Málaga, Spain

Cost Of Living In Málaga, Spain

Málaga, Spain, is known as a budget friendly town in an otherwise pricier part of the world.

The cost of living in Málaga would surprise you, and since many of the activities in the city are free, most days your budget will only include necessities.

The budget for a family of four comes out to approximately US$2,350 per month (excluding rent).

For a single person moving to Málaga, you can expect to pay around US$700 per month (excluding rent).

Most importantly, Málaga avails itself to be a very affordable place to live, even though it boasts luxurious activities, nearby beaches, and a charming atmosphere in a first world city.

Real Estate In Málaga

Rent in Málaga, Spain, compared to comparable cities in the United States, is much cheaper.

Living inside the city center will cost you more, but you will be closer to all the fun, and of course the larger the apartment the more you will be paying. Even for lower rents you will still be living in a very nice place.

The price range for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center is between US$630 and US$1,050 per month. Outside of the city center a similar apartment will cost about US$100 less per month.

If you prefer to live in a bigger place, a three-bedroom apartment in the city center can be found for anywhere between US$950 and US$2,150 per month.

But, if you prefer to live further away from the festivities, a three-bedroom apartment outside of the city center goes for US$830 to US$1,600 per month.

The price to buy real estate in Málaga can be very steep depending on how big and luxurious you go (think big villas or Mediterranean mansions).

On the other hand, you can find nice one-bedroom apartments for as low as US$390,000. Also, a three- or four-bedroom apartments available starting upwards of US$500,000.

For reference, the price per square foot within the city center is on average about US$360. Outside of the city center the price per square foot averages about US$230.

Basic utilities in Málaga (water, gas, electric, etc.) usually cost approximately US$100 to US$250 per month. A good internet plan averages about US$35 per month.

All told, the cost of living in Málaga is extremely affordable and budget friendly for being what it is.

You get a wonderful place to live, you can eat out and get a nice three course meal for two people for anywhere upwards of US$50, you can walk around and enjoy the free sites, and then kick back at a local Spanish tavern where a pint of beer is only about US$3.

Things To Do In Málaga

The things to do in Málaga, Spain, are way too many to list here. Since the culture and history as so vibrant and intricate in this coastal town, the art and museum scene are ever-growing and have expanded for centuries now. You can walk around this city, walking down the same streets, and notice things you have never noticed before.

The city itself is a wonder to behold, with ancient ruins and Moorish architecture ever-present. You will also be able to see more contemporary architecture mixed in with the classic Mediterranean styles that you may think of as being commonplace in this part of the world.

The main thing to remember about Málaga is that it is a popular tourist destination for a reason. The stunning beaches, mixed with the culture and food, make it a wonderful place to visit again and again.

The sun is almost always shining in Málaga, so you will want to kick back and relax on one of the sandy beaches. There are at least a dozen beach stretches to choose from in Málaga, all with access to crystal clear water as you enjoy the cool breeze over your Mediterranean lifestyle.

The culture in Málaga has been building upon itself for over 2,000 years.

Among the buildings that you can’t miss is the Alcazaba. Built in the 11th century, it is a military fortification still standing from the Hispanic-Arabic period that you can still visit today.

Enjoy the promenades, the gardens, and the luscious views from the ramparts.

You should also be sure to visit the Málaga Cathedral, where you can enjoy the religious art inside and the view from the roof outside, as well as the Castillo de Gibralfaro, which boasts some of the best views in Málaga.

Other than historic buildings, you can immerse yourself in the museum and artistic scene of the city.

Since Picasso was born in Málaga, be sure to visit the Museo Picasso Málaga and find the statue of Picasso hidden in the city.

There are plenty of museums to choose from, and it is important to remember that most museums and attractions are free Sundays a few hours before closing time (most places have at least some point in the week where they are free for anyone, be sure to check out the hours before planning your trip).

Among the must-see museums are the Museum of Automobiles and Fashion, the Museum of Crystal and Glass, the Carmen Thyssen Museum, and many more.

Besides museums, the beaches, the parks, markets, and immersing yourself in the culture and food (be sure to try some tapas from Málaga and whatever is seasonally fresh), you don’t want to miss the Feria de Málaga. A party that happens every year and lasts for 8 days around the second week of August.

The locals dress up in traditional suits and dresses and dance the day and night away, it is truly a celebration you won’t want to miss.

On top of all the things to do in Málaga itself, you should visit the surrounding areas. There are national parks nearby, and other well-known Spanish cities that are not much of a trek. For example, Frigilla, one of the prettiest villages in Spain, is only a 45-minute drive away.

Residence Information

Getting to Málaga is easy, you just land in the Málaga-Costa del Sol International Airport and take the bus, taxi, or train.

The ride is about 15 minutes long, and the bus fare is only US$3.20, and the taxi fare is between US$21 and US$27.

You can also get to Málaga from any other city in Spain by driving, taking the bus, or a train. If you are coming from Europe, the flights will be cheap and quick, but you can also take the train from most major European cities and enjoy the scenic views on your way to Andalusia.

No matter where you choose to live in Málaga, the quality of life will always be high, and it will always be relatively safe.

A few neighborhoods to consider are the Old Town, Soho, la Merced, el Perchel, la Malagueta, and Teatinos.

Most expats in M;alaga choose to live in Teatinos, Malagueta and a few others are considered to be safest, and around the Old Town you will find lots of culture and a very lively night scene.

Most importantly, if you are planning on moving to Málaga and getting residency and visa in Málaga, keep in mind that with a European Union passport, the process is much easier and mostly painless.

However, if you hold a non-E.U. passport, then the process takes a little while longer but is still simple. Either way, with a non-E.U. passport you can visit Málaga for up to 180 days, no problem.

You can find more information on your visa options in Spain here.

Weather In Málaga, Spain

The weather in Málaga, Spain, is seasonal. The summers are hot and short, and the winters are cool and long. The temperature usually varies yearly between 45° and 88°F (7° and 31°C).

Your time in Málaga will always be comfortable. But, you must dress accordingly. The temperatures in Málaga will rarely drop below 38°F (3°C) or go above 97°F (36°C).

The hottest months in Málaga are during the summer. August being particularly hot.

It gets clearer during the summer as well and can usually be overcast during the winter and the rest of the year. The chances of it raining increase at the end and beginning of each year.

The coldest months are during the winter and around December-January.

Since the climate in Málaga is very Mediterranean, you can expect nice breezes coming off the water, the sun to be shining for at least 300 days in the year, and for it to never snow (the last recorded snow in Málaga was in 1954).

During summer it gets less windy and more humid: Winds on average of 11 kilometers per hour and humidity on average of 50%.

When winter starts in Málaga, the winds get heavier and can hit up to 16 kilometers per hour and the humidity dips down to 0%.

The thing you probably want to know the most is the water temperature in Málaga throughout the year. It is always possible to go for a dip, just keep in mind that during the winter the water temperature can go down to 59°F (15°C) but will go up to 73°F (22°C) during the summer.