Which place is cheaper, Malaga or Vientiane?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Vientiane or Malaga?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Vientiane or Malaga, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Vientiane or Malaga?
Vientiane
You wouldn't expect the capital city to have such a relaxing environment, but in Vientiane, Laos you can sit back and take in the beautiful scenery without feeling pressure to see every little thing. With Vientiane, what you see is what you get.
While picturesque temples and markets line the streets, the city is still experiencing a successful building boom. Even the Presidential Palace has undergone some hefty renovations.
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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in Laos, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Laos, The Best Budget Tours to Spain, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Spain.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayVientiane $15Malaga $150
The average daily cost (per person) in Vientiane is $15, 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 Vientiane and Malaga in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personVientiane $6.00Malaga $80
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomVientiane $12Malaga $160
Compare Hotels in Vientiane and Malaga
Looking for a hotel in Vientiane 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: Vientiane Hotel Prices and Malaga Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Vientiane $2.08Malaga $33
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Vientiane
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Vientiane are as follows:
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Tuk Tuk Ride$4.23
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Vientiane
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Vientiane:
- Private Transfer in Laos: $5.00
- Vientiane Private Airport and Hotel Transfers: $9.00
- Vientiane Airport Transfer: Wattay airport to hotel - Private transfer: $15
- Vientian Private Airport Transfer - Wattay Airport: $15
- Wattay Airport (VTE): Private Transfer to/from Vientiane: $29
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Malaga
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Malaga:
- Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP) to Malaga Port - Arrival private Transfer: $19
- Private Transfer from Malaga Cruise Port to Málaga Airport (AGP): $19
- Private Transfer from Malaga hotels to Malaga Cruise Port: $19
- Private Transfer from Malaga Cruise Port to Malaga hotels: $19
- Malaga hotels to Malaga Cruise Port - Departure Private Transfer: $19
- Private Transfer from Málaga Airport (AGP) to Malaga Cruise Port: $19
- Private Transfer: Malaga to Malaga Airport (AGP): $33
- Malaga to Malaga Airport (AGP) - Departure Private Transfer: $36
- Malaga Cruise Port to Malaga hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $37
- Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP) to Malaga Port - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $37
- Private Transfer from Malaga airport (AGP) to Torremolinos: $39
- Transfer from Malaga Airport to Costa del Sol Hotels (Any Hotel): $42
Is it cheaper to fly into Vientiane or Malaga?
Prices for flights to both Malaga and Vientiane 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 dayVientiane $6.30Malaga $37
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Vientiane
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Vientiane.
- Private Evening Food Tour of Laos: $70
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.
- Horse and Flamenco Show in Malaga with Dinner: $76
- Malaga Tapas Cooking Class: $89
- Andalucia by Sunset - half day tour including dinner and Ronda pickup: $93
- Sardines On Skewers Show Cooking in Malaga beach: $147
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Vientiane $3.53Malaga $33
Tours and Activities in Vientiane
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Vientiane are as follows:
- Vientiane ATV and Canopy Walking Experience: $48
- Vientiane Sky Luge and Roller Zipline Experience: $55
- From Hue: Hue to Vientiane Bus tickets: $61
- Half-Day Vientiane City Bike Tour: $67
- Vientiane Half-Day City Tour: $69
- Guided Vientiane City and Buddha Park Full-Day Tour: $81
- Private Custom Tour with a Local Guide in Vientiane: $82
- Vientiane City Day Tour and Buddha Park Visit with Lunch: $88
- 2 Days Private Tour in Vientiane and Vang Vieng: $90
- Private Vientiane Tour - include Buddha Park: $100
- Private Tour: Full-day Vientiane's Must-See Sights and River Sunset with Lunch: $101
- Private Tour: Half-day City Guided Tour of Vientiane: $113
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:
- Skip the Line: Picasso's Birthplace Museum Entrance Ticket: $4.37
- Sightseeing Outdoor Escape Game in Malaga: $7.09
- Ronda Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $8.89
- Guided tour of Castillo Colomares: $9.83
- Alcazaba Malaga Guided Tour: $11
- Guided tour in Ronda: $13
- Andalucia's City Of Dreams: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Ronda: $15
- Essential Malaga City Tour: $16
- City Sightseeing Benalmadena Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $16
- Private Guided Tour to the only coffee farm in Europe: $16
- Tour around the Central Market of Malaga: $16
- 1.5-Hour Roman Theater and Alcazaba Castle Walking Tour: $16
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayVientiane $2.34Malaga $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
- Sun and Wine Route - Small group, wine tasting and lunch included: $76
- Malaga City Wine Tour: $94
- Flamenco, Tapas and Wine Tour: Best of Málaga in one Evening: $104
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Vientiane and Malaga, we can see that Malaga is more expensive. And not only is Vientiane much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Vientiane is in Asia and Malaga is in Europe, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Vientiane would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Vientiane 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 Vientiane.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Vientiane Expensive? and Is Malaga Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Vientiane or Malaga?
