The Insider Guide To Living In Malaga As An Expat

Discover what life is like in the capital of the Costa del Sol in our detailed guide to living in Málaga as an expat.

For the expat or digital nomad, Málaga is many things. Mostly,  it’s safe, international, modern, affordable, well-connected, has great weather and radiates life.

All of which makes Málaga everyone’s Spanish home. 

Here’s an exclusive expat guide to living in Málaga – the capital of the Costa del Sol. 

Is Malaga a good place for expats? 

Spain’s Costa del Sol, in the autonomous region of Andalucía, is one of Europe’s premier destinations, and Málaga is its epicenter, so yes, it’s a great place for expats.

Living in Malaga
Calle Larios, the main shopping street in Malaga.

An old city, founded in 770 BC by the Phoenicians, she wears her age extremely well. It is one of Spain’s most contemporary urban landscapes yet embraces millennia of history and culture.

Along with being one of Europe’s safest cities, Málaga offers year-long summers, pristine Mediterranean beaches, incredible cuisine, and accommodates every imaginable lifestyle.

Málaga is a great destination for singles of any gender, retirees, digital nomad professionals, and families of all shapes, sizes, and incomes.

As Spain is a mecca for the LGBTQ community, Málaga wears that crown with pride.

Málaga’s comfortable lifestyle and affable community is accepting of English speakers, as English is Málaga’s second language.

Insider Tip: Learning Spanish earns great respect from the locals, known as Malagueños.

In fact, Málaga is open to everyone. Wheelchair accessibility is city-wide, even taxis. 

La Malagueta and Misericordia beaches have ramps and wheelchair-accessible toilets, showers, and are staffed with trained professionals. Amphibian chairs and hoists are available during the summer.

Insider Tip: Málaga is a flat and well-maintained city. The paving is finished with a cobbling effect which helps provide traction for wheelchairs.

Málaga is a city of pleasure, activity, and sport. 

Watersports, mountain hiking, soccer/football, basketball, adventure, more than a dozen golf courses, – Malaga has it all.

Love fishing? Enjoy deep-sea fishing for sea bass, Dorada, Bonito, tuna, marlin, and swordfish.

The Sierra Nevada mountains are to the east, and home to some of Europe’s best skiing and winter sports.

Besides, Málaga is amongst the top European cities with the best quality of life, and acceptance of expats. 

Málaga is the cultural capital of the Costa del Sol

Málaga is a paradise for culture vultures. There is always something going on culturally speaking. 

Living in Malaga
The entrance to the Centre Pompidou with a glass cube on top.

Malagueños live and breathe music and dance so much that other Spaniards refer to Málaga as “Cantaora” (singer). Flamenco is ingrained in Malagueño culture and has its own festival, Flamenco Biennial, every November.

In fact, every month of the year is festival time in Málaga:

  • In January, the Contemporary Music Festival
  • February and March are Málaga’s Carnival
  • August is the Málaga Feria, the annual fireworks-filled fair
  • October is Picasso Month
  • One of Europe’s largest Jazz festivals in November.
  • All ending with a festival of dance in December, the Verdiales Festiva.

If you are a visual art connoisseur, you will love living in Málaga.

The Museo Picasso, offering an intimate look into the life and creativity of the city’s most famous son, is one of Málaga’s nearly 40 museums.

Insider Tip: Most museums offer free admission on Sundays.

Contemporary art lovers will enjoy The Cube at the Centre Pompidou Málaga at the port. 

If you are a fan of urban art and underground culture, you will appreciate the Soho district which is home to an amazing Street Art Project.

Málaga’s heritage also has a jaw-dropping natural side.

El Torcal de Antequera, a UNESCO site, is one of Europe’s most remarkable karst reserves.

The Fuente de Piedra Lagoon, Iberia’s largest natural lake, hosts Europe’s second-largest flamingo colony.

The world’s oldest Neanderthal cave paintings are in the prehistoric world of the Fundación Cueva de Nerja.

Málaga has numerous zoos, aquariums, botanicals, reserves, and castles. Including Cortijo Jurado, a real haunted castle!

Málaga’s climate is one of its biggest attractions

Bathed in more than 10 months of sun, Málaga feels like an endless sabbatical. 

