Which place is cheaper, Marbella or Playa Blanca?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Playa Blanca or Marbella?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Playa Blanca and Marbella can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Playa Blanca or Marbella?
Playa Blanca
Located on the southern tip of the Canary Island of Lanzarote, Playa Blanca is a resort area popular with families and couples seeking a quieter vacation alternative to the lively neighbor resort of Puerto del Carmen. The resort's white sandy beaches are peaceful and sheltered from the higher winds found on other parts of the island. Timanfaya National Park is also nearby, as well as a number of other spectacular volcanic features.
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.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Week Tours in Spain, The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain, The Best Adventure Tours to Spain, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Spain.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPlaya Blanca €155Marbella €117
The average daily cost (per person) in Playa Blanca is €155, while the average daily cost in Marbella is €117. 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 Playa Blanca and Marbella in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPlaya Blanca €81Marbella €61
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPlaya Blanca €162Marbella €122
Compare Hotels in Playa Blanca and Marbella
Looking for a hotel in Playa Blanca or Marbella? 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: Playa Blanca Hotel Prices and Marbella Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Playa Blanca €49Marbella €24
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 Playa Blanca or Marbella?
Prices for flights to both Marbella and Playa Blanca 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 dayPlaya Blanca €45Marbella €38
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.Playa Blanca €20Marbella €19
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 dayPlaya Blanca €9.29Marbella €5.71
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 Playa Blanca and Marbella, we can see that Playa Blanca 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 Blanca would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Playa Blanca 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 Playa Blanca Expensive? and Is Marbella Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Playa Blanca or Marbella?
Marbella has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Playa Blanca. When comparing the sizes of Playa Blanca and Marbella, 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 Playa Blanca or Marbella?
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 Playa Blanca or Marbella in the Summer?
Both Marbella and Playa Blanca are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Marbella because of the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
Playa Blanca is around the same temperature as Marbella in the summer. The daily temperature in Playa Blanca averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Marbella fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
It's quite sunny in Marbella. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Playa Blanca. Playa Blanca usually receives less sunshine than Marbella during summer. Playa Blanca gets 282 hours of sunny skies, while Marbella receives 348 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Playa Blanca usually receives less rain than Marbella. Playa Blanca gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Marbella receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPlaya Blanca 23°C (73°F)Marbella 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Playa Blanca or Marbella in the Autumn?
Both Marbella and Playa Blanca during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Marbella this time of year.
In the autumn, Playa Blanca is a little warmer than Marbella. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Playa Blanca in October average around 22°C (72°F), and Marbella averages at about 19°C (67°F).
In Marbella, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Playa Blanca. In the autumn, Playa Blanca often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Marbella. Playa Blanca gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Marbella receives 213 hours of full sun.
Playa Blanca usually gets less rain in October than Marbella. Playa Blanca gets 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Marbella receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPlaya Blanca 22°C (72°F)Marbella 19°C (67°F)
Should I visit Playa Blanca or Marbella in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Playa Blanca and Marbella. Also, many travelers come to Marbella for the shopping scene and the cuisine.
In January, Playa Blanca is generally a little warmer than Marbella. Daily temperatures in Playa Blanca average around 17°C (63°F), and Marbella fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
In Playa Blanca, it's very sunny this time of the year. Playa Blanca usually receives more sunshine than Marbella during winter. Playa Blanca gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while Marbella receives 171 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Playa Blanca usually receives less rain than Marbella. Playa Blanca gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Marbella receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPlaya Blanca 17°C (63°F)Marbella 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Playa Blanca or Marbella in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Playa Blanca as well as Marbella. Also, many visitors come to Marbella in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.
Playa Blanca is a little warmer than Marbella in the spring. The daily temperature in Playa Blanca averages around 19°C (66°F) in April, and Marbella fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Marbella. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Playa Blanca this time of the year. In the spring, Playa Blanca often gets more sunshine than Marbella. Playa Blanca gets 250 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Marbella receives 220 hours of full sun.
Playa Blanca usually gets less rain in April than Marbella. Playa Blanca gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Marbella receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPlaya Blanca 19°C (66°F)Marbella 16°C (60°F)
Typical Weather for Marbella and Playa Blanca
| Playa Blanca | Marbella | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 17°C (63°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) |
| Feb | 17°C (63°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Mar | 18°C (64°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Apr | 19°C (66°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| May | 20°C (68°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) |
| Jun | 22°C (72°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Aug | 25°C (77°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 25°C (78°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Oct | 22°C (72°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Nov | 20°C (68°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) |
| Dec | 18°C (64°F) | 33 mm (1.3 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.