Living in Malaga Vs Barcelona: Which Is The Best?
Malaga and Barcelona are two popular expat destinations in Spain. They’re both beautiful cities with a lot to offer. However, there are some key differences between them that you should be aware of before deciding which one to move to.
Barcelona is the second largest city in Spain – its cosmopolitan atmosphere, impressive attractions, and great university and job opportunities make it an attractive destination for young expats and digital nomads.
Whereas Malaga is a smaller city compared to Barcelona, its sunny weather almost all year round, its friendly locals, its cheaper cost of living and its beautiful surroundings are reasons why many people choose it as their new home.
So, is living in Malaga vs Barcelona better? If you’re wondering which city is best for you, in this expert guide, you’ll learn different aspects of both destinations to help you decide the one that suits your lifestyle best.
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Living in Malaga vs Barcelona
Cost of living
Barcelona
Barcelona is one of the most expensive cities in Spain, it’s the second most expensive city after Madrid, so if you’re looking to save money, it may not be the best choice for you.
However, there are ways to cut costs, such as sharing an apartment or living in a less central location. With careful planning, you can still enjoy all that Barcelona has to offer without breaking the bank.
Examples of prices in Barcelona:
- Rent for one bedroom apartment in the city centre: 1,025 €
- Monthly transport pass: 40.00 €
- A meal for two in an inexpensive restaurant: 30.00 €
Malaga
If you’re considering moving to Malaga, you’ll be glad to know that it’s an affordable city.
Prices for food, transportation and leisure activities are relatively low, and you can even visit many museums and other cultural attractions for free on certain days (usually Sundays from 2 pm).
Of course, you may have heard that prices have been rising in recent years, but this is true not just for Malaga but for the whole country and other parts of Europe as well.
The most expensive items are usually petrol and rent, but you can save money on rent by living in neighbourhoods that are further from the city centre or nearby towns in the mountainside.
Example of prices in Malaga:
- Rent for one bedroom apartment in the city centre: 680.00 €
- Monthly transport pass: 40.00 €
- A meal for two in an expensive restaurant: 25.00 €
Which city has a cheaper cost of living? Malaga.
Job opportunities
Barcelona
Spain isn’t the easiest place to find a job in Europe; however, Barcelona is the best city for finding opportunities.
On top of this, there are many roles perfect for expats since Barcelona is home to many national and international companies that are often looking for people from all over the world.
Barcelona has also become an excellent location to work remotely, with many digital nomads from all over the world choosing to base themselves here. If you love coworking spaces, you’re spoilt for choice in Barcelona too.
Whether you’re looking for a traditional 9-5 job or something more creative and freelance, plenty of options are available for expats in Barcelona.
Malaga
One of the biggest disadvantages of living in Malaga is the lack of job opportunities which makes finding a job difficult for locals and expats.
The main sectors in Malaga are tourism and hospitality, which means that most jobs tend to be seasonal. Even more, if you look for a job in any of the coastal towns because some restaurants and most beach clubs close after the summer.
Working in the tourism and hospitality sector isn’t easy because roles require unsociable and long hours.
Other roles for expats in Malaga are digital marketer, tour guide, interpreter or working in the healthcare sector in an international clinic or hospital.
However, if you worry about all the logistics of getting a job in Malaga, apply for a remote role or look at being a freelancer with the skills you have.
Which city has better job opportunities? Barcelona.
University
Barcelona
The University of Barcelona is considered one of the best universities in the country and offers a broad range of degree programs.
It also has fantastic campus amenities and is in the heart of the city, making it easy to get around and explore Barcelona.
Although tuition can be expensive, there are many scholarships and financial aid opportunities available to help students with the costs of their studies.
Malaga
The University of Malaga, popularly known as UMA, is a public university and one of the youngest universities in Spain. The main campus is on the south side of the city, next to the Technological Park.
The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs and research opportunities, and it has an active international program with students from all over the world.
Having studied at the University of Malaga, I can say it’s a mixture of feelings; while the student atmosphere is great, the organisation is not so good. Your experience will be different depending on the degree you study.
Some buildings are modern, while others are quite old; some professors are very experienced and friendly, while others aren’t.
Which city has a better university? Barcelona.
