A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Xi'an vs. Malaga for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Xi'an or Malaga?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Xi'an and Malaga 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: Xi'an or Malaga?

Xi'an

Xi'an is an ancient city in the Shaanxi Province in China. Today it is most notable as the location of the Terracotta Warriors, but for visitors who choose to linger, there is so much more to see and do in the area. The city itself is more than 3,000 years old and for about one thousand years, through 13 dynasties and 73 emperors, it was the capital. Because of its rich history there are many historical ruins and a strong culture in the city. Today the city is a pleasant place to visit, although much of it's influence and power has dwindled. The city has both cosmopolitan and modern areas as well as historic and culturally rich areas. The neighborhoods are diverse and by exploring the city in depth you can learn a little more about what China really has to offer.

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 10-Day Tours in China, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in China, The Best Budget Tours to Spain, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Spain.


Which place is cheaper, Malaga or Xi'an?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Xi'an is $94, 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 Xi'an and Malaga in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Xi'an $60
    Malaga $80
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Xi'an $120
    Malaga $160
Compare Hotels in Xi'an and Malaga

Looking for a hotel in Xi'an 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.

Hotels in Xian


Hotels in Malaga


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
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Xi'an $12
    Malaga $33

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Xi'an

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Xi'an:

  • Xi'an Airport Transfer: $17
  • Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Xi'an Central Train Station: $21
  • Private Departure Transfer to Xi'an International Airport from City Hotels: $22
  • Private Transfer from Xi'an hotel to Xi'an train station: $27
  • Airport Transfer] Xi'an Airport Xi'an City Transfer High reputation for service! : $27
  • Xi'an Terracotta Army Tickets with Optional Guide/Transfer: $28
  • Xian City to Xian Xianyang Airport (XIY) - Departure Private Transfer: $28
  • Private Airport Transfer:Xi'an Xianyang International Airport to Xi'an Hotel: $29
  • Private Airport Transfer: Xi'an Hotel to Xianyang International Airport: $29
  • Xi’an Railway Station Private Arrival Transfer to City Area: $29
  • Xi’an Railway Station Private Departure Transfer from City Area: $29
  • Xi’an Xianyang International Airport Private Departure Transfer from City Area : $29

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Malaga

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Malaga:

  • Malaga Airport (AGP) to Marbella - Arrival Private Transfer: $44
  • Airport Transfer: Malaga Airport AGP to Malaga by Luxury Van: $57
  • Airport Transfer: Malaga to Malaga Airport AGP by Business Car: $51
  • Arrival Transfer from Malaga airport AGP to Malaga City by Sedan: $46
  • Departure Transfer: Malaga to Malaga Airport AGP by Business Car: $51
  • Departure Transfer: Malaga to Malaga Airport AGP by Luxury Van: $57
  • Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP) to Malaga Port - Arrival private Transfer: $19
  • Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP) to Malaga Port - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $37
  • Malaga Airport (AGP) to Marbella - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $88
  • Malaga Airport (Costa del Sol) Private Arrival Transfer: $44
  • Malaga Airport (Costa del Sol) Private Departure Transfer: $44
  • Malaga Airport to Granada Hotel or Family House in Private Transfer: $189

Is it cheaper to fly into Xi'an or Malaga?

Prices for flights to both Malaga and Xi'an 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Xi'an $12
    Malaga $37

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Xi'an

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Xi'an.

  • Skip the Line: Xi'an Tang Dynasty Show Ticket & Dumpling Dinner or Royal Banquet: $32
  • Dinner and Show of Tang Dynasty Palace in Xian: $40
  • Private Home Cooking Class:Dumpling Cooking Class Tour in Xi'an: $50
  • Xi'an Twilight Sightseeing and Food Tour: $51
  • Tang Dynasty Dinner Show: $55
  • Xi'an Vegetarian Food Tour: $60
  • Xi'an Food Tour by Tuk Tuk: $62
  • Private Xi'an Food Tour: $65
  • Private Xi’an Night & Food Tour by Tuk Tuk and Public Transportation: $67
  • Xi'an Evening Food Tour by TukTuk: $69
  • 4 Hours Food Tours in Xi'an: $72
  • 3-Hour Biang Biang Noodles Cooking Class in Xi'an: $75

Typical Food Prices in Malaga

Some typical examples of dining costs in Malaga are as follows:


  • Dinner for 2
    $32
  • Dinner for 2
    $47
  • 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
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Xi'an $35
    Malaga $33

Tours and Activities in Xi'an

Here are a few actual costs in Xi'an for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Xi'an Virtual Tour: Emperor Qin Shi Huang and His Terracotta Army: $15
  • Xi'an: Terracotta Warriors Group Walking Tour(NO Shopping): $26
  • Terra-cotta Warriors Entrance Ticket with Optional Guided Service: $26
  • Terracotta Warriors 5-Hour Private Tour w/ Optional Pickup Point: $26
  • Terracotta Army Ticket: $28
  • Group Bus Tour to Terracotta Warriors with Hotel Pickup & Lunch: $35
  • Terracotta Warriors Tickets Booking: $35
  • Tang Dynasty Palace Show Tickets Booking: $37
  • Terra-cotta Warriors Ticket with Optional Car & Guided Service: $38
  • Xi'an City Wall: Guided Tour with Cycling Option: $43
  • Xi'an Religions Tour: $45
  • Guided Leisure Walking Tour to Muslim Quarter in Xi'an: $46

Typical Entertainment Prices in Malaga

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Malaga are as follows:


  • Entrance to Castillos
    $7.61
  • 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
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Xi'an $7.23
    Malaga $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 Xi'an and Malaga, we can see that Malaga is more expensive. And not only is Xi'an much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Xi'an 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 Xi'an would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Xi'an 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 Xi'an.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Xi'an Expensive? and Is Malaga Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Xi'an or Malaga?

Xi'an has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Malaga. When comparing the sizes of Xi'an 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.