Lifestyle Guide: Cost of Living in Costa Blanca in 2025
When you start thinking about relocating on the stunning Costa Blanca coast of Spain, perhaps one of the first things you will wonder about will be the cost of living in Costa Blanca Spain. And, if you’ve already searched for answers, you might have noticed that the reported Costa Blanca living costs vary widely across different sources. But, why?
The truth is, the cost of living on the Costa Blanca depends heavily on your lifestyle choices, personal habits, and the level of comfort you seek. Some estimates are based on frugal budgeting, while others reflect a more luxurious way of Costa Blanca life.
That’s why we have put together this comprehensive article to clear up the confusion for you. In this article we will analyze every aspect of living in Costa Blanca from housing to healthcare, daily expenses to entertainment, so you can decide if this region is suitable for you to consider for retirement, relocation, or property investment.
Costa Blanca Spain Cost of Living: What Expats Need to Know
This region has a reputation for balanced and moderate living costs, offering excellent value, combining affordability with a Mediterranean lifestyle that’s simply hard to beat. When comparing Costa Blanca vs Spain cost of living rates in general, it becomes clear that this region is not the cheapest part of the country, however, it avoids the sharp prices in places like Madrid, Barcelona, or the Costa del Sol.
Thus, when comparing these two regions, Costa Blanca vs Costa del Sol cost of living, it’s clear that Costa Blanca offers more affordable options without compromising on quality of life. While experts predict a moderate 3% to 5% rise in general expenses this year, the region’s diverse economy, top-notch public healthcare system, and reasonably priced housing continue to support an affordable, high-quality lifestyle.
For instance, the average living costs in Costa Blanca for a single person are about €1,500 to €2,000. This estimated amount can be considered a monthly budget in Costa Blanca for an individual seeking a comfortable yet not extravagant life. It includes rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and some entertainment. Therefore, if you have a family or desire a more upscale lifestyle, your budget will need to increase accordingly.
As in many countries, inflation has affected much of Europe in 2025, pushing up costs in the energy and food sectors. However, unlike other famous regions of Spain, Costa Blanca has softened the impact of rising prices since it benefits from a diverse local economy and access to fresh, locally grown produce.
So, if you are asking, “Is Costa Blanca expensive to live?” the answer is no. According to the Costa Blanca cost of living 2025 analysis, living here remains well within reach for most people seeking a comfortable Mediterranean lifestyle. Below, we have prepared a detailed breakdown of the expat cost of living Costa Blanca, which will give you a clearer picture of what to expect in terms of housing, utilities, services, daily expenses, transportation, and leisure.
Housing Costs: Renting and Buying Property on the Costa Blanca
While housing accounts for the biggest slice of monthly expenses, the Costa Blanca real estate market offers a diverse range of options, both geographically and economically. In Alicante, the province’s capital, renting a one-bedroom apartment in the city center typically costs between €700 and €1,000 per month, while locations outside the center range from €500 to €900. These Costa Blanca rental prices 2025 highlight the variation between urban convenience and suburban affordability. Meanwhile, property prices Costa Blanca towns in Alicante show a wide range, from around €960 per square meter in budget neighborhoods to over €3,100 in prestigious seaside areas.
Nearby Benidorm, well-known for its striking skyline and vibrant atmosphere, commands rents usually between €700 and €900 for central apartments, with plenty of luxury rental options as well. It’s a lively place that offers abundant leisure and entertainment options. So, if you are seeking Costa Blanca homes for sale, you will find everything from modern high-rises to exclusive beachfront apartments here.
Just south of Benidorm is the charming town of Altea, featuring cobblestone streets and whitewashed houses. Rent prices here generally fall between €650 and €850 per month while property prices range from €1,800 to €2,500 per square meter, reflecting its coastal beauty and culture. If what you are seeking is authentic charm, Altea is often regarded as one of the most desirable yet still affordable towns in Costa Blanca to live in.
Further along the coast, the popular expat hubs of Torrevieja and Orihuela Costa offer more affordable living. Torrevieja rents for one-bedroom apartments usually fall between €500 and €700 monthly, with property prices between €1,100 and €1,800 per square meter. On the other hand, Orihuela Costa sees similar rents from €600 to €800, with purchase prices ranging €1,200 to €1,900 per square meter. Both of these towns are great choices if you are seeking a lifestyle right beside the best beaches Costa Blanca offers. Since they provide a variety of stylish Costa Blanca houses for sale with solariums, appealing especially to international buyers looking for a blend of sun, sea, and value, you can find your dream property here!
Utilities and Internet Expenses on the Costa Blanca
Utilities on the Costa Blanca, including electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal are generally affordable and fairly stable, averaging between €100 and €150 per month for a typical two- or three-bedroom home. While the Mediterranean climate keeps heating costs moderate here, you should expect some variation with seasons, especially during winter and summer months due to heating or cooling needs. Besides, properties with larger gardens or private pools may see slightly higher water and electricity bills, of course.