Language
Barcelona
Barcelona has two official languages: Castilian Spanish and Catalan. Although it’s possible to live in Barcelona without knowing Catalan, if you’re mixing with the locals, you’ll often come across they speak Catalan between them.
This can be a challenge for expats, and even Spanish people from other regions.
Malaga
The only language spoken in Malaga is Castilian Spanish, so you won’t need to worry about learning another official language.
But, having said so, if you’ve studied Spanish in your home country or abroad, you might find the Andalusian accent a bit difficult. When you learn Spanish abroad, you often get listening exercises with speakers from Madrid or the north of Spain.
In addition to the accent, you’ll probably hear words you haven’t heard before. For example, some Malaga words are “pechá”, which means a lot, “boquerón”, which means anchovy, but it’s also a way to call someone born in Malaga, and “perita”, which means cool.
Which city is better for learning Spanish? Malaga
Activities and leisure
Barcelona
Barcelona is one of the best cities to live in Spain for things to do because it has a wide variety of historic buildings, museums and events.
To start with, who wouldn’t like to see the impressive Sagrada Familia on a regular basis? It’s the most unique architectural building. In addition to this, there are many other gems by Antoni Gaudí across the city – Park Güell, Güell Palace, Casa Vicens and many more.
Regarding museums, you’re spoilt for choice too. Whether you’re crazy about chocolate, architecture, history or music, there’s a museum for you.
Barcelona attractions are enough to keep you entertained, but there are many other things to do in Barcelona – from eating at the trendiest brunch places and cocktail bars to sports activities and going on nearby hiking trails.
Also, the city hosts incredible events, festivals, and concerts of singers from all around the world.
Malaga
There is this misconception that Malaga is just an airport city; however, Malaga is much more than that.
The city isn’t packed with historic buildings as you would find in other Spanish cities, but the ones you find have their own charm and history.
Alcazaba de Malaga is the most emblematic building in the city. This is a Moorish fortress palace home to detailed architectural rooms, beautiful gardens decorated with fountains and flowers, and some of the best views of Malaga.
Other important buildings include Gibralfaro Castle and the Cathedral of Malaga, known as La Manquita. But many people don’t know that Malaga has over 40 different museums, including the well-known Picasso Museum and Carmen Thyssen Museum.
On top of these landmarks and museums, Malaga is an excellent city for foodies. The gastronomy scene is fantastic, especially if you love fish and seafood.
Which city has better activities and leisure? Barcelona, although Malaga isn’t very far behind!
Beaches
Barcelona
Barcelona is a city with many opportunities to enjoy the beach. Even in winter, when swimming might not be an option, one can still take a walk on the beach promenade or practice sports like volleyball.
The beaches might not be the most impressive if you’re looking for the turquoise and clear waters, but they are well-kept and perfect for everyone.
In total, there are nine beaches in Barcelona city. The most frequented of these is Barceloneta Beach, though others, like Nova Icària Beach, tend to be less crowded.
Malaga
Malaga City has sandy and shallow beaches, which are perfect for all ages.
The most popular beach is La Malagueta Beach, located in the city centre. This is an all-year-round meeting point for locals and tourists because the warm temperatures allow you to do different activities in every season.
However, you can enjoy less touristy beaches in Malaga, like Huelin or Misericordia Beach.
Most beaches have amazing facilities, including public toilets, showers and ramps for those with reduced mobility, and there are many chiringuitos (beach bars) where you can enjoy the traditional espetos, sardine skewers.
If you’re looking for less crowded beaches, you won’t have to go very far from Malaga either. The east side is home to many tranquil and less-developed beaches.
Which city has better beaches? Malaga
Expat community
Barcelona
Barcelona is home to a vibrant and diverse expat community where you can find people from all around the world.
The city has a truly multicultural atmosphere that will make you feel at home from the moment you arrive.
There are plenty of opportunities to meet people in Barcelona, especially if you attend language exchanges. They’re great for connecting with locals and other expats like you.
Malaga
Malaga and Costa del Sol has a great international atmosphere and community. Although the British and Germans are the two main nationalities you’ll come across, you can meet people from anywhere.
Making friends in Malaga isn’t difficult because people are often outgoing, but the best way to connect with other expats is through Facebook groups and the use of websites like Meet Up, where you can find activities and events near you.
Which city has a better expat community? Malaga and Barcelona have good expat communities, but you’ll find more expats in Malaga.
Transportation
Barcelona
Barcelona is a city that is easy to get around in. The public transportation system is excellent and includes metros, buses, and trams.
The underground is one of the most convenient ways to travel, but you can also walk to many places if you’re planning to base yourself in the city centre.
If you’re wondering if having a car in Barcelona is worth it, the answer is no. Traffic jams in Barcelona are frequent and a bit chaotic, especially during peak hours. However, having a car could be a good idea if you’re based in the outskirts.
Malaga
Malaga is well-connected with its surroundings, and there are different transportation options: bus, underground and train.
The best way to go from one side of the city to the other is by bus, as they’re very efficient and run frequently.
The underground in Malaga is modern and fast; however, there aren’t many lines yet because they’re still doing work to open other routes, and this is why you might need to get the bus to go to certain parts of the city.
Regarding trains, they’re an excellent option for travelling from Malaga to the airport and coastal towns like Torremolinos, Benalmadena and Fuengirola.
You don’t need to have a car to move around Malaga and nearby coastal towns; however, having a car is a good idea if you want to go on regular day trips and excursions to more remote locations or Andalusian cities.
By having a car, you’ll have much more freedom to discover beautiful destinations in the province of Malaga and beyond.
Which city has better transportation? Barcelona because it has more transportation options and a better underground system.
Weather
Barcelona
Barcelona’s weather is good all year long. You won’t experience extreme scorching heat or freezing cold, which makes it an ideal city to relocate to.
In the summertime, temperatures can climb up to 30ºC (86ºF). Even though it can get quite hot, it’s nothing compared to other parts of Spain, like the south of Spain.
Barcelona’s winters are mild, usually sitting at around 10ºC (50ºF). It can get a little chilly at night, but during the day, it’s typically sunny and warm.
Malaga
Malaga enjoys one of the best climates in Spain because there are 320 days of sun on average every year.
The sunny weather and blue skies predominate in the area, and you won’t experience many rainy days at all. The rainiest month in Malaga is November, but the rain doesn’t last for long.
The city is perfect for anyone who wants to escape their home country’s cold weather and short days in the winter months. Malaga’s weather allows you to do many outdoor activities – from going on hiking trails and horse riding to cycling.
However, it’s important to know that Malaga can be very hot during the summer months, and this isn’t for everyone. The temperatures reach up to 40 degrees, and it’s likely you come across terral at some point, a warm and dry wind that comes from Africa.
Which city has better weather? Barcelona because Malaga can get too warm in the summer.
Healthcare
Barcelona
Barcelona has a public healthcare system that is open to all residents, including expats. In order to be eligible for public healthcare in Spain, you must apply for a health card (tarjeta sanitaria). Once you have your health card, you’ll be able to visit any public hospital or clinic in Spain for free.
Barcelona is home to 58 hospitals and 46 of these are private and in which you’re more likely to get a better and more personalised service.
Malaga
As with Barcelona, you can have free access to healthcare in Malaga, but you’ll also need to get a health card. However, if you want private healthcare, there are options too.
If you’re worried about not speaking the language, you’re more likely to find international hospitals and clinics outside Malaga, for example, in coastal towns like Benalmadena or Marbella.
Which city has better healthcare? Healthcare is pretty much the same in both cities.
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Safety
Barcelona
The main safety concern in Barcelona is pickpocketing. Unfortunately, it’s a common petty crime in the city, so you need to keep an eye on your belongings at all times, especially if you’re walking in touristy areas like Las Ramblas.
Apart from this, Barcelona is generally a safe destination for solo expats and families to move to.
Malaga
Malaga is a very safe city, and you barely encounter any issues. Unlike other Spanish cities, it’s rare to experience pickpocketing in Malaga; however, this doesn’t mean you should leave your belongings unattended.
In case you’re moving alone to the city, walking around Malaga city centre in the evening is safe too. You’ll often see police cars in the busiest areas.
Which city is the safest? Malaga as pocket-picking isn’t as common as in Barcelona.
Walkability
Barcelona
Barcelona is a beautiful and vibrant city that can be easily explored on foot.
Walking around Barcelona is a great way to take in the city’s stunning architecture and unique atmosphere. However, there are some instances where using public transport may be more convenient.
Malaga
Exploring Malaga on foot is the best way to see all the historic buildings and come across picturesque small streets, and it’s totally possible because it’s very walkable.
If you plan to live in Malaga city centre or in a nearby neighbourhood like El Perchel or even Huelin, you won’t need to take public transport.
The main attractions are close to each other, and the city centre has it all, and in case you need to go further, you can get the underground or bus.
Which city is more walkable? Malaga because it’s smaller.
Holidays
Barcelona
La Mercè. Barcelona’s La Mercè is one of the city’s most important holidays. It celebrates the city’s patron saint, the Virgin of Mercy, and has been going on since 1871. The holiday usually lasts for 5 days and includes a large parade with floats and dancers, as well as many other cultural activities.
Sant Jordi (Saint George’s Day). The people of Barcelona celebrate Sant Jordi, the patron saint of Catalonia, on April 23rd.
This is a unique event that combines romanticism and culture. On this day, partners exchange gifts. Traditionally, men received a book and women roses. However, nowadays, men and women receive both.
Malaga
Semana Santa (Holy Week). Semana Santa isn’t an event only celebrated in Malaga; however, it’s one of the best places to experience Easter.
There are impressive religious processions, which take place in the city centre for 7 days, from early morning to late evening. The scent of incense, the instrumental music that goes at the same rhythm as the procession, and the atmosphere make this event unique, even if you aren’t religious.
Feria de Agosto (Malaga’s Fair). Feria de Málaga, also known as Feria de Agosto, is one of the main traditional events in the city. Celebrations take place in the middle of August for 10 days.
During these festive days, you can enjoy feria de día (morning’s fair) and feria de noche (evening’s fair). Feria de día is celebrated in the centre of Malaga. Locals enjoy the traditional Cartojal wine, eat tapas and dance to Malagueñas songs.
Whereas Feria de noche takes place next to Palacio de Ferias and you can expect many stalls, attractions and live concerts too.
Christmas in Malaga is also beautiful. The Christmas Light Show, which takes place in Calle Larios, attracts travellers from everywhere. Lights dance to the rhythm of Christmas songs at specific times (usually three times a day between 6 pm and 9 pm).
Which city has better holidays and events? There isn’t a right answer for this one.
Frequently asked questions about living in Barcelona or Malaga
Is Barcelona better than Malaga?
Barcelona is a fantastic city to visit and explore, while Malaga is a better place to live because it’s more affordable and tranquil. Although there are more things to do in Barcelona, Malaga has lots of things to offer too.
Is Spain friendly to foreigners?
Yes, most Spaniards are very welcoming and friendly. They’re likely to be curious about you and why you moved to Spain, get to know you, and many of them will invite you to their house for some food in no time.
Spanish people love socialising and food!
What are the disadvantages of living in Spain?
The main disadvantages of living in Spain are the heat, the salaries being low in comparison to other European countries, and the tedious bureaucracy.
Conclusion on living in Malaga vs Barcelona
In conclusion, Malaga and Barcelona are both great cities to live in for different reasons.
If you’re looking for a cheaper cost of living and a smaller city but with a good atmosphere, then Malaga is the place for you. However, if you’re looking for more job opportunities and unique things to do, then Barcelona is the city for you.
If you have any questions about Malaga or Barcelona, drop them in the comments below!
Safe adventures,
Cristina
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⭐ Mini Guide to Living Abroad
Should I get expat travel insurance?
ABSOLUTELY! — For your peace of mind, get your expat travel insurance with SafetyWing!
How do I get a job in Spain as an expat?
You can find work in Spain via job boards, word of mouth, or agencies. If you plan to work remotely, look for jobs on websites like FlexJobs.com. They offer 100% remote roles.
What’s the best way to open a bank account in Spain?
I’ve been using La Caixa Bank for many years. However, I love visiting other countries and spending some time there. So I found Wise, which offers free global accounts. It’s super convenient, and you won’t have to open accounts everywhere you move! You’re also guaranteed the cheapest money transfers.
How do you make friends in Spain?
I highly recommend using Facebook to connect with people. There are many Facebook Groups for expats in each city. Also, you can use Meetup.com. It’s free to join, and you can meet people who share a similar hobby as you!
What’s the best way to learn Spanish?
Go to language exchanges, use apps like Duolingo or sign up for online lessons in Preply. They’ll help you learn some Spanish before moving.
