Which place is cheaper, Malaga or Saint Petersburg?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Saint Petersburg or Malaga?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Malaga? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Saint Petersburg or Malaga?
Saint Petersburg
Saint Petersburg is a beautiful city that sits on the eastern edge of the Baltic Sea. Its historical city center is threaded with canals and architecturally impressive buildings, leaving little doubt as to why this city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is the second largest city in Russia, but perhaps a favorite among travelers. The metropolitan area has a population of over 5 million as well as an impressive culture with fascinating museums, restaurants, and architecture. The city has no shortage of sights and attractions, and many days can be passed while you wander its intricate streets.
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.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySaint Petersburg $63Malaga $150
The average daily cost (per person) in Saint Petersburg is $63, 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 Saint Petersburg and Malaga in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSaint Petersburg $36Malaga $80
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSaint Petersburg $72Malaga $160
Compare Hotels in Saint Petersburg and Malaga
Looking for a hotel in Saint Petersburg 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
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Saint Petersburg $7.29Malaga $33
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Saint Petersburg
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Saint Petersburg:
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Metro Passes$1.34
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 Saint Petersburg or Malaga?
Prices for flights to both Malaga and Saint Petersburg 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 daySaint Petersburg $18Malaga $37
Typical Food Prices in Saint Petersburg
For Saint Petersburg, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Lunch for Two$4.61
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.Saint Petersburg $18Malaga $33
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 daySaint Petersburg $9.68Malaga $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 Saint Petersburg and Malaga, we can see that Malaga is more expensive. And not only is Saint Petersburg much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Saint Petersburg would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Saint Petersburg 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 Saint Petersburg.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Saint Petersburg Expensive? and Is Malaga Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Saint Petersburg or Malaga?
Saint Petersburg has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Malaga. When comparing the sizes of Saint Petersburg 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 Saint Petersburg 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 Saint Petersburg or Malaga in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Saint Petersburg as well as Malaga. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Malaga because of the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
Saint Petersburg is cooler than Malaga in the summer. The daily temperature in Saint Petersburg averages around 18°C (64°F) in July, and Malaga fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Malaga. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Petersburg this time of the year. In the summer, Saint Petersburg often gets less sunshine than Malaga. Saint Petersburg gets 267 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Malaga receives 348 hours of full sun.
Saint Petersburg usually gets more rain in July than Malaga. Saint Petersburg gets 77 mm (3 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 JulySaint Petersburg 18°C (64°F)Malaga 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Malaga in the Autumn?
Both Malaga and Saint Petersburg are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Malaga this time of year.
In the autumn, Saint Petersburg is much colder than Malaga. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Saint Petersburg in October average around 6°C (42°F), and Malaga averages at about 19°C (67°F).
It's quite sunny in Malaga. Saint Petersburg usually receives less sunshine than Malaga during autumn. Saint Petersburg gets 70 hours of sunny skies, while Malaga receives 213 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Saint Petersburg usually receives more rain than Malaga. Saint Petersburg gets 65 mm (2.6 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 OctoberSaint Petersburg 6°C (42°F)Malaga 19°C (67°F)
Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Malaga in the Winter?
Both Malaga and Saint Petersburg during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Malaga for the shopping scene and the cuisine.
It's quite cold in Saint Petersburg in the winter. In January, Saint Petersburg is generally much colder than Malaga. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around -8°C (18°F), and Malaga fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
In the winter, Saint Petersburg often gets less sunshine than Malaga. Saint Petersburg gets 22 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Malaga receives 171 hours of full sun.
Saint Petersburg usually gets less rain in January than Malaga. Saint Petersburg gets 38 mm (1.5 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 JanuarySaint Petersburg -8°C (18°F)Malaga 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Malaga in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Petersburg and Malaga. Also, many visitors come to Malaga in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Saint Petersburg. Saint Petersburg is much colder than Malaga in the spring. The daily temperature in Saint Petersburg averages around 4°C (40°F) in April, and Malaga fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Malaga this time of the year. Saint Petersburg usually receives less sunshine than Malaga during spring. Saint Petersburg gets 180 hours of sunny skies, while Malaga receives 220 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Saint Petersburg usually receives less rain than Malaga. Saint Petersburg gets 33 mm (1.3 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 AprilSaint Petersburg 4°C (40°F)Malaga 16°C (60°F)
Typical Weather for Malaga and Saint Petersburg
| Saint Petersburg | Malaga | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -8°C (18°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) |
| Feb | -7°C (20°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Mar | -2°C (28°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Apr | 4°C (40°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| May | 11°C (52°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) |
| Jun | 16°C (60°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) |
| Jul | 18°C (64°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Aug | 16°C (62°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 25°C (78°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Sep | 11°C (52°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Oct | 6°C (42°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Nov | 0°C (32°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) |
| Dec | -5°C (24°F) | 48 mm (1.9 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.