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

Should you visit Luxor or Malaga?

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

Should I visit Luxor 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: Luxor or Malaga?

Luxor

Egypt is surely on the top of every history lover's bucket list. Nowhere is the history more engrossing than in Luxor. From amazing monuments dating back to ancient Thebes to rows of temples up the Nile, this remarkable city is full the stories of past greatness.

The East Bank – or the central part of Luxor Township – is the hotbed for tourism. This is where most of the hotels and resorts are, while the West Bank is home to the ancient ruins and archaeological wonders you'll want to explore.

Before traveling to Egypt, be sure to check on the current affairs and political climate. It could have a major effect on the amount of tourists visiting, and, if conditions are too dangerous, you may want to reschedule. Also note, ladies, to avoid any issues, dress modestly. This is a very conservative region of the world. The less skin showing, the better.

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 Sightseeing Tours in Egypt, The Best Luxury Tours to Egypt, The Best 10-Day Tours from Madrid, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Barcelona.


Which place is cheaper, Malaga or Luxor?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Luxor is $33, while the average daily cost in Malaga is $194. 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 Luxor and Malaga in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Luxor $11
    Malaga $87
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Luxor $22
    Malaga $174
Compare Hotels in Luxor and Malaga

Looking for a hotel in Luxor 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 Luxor


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: Luxor Hotel Prices and Malaga Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Luxor $5.64
    Malaga $36
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Luxor

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Luxor:


  • Taxi Ride
    $0.42

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Luxor

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Luxor:

  • Private transfer from/to Luxor train station: $5.00
  • Private Transfer from & to Luxor Airport from Any Hotel in Luxor: $6.00
  • "Pet-Friendly Private Transfer: Luxor Station to Hotel": $6.00
  • Seamless Transfers Between Luxor Airport & Your Hotel: $6.65
  • Private Transfer from Luxor Airport to Any Hotel in Luxor: $6.90
  • Luxor Airport to Aswan, Hurghada Transfer pickup/drop off 1 Way: $7.00
  • Luxor Airport Departure: Convenient Private Hotel Transfer: $7.00
  • Private Transfer From/To Luxor International Airport: $7.00
  • Luxor Airport Transfer to Hotel: $7.02
  • Pick up Transfers From Luxor Airport To Luxor Hotels: $7.50
  • Airport Transfer from Luxor Airport to Luxor Hotels: $8.36
  • Transfer from Luxor Airport or Hotel: $9.50

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Malaga

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Malaga:

  • Airport Transfer: Malaga Airport AGP to Malaga by Business Car: $65
  • Airport Transfer: Malaga to Malaga Airport AGP by Luxury Van: $71
  • Alegria Flamenco in Malaga, with Transfer, Cocktail and Premium Location: $88
  • Arrival Transfer from Malaga airport AGP to Malaga City by Sedan: $55
  • Benalmadena: AGP Airport to Downtown|Hotels Private Transfer: $51
  • Cancelada to Malaga Airport (AGP) - Departure Private Transfer: $286
  • Departure Transfer: Malaga to Malaga Airport AGP by Business Car: $59
  • Departure Transfer: Malaga to Malaga Airport AGP by Luxury Van: $66
  • Málaga-Costa Airport (AGP): Transfer to Malaga Cruise Port: $120
  • Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP) to Malaga Port - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $139
  • Malaga : Private Transfer to/from Airport and City: $71
  • Malaga Airport (AGP) to Granada - Arrival Private Transfer: $135

Is it cheaper to fly into Luxor or Malaga?

Prices for flights to both Malaga and Luxor 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
    Luxor $16
    Malaga $71

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Luxor

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Luxor.

