Cost of Living in Spain: Comparing Prices on the Costa Blanca and Costa del Sol
10 November
Spain is a country with a variety of climates, cultures and costs of living. Two popular regions for living and holidays, the Costa Blanca and the Costa del Sol, are often chosen by expats and tourists. However, the prices of housing, food, transport and entertainment vary between them, which can affect the choice of where to live or invest in real estate. In this article, we will take a closer look at the cost of living in these regions and highlight the main differences.
1. Cost of renting and buying a home
- Costa Blanca: This region, including cities such as Alicante, Torrevieja and Benidorm, has relatively affordable prices for renting and buying a property. On average, a one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs 500-700 euros per month, while on the outskirts it costs 400-500 euros. Buying property on the Costa Blanca is also more affordable compared to the southern regions, with prices per square metre ranging from around €1,200 to €2,500, depending on the location and condition of the property.
- Costa del Sol: The southern coast of Spain, home to Marbella, Malaga and Fuengirola, is known for its luxury properties and higher prices. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre is around €800 to €1,200, while on the outskirts it is €600 to €900. Buying property here is more expensive, with prices ranging from €2,000 to €5,000 per square metre depending on the popularity of the area.
Conclusion: The Costa Blanca attracts budget buyers and renters, while the Costa del Sol offers more luxurious options and appeals to those looking for a prestigious property.
2. Food and Restaurants
- Grocery Basket: Grocery items remain relatively affordable throughout Spain, but prices may vary slightly between regions. In supermarkets on the Costa Blanca, the cost of items such as bread, milk, meat, vegetables and fruit is slightly lower than on the Costa del Sol. For example, a standard grocery basket can cost €150-€200 per month on the Costa Blanca, while on the Costa del Sol it can be €180-€220.
- Restaurants and Cafes: The cost of lunch or dinner also varies depending on the region. In cafes and restaurants on the Costa Blanca, the average price for a dinner for two is around €30-€40, while on the Costa del Sol it is around €40-€60. Tourist areas such as Marbella and Malaga are known for their high density of upmarket restaurants, which drives up the average cost of eating out.
Conclusion: Overall, eating out on the Costa Blanca is somewhat cheaper and there are more budget options, making it a more affordable region for those planning to eat out more often.
3. Transport and Communication
- Public Transport: Both regions have a well-developed public transport system, including buses and trains, making getting around convenient and affordable. A bus ticket costs around €1.50 on both the Costa Blanca and Costa del Sol. However, taxi prices can vary, with rates often higher on the Costa del Sol, especially in the larger tourist towns.
- Private Transport: Spain has relatively low petrol prices and car hire is readily available. On the Costa Blanca, renting a car will cost you around 30-40 euros per day, while on the Costa del Sol, renting a car costs around 40-50 euros per day, especially in high season.
- Communications and Internet: Prices for Internet and mobile communications do not depend on the region and remain within 30-50 euros per month.
Conclusion: The cost of transport and communications varies slightly between regions, but on the Costa Blanca, taxis and car rentals are cheaper.
4. Utilities
- Water, Electricity and Gas: In Spain, the cost of utilities can vary depending on the season. Average utility costs (electricity, water, gas) are around 80-120 euros per month on the Costa Blanca, and around 100-150 euros on the Costa del Sol, especially in the winter months when more electricity is used for heating.
- Air conditioning and heating: On the Costa del Sol, during the summer months when temperatures reach their highest, air conditioning costs may increase. The Costa Blanca has a milder climate, so cooling and heating costs are lower.
Conclusion: Due to the milder climate, utility costs on the Costa Blanca are on average slightly lower than on the Costa del Sol.
5. Entertainment and leisure
- Beaches and natural areas: Both regions have beautiful beaches, but the Costa del Sol has a wider range of beach clubs and leisure areas. Here you can find upmarket clubs where sun loungers can cost from 20 euros upwards, while the Costa Blanca has more public beaches and free leisure areas.
- Cultural events: The Costa del Sol is known for its festivals, concerts and gastronomic events, which attract tourists all year round. Marbella and Malaga have many upmarket clubs, theatres and galleries. The Costa Blanca also has festivals and celebrations, but the range is less varied.
- Sports: The Costa Blanca has more affordable prices for sports equipment rentals such as bicycles, as well as for coaching and gym rentals.
Conclusion: The Costa del Sol offers more luxury activities and infrastructure, but for outdoor recreation and sports, the Costa Blanca is a more affordable alternative.
Comparison Summary
| Index | Costa Blanca | Costa del Sol |
|---|---|---|
| Housing Rentals | €500–€700 in the center | €800–€1,200 in the center |
| Grocery Costs | 10–15% Cheaper on average | More Expensive |
| Restaurants | Affordable Options | Higher Prices |
| Utilities | €80–€120 | €100–€150 |
| Entertainment and Leisure | More Free Beaches | More Luxury Beach Clubs |
| Transportation and Communication | Car Rental Slightly Cheaper | More Expensive |
Cost of Living in Spain: Comparison of Prices on the Costa Blanca and Costa del Sol
The Costa Blanca is ideal for those looking for a budget holiday or permanent residence with relatively low costs. The Costa del Sol attracts tourists and expats who are willing to pay more for a luxurious lifestyle and rich infrastructure.