Which place is cheaper, Malaga or Moscow?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Moscow or Malaga?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Moscow and Malaga. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Moscow or Malaga?
Moscow
Moscow is the capital of Russia and is notable for its important role in history. It's a very sprawling city with many museums and fascinating buildings. Ten percent of Russia's population lives in this capital city and it's a financial and political center for the country. The Moskva River weaves its way through the city and you will find most of the city's sights and attractions on the northern side of the river.
Malaga
Malaga is a port city in the southern part of Spain. It is the 6th largest city in Spain and the southernmost large city in Europe. Malaga lies on the Mediterranean on the Costa del Sol, only 62 miles east of the Strait of Gibraltar, and 80 miles north of Africa. Malaga's history dates back about 2,800 years, which makes it one of the oldest cities in the world. The archaeological remains and monuments from the Phoenician, Roman, Arabic and Christian eras make the historic center of the city an "open museum", displaying its history of more than 3,000 years. Because of its important cultural infrastructure and the artistic heritage, Malaga has been nominated for the European Capital of Culture. Malaga's most important economic contributors include tourism, technology, and construction, but transportation and logistics are becoming increasingly important factors as well.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Spain, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Spain.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMoscow $62Malaga $152
The average daily cost (per person) in Moscow is $62, while the average daily cost in Malaga 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 Moscow and Malaga in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMoscow $39Malaga $81
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMoscow $78Malaga $162
Compare Hotels in Moscow and Malaga
Looking for a hotel in Moscow or Malaga? 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: Malaga Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Moscow $6.06Malaga $33
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Moscow
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Moscow are as follows:
-
Two Metro Passes$1.45
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Moscow
Also for Moscow, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Tangkerang Labuai to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $40
- Private Transfer from Tengkerang Barat to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $40
- Private Transfer from Pekanbaru Airport (PKU) to Tengkerang Barat: $40
- Private Transfer from Pekanbaru Airport (PKU) to Tengkerang Tengah: $40
- Private Transfer from Pekanbaru Airport (PKU) to Sidomulyo Barat: $40
- Private Transfer from Kedungsari to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $40
- Private Transfer from Pekanbaru Airport (PKU) to Kedungsari: $40
- Private Transfer from Pekanbaru Airport (PKU) to Delima: $43
- Private Transfer from Kota Baru to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $43
- Private Transfer from Pekanbaru Airport (PKU) to Harjosari: $43
- Private Transfer from Harjosari to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $43
- Private Transfer from Pekanbaru Airport (PKU) to Cinta Raja: $43
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Malaga
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Malaga:
- Vip Transfer from Malaga Airport to Malaga Fuengirola or Marbella: $55
- Vip Private Transfer from Malaga Airport to Gibraltar Border: $164
- Transfer from Malaga Airport to Costa del Sol Hotels (Any Hotel): $42
- TRANSFER MALAGA AIRPORT from OR to ESTEPONA-PRICE ALL INCLUSIVE: $125
- Private Transfer: Malaga to Malaga Airport (AGP): $33
- Private Transfer from/to Seville to/from Malaga & Stop Alhambra: $230
- Private Transfer from/to Motril to/from Malaga with private driver: $159
- Private Transfer from airport to Malaga : $69
- Private Transfer from Torrequebrada to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $57
- Private Transfer from Torremuelle to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $57
- Private Transfer from Torremolinos to Malaga (AGP) airport: $39
- Private Transfer from Sitio de Calahonda to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $87
Is it cheaper to fly into Moscow or Malaga?
Prices for flights to both Malaga and Moscow 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
-
Food Meals for one dayMoscow $14Malaga $38
Typical Food Prices in Moscow
For Moscow, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
-
Lunch for Two$5.89
-
Lunch in the Center Market$3.21
-
Breakfast for 2$11
Typical Food Prices in Malaga
Some typical examples of dining costs in Malaga are as follows:
-
Dinner for 2$32
-
Dinner for 2$48
-
Breakfast for 2$8.67
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Malaga
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Malaga.