Living in Malaga
Pedregalejo beach is one of the oldest and most traditional fishing spots in Malaga.

The Mediterranean provides moderate springs and autumns sandwiching a long dry hot summer.

January is the coldest, November the wettest, while July and August are the hottest and driest months of the year. 

Málaga’s winters are the warmest in Europe. The short season is defined by rain and wind; lingering around 60 F/16 C. 

Insider Tip: Málaga only requires summer and fall clothing.

December to February is the only time swimming is not an option unless you have Nordic blood. Even then sunbathing on the beach behind windbreakers is still a favorite way to pass the sunny days.  

Is Malaga expensive to live in? 

A single person could comfortably live on $1500/€1300 a month, a couple on $2500/€2200, and a family of four around $3500/€3000.

Málaga’s affordability is very competitive to Porto, Portugal.

In Málaga, real estate value can vary dramatically depending upon age, amenities, and location.

Málaga rentals fluctuate between $7-14/6-12 €/m2.

Studios can be found at around $550/€500. One to four-bedroom apartments in the range of $600/1500-€550/1300 a month.

Property sales average between $1100-3000/1000-2500 €/m2

Apartments can be found at around $130,000/€115,000.

Utilities average $100/€90 a month for 1-2 people.

Insider Tip: Spanish rentals require deposits of 1-12 months, a bank guarantee, or a letter proving employment. Plus, agencies typically charge a finder’s fee. 

You can find more information on rents and rental procedures in our Renting a Property In Spain guide.

Golden Visa properties

Málaga’s real estate market has proven to be a solid option for Spain’s much-desired residency-by-investment program.

If you are after a luxury property, head to Marbella, a Málaga suburb and the hub for luxury real estate.

Property rents around $23/20 €/m2 here. One to five bedrooms will cost between $2000-9000/€1800-8000 a month.

Marbella real estate sales fluctuate between $4500-7000/4000-6000 €/m2, pricing villas into the multi-millions. This is one of the most popular areas for Golden Visa property investors who love the idea of buying a luxurious home on one of the most exclusive strips of land and getting Spanish residency as a bonus.

If you have questions or need more information about your Golden Visa investment options in the area, contact us via our Advice page, we will be happy to help. 

To understand how to purchase property safely and avoid fatal mistakes, read our Buying A Property In Spain guide.

Health insurance

Don’t forget to budget for your healthcare insurance. Although as a legal resident you can use Spanish state-funded healthcare, many expats opt for private insurance. International health insurance is also a popular option. To make sure you get the best value for money, compare international health insurance options from various providers to find the best deal. 

Read more on healthcare in Spain, your options and costs in our guide Health Insurance For Expats In Spain.

Driving in Málaga

Malaga is a busy city. The city centre is almost always heavy with traffic. If you can avoid driving through the centre at 8.30-9.30 am 1.30-3 pm and 7-9 pm.

Finding where to park can also be challenging. You can almost always find a space in the public car parks in the city centre, but they are not cheap. If you need parking for less than 2 hours look for blue zone parking, it is a bit cheaper.

Find more information on Spanish driving regulations and the car registration process in our guide Sorting Out A Car And Driving In Spain.

The best areas to live in Málaga

Málaga is a consortium of lifestyles in various districts.

El Centro

El Centro, the Old City, is downtown Málaga. A location with accessibility to everything from daily life to pleasure. In the summer, you’ll see more tourists than locals.

Soho

Whether it’s street art, modern art, or culinary arts, Soho is the Art District and one of Málaga’s most sought-after addresses. 

Between the port and El Centro, forget New York City or London, Soho is the hip and swanky place to be; with exhibitions, brewpubs, sushi bars, international restaurants and clubs, and a skateboarding park along the river’s edge. 

La Malagueta

Málaga’s most popular beach district, and a definite home for the Mediterranean beachfront lifestyle. Located next to Soho and between Castle Gibralfaro and the sea, the district brags about its 4000 ft/1200 m of coastline.

Living in Malaga
Malagueta beach, is the celebration of the night of San Juan.

La Malagueta is favored by expat families. It has a very international presence and is considered Málaga’s best example of urban development. It is very peaceful and hosts many of Málaga’s 30+ international schools.