  • Tourist market,local food tour,the gym and coffee in Luxor: $19
  • Luxor Sunset Felucca Ride and Lunch or Dinner: $21
  • Dinner on the River Nile with Belly Dancing: $31
  • Eat Like a Local:Traditional Egyptian Food / Dinner at Local Family Home - Luxor: $36
  • 2 Hour Cooking Session with Family in Luxor: $40
  • Luxor City Private Walking and Food Tour: $50
  • Karnak Sound And Light Show With Dinner, Felucca  : $64
  • Private Romantic Dinner with Fallucca Sail boat on the Nile Luxor: $70
  • Dinner on the River Nile with Belly Dancing in luxor: $78
  • private day in east bank & dendera with dinner on boat: $86
  • Cooking Class & Soulful Egyptian Farmer Experience in Luxor: $120

Typical Food Prices in Malaga

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


  • Dinner for 2
    $35
  • Dinner for 2
    $52
  • Breakfast for 2
    $9.39

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Malaga

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Malaga.

  • Authentic Flamenco Dinner Show at Restaurant VinoMio: $8.81
  • Hard Rock Cafe Entrance with Lunch or Dinner: $38
  • Málaga: Morning Guided Food Tour: $68
  • Malaga Atarazanas Market Guided Food Tour with Tastings: $71
  • Dinner and Show at Alegría Flamenco & Restaurant in Malaga: $72
  • Málaga: Spanish Cooking Workshop with Paella and Sangria: $78
  • Malaga Food Tour with Tapas & Drinks with a Local: $84
  • Malaga Tapas Cooking Class: $84
  • Pedregalejo Food Tour: Explore Malaga's most iconic quarter: $87
  • Horse and Flamenco Show in Malaga with Dinner: $87
  • Authentic Paella Cooking Class with Sangría: $88
  • Málaga: Tapas, Wine & Rooftops Small Group Food Tour: $94

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Luxor $10
    Malaga $36
Typical Entertainment Prices in Luxor

Here are a few typical costs in Luxor for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Boat Ride (for 2)
    $0.57
  • Temple Karnak for Two
    $2.73
  • Camel Ride for Two
    $1.26

Tours and Activities in Luxor

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

  • Full tour to Karnak and Luxor temples, and felucca: $5.00
  • Private Tour Shopping in Luxor City : $6.00
  • Historical Day Tour To Luxor And Mummification Museums: $8.00
  • Day Tour To Habu Temple Valley Of Workers And Queens: $8.00
  • Historic Corniche Walking Experience with Refreshment: $8.00
  • Luxor Day Tour: Explore Dendara & Abydos Temples: $8.19
  • Private Half-Day Tour: Exploring Luxor's East Bank: $8.50
  • Half Day Tour: Valley of the Kings and Hatshepsut Temple & Mamnon: $9.00
  • Half Day Tour: Valley of the kings & Hatshepsut Temple and Memnon: $9.00
  • Private Guided Tour of Karnak and Luxor Temples: $9.00
  • Explore Luxor in amazing City Tour, Horse carriage : $9.00
  • Karnak Sound and Light Display Tour in Luxor (Private): $9.00

Typical Entertainment Prices in Malaga

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


  • Entrance to Castillos
    $8.33
  • Concert
    $36

Tours and Activities in Malaga

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Malaga are as follows:

  • Alcazaba to Picasso: Málaga’s Best in a Self-Guided Tour: $1.17
  • Malaga Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self-Guided Tour: $3.58
  • Malaga's historic center: Self-guided tour created by a local Official Guide: $4.70
  • Skip the Line: Picasso's Birthplace Museum Entrance Ticket: $4.78
  • Essential Round Self-guided tour created by a local Official Guide: $4.78
  • Guided Walking Tour of the Old Town of Frigiliana: $5.97
  • Ronda Old Town Walking Tour with Audioguide on Your Smartphone: $8.35
  • Malaga Self Guided Audio Experience: $9.00
  • Málaga Exploration Game and City Tour on your Phone: $9.55
  • Malaga City Center's Architecture: A Self Guided Walking Tour: $9.99
  • Ronda Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $10
  • Málaga: Picasso Birthplace Museum Ticket & City Audio Guide: $11

