Costs of Living Comparison: Sunny Agadir or Busy Málaga?

19 Nov

Why Morocco is One of the Smartest and Warmest Choices for British Families

If you are a British family searching for the perfect summer destination, you are likely looking for sunshine, comfort, culture, affordability and plenty of space. For those interested in spending three unhurried and sunny months abroad, Morocco stands out as one of the most appealing choices for a summer home.

Only a short flight from the United Kingdom and offering ninety days of visa free entry for British passport holders, Morocco feels close yet completely different. Families are welcomed with warm hospitality, long sandy beaches, modern neighbourhoods and vibrant local markets. Daily life slows down, routines become lighter and the cost of living becomes far more manageable.

One of the biggest surprises for UK visitors is how affordable Morocco can be. Spacious family apartments near the beach, fresh produce from local markets, excellent restaurants and accessible private healthcare come at a cost that is often a fraction of what you would pay in the United Kingdom. This combination of comfort and value makes Morocco an exceptional option for a family summer home abroad.

Wanna Take Advantage of the 90 Day Tourist Visa in Morocco?

A British family of four will find that life in Morocco during the summer is both comfortable and significantly cheaper than in the United Kingdom. Housing, food, transport and leisure activities are all affordable, especially in coastal destinations such as Agadir.

If your priorities include sunshine, culture, larger living spaces, outdoor family time and manageable daily costs, Morocco is an excellent destination to consider.

Let’s Compare Agadir with Málaga, One of Spain’s Most Famous Coastal Destinations

Housing Costs

Agadir is one of the most popular summer destinations in Morocco. It offers warm Atlantic weather, pleasant beaches, safe neighbourhoods and modern apartments suitable for families.

To provide a fair comparison, it is useful to look at Málaga, one of the best known beach cities in Spain. Málaga represents a typical Western European coastal lifestyle with a strong tourist season and a high demand for summer accommodation.

A furnished two or three bedroom flat in a good area in Agadir usually costs between £600 and £1200 per month. Larger or more modern villa style properties generally cost between £1200 and £2000 per month.

In Málaga, a similar two or three bedroom flat often costs £1000 per month or more. Beachfront properties or homes in highly desirable areas easily exceed £1200 per month during the summer.

Quick Conclusion: Agadir is currently around 40 per cent more affordable than Málaga

Agadir offers significantly better value. Equivalent properties are often half the price of comparable homes in Málaga. Over a three month summer stay, a family is likely to spend between £1800 and £3600 on housing in Agadir, while in Málaga the cost usually ranges between £3000 and £4500 or more.

Food and Groceries

In Agadir, a family of four can expect to spend between £200 and £300 per month on groceries when cooking at home. Imported products may increase this to between £300 and £500. Meals in local restaurants usually cost between £2 and £5 per person, and mid range restaurants rarely exceed £25 for a family.

In Málaga, supermarket prices are similar to those in Western Europe. Fresh produce is reasonably priced, but the overall cost is higher than in Morocco. Families generally spend between £400 and £600 per month on groceries, and eating out is noticeably more expensive compared with Agadir.

Quick Conclusion: Agadir offers more affordable choices for eating out

Food costs depend on personal habits, but Agadir remains significantly cheaper for both groceries and restaurants. A family can dine out several times a week in Agadir without exceeding £200 per month. In Málaga, this lifestyle often doubles in cost.

Transport

In Agadir, a car rental costs between £300 and £450 per month for a basic model. Petrol is cheaper than in the United Kingdom. Taxis are very affordable and local rides often cost less than £1.

In Málaga, car rental prices are higher during the summer season and usually range from £500 to £800 per month depending on the model. Public transport is more efficient than in Morocco.

Quick Conclusion: if you need a car, Agadir is cheaper. You might not need a car in Málaga though.

Transport is significantly cheaper in Agadir, especially for families who rely on a car for daily activities.

Utilities and Internet

Utilities in Agadir usually cost between £30 and £60 per month for a family sized flat. Home internet typically costs around £25 per month. The connection quality is improving but still lower than in Europe.

Utilities in Málaga range from £80 to £120 per month for similar sized homes. Internet prices are similar but do not compensate for the higher energy costs.

Quick Conclusion: internet is cheaper in Agadir, but service quality is still higher in Málaga

Climate and Comfort

Agadir offers reliable summer weather with warm temperatures moderated by the Atlantic Ocean. It is one of the most comfortable locations in Morocco for families.

Málaga enjoys a Mediterranean climate with long summers and mild evenings. It is warmer than the United Kingdom but not extreme, making it ideal for families of all ages.

Quick Conclusion: Mediterranean or Atlantic weather, both offer great summer conditions

Healthcare and Safety

Private healthcare in Agadir is affordable and commonly used by visitors. Doctor consultations usually cost between £10 and £25. Travel insurance is recommended for all visitors. Some tourists also use local clinics to access faster consultations compared with the NHS.

Spain offers excellent healthcare but private services are more expensive than in Morocco. Comprehensive insurance is essential for non EU visitors.

Both Agadir and Málaga are safe destinations for families. Agadir offers a calm environment, while Málaga provides modern services and a large international community.

Quick Conclusion: language may be a challenge, but Morocco provides reliable and trustworthy medical care

Comparison Table

Our Last Thoughts

For a British family of four searching for a warm, spacious and affordable place to enjoy the summer months, Agadir offers outstanding value. The cost of living is significantly lower than in Málaga, yet the climate, coastal setting and family friendly atmosphere make it an ideal summer base. Families who prioritise European infrastructure, familiar customs and an established expat community may still prefer Málaga, but this comes at a higher financial cost.

If your goal is a memorable and enjoyable summer with a sensible budget, Agadir stands out as an excellent destination for a summer home.

If you want to explore Agadir with your family and enjoy a slow summer or even a warmer winter, contact Sorato.io to help you arrange the best accommodation and activities.

Calina Hasegawa