How much does it cost to live in Malaga?

Are you thinking about moving to Málaga to take your Trinity CertTESOL course but you are not sure how much money to save or what your costs are likely to be? We have compiled a list of likely costs for one month in Málaga to help you get an idea of budget and plan for your stay more effectively.

One-month budget:

*Course fee at Early Bird rate. Check our website and Facebook page for any other special offers. You can check what is included in the course fee here.

Prices can vary depending on neighbourhood, number of people living in the apartment and facilities. We offer all our trainees an accommodation service for €440 in a shared apartment including rent, bills and assistance.

Málaga centre is easy to walk or cycle around as it is completely flat. Public transport is rarely needed here. If you prefer public transport, the fee is €1.30 per journey. Taxis are also not expensive, but costs can add up if you use them regularly or late at night (although there is also a night bus).

Lower cost

Most people who are living in Málaga short-term or temporarily choose to rent a room in a shared apartment in the city centre. There are many options in the city and you can easily find a room for €375 a month with bills included (plus one month deposit). Málaga isn´t an expensive place to live. You can have a glass of beer and a tapa for about €2.50. A typical Spanish breakfast can be bought for just €3 (this includes a coffee, an orange juice and a toasted sandwich called a Pitufo). You will need approximately 30€ per week for your groceries. There are plenty of supermarkets and places with competitive prices. The historic centre is small and easy to walk around so there is not a great need for using public transport in Málaga. In Málaga there is plenty to do which doesn’t cost a penny! From hiking the Málaga mountains surrounding the city, to lazing on the beach and browsing the food and craft markets. Many of the Museums are also free to enter on a Sunday – it is difficult to get bored here to be honest!

Average cost

Increasing your accommodation budget slightly will make things a little easier for you. If you’d like to live in a particular area or with only one other person, for example you might find that spending a little more on your room will also mean a more modern, larger or better-equipped apartment. Málaga is bustling with restaurants and bars on every street corner. Having a more flexible budget will allow you to eat out without breaking the bank. A ‘Menu del Dia’ (a three course meal at lunchtime) is typically 8€. If you are in to your wine, you are in luck! You can pick up a descent bottle of for just €3 at the supermarkets. There are many other activities that can be enjoyed in Málaga such as; boat trips from the beautiful port (Muelle Uno), a visit to the botanical gardens (Jardín Botánico-Histórico La Concepción) or just exploring the street art in the up and coming Soho district. If you are looking for something a little more exciting, you could try the famous gorge walk (Caminito del Rey).

Higher cost

If you prefer to live alone or in a slightly smarter apartment, the sky is the limit. From €550 you can rent a good double room in a shared apartment with a terrace. Your own one or two bedroom apartment could be more like €650 – €850. If you opt for your own apartment, you can expect to pay a month deposit plus a one month agency fee. This option is usually chosen by those who have decided to stay long-term.

As a newly-qualified English teacher in Málaga, you can expect to earn on average:

Private Class: €15 per hour

General English in an academy: €12 per hour / €1100-€1350 per month

Business English/ Exam preparation: €15 – €20 per hour

Depending on the type of class and the number of hours you work per week (24 hours per week is a normal full-time teaching contract) your salary can be anywhere between €1100 to €1350 per month. You will surely not be coming to Malaga to get rich as a teacher – but you will be coming for the quality of life!

If you would like to obtain an internationally-recognized TEFL certificate in Málaga, apply for the course here or get in touch and we will be happy to answer any questions you may have.