Andalusia · Spain · What it costs, in plain terms
What a week in Andalusia costs a family of four
A week in Andalusia for a family of four costs roughly half what a comparable week on the French Riviera does. Flights from the US East Coast take about half of the total, accommodation about a fifth, tapas and other food about a tenth, and the rental car under a tenth. Southern Spain is cheap once you land, and flights are the only large expense.
Where the money goes
- 1
Flights from the US East Coast
Flights are about half of the whole trip and by far the largest line. Most routes from the US East Coast to Málaga or Seville connect through Madrid or another European hub, and the best fares are usually outside July and August. Check both airports, and consider flying into one and out of the other if you want a road trip, as it avoids a long drive back. Book early for summer and holiday dates. After landing, almost every other cost is lower than elsewhere in Western Europe.
- 2
Six nights in a Costa del Sol apartment
Lodging is about a fifth of the budget. An apartment on the Costa del Sol with a pool and a short walk to the beach suits a family far better than two hotel rooms, and it costs much less. Prices climb in July and August, when a week can cost a third or more above spring or autumn rates. Choose a resort town with a supermarket and restaurants nearby so you do not need a car for every meal.
- 3
Food, with tapas every night
Food comes to about a tenth of the total, even when you eat out every night. Tapas are the reason: small plates shared among four, ordered a round at a time, cost far less than four full main courses. A round of tapas for four is inexpensive. Many bars offer a fixed-price midday menu, the menú del día, which is the best value meal of the day. Order a few plates, add more if you are hungry, and stop when you are full.
- 4
The rental car for the week
The car is under a tenth of the total and pays for itself. The white villages, Ronda and the mountain roads are impractical without one, and public transport on the coast is thin. Book ahead for summer, and compare the all-in price with insurance included. Automatic cars cost more than manual ones, so reserve early if you need one. In cities such as Seville and Granada, parking is expensive and difficult, so leave the car at the hotel or in a car park.
- 5
The total, compared with the French Riviera
Put together, a week in Andalusia comes to roughly half what the French Riviera costs for a family of the same size. The gap comes from lodging, restaurant meals and car hire, which are noticeably cheaper in southern Spain. The two trips look similar on a postcard: warm sea, old towns and good food. To keep the total low, travel in spring or autumn, rent an apartment, eat tapas and lunch menus, and book flights early.
Plan it
- Best time
- April to June and September to October for warm weather and lower prices than peak summer. July and August are hot and the most expensive.
- How long
- A week is enough for a beach base with day trips. Ten days allows time in Seville and Granada as well.
- Getting around
- A rental car is the practical choice for villages and beaches. Trains link Málaga, Seville, Córdoba and Granada if you prefer a city route.
Good to know
- Compare Málaga and Seville flights, and consider flying into one and out of the other.
- Look for a lunchtime menú del día, which costs far less than dinner.
- Check the apartment's air conditioning and pool access before booking.
Frequently asked
Is Andalusia cheap for a family holiday? +
Yes, compared with most of Western Europe. Lodging, food and car hire cost noticeably less than on the French Riviera or the Italian coast. Flights from North America are the main expense.
What is the biggest cost of a trip to Andalusia? +
Flights, which take about half the budget for a family flying from the US East Coast. Lodging is next, then food and the rental car. Activities and extras are the smallest part of the total.
Is it cheaper to eat tapas or full meals in Andalusia? +
Tapas are usually cheaper and more flexible. Sharing several plates among four costs less than four full main courses, and lunchtime fixed-price menus, the menú del día, are cheaper still for the same food.
Is Andalusia cheaper than the French Riviera? +
Yes, by about half for a comparable week. The gap is widest for accommodation, restaurant meals and car hire, and it narrows only slightly in the busiest weeks of August on both coasts.
