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 26% cheaper than Barcelona 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

CategoryMálagaBarcelonaDifference%
Housing€795€1,307€512-39.2%
Utilities€185€215€30-14.0%
Transportation€40€40€0-0.1%
Dining€160€190€30-15.8%
Entertainment€84€105€21-20.0%
Shopping€225€225€00.0%
Groceries€209€242€33-13.8%
Healthcare€0€0€00.0%
Total€1,810€2,437€627-25.7%
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
7145
26.0 points higher in Barcelona
Work
9635
61.0 points higher in Barcelona
Health
5822
36.0 points higher in Barcelona
Education & Skills
5541
14.0 points higher in Barcelona
Leisure & Recreation
1535
20.0 points higher in Málaga
Safety & Security
3763
26.0 points higher in Málaga
Trust in Institutions
4436
8.0 points higher in Barcelona
Environment
5442
12.0 points higher in Barcelona
Life Satisfaction
7873
5.0 points higher in Barcelona

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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 cheaper than Barcelona by €627 (26%)

Frequently Asked Questions

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