Last Updated on April 7, 2025 by Maryam Siddiqui
Nestled along the stunning Costa del Sol, Málaga has become a favorite among expats looking for an alternative to the busier hubs of Madrid and Barcelona. While there are pros and cons of Málaga, the city’s reputation precedes it.
Experiencing it firsthand only confirms the glowing reviews. It’s every bit as beautiful and lively as promised. This crown jewel of Andalucia experiences over 300 days of sunshine per year.
As if that is not enough, this city is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the country. However, while Málaga is just as advertised, it’s not always sunsets and roses. This city has its flaws just like any other city around the world. So, what are the pros and cons of Málaga? Here’s a breakdown to give you a good idea of what to expect if you’re thinking of moving or visiting.
What Is It Like Living in Málaga?
Right off the bat, it is important to mention that there is more to Málaga than the sandy beaches and postcard-worthy views. Living in Málaga is a whole lifestyle.
Picture this, mornings are easy and relaxed, with the sun finding its way inside your bedroom all year round. The delicious scent of churros from the cafes fills the air, tempting you to start your day with a warm cup of café con leche.
Something else you will quickly pick up as a foreigner is the relaxed pace of life. The afternoon siesta is still a thing here in Málaga. It is quite common for shops to close for a few hours in the afternoon.
Málaga, Picasso’s hometown, is alive with culture! There’s always something happening, and if you’re up for a real, local experience, you can’t miss the annual Feria de Agosto. This is one of the city’s biggest and most vibrant celebrations, bringing together close to 1 million visitors in 8 days.
Málaga is indeed one of the great cities in Spain, especially if you love the outdoors. Be sure to carry some sunscreen whenever you step out.
- Read also: Living In Malaga: An Expat Favorite.
Pros Of Malaga
Málaga is quite popular among tourists. Let’s dive into what makes this city so special and why tourists can’t help but visit annually and expats can’t help but move!
Fantastic Climate
Let’s face it, the climate in Málaga is one of the main draws to this city. Imagine the promise of over 300 days of sunshine per year. This is particularly exciting if you are outdoorsy and wouldn’t mind finding out where the old cobblestone streets lead.
Check out this table for a month-by-month breakdown of Málaga’s weather.
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg. Temperature (°C / °F) | 11.5 / 52.6 | 11.8 / 53.3 | 13.6 / 56.4 | 15.4 / 59.8 | 18.4 / 65.2 | 22.3 / 72.2 | 25.0 / 76.9 | 25.1 / 77.1 | 22.2 / 71.9 | 18.9 / 66.0 | 14.5 / 58.2 | 12.5 / 54.4 |
| Precipitation (in) | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Humidity (%) | 76% | 74% | 72% | 70% | 66% | 63% | 61% | 65% | 71% | 75% | 74% | 77% |
| Rainy Days | 6 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
From the data above, it’s quite clear why expats and visitors love this city. During the winter, temperatures rarely drop below 10°C (50°F), so you can still enjoy walks on the beach without freezing.
Spring and fall? Absolutely perfect, warm but not too hot, with highs around 21°C (70°F) in May and October. And then there’s summer, long sunny days with temps around 28°C (82°F) but with a fresh sea breeze to keep things comfortable.
Digital Nomad Community
Málaga isn’t just about sunny skies and tasty tapas, it’s also a buzzing hub for digital nomads! With its fantastic weather, affordable living, and rich culture, it’s no wonder remote workers are flocking here.
The city offers a variety of coworking spaces, a lively international community, and plenty of networking events. This makes it easy to connect with like-minded professionals. Lastly, Málaga has a thriving expat community, with 286,303 internationals calling it home. Whether you’re looking to make new friends, network, or just find familiar faces, you’ll never feel out of place in this vibrant and welcoming city!
So, if you’re seeking a place where work meets a vibrant lifestyle, Málaga might just be your ideal spot!
More Affordable Than Madrid
If you’re looking for big-city perks without the big-city price tag, Málaga is a solid choice! As Spain’s fifth-largest city, it has everything you need, great food, culture, and a lively atmosphere. Of course, without the hefty costs you’d find in Madrid.
Living in Madrid is about 16.5% more expensive than Málaga if you don’t count rent. But if you include rent, the difference jumps to 19.8%!
That means you’d need around €4,550 in Madrid for the same standard of living you get in Málaga for €3,800, as per Numbeo. That’s a lot of extra cash you could save (or spend on more tapas and weekend getaways!).
In Málaga, you can live comfortably, go out regularly, travel around Spain, and still have money left over. You don’t always need to live your life feeling like you’re constantly budgeting.