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Luxor $3.10
    Malaga $26

Sample the Local Flavors in Malaga

Also in Malaga, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Málaga: Pub Crawl Málaga Madness: $14
  • Malaga Nightlife Pub Crawl Tour with Drinks and Clubs Entry: $19
  • Visit the Oldest Winery of Malaga and Wine Tasting: $23
  • C/Echegaray 5 Málaga center: Malagueño Massage: Massage + Wine Tasting: $65
  • Ronda Wine Tasting with Tapas in a Scenic Vineyard: $66
  • Málaga: Traditional Andalusian Tapas and Wine Tour: $77
  • Discover the Hidden Gems of Natural Wine Tasting Tours: $99
  • White Village, Vineyard, and Wine Tasting Wine Tour: $106
  • Flamenco, Tapas, and Wine Tour: $110
  • OLIVE OIL & WINE TOUR Organic fields - 5 Wines + 3Olive Oils: $112
  • Caminito Del Rey and Wine Tasting from Malaga: $114
  • Flamenco, Tapas and Wine Tour: Best of Málaga in one Evening: $118


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

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


Which is Bigger, Luxor or Malaga?

Malaga has a larger population, and is about 30% larger than the population of Luxor. When comparing the sizes of Luxor 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 Luxor or Malaga?

Malaga has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Luxor experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Luxor or Malaga in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Luxor and Malaga. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Luxor year-round. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Malaga because of the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

It's very hot in Luxor this time of the year. Luxor is a little warmer than Malaga in the summer. The daily temperature in Luxor averages around 33°C (91°F) in July, and Malaga fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

In July, Luxor usually receives less rain than Malaga. Luxor gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Malaga receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Luxor 33°C (91°F) 
    Malaga 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Luxor or Malaga in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Luxor as well as Malaga. Luxor attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. 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, Luxor is a little warmer than Malaga. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Luxor in October average around 25°C (77°F), and Malaga averages at about 19°C (67°F).

Luxor usually gets less rain in October than Malaga. Luxor gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Malaga receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Luxor 25°C (77°F) 
    Malaga 19°C (67°F)

Should I visit Luxor or Malaga in the Winter?

Both Malaga and Luxor are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Luxor throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Malaga for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

In January, Luxor is generally a little warmer than Malaga. Daily temperatures in Luxor average around 14°C (57°F), and Malaga fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In January, Luxor usually receives less rain than Malaga. Luxor gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Malaga receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Luxor 14°C (57°F) 
    Malaga 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Luxor or Malaga in the Spring?

Both Malaga and Luxor during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Luxor because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, many visitors come to Malaga in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Luxor is much warmer than Malaga in the spring. The daily temperature in Luxor averages around 25°C (77°F) in April, and Malaga fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

Luxor usually gets less rain in April than Malaga. Luxor gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Malaga receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Luxor 25°C (77°F) 
    Malaga 16°C (60°F)

Typical Weather for Malaga and Luxor

Luxor Malaga
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 14°C (57°F) 0 mm (0 in) 12°C (54°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Feb 15°C (59°F) 0 mm (0 in) 13°C (55°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Mar 20°C (68°F) 0 mm (0 in) 14°C (57°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Apr 25°C (77°F) 0 mm (0 in) 16°C (60°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
May 30°C (86°F) 0 mm (0 in) 19°C (66°F) 24 mm (0.9 in)
Jun 32°C (90°F) 0 mm (0 in) 22°C (72°F) 13 mm (0.5 in)
Jul 33°C (91°F) 0 mm (0 in) 25°C (77°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Aug 31°C (88°F) 0 mm (0 in) 25°C (78°F) 5 mm (0.2 in)
Sep 30°C (86°F) 0 mm (0 in) 23°C (74°F) 15 mm (0.6 in)
Oct 25°C (77°F) 1 mm (0 in) 19°C (67°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Nov 20°C (68°F) 0 mm (0 in) 15°C (60°F) 115 mm (4.5 in)
Dec 15°C (59°F) 0 mm (0 in) 13°C (55°F) 102 mm (4 in)