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

Should you visit Yogyakarta or Malaga?

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

Should I visit Yogyakarta 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: Yogyakarta or Malaga?

Yogyakarta

Yogyakarta, also called Yogya, Jogja, and Jogjakarta, is Java's hub of culture and art, and is the top-visited destination on the island. While Jakarta is the most populated and industrially-developed city in Indonesia, Yogya has managed to progress without losing its cultural charm, as illustrated in its well-kept traditional Indonesian architecture.

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 Adventure Tours to Indonesia, The Best Eco Tours in Indonesia, The Best Budget Tours to Spain, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Spain.


Which place is cheaper, Malaga or Yogyakarta?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Yogyakarta is $58, 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 Yogyakarta and Malaga in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Yogyakarta $37
    Malaga $80
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Yogyakarta $74
    Malaga $160
Compare Hotels in Yogyakarta and Malaga

Looking for a hotel in Yogyakarta 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 Yogyakarta


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: Yogyakarta Hotel Prices and Malaga Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Yogyakarta $1.34
    Malaga $33

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Yogyakarta

Also for Yogyakarta, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Transfer In or Out Airport Yogyakarta: $12
  • Yogyakarta Private Departure Transfer- Yogyakarta Hotel to Airport: $20
  • Ramayana Ballet Dance Show with Transfers: $25
  • Transfer in or out airport: $26
  • Private Transfer From/To Yogyakarta Airport: $28
  • Yogyakarta Airport : for pick up or transfer service: $29
  • Borobudur 5-Hour Guided Tour with Climb-up Access & Transfer: $29
  • Private Transfer from Yogyakarta Airport YIA To City Center: $29
  • Yogyakarta International Airport to Hotel - Arrival Transfer: $32
  • Private Transfer from Patehan to Yogyakarta Airport (JOG): $34
  • Private Transfer from Kricak to Yogyakarta Airport (JOG): $34
  • Private Transfer from Yogyakarta Airport (JOG) to Kadipaten: $34

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Malaga

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Malaga:

  • Vip Transfer from Malaga Airport to Nerja: $131
  • Vip Transfer from Malaga Airport to Malaga Fuengirola or Marbella: $55
  • Vip Transfer from Malaga Airport to Algeciras or Tarifa: $186
  • Vip Private Transfer from Malaga Airport to Gibraltar Border: $164
  • Transfer from Malaga Airport to Costa del Sol Hotels (Any Hotel): $42
  • Private transfer from Malaga airport to hotels on the Costa del Sol: $109
  • Private Transfer: Malaga to Malaga Airport (AGP): $33
  • Private Transfer from/to Seville to/from Malaga & Stop Alhambra: $231
  • Private Transfer from/to Motril to/from Malaga with private driver: $160
  • Private Transfer from airport to Malaga : $69
  • Private Transfer from Torrequebrada to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $57
  • Private Transfer from Torrenueva (Mijas) to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $88

Is it cheaper to fly into Yogyakarta or Malaga?

Prices for flights to both Malaga and Yogyakarta 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
    Yogyakarta $12
    Malaga $37

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Yogyakarta

For Yogyakarta, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Morning Food Tour with Tasting: $23
  • Yogyakarta : Guided City Walk and Food Tour: $32
  • Prambanan temple afternoon tour and dinner: $34
  • Prawirotaman Night Food Tour: $35
  • Night Walking and Food Tour: $37
  • Ramayana Ballet Performance with Dinner: $39
  • Yogyakarta Cooking Class and Market Tour : $40
  • Small-Group Walking and Food Tour by Night in Yogyakarta: $40
  • Javanese Cooking Class & Market Tour: $57
  • Yogyakarta Day Food Tour: $58
  • Yogyakarta Cooking Class: $71
  • Nusantara Cooking Course and Lokal Market Tour: $81

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: $77
  • Paella Cooking Class in Malaga: $84
  • 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: $148

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Yogyakarta $16
    Malaga $33

Tours and Activities in Yogyakarta

For Yogyakarta, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Obelix Hills Entry Ticket: $1.55
  • Chicken Church at Karangrejo Village Admission Ticket: $1.92
  • Prambanan Temple Afternoon Tour: $18
  • 6 hours Borobudur temple climb up tour only.: $19
  • Jomblang cave Tour only.: $19
  • Prambanan Afternoon Tour Discover Magic sunset: $20
  • Jogja Adventure Transport only: $20
  • Yogyakarta : Jomblang Cave tour with local Guide: $21
  • Walking Tour of Yogyakarta's Oldest Neighbourhood: $21
  • Authentic Yogya Bicycle Tour: $22
  • Jomblang Cave Tour: $22
  • Yogyakarta City Tour: $23

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:

  • Half-Day Luxury Motor Yacht Cruise in Granada: $153
  • Private Tour of Ronda and Setenil de Las Bodegas: $240
  • Ronda group walking Tour: $27
  • Sealife Benalmadena Entrance Ticket: $21
  • Winery and Olive Mill Guided and Tasting Tour with Tapas: $120
  • 1 Hour Family Buggy Tour, Off-Road Adventure in Mijas: $120
  • 1 Hour Malaga Panoramic Segway Tour : $38
  • 1 Hour Quad/ATV Tour Off-Road Adventure in Mijas: $98
  • 1.5-Hour Roman Theater and Alcazaba Castle Walking Tour: $16
  • 2 Hour Buggy Tour Off-Road Adventure in Mijas: $142
  • 2 Hour Family Buggy Tour, Off-Road Adventure in Mijas: $164
  • 2 Hours Buggy Safari Experience in the Mountains of Mijas with Guide: $126

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Yogyakarta $4.98
    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: $18
  • Guided Cellar Tour and wine tasting: $35
  • Winederlust Wine Tasting: $66
  • Sun and Wine Route - Small group, wine tasting and lunch included: $76
  • Malaga City Wine Tour: $95
  • Flamenco, Tapas and Wine Tour: Best of Málaga in one Evening: $104
  • Traditional Malaga Tapas and Wine Tour: $119
  • Malaga Tapas and Wine Tour: $137


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Yogyakarta and Malaga, we can see that Malaga is more expensive. And not only is Yogyakarta much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Yogyakarta 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 Yogyakarta would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Yogyakarta 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 Yogyakarta.

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


Which is Bigger, Yogyakarta or Malaga?

Yogyakarta has a larger population, and is about 16% larger than the population of Malaga. When comparing the sizes of Yogyakarta 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.