Which place is cheaper, Malaga or Puerto de la Cruz?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Puerto de la Cruz 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 Puerto de la Cruz 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: Puerto de la Cruz or Malaga?
Puerto de la Cruz
The coast of the island of Tenerife is a dream destination for those seeking a luxurious getaway full of beaches and parties. However, for those of you traveling with families or looking to simply avoid the hustle and bustle of the nightclub crowd, there's Puerto de la Cruz. Known as a sophisticated destination, Puerto de la Cruz is one of the top places to visit yet still retains its authentic, Canarian charm.
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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain, The Best Luxury Tours to Spain, The Best Budget Tours to Spain, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Spain.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPuerto de la Cruz €112Malaga €140
The average daily cost (per person) in Puerto de la Cruz is €112, while the average daily cost in Malaga is €140. 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 Puerto de la Cruz and Malaga in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPuerto de la Cruz €51Malaga €75
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPuerto de la Cruz €102Malaga €150
Compare Hotels in Puerto de la Cruz and Malaga
Looking for a hotel in Puerto de la Cruz 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: Puerto de la Cruz Hotel Prices and Malaga Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Puerto de la Cruz €40Malaga €31
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Malaga
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Malaga:
- Malaga hotels to Malaga Cruise Port - Departure Private Transfer: $19
- Malaga Port to Malaga Airport (AGP) - Departure Private Transfer: $19
- Private Transfer from Malaga hotels to Malaga Cruise Port: $19
- Private Transfer from Malaga Cruise Port to Málaga Airport (AGP): $19
- Private Transfer from Málaga Airport (AGP) to Malaga Cruise Port: $19
- Malaga Cruise Port to Malaga Hotels - Arrival Private Transfer : $19
- Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP) to Malaga Port - Arrival private Transfer: $19
- Private Transfer from Malaga City Center to Malaga Airport (AGP): $31
- Private Transfer: Malaga to Malaga Airport (AGP): $33
- Private One Way Airport Transfer (Malaga Airport To/From Malaga): $34
- Malaga Airport (AGP) to Malaga - Arrival Private Transfer: $36
- Malaga to Malaga Airport (AGP) - Departure Private Transfer: $36
Is it cheaper to fly into Puerto de la Cruz or Malaga?
Prices for flights to both Malaga and Puerto de la Cruz 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 dayPuerto de la Cruz €34Malaga €35
Typical Food Prices in Malaga
Some typical examples of dining costs in Malaga are as follows:
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Dinner for 2€30
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Dinner for 2€44
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Breakfast for 2€8.00
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.Puerto de la Cruz €28Malaga €31
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€7.10
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Concert€31
Tours and Activities in Malaga
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Malaga are as follows:
- Skip the Line: Picasso's Birthplace Museum Entrance Ticket: $4.36
- Guided Walking Tour of the Old Town of Frigiliana: $5.45
- Sightseeing Outdoor Escape Game in Malaga: $7.08
- Ronda Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $8.95
- Malaga Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
- Skip the Line: Centre Pompidou in Malaga Ticket: $9.82
- Museo Carmen Thyssen de Malaga Entrance Ticket: $12
- Skip the Line: Malaga Automobile and Fashion Museum Entrance Ticket: $13
- Guided tour in Ronda: $13
- Andalucia's City Of Dreams: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Ronda: $15
- Essential Malaga City Tour: $16
- Tour around the Central Market of Malaga: $16
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPuerto de la Cruz €5.00Malaga €22
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 Puerto de la Cruz and Malaga, we can see that Malaga is more expensive. And not only is Puerto de la Cruz much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Puerto de la Cruz would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Puerto de la Cruz 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 Puerto de la Cruz.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Puerto de la Cruz Expensive? and Is Malaga Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Puerto de la Cruz or Malaga?
Malaga has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Puerto de la Cruz. When comparing the sizes of Puerto de la Cruz 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 Puerto de la Cruz or Malaga?
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 Puerto de la Cruz or Malaga in the Summer?
Both Malaga and Puerto de la Cruz are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Malaga this time of year.
In July, Puerto de la Cruz is generally around the same temperature as Malaga. Daily temperatures in Puerto de la Cruz average around 24°C (75°F), and Malaga fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
It's quite sunny in Malaga. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Puerto de la Cruz. Puerto de la Cruz usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Malaga during summer. Puerto de la Cruz gets 334 hours of sunny skies, while Malaga receives 348 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Puerto de la Cruz usually receives around the same amount of rain as Malaga. Puerto de la Cruz gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Malaga receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPuerto de la Cruz 24°C (75°F)Malaga 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Puerto de la Cruz or Malaga in the Autumn?
Both Malaga and Puerto de la Cruz during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Malaga for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Puerto de la Cruz is around the same temperature as Malaga in the autumn. The daily temperature in Puerto de la Cruz averages around 21°C (70°F) in October, and Malaga fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).
In Malaga, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Puerto de la Cruz. In the autumn, Puerto de la Cruz often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Malaga. Puerto de la Cruz gets 218 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Malaga receives 213 hours of full sun.
Puerto de la Cruz usually gets less rain in October than Malaga. Puerto de la Cruz gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Malaga receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPuerto de la Cruz 21°C (70°F)Malaga 19°C (67°F)
Should I visit Puerto de la Cruz or Malaga in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Puerto de la Cruz and Malaga. Furthermore, many visitors come to Malaga in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.
In the winter, Puerto de la Cruz is a little warmer than Malaga. Typically, the winter temperatures in Puerto de la Cruz in January average around 18°C (64°F), and Malaga averages at about 12°C (54°F).
Puerto de la Cruz usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Malaga during winter. Puerto de la Cruz gets 180 hours of sunny skies, while Malaga receives 171 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Puerto de la Cruz usually receives less rain than Malaga. Puerto de la Cruz gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Malaga receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPuerto de la Cruz 18°C (64°F)Malaga 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Puerto de la Cruz or Malaga in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Puerto de la Cruz as well as Malaga. Additionally, most visitors come to Malaga for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.
In April, Puerto de la Cruz is generally a little warmer than Malaga. Daily temperatures in Puerto de la Cruz average around 20°C (68°F), and Malaga fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Malaga. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Puerto de la Cruz this time of the year. In the spring, Puerto de la Cruz often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Malaga. Puerto de la Cruz gets 229 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Malaga receives 220 hours of full sun.
Puerto de la Cruz usually gets less rain in April than Malaga. Puerto de la Cruz gets 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Malaga receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPuerto de la Cruz 20°C (68°F)Malaga 16°C (60°F)
Typical Weather for Malaga and Puerto de la Cruz
| Puerto de la Cruz | Malaga | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 18°C (64°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) |
| Feb | 18°C (64°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Mar | 19°C (66°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Apr | 20°C (68°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| May | 21°C (70°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) |
| Jun | 23°C (73°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (75°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 25°C (78°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Oct | 21°C (70°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Nov | 19°C (66°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) |
| Dec | 18°C (64°F) | 43 mm (1.7 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.