Which place is cheaper, Malaga or Pamukkale?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Pamukkale or Malaga?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Pamukkale and Malaga can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Pamukkale or Malaga?
Pamukkale
Pamukkale is in southeastern Aegean Turkey and is historically a spa town that has been in existence since the 2nd century BC. It is popular with tourists for its beautiful hot springs and travertines, or pools that are coated in a very unique calcium covering. The area is very rich in mineral content and the water, which has been flowing for thousands of years, has deposited calcium in each pool. This unique whiteness creates an unworldly beauty that draws visitors from around the world. If you're visiting during the summer months when the sun is out in full force, don't forget the sunscreen, as the white reflects the light and you can end up with a sunburn quite quickly. You'll also want to make sure you have sunglasses available because the glare can be quite extreme.
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 Tours for Seniors to Turkey, The Best G Adventures Tours to Turkey, The Best Budget Tours to Spain, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Spain.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPamukkale $156Malaga $150
The average daily cost (per person) in Pamukkale is $156, while the average daily cost in Malaga is $150. 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 Pamukkale and Malaga in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPamukkale $56Malaga $80
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPamukkale $112Malaga $160
Compare Hotels in Pamukkale and Malaga
Looking for a hotel in Pamukkale 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: Pamukkale Hotel Prices and Malaga Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Pamukkale $35Malaga $33
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pamukkale
Also for Pamukkale, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Denizli Cardak Airport Transfers to Pamukkale Saraykoy Hotels: $81
- Antalya: Guided Pamukkale Tour w/Lunch/Transfer: $84
- Pamukkale Hot Air Balloon w/Flight Certificates,Champagne Toast & Hotel Transfer: $90
- Private Denizli Pamukkale Airport Transfer Service: $98
- Pamukkale - Karahayit Transfer from Denizli Cardak Airport: $100
- Transfer from Denizli Airport to Pamukkale Karahayit Hotels: $102
- Denizli Cardak Airport Transfers to Denizli City Hotels: $104
- Denizli Cardak Airport Transfers to Pamukkale Karahayit Hotels: $104
- Pamukkale Saraykoy Hotels to Denizli Cardak Airport Transfers: $109
- Pamukkale to Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport-Departure Transfer: $125
- Denizli City Hotels to Denizli Cardak Airport Transfers: $136
- City of Pamukkale/Denizli: Antalya Airport Private Transfer: $165
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Malaga
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Malaga:
- Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Córdoba: $295
- Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Ubrique: $291
- Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (Agp) to Granada City: $289
- Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Ferreirola: $267
- Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Bubión: $266
- Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Adra: $262
- Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Cortes de la Frontera: $247
- Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Lanjarón: $242
- Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Granada: $242
- Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Órgiva: $232
- Private Transfer from/to Seville to/from Malaga & Stop Alhambra: $230
- Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Gaucín: $223
Is it cheaper to fly into Pamukkale or Malaga?
Prices for flights to both Malaga and Pamukkale 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 dayPamukkale $69Malaga $37
Typical Food Prices in Malaga
Some typical examples of dining costs in Malaga are as follows:
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Dinner for 2$32
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Dinner for 2$47
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Breakfast for 2$8.57
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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Pamukkale $54Malaga $33
Typical Entertainment Prices in Pamukkale
For Pamukkale, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Entrance fees Travertines & Pool$2.01
Tours and Activities in Pamukkale
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Pamukkale.
- Antalya: Pamukkale Guided Tour With Optional Balloon Flight: $37
- Pamukkale City Highlights Small Group Guided Tour with Lunch: $40
- Full Day Pamukkale City Tour From Pamukkale And Karahayit Hotels: $45
- Pamukkale Paragliding Experience By Local Expert Pilots: $48
- From Antalya: Pamukkale and Hierapolis Tour with Lunch: $48
- Shared Pamukkale Group Tour from Pamukkale: $57
- From Bodrum: Pamukkale & Hierapolis Guided Tour with Lunch: $63
- Kusadasi or Selcuk: Pamukkale Guided Group Tour: $67
- Pamukkale Tour From Pamukkale : $71
- Antalya: Full-Day Pamukkale Tour: $80
- Shared Cultural Tour in Pamukkale and Hierapolis: $81
- Pamukkale and Hierapolis Tour: $85
Typical Entertainment Prices in Malaga
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Malaga are as follows:
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Entrance to Castillos$7.61
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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
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPamukkale $15Malaga $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 comparing the travel costs between Pamukkale and Malaga, we can see that Pamukkale is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Pamukkale Expensive? and Is Malaga Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Pamukkale or Malaga?
Malaga has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Pamukkale. When comparing the sizes of Pamukkale 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 Pamukkale 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 Pamukkale or Malaga in the Summer?
Both Malaga and Pamukkale during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Malaga for the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In July, Pamukkale is generally a little warmer than Malaga. Daily temperatures in Pamukkale average around 28°C (82°F), and Malaga fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
In Malaga, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Pamukkale. In the summer, Pamukkale often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Malaga. Pamukkale gets 356 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Malaga receives 348 hours of full sun.
Pamukkale usually gets more rain in July than Malaga. Pamukkale gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Malaga receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPamukkale 28°C (82°F)Malaga 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Pamukkale or Malaga in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Pamukkale and Malaga. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Malaga because of the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Pamukkale is around the same temperature as Malaga in the autumn. The daily temperature in Pamukkale averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Malaga fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Malaga this time of the year. In Pamukkale, it's very sunny this time of the year. Pamukkale usually receives more sunshine than Malaga during autumn. Pamukkale gets 232 hours of sunny skies, while Malaga receives 213 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Pamukkale usually receives less rain than Malaga. Pamukkale gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Malaga receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPamukkale 19°C (67°F)Malaga 19°C (67°F)
Should I visit Pamukkale or Malaga in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Pamukkale as well as Malaga. Also, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Malaga this time of year.
In the winter, Pamukkale is cooler than Malaga. Typically, the winter temperatures in Pamukkale in January average around 9°C (48°F), and Malaga averages at about 12°C (54°F).
In the winter, Pamukkale often gets less sunshine than Malaga. Pamukkale gets 137 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Malaga receives 171 hours of full sun.
Pamukkale receives a lot of rain in the winter. Pamukkale usually gets more rain in January than Malaga. Pamukkale gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Malaga receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPamukkale 9°C (48°F)Malaga 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Pamukkale or Malaga in the Spring?
Both Malaga and Pamukkale are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Malaga for the beaches and the natural beauty.
In April, Pamukkale is generally around the same temperature as Malaga. Daily temperatures in Pamukkale average around 17°C (62°F), and Malaga fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).
It's quite sunny in Malaga. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Pamukkale. Pamukkale usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Malaga during spring. Pamukkale gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Malaga receives 220 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Pamukkale usually receives more rain than Malaga. Pamukkale gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Malaga receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPamukkale 17°C (62°F)Malaga 16°C (60°F)
Typical Weather for Malaga and Pamukkale
| Pamukkale | Malaga | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 9°C (48°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) |
| Feb | 10°C (50°F) | 96 mm (3.8 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Mar | 13°C (55°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (62°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| May | 21°C (70°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) |
| Jun | 26°C (78°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 25°C (78°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (76°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (67°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Nov | 14°C (58°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) |
| Dec | 10°C (51°F) | 129 mm (5.1 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.