A couple can live comfortably in Costa Blanca for €1,800-2,500/month including housing, food, utilities, and entertainment. Budget-conscious retirees manage on €1,400/month; those seeking more luxury spend €3,000-3,500. This is 25-40% less than equivalent living in the UK, Germany, or Scandinavia.
The cost of living question is always the first one: "Can I afford to live in Spain?" The short answer for Costa Blanca is almost certainly yes—and probably more comfortably than wherever you're coming from.
But vague reassurances don't help you plan. This guide provides real, specific numbers based on current 2026 costs. We've gathered data from expat residents, checked supermarket prices, called utilities providers, and verified everything against daily life on the ground.
These figures focus on Costa Blanca South (Torrevieja, Orihuela Costa, inland areas) where most international buyers settle. Costa Blanca North costs approximately 10-15% more.
Housing Costs: Rent vs Own
Your biggest expense, whether renting or owning:
Rental costs (monthly):
Rental costs have risen since 2020, with strong demand from both long-term residents and digital nomads. Summer (short-term) rentals cost significantly more.
Ownership costs (monthly): If you own your property outright, ongoing costs include:
Mortgage scenario: A €250,000 mortgage at 3.5% over 25 years costs approximately €1,250/month. Add running costs for total housing cost of €1,600-1,900/month.
The bottom line: Owning outright drops housing costs dramatically. Many retirees sell UK/Northern European properties, buy Costa Blanca homes for less, and pocket the difference—eliminating housing costs from their monthly budget.
Affordable New Build Homes
Properties under €400,000 - great value in Costa Blanca
Utilities: Water, Electric, Gas, Internet
Utilities in Spain are reasonable, though summer air conditioning adds up:
Electricity (monthly):
Tips: LED lighting, efficient appliances, and strategic AC use (evening hours) reduce bills significantly. Solar panels are increasingly popular.
Water (monthly):
Water is more expensive than in northern Europe due to scarcity. Efficient irrigation and pool covers help.
Gas (monthly):
Many properties use electric for everything. Bottled gas is common for cooking in older properties.
Internet + Mobile:
Excellent fiber coverage in most areas. Providers include Movistar, Orange, Vodafone, and budget options like Digi.
Total utilities: €150-280/month depending on property size, AC usage, and habits.
Food and Groceries
Supermarket shopping is one of Spain's great bargains:
Weekly supermarket shop (couple):
Price examples (2026):
Supermarket options:
Local markets: Weekly markets in most towns offer fresh local produce at excellent prices. Torrevieja's Friday market, Villamartin Sunday market, and similar events are social occasions as well as shopping opportunities.
Eating out:
Dining out is affordable enough to be a regular habit rather than a treat.
Healthcare Costs
Healthcare in Spain is excellent. Your costs depend on your status:
EU citizens with S1 form: Access to Spanish public healthcare at no ongoing cost. The S1 is available to those receiving state pensions from EU countries.
EU citizens without S1: Can access public healthcare by paying into the Convenio Especial system—approximately €60-160/month depending on age.
Non-EU citizens: Must have private health insurance for residency. Costs:
Popular private insurers: Sanitas, