Spain
Cost of Living in Málaga
Soho and historic center popular with expats. Costa del Sol provides beach lifestyle nearby. Monthly budget: Frugal single $1,200-1,500, Comfortable single $1,900-2,300, Couple $2,800-3,400.
Monthly Total
$2,616
$45,780
Housing (1BR Mid-range)
$1,533
Daily Spend (ex. rent)
$36
Based on a typical expat lifestyle: 1BR furnished apartment, mix of cooking/eating out, rideshare transportation, moderate entertainment. Last updated: 1/15/2026.
Monthly Cost Breakdown
Housing (Rent)
1BR furnished apartment in mid-range neighborhood
$1,533
$26,828
Utilities
Electric, water, gas, and internet
$152
$2,660
Groceries
Groceries from supermarkets
$196
$3,430
Dining Out
Mix of casual restaurants, ~12 meals/month
$144
$2,520
Transportation
Rideshare (Uber/Didi), ~30 rides/month
$240
$4,200
Lifestyle & Entertainment
Entertainment, occasional cleaning service
$248
$4,340
Healthcare
Basic private health insurance
$55
$963
Phone & Subscriptions
Phone plan and streaming subscriptions
$48
$840
Monthly Total
$2,616
$45,780
Don't skip health insurance
Cost estimates are great for budgeting, but real coverage protects you when something goes wrong.
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Living in Málaga
Málaga ranked #1 in Expat City Ranking 2024. Growing tech hub with Google's cybersecurity center. Dedicated digital nomad support through Málaga WorkBay initiative.
Frequently Asked Questions
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