Which place is cheaper, Malaga or Zanzibar?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Zanzibar 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 Zanzibar 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: Zanzibar or Malaga?
Zanzibar
Just off the coast of Tanzania lies an entrancing archipelago known as Zanzibar. This gorgeous string of islands is the land of sultans, palaces beaches and spice-filled markets. Once an important trading center, many restorations have been done in recent years to restore Zanzibar to its ancient grandeur - earning its capital city UNESCO World Heritage status in 2000.
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 Eco Tours in Tanzania, The Best Cultural Tours in Tanzania, The Best Budget Tours to Spain, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Spain.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayZanzibar $51Malaga $150
The average daily cost (per person) in Zanzibar is $51, 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 Zanzibar and Malaga in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personZanzibar $24Malaga $80
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomZanzibar $48Malaga $160
Compare Hotels in Zanzibar and Malaga
Looking for a hotel in Zanzibar 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: Zanzibar Hotel Prices and Malaga Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Zanzibar $11Malaga $33
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zanzibar
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zanzibar:
- Zanzibar transfer and taxi services: $15
- Departure Private Transfer from Island to Zanzibar Airport ZNZ by Standard Van: $17
- Zanzibar Airport Transfer ( Tax) To Stone Town: $19
- Zanzibar Private Departure Transfer from Stone Town Hotels to the Airport: $20
- Airport to Stown Town or Stown Town To Airport transfer: $20
- Private Transfer from Abeid Amani Karume Airport to Zanzibar: $20
- Zanzibar Arrival Transfer: Zanzibar Airport to Hotel: $20
- Zanzibar Shared Departure Transfer: $21
- Zanzibar Airport transfers and Taxi services: $22
- Zanzibar Airport Private Arrival Transfers: $22
- Zanzibar Airport Private Arrival Transfers: $22
- Zanzibar Airport Private Arrival Transfers: $22
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 Zanzibar or Malaga?
Prices for flights to both Malaga and Zanzibar 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 dayZanzibar $17Malaga $37
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zanzibar
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Zanzibar.
- Half-Day Kuza Cave Swimming Adventure and Cooking Class: $13
- Authentic Street Food Tours in Stone Town, Zanzibar: $40
- Zanzibar Traditional Cooking Class: $49
- An romantic cooking Lesson + Spice Farm Tour: $55
- Zanzibar Cooking Class [Swahili food test ] and Spice farm Private tour: $59
- Zanzibar Cooking Class & Spice Tour : $59
- Zanzibar Spice farm and Cooking Class: $60
- Local Cooking Class with Spice Tour in Zanzibar: $60
- Walking Spice Farm with Local Cooking Class: $60
- Spice Farm tour & Local cooking lesson with Lunch: $64
- Spice Farm Tour with Traditional Cooking Lesson: $65
- Stone Town Private Food Tour with a Guide: $65
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.Zanzibar $13Malaga $33
Tours and Activities in Zanzibar
Here are a few actual costs in Zanzibar for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Africa's Paradises Full Sightseeing Package Tours: $15
- Easy Stone Town Tour: $20
- Stone Town tour: $20
- Stone Town Historical Walking Tour: $20
- Zanzibar Stone Town Historical City Tour: $20
- Stone town walking tour ( City tour): $23
- Stone Town Tour without transport: $24
- Stone Town Private Walking Tour: $25
- Stone Town Walking Tour: $25
- Private Stone Town City Tour Zanzibar : $25
- Zanzibar Spice Farm Tour & Exotic Fruit Lunch: $25
- Zanzibar Tours & Taxi Services : $25
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 dayZanzibar $6.86Malaga $24
Sample the Local Flavors in Zanzibar
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Zanzibar:
- Pub Crawl & Club Experience: $30
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 Zanzibar and Malaga, we can see that Malaga is more expensive. And not only is Zanzibar much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Zanzibar is in Africa 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 Zanzibar would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Zanzibar 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 Zanzibar.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Zanzibar Expensive? and Is Malaga Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Zanzibar or Malaga?
Malaga has a larger population, and is about 36% larger than the population of Zanzibar. When comparing the sizes of Zanzibar 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 Zanzibar or Malaga?
Malaga has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Zanzibar experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Zanzibar or Malaga in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Zanzibar and Malaga. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Zanzibar year-round. Furthermore, many travelers come to Malaga for the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Zanzibar is generally around the same temperature as Malaga. Daily temperatures in Zanzibar average around 25°C (77°F), and Malaga fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Malaga this time of the year. In Zanzibar, it's very sunny this time of the year. Zanzibar usually receives less sunshine than Malaga during summer. Zanzibar gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Malaga receives 348 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Zanzibar usually receives more rain than Malaga. Zanzibar gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Malaga receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyZanzibar 25°C (77°F)Malaga 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Malaga in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Zanzibar as well as Malaga. Zanzibar attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many visitors come to Malaga in the autumn for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Zanzibar is a little warmer than Malaga in the autumn. The daily temperature in Zanzibar averages around 25°C (78°F) in October, and Malaga fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Malaga. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zanzibar this time of the year. In the autumn, Zanzibar often gets more sunshine than Malaga. Zanzibar gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Malaga receives 213 hours of full sun.
Zanzibar usually gets more rain in October than Malaga. Zanzibar gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Malaga receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberZanzibar 25°C (78°F)Malaga 19°C (67°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Malaga in the Winter?
Both Malaga and Zanzibar are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Zanzibar throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Malaga for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.
In the winter, Zanzibar is much warmer than Malaga. Typically, the winter temperatures in Zanzibar in January average around 28°C (82°F), and Malaga averages at about 12°C (54°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Zanzibar. Zanzibar usually receives more sunshine than Malaga during winter. Zanzibar gets 236 hours of sunny skies, while Malaga receives 171 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Zanzibar usually receives around the same amount of rain as Malaga. Zanzibar gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Malaga receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryZanzibar 28°C (82°F)Malaga 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Malaga in the Spring?
Both Malaga and Zanzibar during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Zanzibar because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Malaga because of the beaches and the natural beauty.
In April, Zanzibar is generally much warmer than Malaga. Daily temperatures in Zanzibar average around 27°C (81°F), and Malaga fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).
In Malaga, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Zanzibar often gets less sunshine than Malaga. Zanzibar gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Malaga receives 220 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Zanzibar. Zanzibar usually gets more rain in April than Malaga. Zanzibar gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Malaga receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilZanzibar 27°C (81°F)Malaga 16°C (60°F)
Typical Weather for Malaga and Zanzibar
| Zanzibar | Malaga | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (83°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 269 mm (10.6 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| May | 26°C (78°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (76°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 25°C (78°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (76°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (78°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 116 mm (4.6 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.