Malaga has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Vientiane. When comparing the sizes of Vientiane 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 Vientiane or Malaga?
Malaga has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Vientiane experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Vientiane or Malaga in the Summer?
Both Malaga and Vientiane are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Vientiane throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Malaga in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Vientiane is a little warmer than Malaga. Typically, the summer temperatures in Vientiane in July average around 30°C (85°F), and Malaga averages at about 25°C (77°F).
It's quite sunny in Malaga. Vientiane usually receives less sunshine than Malaga during summer. Vientiane gets 141 hours of sunny skies, while Malaga receives 348 hours of full sun in the summer.
It's quite rainy in Vientiane. In July, Vientiane usually receives more rain than Malaga. Vientiane gets 266 mm (10.5 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 JulyVientiane 30°C (85°F)Malaga 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Vientiane or Malaga in the Autumn?
Both Malaga and Vientiane during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Vientiane because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Malaga for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
In October, Vientiane is generally a little warmer than Malaga. Daily temperatures in Vientiane average around 28°C (83°F), and Malaga fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).
In Malaga, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Vientiane. In the autumn, Vientiane often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Malaga. Vientiane gets 222 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Malaga receives 213 hours of full sun.
Vientiane usually gets more rain in October than Malaga. Vientiane gets 87 mm (3.4 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 OctoberVientiane 28°C (83°F)Malaga 19°C (67°F)
Should I visit Vientiane or Malaga in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Vientiane and Malaga. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vientiane year-round. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Malaga because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.
Vientiane is much warmer than Malaga in the winter. The daily temperature in Vientiane averages around 24°C (75°F) in January, and Malaga fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
In Vientiane, it's very sunny this time of the year. Vientiane usually receives more sunshine than Malaga during winter. Vientiane gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Malaga receives 171 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Vientiane usually receives less rain than Malaga. Vientiane gets 6 mm (0.2 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 JanuaryVientiane 24°C (75°F)Malaga 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Vientiane or Malaga in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Vientiane as well as Malaga. Vientiane attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Malaga this time of year.
The heat can be very extreme in Vientiane. In the spring, Vientiane is much warmer than Malaga. Typically, the spring temperatures in Vientiane in April average around 31°C (88°F), and Malaga averages at about 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 Vientiane this time of the year. In the spring, Vientiane often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Malaga. Vientiane gets 230 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Malaga receives 220 hours of full sun.
Vientiane usually gets more rain in April than Malaga. Vientiane gets 85 mm (3.3 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 AprilVientiane 31°C (88°F)Malaga 16°C (60°F)
Typical Weather for Malaga and Vientiane
| Vientiane | Malaga | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (79°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (85°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Apr | 31°C (88°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| May | 30°C (87°F) | 255 mm (10 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) |
| Jun | 30°C (86°F) | 273 mm (10.7 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (85°F) | 266 mm (10.5 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (85°F) | 323 mm (12.7 in) | 25°C (78°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (84°F) | 295 mm (11.6 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (83°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (74°F) | 3 mm (0.1 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.