Cost of Living in Málaga, Spain

Showing Málaga. Change city above.

Housing:€795•Utilities:€185•Transport:€40See full breakdown
☀️About Málaga

Málaga offers year-round sunshine, beautiful beaches, and a growing tech scene. As the gateway to the Costa del Sol, it provides excellent value for coastal living.

🏘️

Neighborhoods

Centro Histórico
€€€
Soho
€€€
El Limonar
€€€
Pedregalejo
€€
Teatinos
€€
Carretera de Cádiz
€
Outskirts
€
💰

Money-saving tips

Use the Málaga transport card for €30 monthly unlimited travel

Shop at Mercado Central de Atarazanas for fresh seafood and produce

Take advantage of free beach access and many free cultural events

🏠

Rent overview

Málaga city center studios average €600-900, with 1-bedroom apartments ranging €800-1,200. The city offers good value for coastal living.

👥

Best for

Sun-seekers wanting year-round warm weather and beach access

Digital nomads attracted to the growing tech and startup scene

Retirees seeking affordable coastal living with good healthcare

Málaga is about 11% more expensive than Alicante overall. Biggest deltas: housing, transport, utilities.

Preferences

Household

Household Type

Home & Getting Around

Housing Location

Apartment Size

Transportation Type

Lifestyle

Groceries

Dining Habits

Entertainment

Shopping

Healthcare

Last updated: Apr 2025 • Sources: INE, municipal transport, listings

Monthly Expenses in Málaga

€1,810

All monthly expenses will be converted to selected currency

* These monthly expenses estimates are based on city averages and may vary for a single person or family based on lifestyle choices, housing location preferences (city center vs outskirts), and market conditions. Use this as a general guide for budget planning.

Housing & Living Costs Distribution

Monthly Living Costs Breakdown

Detailed Monthly Costs in Málaga

Housing, Utilities, Transportation, Food, Entertainment & More

CategoryMálagaAlicanteDifference%
Housing€795€650€14522.3%
Utilities€185€175€105.7%
Transportation€40€38€25.1%
Dining€160€150€106.7%
Entertainment€84€74€1114.3%
Shopping€225€225€00.0%
Groceries€209€200€84.2%
Healthcare€0€0€00.0%
Total€1,810€1,624€18611.4%
Export detailed cost breakdown

Rent by Location & Size

LocationStudio1-Bed3-Bed
City Center€700€795€1,500
Outside Center€500€650€1,200

Tip: City center rent in Málaga is typically 22% higher than outside center.

Quality of Life & Living Standards

Economic Conditions
6445
19.0 points higher in Alicante
Work
7035
35.0 points higher in Alicante
Health
4422
22.0 points higher in Alicante
Education & Skills
5341
12.0 points higher in Alicante
Leisure & Recreation
5335
18.0 points higher in Alicante
Safety & Security
6463
1.0 points higher in Alicante
Trust in Institutions
10036
64.0 points higher in Alicante
Environment
5942
17.0 points higher in Alicante
Life Satisfaction
8873
15.0 points higher in Alicante

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Key Takeaways

  • Monthly Budget: €1,810 for a single person in Málaga
  • Housing Share: 44% of total expenses, making it the largest cost category
  • Transportation: €40 monthly for public transport
  • Quality of Life Score: 44/100 overall
  • Cost Comparison: Málaga is more expensive than Alicante by €186 (11%)

Frequently Asked Questions

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