La Malagueta is one of Málaga’s most expensive areas. Its northeastern neighborhood, El Limonar, is the city’s most exclusive address.

Paseo Marítimo de Oeste

Paseo Marítimo de Oeste is also a beach district on the western side of Málaga, the more affordable side. A working-class area filled with stores, activities, parks, and plazas, this is an area that the Malagueños favor.

Teatinos

As Málaga’s university district, it’s modern with a dynamic nightlife, and is very international, both in presence and cuisine. Favored by students and young families as it focuses on that type of budget and lifestyle. 

La Merced

Málaga’s trendiest area was also Picasso’s home. Centered by its vibrant Plaza de la Merced, it’s a lively district that foodies will enjoy, full of cafes, restaurants, markets, shopping, and tourists.

El Perchel

Among Málaga’s oldest but very functional districts, El Perchel is another working-class area and not touristy. It’s home to the port, the beach, the main train station, bus station, supermarkets, plazas, activities, and Málaga’s freshest seafood.

Torremolinos

On Málaga‘s western side and another beach district, Torremolinos is one of Spain’s most open LGBTQ communities with a very vibrant gay scene. Torremolinos has an impressive 6 miles/9 KM of coastline, dozens of nightclubs and discos, aqua parks, and theme parks. Torremolinos is a district of life, not for peace and quiet.

Málaga’s suburbs

Málaga’s suburbs cater to additional lifestyles.

Marbella

Marbella is Málaga’s chicest area. Puerto Banús and the Golden Mile are its most exclusive addresses.

Marbella is where royalty holiday with global celebrities and international tycoons; offering multi-million dollar villas, superyacht marinas, and luxury shopping.

You can find more information about the expat life in this area in our Living In Marbella guide: the pros and cons, costs, best areas, schools, etc.

Estepona – Costa Natura

The Garden of the Costa del Sol, Estepona is a modernized fishing village with views of the Rock of Gibraltar and Morocco. Estepona has an upscale marina, resorts, and beaches. 

Living in Malaga
Estepona’s pretty streets.

Estepona is often synonymous with its famous resort Costa Natura, a residential family-oriented nudist community. Spain’s first nudist resort, Costa Natura offers day passes for anyone to enjoy.

However, Estepona is much more than that. It’s also a brilliant family location, perfect if you are looking for a quieter life. To know more about Estepona’s pros and cons, lifestyle, costs and various areas, read our Living In Estepona guide.

Málaga sits comfortably in Spain’s southern corner but is completely connected to the world.

The city hosts one of Europe’s busiest international airports – Málaga – Costa Del Sol (Pablo Picasso) International Airport.

The Port of Málaga is one of Europe’s favored cruise ship destinations, also offering ferry routes to Morocco and the city of Melilla. The coastline hosts 15 marinas.

Insider Tip: Ceuta and Melilla are Spanish cities on the African continent. Though they are part of the EU, Spanish authorities conduct passport checks when you depart from them. So keep your documents ready.

Málaga’s very functional metro system offers monthly passes for $45/40€, $30/27€ for students and retirees.

Málaga also connects domestically and internationally via its main train station, R.E.N.F.E. – Málaga María Zambrano, and by bus as well.

The city is less than a 2-hours drive to Gibraltar, 3-hours to Madrid, and 6-hours to Lisbon.

Internet and mobile connection in Málaga

High-speed reliable 3G/4G/5G internet, fiber-optics, and Wi-Fi are the backbone of Málaga’s connectivity. 

Málaga was chosen to host a Google Cybersecurity centre and is Spain’s first Cloud region. As well as Vodafone’s newest Business European centre.

No-contract unlimited mobile data averages around $28/€25 a month. Monthly residential internet (12 Mbps) averages about $45/€40.

Insider Tip: Some internet providers bundle free TV with nearly 200 European channels.

Banking and finance facilities in Málaga 

Living in Malaga
A pedestrian embankment in the port area of Malaga.

Finances are easily managed in Málaga with international banking widely available including Barclays, Citibank, and Deutsche Banks. Opening a bank account is relatively easy.

Málaga also provides access to crypto exchanges, ATMs, and tellers with the presence of Bitbase operators. 