- Dinner and Show at Alegría Flamenco & Restaurant in Malaga: $65
- Malaga Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $86
- Malaga Tapas Cooking Class: $89
- Sardines On Skewers Show Cooking in Malaga beach: $147
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Moscow $16Malaga $33
Typical Entertainment Prices in Moscow
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Moscow's activities, tours, and tickets:
-
Theater Tickets$12
-
Kremlin Entry (2)$11
Tours and Activities in Moscow
For Moscow, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Custom Private Tour in Palembang with English Speaking Driver: $85
Typical Entertainment Prices in Malaga
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Malaga are as follows:
-
Entrance to Castillos$7.69
-
Concert$33
Tours and Activities in Malaga
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Malaga are as follows:
- Half-Day Luxury Motor Yacht Cruise in Granada: $153
- Private Tour of Ronda and Setenil de Las Bodegas: $240
- Sealife Benalmadena Entrance Ticket: $21
- Winery and Olive Mill Guided and Tasting Tour with Tapas: $120
- 1 Hour Buggy Safari Experience in the Mountains of Mijas with Guide: $87
- 1.5-Hour Roman Theater and Alcazaba Castle Walking Tour: $16
- 1h buggy tour: $115
- 2 Hour Family Buggy Tour, Off-Road Adventure in Mijas: $164
- 2 Hour Quad/ATV Tour Off-Road Adventure in Mijas: $142
- 2 Hours Buggy Safari Experience in the Mountains of Mijas with Guide: $125
- 2 Hours Kayak Tour in Cerro Gordo Natural Park, La Herradura: $28
- 2-Hour French Guided Walking Tour in Malaga: $20
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayMoscow $7.79Malaga $24
Sample the Local Flavors in Malaga
Also in Malaga, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Malaga Nightlife Pub Crawl Tour with Drinks and Clubs Entry: $17
- Guided Cellar Tour and wine tasting: $35
- Frigiliana Small-Group Hike and Wine Tasting Tour from Malaga: $60
- Sun and Wine Route - Small group, wine tasting and lunch included: $76
- Malaga Food Walking Tour with Tapas & Wine Tasting: $98
- Ronda Tour & Winery Experience with Wine Tasting from Malaga: $109
- Malaga Tapas and Wine Tour: $136
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Moscow and Malaga, we can see that Malaga is more expensive. And not only is Moscow much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Moscow would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Moscow 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 Malaga would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Malaga than you might in Moscow.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Moscow Expensive? and Is Malaga Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Moscow or Malaga?
Moscow has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Malaga. When comparing the sizes of Moscow and Malaga, 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 Moscow or Malaga?
Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Moscow or Malaga in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Moscow as well as Malaga. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Malaga this time of year.
In the summer, Moscow is cooler than Malaga. Typically, the summer temperatures in Moscow in July average around 19°C (67°F), and Malaga averages at about 25°C (77°F).
Moscow usually gets more rain in July than Malaga. Moscow gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Malaga receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyMoscow 19°C (67°F)Malaga 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Moscow or Malaga in the Autumn?
Both Malaga and Moscow are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Malaga for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Moscow is generally much colder than Malaga. Daily temperatures in Moscow average around 6°C (43°F), and Malaga fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).
In October, Moscow usually receives around the same amount of rain as Malaga. Moscow gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Malaga receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMoscow 6°C (43°F)Malaga 19°C (67°F)
Should I visit Moscow or Malaga in the Winter?
Both Malaga and Moscow during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Malaga in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Moscow. Moscow is much colder than Malaga in the winter. The daily temperature in Moscow averages around -8°C (17°F) in January, and Malaga fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
Moscow usually gets less rain in January than Malaga. Moscow gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Malaga receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMoscow -8°C (17°F)Malaga 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Moscow or Malaga in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Moscow and Malaga. Furthermore, most visitors come to Malaga for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.
In the spring, Moscow is much colder than Malaga. Typically, the spring temperatures in Moscow in April average around 7°C (45°F), and Malaga averages at about 16°C (60°F).
In April, Moscow usually receives around the same amount of rain as Malaga. Moscow gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Malaga receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilMoscow 7°C (45°F)Malaga 16°C (60°F)
Typical Weather for Malaga and Moscow
| Moscow | Malaga | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -8°C (17°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) |
| Feb | -7°C (20°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Mar | -1°C (30°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Apr | 7°C (45°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| May | 14°C (57°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) |
| Jun | 18°C (64°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) |
| Jul | 19°C (67°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Aug | 18°C (64°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | 25°C (78°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Sep | 12°C (54°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Oct | 6°C (43°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Nov | -0°C (32°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) |
| Dec | -5°C (23°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 102 mm (4 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.