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Costa del Sol vs Costa Blanca: Which Coast Wins?

Costa del Sol vs Costa Blanca: Which Coast Wins?

Created10.09.2025, 14.51

Updated12.09.2025, 09.59

Choosing between Spain’s different coasts might seem difficult. Each place has its own unique culture, amenities, and attractions. Foreigners looking to buy a home in Spain might ask: “Which is better: Costa Blanca or Costa del Sol?” Both regions seem absolutely perfect in the pictures. So, how do you decide where to invest in your dream home in Spain? Nerja, Costa del Sol

First off, it’s important to note that neither Costa Blanca nor Costa del Sol is inherently better than the other. They both are perfect, just for different reasons. So, the choice depends entirely on what matters most to you.

On this page, we’ll compare both places according to the following parameters to help you make the right choice:

Cost of living
Leisure & lifestyle
Climate
Expat communities
Travel
Healthcare & education
Real estate market value

Which has a lower cost of living: Costa del Sol or Costa Blanca?

Generally speaking, the cost of living in Costa Blanca is lower than in Costa del Sol. Property prices, eating out, and social activities are much more affordable. For example, living in Torrevieja on the Costa Blanca is roughly 12% cheaper than in Fuengirola on the Costa del Sol. Rent in Torrevieja is about 32% lower, and you can save around 10-13% on groceries and dining out.

However, it's worth mentioning that this trend doesn't hold true in larger city centers. For a family of four, the estimated monthly expenses in Alicante (Costa Blanca) are about 2,511.4€, while in Málaga (Costa del Sol), it’s around 2,538.5€. Towns like Nerja and Mijas also offer a more budget-friendly lifestyle compared to Marbella.

Lifestyle in Costa Blanca & Costa de Sol

Costa Blanca and Costa del Sol each offer their own slice of traditional Spanish life, but with distinct atmospheres.

Life in Costa Blanca is much calmer and relaxed than in Costa del Sol. The region attracts tourists with its historical sites. It's also one of the healthiest places to live in Europe, thanks to its clean air and the nearby salt lakes of La Mata and Torrevieja. The stunning white sand beaches here are a major draw. The best beaches on the Costa Blanca are those on the beautiful shores of Calpe, Benidorm, Javea, and Altea.

On the other hand, Costa del Sol presents a more glamorous lifestyle. Known for its luxury offerings, the area is packed with golf courses, exclusive yacht clubs, fine dining restaurants, and designer boutiques. Marbella’s Puerto Banus is a lively hub with a vibrant day and nightlife scene. You get the unique opportunity to go skiing in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. When it comes to the best beaches in Costa del Sol, we recommend visiting Carihuela Beach in Torremolinos, Malagueta Beach in Malaga, and Burriana Beach in Nerja.

Weather in Costa Blanca & Costa de Sol

Both Costa Blanca and Costa del Sol weather are very warm during the summer months and mild in the winter. Costa del Sol is slightly warmer than Costa Blanca, but the difference isn’t huge. In Costa del Sol, you'll find that Marbella and Estepona have slightly cooler temperatures because of the unique microclimates in those areas.

Expats in Costa Blanca & Costa de Sol

Generally speaking, there are more expats in Costa del Sol than in Costa Blanca. Most expats in these areas come from the UK, the Netherlands, Germany, and Scandinavian countries. Many of the expats in Costa Blanca are retirees, families, and university students. In contrast, Costa del Sol attracts more young professionals and remote workers.

In Costa Blanca, towns like Torrevieja, Benidorm, and Jávea are particularly popular among expats. Meanwhile, in Costa del Sol, Marbella, Fuengirola, and Mijas are the hotspots for those looking to connect with expats.

Mobility in Costa Blanca and Costa & Sol

Costa Blanca and Costa del Sol offer great transportation options for travelers.

To get to Costa Blanca, you can fly into either Alicante Airport or Valencia Airport. Both of these airports receive direct flights from worldwide destinations, including London, Paris, Berlin, and Amsterdam. If you're going to Costa del Sol, Málaga International Airport offers direct flights to more than 150 destinations.

For intercity travel, both areas offer advanced high-speed train networks. Costa del Sol, however, benefits from a more extensive system due to its larger population and higher tourist traffic. The AP-7 motorway also conveniently links the two regions, providing easy access to the cities along the way.

Public Services in Costa Blanca & Costa de Sol

When it comes to healthcare, both Costa Blanca and Costa del Sol offer high-quality services at affordable prices.

Healthcare in Costa Blanca is highly accessible, with top-rated hospitals and private clinics in Alicante, Torrevieja, and Benidorm. Meanwhile, healthcare in Costa del Sol is also accessible, with healthcare facilities in major cities like Malaga and Marbella.

Regarding education, international schools typically follow British, German, or American curricula. Universities such as Alicante University and Miguel Hernández University offer a comprehensive education at accessible prices.

Property Investment in Costa del Sol vs Costa Blanca

Costa del Sol real estate prices are generally higher compared to Costa Blanca real estate.

Costa Blanca
- In Alicante, property prices have increased by 6.18% over the past year, reaching an average of €2,000 per square meter. The return on investment (ROI) is around 7.30%, with a payback period of approximately 14 years.
- In Benidorm, price growth has been more moderate at 2.55%, but the average price per square meter is €2,133. ROI remains around 7.30%, and the payback period is an attractive 10 years.
Costa del Sol
- In Málaga, prices have risen by 6.15%, reaching an average of €3,367 per square meter. ROI is 7.26%, with a payback period of 14 years.
- In Marbella, property prices have increased by 9.17% over the past year, with an average of €3,547 per square meter. ROI is 7.73%, and the payback period is approximately 13 years.

In short, a property for sale in Costa Blanca is a highly appealing option for those seeking affordable and fast-return investments. Purchasing property for sale in Costa del Sol, on the other hand, is the perfect option if you are seeking prestige and a high-quality lifestyle. In other words, you can go for a property investment in Costa del Sol if you prioritize lifestyle and want long-term returns.

Final Thoughts: Which City is the Best?

When considering the best places to buy property in Spain, both the Costa Blanca and Costa del Sol offer unique advantages depending on what you're seeking.

If you prioritize affordability, want a more laid-back lifestyle, or love exploring historical attractions, you can opt for Costa Blanca homes for sale. On the other hand, if you feel you cannot be away from bustling city centers and want a luxury lifestyle, you might safely buy a house in Costa del Sol. In short, the choice is entirely yours. You can decide based on your budget, investment goals, and lifestyle expectations.