Top pros and cons of living in Málaga

There're many reasons why you should live in Malaga. But there're many pros as well as cons. Discover the Top Pros and Cons of living in Malaga.

Jale

3 minute read

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Updated on 20 Mar 2024

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Living

Málaga is one of the best cities to live in Spain. It’s the crowned jewel of Andalucia. From its work opportunities to Mediterranean beaches, vibrant nightlife to affordable prices, there’re many reasons why you should move to Málaga. But what’s the catch? Even though the pros of living in Málaga outweigh its cons, just like living anywhere, Málaga has flaws too.

In this article, we’ll discuss the many pros of living in Málaga and some cons.

So let’s start with the pros:

1. Málaga's the 4th most prominent economy in Spain.
2. Málaga's foodie heaven.
3. Málaga has top-notch public transportation.
4. Málaga's the cultural hub of Costa del Sol.
5. Málaga's sunny 320 days.
6. Málaga has plenty of investment opportunities.

Málaga's the 4th most prominent economy in Spain

Málaga is the 4th most prominent economy in Spain. This’s why there’re so many job opportunities. Most expats find many career opportunities in its biggest sectors, tourism, construction, technology, and logistic. Also, working in Málaga opens doors to many international companies. It’s home to major multinational corporations like Fujitsu Spain, Oracle Corporation, and Huawei. So even if you don’t speak Spanish, there’re many work opportunities.

Málaga's foodie heaven

Spain's famous for its delicious tapas. But these festive and tasty appetisers are just supreme in Costa del Sol region, and so is Anadolucisan cuisine. When you live in Málaga, you’ll get to eat fresh raw blended vegetables soup gazpaco, Andalucian favorite gambas al pil pil and best-grilled sardines espetos almost everywhere. Do we need to tell more?

Málaga has top-notch public transportation

The top neighborhoods of Málaga are walking-friendly. On top of that, Malága's public transportis well-connected and budget-friendly . So whether you want to enjoy it’s vibrant but laid-back nightlife, attend your favourite festival in Malága or commute to work, you’ll find a convenient and safe way back to home.

Málaga's the cultural hub of Costa del Sol

The city has the finest art galleries, museums, festivals, and many other cultural spots. One interesting fun fact about Malálaga is that it's named the “City of Museums” thanks to its 40 museums. While you wander around in the streets, you’ll find the home museum of the Málaga-born extraordinary painter, Pablo Picasso.

Málaga's sunny 320 days

Málaga has a perfect Mediterranean-subtropical climate. It has long and warm summers, making its beaches the best places to go swimming. Alongside beautiful beaches, you’ll find turquoise lagoons and crystal clear rivers. East of Málaga has clear water, but rocky shores and West of Málaga has yellow-sandy beaches. We recommend especially Playa La Malagueta and Playa de La Caleta beaches for spending the day under the sun enjoying delicious seafood and a cold cocktail.

Málaga has plenty of investment opportunities

Málaga has a dual market thanks to being a popular tourist destination and growing international residents, a young and qualified workforce, a cosmopolitan attitude, and the oldest continuously-operated port in Spain, making it the perfect place to start a business in Spain.

1. Málaga isn’t as international as Madrid or Barcelona.
2. Málaga's the 5th most expensive city in Spain.
3. Málaga’s locals don’t speak English well.
4. Málaga has a slow bureaucracy.

It’s not as international as Madrid or Barcelona

While it’s true that in bigger cities like Madrid and Barcelona have more international, there’s a big expat community in Málaga too. In fact, approximately 16.7% of Málaga’s residents are international. The upside's that fewer internationals also mean a less competitive job landscape. So your chances of finding a decent job in Málaga are higher than in Madrid and Barcelona.

Málaga is the 5th most expensive city in Spain

Ranking right after Madrid and Barcelona, Málaga is Spain's 5th most expensive city. But this shouldn’t scare you because, with a monthly average salary of €2,910, Malaga's cost of living is still affordable.

But on the upside, you'll be able to live in closer proximity of Malaga's centre for much less in comparison to finding rental homes in Barcelona's centre which can fit a smaller budget.

And with Malága's monthly cost of living of €1,250 you can find affordable accommodation in the heart of the city. Whereas, living in Spain's capital you'll have to explore houses for rent near Madrid, rather than in the city itself.

Málaga’s locals don’t speak English well

Most locals in Málaga don’t speak English. Only those working in tourism and international companies know English; even their English's usually limited. So learning Spanish is a must for getting things done faster (especially at governmental agencies) and socialising with the community. Thankfully, its excellent language schools will come to your rescue.

Málaga has a slow bureaucracy

Just like in the rest of Spain, simple processes can take days or even weeks. You’ll find long lines in most government agencies and banks. Timetables are usually postponed, so be prepared to rebook the new one.

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