Coworking spaces in Málaga

You will find plenty of them. Equipped and comfortable coworking spaces are throughout Málaga, accommodating a region saturated with talent.

Málaga beaches and coast

Málaga offers dozens of full serviced beaches. Chiringuitos (beach bars), cafes, restaurants, and shops, with lifeguards and regular police patrols during the tourist season.

There are also a few beaches that are nothing more than sand and the sea.

Remember that it’s illegal to use soap/shampoo in beach showers or in the sea. Also, many beaches are adopting a no-smoking/alcohol policy.

On the western side is Playa de los Álamos in Torremolinos. A favorite for surfers and families, it offers everything you could want at the beach.

Most beaches offer a nudist area or are nudist tolerant, as the right to be nude is enshrined within the Spanish Constitution.

Playa Nudista Guadalmar is Málaga’s most famous nudist beach, and the only officially recognized one within the city.

Insider Tip: The city’s easily accessible beaches will be packed during the summer.  For a less-crowded stretch of sand head east to the quaint fishing village of Pedregalejo, a 19th-century retreat for the Bourgeoisie. The pristine beaches are relatively exclusive, open to those in the know. 

Or try Playo de Maro, an hour past Pedregalejo. The beach is secluded amongst green hills, outlined by crystal clear water. It’s perfect for snorkelling, kayaking, and diving.

All of Málaga’s beaches are family-friendly, and every beach is open to everyone; per Spanish law, private beaches have been illegal since 1982.

Foodies’ paradise

Málaga’s cuisine focuses on seafood, and especially the freshly-caught Mediterranean anchovy. So much, that Spaniards call Malagueños boquerones (anchovies). 

Living in Malaga
Fountain Oasis the Paseo del Parque in Malaga

But, they are only eaten in months whose names do not contain an ‘R’!

Málaga is a foodie paradise. It’s an incredible mix of Spanish and international, traditional and modern and always shared with friends and family.

The food reflects the region’s harvest, including olives, almonds, grapes and raisins, goat cheese, sweet wine, honey, seafood, pork, seasonal vegetables and fruits.

Málaga’s most popular food is the Plato de los Montes de Málaga, Dish from Málaga’s Mountains. It’s a combination platter of french fries/chips, a fried egg, chorizo, morcilla, pork, and fried green peppers.

Spain, and Málaga, are home to the world’s best olive oil.

Insider Tip: Don’t buy olive oil from a grocery, numerous markets sell the local farmers’ freshly pressed harvest that simply cannot be matched.

Atarazanas Market is Málaga’s largest and best outdoor food scene. It’s dozens of local farmers and vendors selling Málaga’s best and freshest foods in a converted historic Arabian shipyard.

It’s also one of Málaga’s best places to eat. Atarazanas Market has been central to Malagueño gastronomy since the 19th century.

Málaga is southern Spain’s largest wine region. Known as Mountain Wine, there are nearly 20 styles, with sweet wine, called Málaga, the most famous. Malagueños often mix Málaga with the local Mistelle.

The Port of Málaga also doubles as a social center full of restaurants, cafes, bars, shops, and cultural attractions all anchored by the Cube.

Shopping in Málaga

In Málaga, the world is at your fingertips, literally. Spain has its own Amazon site, Amazon.es, so if all else fails, there you go.

Near the airport is a Makro warehouse store, and an IKEA. There’s a Costco in Seville, easily accessible by car, bus, or train.

Insider Tip: Costco and Marko honor memberships from any country.

Málaga has several of Spain’s iconic department store; El Corte Inglés.

The high-end shopping district is in El Centro, anchored by Calle Larios. Calle Larios was built in the 19th century as Málaga’s fashion hub, and it still is.

Since then, the surrounding streets have also joined the scene, each a little bit unique for different shoppers and tastes.

Luxury shopping is prolific in Marbella, including Marina Banús at the Puerto Banus and Marbella Center on Avenida Ricardo Soriano.

Málaga has several malls. Larios Center is everything you expect from a mall in the US or UK. At the train station is the Vialia Shopping Center. Near the airport is Factory Outlet Málaga, with an El Corte Inglés outlet store.

Insider Tip: The malls and El Corte Inglés are the best options for electronics and professional supplies.