Meanwhile, high-speed internet with unlimited data is available throughout the region, with most providers offering fiber-optic plans in the range of €40 to €60 per month. Mobile phone plans start as low as €10 monthly, often including generous data packages. So, it can be said that despite inflation and occasional fluctuations in energy prices, the county’s focus on renewable energy and its rules for the market generally keep utility costs fairly low and stable for residents.
Healthcare, Education & Insurance Services on the Costa Blanca
Life on the Costa Blanca offers more than sunshine and beautiful beaches. It also comes with strong healthcare, education, and insurance options that make living here easier and more secure. Spain’s public healthcare system is highly regarded worldwide for its quality, accessibility, and affordability.
So, legal residents can benefit from comprehensive coverage with very low out-of-pocket costs for most medical services. However, many expats generally complement public healthcare with private insurance to access faster appointments, a broader choice of specialists, and English-speaking doctors. In terms of costs, private health insurance premiums typically range between €50 and €150 per month, depending on the level of coverage and the provider.
Insurance beyond health also includes property and vehicle coverage, generally affordable and essential for homeowners and drivers alike. Vehicle insurance premiums vary depending on the type of coverage and personal circumstances, so it pays to shop around for the best deal.
On the other hand, education options vary widely along the region, particularly for expat families. Here, public schools are free and provide excellent education, but instruction is primarily in Spanish. At the same time, many international schools are also available in cities like Alicante, Benidorm, and Torrevieja; however, tuition fees can range from €3,000 to €10,000 annually, depending on the school, curriculum, and grade level. So, if you are planning to relocate here with your family, you should budget carefully when choosing an international education.
Transportation Costs on the Costa Blanca: Public and Private
Public transportation networks in key Costa Blanca cities like Alicante and Benidorm are reliable, extensive, and budget-friendly. For example, monthly passes for buses and trams typically cost around €40, which makes commuting, shopping, or social outings easy without the need for a car. However, in smaller towns and rural areas, public transport may be less frequent, so personal vehicles are often necessary.
Fuel prices in Spain as of 2025 average between €1.50 and €1.70 per liter for petrol, which makes driving somewhat expensive compared to some countries, but it is still reasonable within the European context. Car insurance premiums vary widely based on factors such as age, driving record, vehicle type, and coverage level, yet they are generally affordable. Routine maintenance, road taxes, and parking fees add to overall costs, but these expenses remain manageable.
Food, Dining Out, Clothing, and Daily Expenses on the Costa Blanca
Groceries on the Costa Blanca remain quite affordable, especially for fresh produce, meat, and local delicacies, because of Spain’s rich agricultural traditions. For a single person, a typical weekly shopping budget ranges from €30 to €50. Also, it is generally preferred among residents to shop at local markets since they support local farmers while providing extra savings on seasonal fruits and vegetables.
Meanwhile, dining out in the area’s local restaurants usually costs between €10 and €15, and these meals provide a full multi-course experience, including bread, a drink, and sometimes dessert. Mid-range restaurants charge from €20 to €35 per person for a three-course meal, so it’s easy to enjoy social dinners without overspending.
When it comes to clothing and daily essentials, they are priced similarly to many Western European countries on the Costa Blanca, but the availability of both high street brands and boutique shops allows residents to find options for every budget. Also, seasonal sales provide good opportunities to refresh wardrobes affordably, which all adds up to a reasonable Costa Blanca lifestyle cost for most people.
Entertainment & Leisure on the Costa Blanca: Beaches, Culture, and Affordable Activities
Spain offers an impressive variety of leisure activities for residents and visitors alike, making it a top destination for Costa Blanca holidays without breaking the budget. For instance, access to many Costa Blanca beaches is generally free, while sunbed and umbrella rentals typically cost between €5 and €10. Meanwhile, green fees for golf start at around €25, and there are also many free or low-cost festivals, live music events, and traditional celebrations to attend.
Also, many Costa Blanca towns host free local events and vibrant street performances, and museums often provide free entry on specific days. And if you are seeking outdoor activities, you can explore scenic hiking trails, natural parks, and coastal promenades without spending a euro.
In the evenings you can explore lively tapas bars and seaside promenades where locals gather in sophisticated theaters featuring music and dance shows. Whether seeking a relaxed family outing or a social night on the town, the region’s entertainment and leisure options offer you an excellent value for a fulfilling lifestyle.
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In summary, Costa Blanca presents a remarkable balance of affordability and quality of life in Spain. From the energetic urban environment of Alicante to the relaxed charm of Altea, and the beach-living appeal of Torrevieja, this region has affordable options for every preference.
If you are ready to relocate here and seeking the best real estate agent Costa Blanca has to offer, TEKCE is here to guide you to your dream home! Whether you are looking for houses for sale Costa Blanca listings or rental property listings, with our wide variety of real estate options and deep knowledge of the real estate market across Spain, we will support you through the entire process. Call us today to start your journey!