Families especially benefit from lower childcare costs, and things like sports, fitness, and cultural activities are all much more affordable.
For many expats, Málaga is a breath of fresh air financially. It’s a place where you can focus less on just getting by and more on actually enjoying life.
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Amazing Food Scene
If you’re a foodie or just love a good meal, Málaga is the place to be. The city is packed with incredible food, from fresh seafood to mouthwatering tapas. You can’t talk about food in Málaga without mentioning the famous espetos—grilled sardines cooked over an open fire right on the beach.
But food here isn’t just about eating; it’s about community. In Málaga, dining together is a way of life. Families and friends gather for long, relaxed meals, sharing stories over plates of delicious food.
Whether it’s a casual lunch or a lively tapas crawl through the city’s historic center, mealtime is sacred. The best part? Great food doesn’t have to break the bank.
You can enjoy fresh, high-quality meals at local markets, charming cafes, and family-run restaurants, all at super reasonable prices. If you love good food and even better company, Málaga’s dining scene is hard to beat.
Cons Of Malaga
Like any city, Málaga isn’t perfect. It has its ups and downs, too. To keep things real, here’s a breakdown of some of the not-so-great parts of living here so you know exactly what to expect.
Tourism Can Be Overwhelming
Tourism in Málaga is booming, and while that’s great for the city’s economy, it can feel a bit overwhelming during peak season.
With 14.47 million visitors (a 3.17% increase from 2023) and 12.4 million people passing through Málaga airport (up 11.7% from last year), the city gets seriously packed in summer (as per DM Properties).
Beaches, restaurants, and attractions are buzzing with tourists, making it harder to enjoy Málaga’s usual laid-back vibe.
High Humidity in Summer
Málaga’s summers are warm and sunny, but the high humidity can make it feel hotter than it is. While the lowest humidity levels are in June (59%), it ascends as the summer progresses. By November, it hits 72%, which is pretty high.
On average, Málaga sits at 66% humidity year-round, so you’ll definitely feel the moisture in the air, especially during the warmer months.
But don’t let that scare you off! There are ways to handle it. Light, breathable clothing and staying hydrated can make a huge difference.
The Spanish way of life also helps—long siestas and avoiding the midday sun (especially between 1-5 PM) are key.
Instead, enjoy the cooler mornings and evenings when Málaga’s coastal breeze makes things much more pleasant. And, of course, the beach is always there for a quick dip to cool off!
Limited Job Opportunities
Finding a job in Málaga can be tricky if you’re not working in tourism, real estate, or a remote position. The job market here is heavily centered around hospitality and tourism, which is great if you’re in those fields. Conversely, it can be limiting if you’re looking for something else.
And if you’re not fluent in Spanish, the options shrink even more. On average, the monthly net salary after tax is around €1,560, which is something to remember when considering job opportunities. That being said, it’s not impossible!
Many expats make it work by freelancing, teaching English, or running their businesses. Remote work is also a game-changer. If you have a job you can do online, you’ll enjoy Málaga’s amazing lifestyle without stressing over local job options.
If you’re set on working locally, brushing up on your Spanish and networking can open more doors. While the tourism industry is the backbone of the economy, creative and determined expats still find ways to carve out their niche here!
Is Living in Málaga Worth It?
What did you think of the pros and cons of Málaga? Is Málaga the right place for you?
Well, that depends on what you’re looking for in a city! If sunshine, beautiful beaches, an amazing food scene, and a laid-back Mediterranean lifestyle sound like your vibe, then Málaga is worth considering.
The city offers a lower cost of living than Madrid, a welcoming digital nomad community, and a rich cultural heritage. Plus, the food is incredible—think fresh seafood, tapas, and long, relaxed meals with friends and family.
And let’s not forget the fantastic weather, even if the summer humidity can be a bit intense. Of course, no place is perfect. Job opportunities can be limited if you’re not in tourism or working remotely, and peak season tourism can get overwhelming.
But at the end of the day, moving to a new country is a personal decision that takes research and planning. If you’re serious about making Málaga your new home, Viv Europe can help you navigate the ins and outs, making your transition much smoother and helping you figure out the pros and cons of Málaga better.
Do You Want to Move to Spain?
There you have it, the pros and cons of Málaga. As you might have noticed by now, the pros of moving to this beautiful city outweigh the cons by far.
If you are ready to visit Málaga or move here permanently, be sure to book a free consultation with our experts.
Looking for firsthand advice, insider tips, and a supportive community of fellow expats? Join our Facebook Group – All About Spain for Expats! It’s the perfect place to ask questions, share experiences, and get real insights from people who have already made the move.
