Cost of Living in Malaga, Spain

Are you considering a move to Malaga, Spain, and wondering about the cost of living? Malaga is a diverse city with a lot to offer, but like any city, it comes with its own set of expenses. In this page, we'll break down the cost of living in Malaga and help you understand whether $2206 per month is moderately priced, given the average monthly salary of $1930.65.

Restaurants
Markets
Transportation
Childcare
Clothing
Rent Per Month
Buy Apartment
Salaries
Malaga, Spain
restaurant

Restaurants

Price

World Range

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant

12.48 $

Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course

54.27 $

McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)

8.68 $

Domestic Beer (1 pint draught)

3.26 $

Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle)

3.26 $

Cappuccino (regular)

2.11 $

Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle)

1.99 $

Water (12 oz small bottle)

1.31 $

store

Markets

Price

World Range

Milk (regular), (1 gallon)

0.97 $

Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb)

1.02 $

Rice (white), (1 lb)

1.38 $

Eggs (regular) (12)

2.69 $

Local Cheese (1 lb)

11.71 $

Chicken Fillets (1 lb)

6.93 $

Beef Round (1 lb) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)

14.13 $

Apples (1 lb)

1.98 $

Banana (1 lb)

1.64 $

Oranges (1 lb)

1.36 $

Tomato (1 lb)

1.97 $

Potato (1 lb)

1.47 $

Onion (1 lb)

1.13 $

Lettuce (1 head)

1.07 $

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

0.67 $

Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)

5.43 $

Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

1.07 $

Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle)

2.35 $

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)

5.81 $

commute

Transportation

Price

World Range

One-way Ticket (Local Transport)

1.52 $

Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

30.39 $

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

4.34 $

Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff)

0.93 $

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

20.84 $

Gasoline (1 gallon)

1.97 $

Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)

27135.72 $

Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)

32834.22 $

mark_as_unread

Utilities (Monthly)

Price

World Range

Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment

164.73 $

1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans)

--

Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)

32.08 $

kitesurfing

Sports And Leisure

Price

World Range

Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult

43.42 $

Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)

13.39 $

Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat

8.9 $

child_friendly

Childcare

Price

World Range

Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child

388.91 $

International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child

11650.27 $

checkroom

Clothing And Shoes

Price

World Range

1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

71.91 $

1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...)

37.99 $

1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)

77.79 $

1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes

97.69 $

night_shelter

Rent Per Month

Price

World Range

Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre

947.28 $

Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre

738.09 $

Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre

1639.39 $

Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre

1223.57 $

home

Buy Apartment Price

Price

World Range

Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre

3876.64 $

Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre

2487.44 $

account_balance_wallet

Salaries And Financing

Price

World Range

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

1930.65 $

Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate

3.19 %

Cost of Living in Malaga, Spain

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the monthly cost of living in Malaga?

The monthly expenses for living in Malaga come to a total of approximately $2206. This includes an average monthly rent of around $947 for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center, along with utilities costing about $180 per month. Additionally, other expenses such as groceries, transportation, dining out, and leisure activities for one person amount to approximately $600 per month.

How affordable is living in Malaga?

Living in Malaga appears to be relatively budget-friendly when considering the average monthly income of $1930.65. However, to enjoy a comfortable standard of living in Malaga, you would likely need an income exceeding $1930.65.

What is the average salary in Malaga?

In Malaga, the average monthly post-tax salary hovers around $1930.65, and it isn't tied to any particular skillset or qualification.

What is the average rent in Malaga?

The typical monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the central area of Malaga is approximately $947. If you're open to living in a location outside the city center, you can expect to pay around $738.09 for such an apartment.

What is the cost of groceries in Malaga?

The expense for groceries in Malaga can fluctuate based on personal choices and shopping patterns. Typically, an individual can budget around $457 per month for groceries. Nevertheless, the actual costs may change depending on various factors, including the specific items bought, the choice of stores, and the availability of discounts or special offers.

What is the cost of living in Spain?

The cost of living in Spain can vary significantly depending on the particular city you have in mind. Using a nationwide average might not provide accurate information. To get a more precise understanding, it's crucial to examine the cost of living in various cities throughout Spain.

Malaga, Spain

How Safe Is Malaga, Spain for Travel?
Warnings & Dangers in Malaga, Spain

OVERALL RISK: LOW

Malaga is a very safe city to visit, but that doesn't mean you should let your guard down: petty crime exists in most cities in the world, so exercise caution at all times.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

Transportation in Malaga is very safe and reliable, even though taxi drivers might try to overcharge their services or demand a tip. Also, be careful on public transport, as it's the place where pickpockets operate.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM

There is some risk of pickpockets, mostly around tourist landmarks and crowded places such as bus and train stations, airports or shopping centers. Avoid flashing your valuables in public, or leaving them in plain sight and that should minimize the risk of someone stealing from you.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW

There are no known natural disasters in Malaga, and in Spain altogether, so you can relax when it comes to nature while you're here.

MUGGING RISK: LOW

Mugging is uncommon in Malaga, and so is kidnapping. However, as in any city, it is recommended that you remain vigilant at all times. Be wary of people trying to distract you, as it might be a trick to try to steal from you.

TERRORISM RISK: HIGH

There have been recent terrorist attacks in Spain, on 17/18 August 2017, when during 2 terrorist-related incidents, vehicles were driven directly at pedestrians, resulting in injuries and loss of life. You should remain vigilant and be aware of your surroundings at all times.

SCAMS RISK: LOW

As in most countries of the world, there will always be people trying to scam unsuspecting tourists. The risk of scammers is not too high, but you should still double-check everything. Be wary of people offering you help with anything or giving you unsolicited advice or directions.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

Women traveling alone should have no problems in Malaga. You should use your common sense, and be careful at night, avoid desert and poorly lit streets, and finding yourself alone with strange people in abandoned areas. Apart from that, you should have no safety problems in Malaga.

Useful Information & Tips
credit_card

Visas

Most countries do not need a visa to enter Spain for any stays shorter than 90 days. Any longer than that, you will have to obtain a visa. Also, make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months after your planned date of return. However, if you are not sure about your visa status, contact your local Spanish embassy for further details.

currency_exchange

Currency

Euro is the official currency in Malaga. ATMs are widely available throughout the city, and credit cards accepted in most establishments such as hotels and restaurants. Allow yourself a budget of around 150e per day, including accommodation.

cloudy_snowing

Weather

The city of Malaga has a perfect Mediterranean - subtropical climate. The maximum temperature in the summer months is around 30 degrees Celsius while the winters are usually mild making it a year-round destination.

flight_takeoff

Airports

Málaga Airport is the fourth busiest airport in Spain after Madrid–Barajas, Barcelona, and Palma de Mallorca. It is an important airport for Spanish tourism as it is the main international airport serving the Costa del Sol.

health_and_safety

Travel Insurance

Just like anywhere else, we recommend getting travel insurance when traveling to Malaga, since it covers not only medical problems but also theft and loss of valuables.

Malaga, Spain

What about weather in Malaga, Spain ?
Average Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
High 61°F 63°F 66°F 70°F 75°F 82°F 86°F 87°F 82°F 74°F 67°F 63°F
Temp 53°F 54°F 58°F 61°F 67°F 74°F 78°F 79°F 74°F 67°F 59°F 55°F
Low 46°F 47°F 49°F 53°F 58°F 65°F 69°F 70°F 66°F 59°F 52°F 48°F
Average Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
High 16°C 17°C 18°C 21°C 23°C 27°C 30°C 30°C 27°C 23°C 19°C 17°C
Temp 11°C 12°C 14°C 16°C 19°C 23°C 25°C 26°C 23°C 19°C 15°C 12°C
Low 7°C 8°C 9°C 11°C 14°C 18°C 20°C 21°C 18°C 15°C 11°C 8°C

Comparison Cost of living in other cities in Spain with Malaga

Comparison Cost of living in other cities

Cost of living in countries