How much does it cost to live and teach in Málaga in Spain?

Are you thinking about moving to Málaga but you are not sure how much money to save or what your costs are likely to be? TEFL in Spain has 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:

* Prices can vary depending on neighbourhood, number of people living in the apartment and facilities. **Depends greatly on your diet and which shops you buy food and drinks.

***If you like to party, Málaga city is the place to be! The centre is bustling with craft beer pubs, trendy bars and clubs! If this is not your scene, you could head to Velvet or ZZ Pub for some live music or a jam night! Not a party person? Málaga is famous for its abundance of coffee shops and brunch bars. There are also language exchange events in the city at least 4 nights of the week. Málaga has something for all!

**** 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 for more than 6 months choose to rent a room in a student apartment in the city centre. There are many options in the city and you can find a long-term room for about €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). Good coffee is hard to come by, the Spaniards do coffee well – it´s just knowing how to order coffee in Málaga that matters! 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).

While living in Spain, learning Spanish will greatly improve your quality of life. It will open doors to new opportunities and allow you to meet new people. Most of all, learning Spanish will mean being able to get things done on a daily basis without the hassle of a language barrier. You can sign up for 3 hours of Spanish classes a week of group classes for about €75 a month.

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.

What do you earn teaching english in Spain

 You can expect to earn on average after you finish a TEFL course

• Private Class: €15 per hour
• General English in an academy: €12 per hour / €1100-€1350 per month
• Business English/ Exam preparation: €20 – €25 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 Málaga to get rich as a teacher – but you will be coming for the quality of life!

Sources

• Main source: TEFL in Spain