Málaga has several artisan markets. Made in Soho is worth a visit on the first Saturday of each month, it’s obviously in Soho on Calle Tomás Heredia.

On the fourth Sunday of each month, you can enjoy the Merced Market, in the Plaza de la Merced.

Final thoughts on living in Málaga

Málaga is for anyone whose number one concern is quality of life.

Málaga is not only saturated with the sun, but with an entrepreneurial spirit, creative inspiration, and it is young at heart. 

Whether you want to retire, have a family getaway, invest in real estate, or find a perfect location for your HQ as an entrepreneur or an aspiring creative, Málaga can certainly become a perfect home for you.

You might find useful:

  • Living In Spain – practical tips and information on Spanish visas, residency, healthcare, taxes, the pros and cons and more.
  • Best Places To Live In Spain – the best and most popular expat locations in Spain.
  • Taxes In Spain For Expats – understand your tax liabilities and how much you have to pay when living in Spain.
  • Didn’t find what you were looking for or need further advice? Comment with your question below and we will do our best to help.

15 Comments

  1. 3 hours Madrid to Malaga? What in, a rocket? Begs the question as to what else if anything is accurate in this rather over the top presentation of Malaga. Don’t seem to be any negatives. Why doesn’t everyone live in Malaga?

  2. Hi Julien, great article, really helpful. I intend to re-locate to the Malaga area next year. I want to spend the winter month’s deciding which area would suit me as I will be alone in my move. Can you suggest local Social Media sites where I could find out about working for food and accommodation to give me time to research the options.
    Many thanks.

    • Hey Jacqueline,
      Thanks for reading my piece and contributing to our knowledge base.

      Malaga has a lot of work-for-accommodation options, however many are focused on their agricultural sector, so during the winter, you are a bit more limited.

      Also, these opportunities change very often, so you really need to simply reach out to places and ask them if they have anything and if not, can they recommend who to ask.

      Here are a few links to get you started, but, again, be advised that I do not know if any are still accepting help or offer/vouch for any credibility about their programs.

      https://www.worldpackers.com/search/europe/spain/malaga
      https://freevolunteering.net/work-exchange-in-spain-2/
      https://www.workaway.info/
      https://www.facebook.com/groups/workawayinspain/

      This Facebook group actually has an opportunity in Malaga that was just posted a few weeks ago.

      So, I would suggest starting with the places listed in these links and then branching out from there.

      I don’t know if you speak fluent Spanish, but if you do, that would also open you up to many more, as these tend to be based on speaking English.

      Thanks again Jacqueline for your comment, questions, and contributions.
      Julian – Global Talon
      Explore, Experience & Engage

  3. We are off to Spain and Portugal tomorrow. Re visiting favorite cities and thanks to your excellent article, Malaga is on our itinerary. Retiring next February. Seriously considering residing either in Portugal or Spain, a country my hubby and I hold dear to our hearts. Here we go!
    Many thanks for putting all this information together. 🥂💫😎

  4. Wonderful article thanks for sharing such great info
    I Do have another question, once there, are there many volunteer opportunities for English speakers?

    • Hey Mary,
      Thanks for reading my piece and contributing to our knowledge base.

      Yes, there are many volunteer opportunities in and around Malaga, it’s simply a matter of what it is you’re looking for.

      There are many that are agricultural where a farmer/land-owner will exchange room and board for working on the farm during the busy season.

      But, the University of Malaga is both an academic institution and a social service agent and maintains a database of volunteer opportunities along with the process/application for getting involved with them.

      You can find that here:
      https://www.uma.es/oficina-voluntariado/cms/menu/inicio/voluntariado/?set_language=en

      Hope that helps Mary – good luck and have fun!

      Thanks again Mary for your comment, questions, and contributions.
      Julian – Global Talon
      Explore, Experience & Engage

  5. Absolutely brilliant Julian, thank you so much. We’re retiring in April 24 and doing our research. Planning a recci trip next March and really looking forward to it.

    • Thanks for the comment Lynne and for reading the article.
      I appreciate it.
      Best of luck and enjoy retirement!
      Julian
      Explore, Experience & Engage

  6. Stumbled across this helpful, informative article looking for exactly what it offers, detailed information about Malaga. Kudos to Tom Julian for putting this together.

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