive Beach Camel Ride, Cap Spartel, Hercules & Full Dinner: $80
- Moroccan Royal Couscous Cooking Experience: $90
- Tangier Cooking Class: $96
- Camel ride on Achakar beach, panoramic sunset and dinner: $103
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Marbella €19Tangier €18
Tours and Activities in Marbella
For Marbella, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Taste of Marbella Food & Market Small Group Tour : $105
- 2 h Estepona Bay Tour: $37
- 2 hours Quad Tour in Marbella - 1 quad for 1/2 persons 160€: $174
- Antequera Classic Winery Tour: $205
- 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: $108
- 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: $103
Tours and Activities in Tangier
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Tangier.
- 3-Hour Private Enchanting Tangier Coastal Adventure: $69
- Highlights of Tangier Half Day Tour: $87
- Luxury Tangier private Day Tour from Tarifa Spain All inclusive : $249
- Private Guided Food Experience Tour in Medina of Tangier: $76
- Private LuxuryTour of Tangier for 4hours: $76
- Tangier Private Tour from Tarifa Ferry & Lunch Included : $208
- Tangier private customized tour & camel ride experience : $101
- The Best of Tangier Walking Tour : $208
- 2 Days Chefchaouen and Tangier Tour from Casablanca: $545
- 2 Days Chefchaouen and Tangier Tour from Casablanca: $510
- 2 Days Luxury Tour to Merzouga Desert from Fez with Small Group: $249
- 2 Days Tour of Tangier & Chefchaouen JC Private Tours: $140
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMarbella €5.71Tangier €9.87
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: $151
- From Manilva Sunset Wine Tasting Tour with Tapas: $159
- Ronda Full Day Wine Tour from Marbella: $194
- From Antequera Wine Tour with Tastings and Lunch: $212
- From Axarquia Wine Tour with Wine Pairing Lunch: $233
- Full-Day Private Ronda Wine Tour Experience from Marbella: $260
- VIP Ronda Wine Tour and Tasting and Gourmet Lunch Experience with Winemaker: $270
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Marbella and Tangier, we can see that Marbella is more expensive. And not only is Tangier much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Marbella is in Europe and Tangier is in Africa, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Tangier would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Tangier 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 Tangier.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Marbella Expensive? and Is Tangier Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Marbella or Tangier?
Tangier has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Marbella. When comparing the sizes of Marbella and Tangier, 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 Tangier?
Marbella has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Tangier experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Marbella or Tangier in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Marbella and Tangier. The beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Marbella this time of year. Tangier attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In July, Marbella is generally around the same temperature as Tangier. Daily temperatures in Marbella average around 25°C (77°F), and Tangier fluctuates around 24°C (74°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tangier this time of the year. In Marbella, it's very sunny this time of the year. Marbella usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Tangier during summer. Marbella gets 348 hours of sunny skies, while Tangier receives 346 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Marbella usually receives around the same amount of rain as Tangier. Marbella gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Tangier 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)Tangier 24°C (74°F)
Should I visit Marbella or Tangier in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Marbella as well as Tangier. Many travelers come to Marbella for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. The warm climate attracts visitors to Tangier throughout the year.
Marbella is around the same temperature as Tangier in the autumn. The daily temperature in Marbella averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Tangier fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tangier. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Marbella this time of the year. In the autumn, Marbella often gets less sunshine than Tangier. Marbella gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tangier receives 235 hours of full sun.
Marbella usually gets less rain in October than Tangier. Marbella gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Tangier receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMarbella 19°C (67°F)Tangier 20°C (68°F)
Should I visit Marbella or Tangier in the Winter?
Both Tangier and Marbella are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Marbella in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Plenty of visitors come to Tangier because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the winter, Marbella is around the same temperature as Tangier. Typically, the winter temperatures in Marbella in January average around 12°C (54°F), and Tangier averages at about 13°C (55°F).
Marbella usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Tangier during winter. Marbella gets 171 hours of sunny skies, while Tangier receives 169 hours of full sun in the winter.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Tangier. In January, Marbella usually receives less rain than Tangier. Marbella gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Tangier receives 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMarbella 12°C (54°F)Tangier 13°C (55°F)
Should I visit Marbella or Tangier in the Spring?
Both Tangier and Marbella during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Marbella for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Tangier year-round.
In April, Marbella is generally around the same temperature as Tangier. Daily temperatures in Marbella average around 16°C (60°F), and Tangier fluctuates around 15°C (60°F).
In Tangier, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Marbella. In the spring, Marbella often gets less sunshine than Tangier. Marbella gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tangier receives 251 hours of full sun.
Marbella usually gets less rain in April than Tangier. Marbella gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Tangier receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilMarbella 16°C (60°F)Tangier 15°C (60°F)
Typical Weather for Tangier and Marbella
| Marbella | Tangier | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 12°C (54°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) |
| Feb | 13°C (55°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
| Mar | 14°C (57°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (60°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| May | 19°C (66°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) |
| Jun | 22°C (72°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 24°C (74°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) | 23°C (73°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (67°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Nov | 15°C (60°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
| Dec | 13°C (55°F) | 102 mm (4 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 129 mm (5.1 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.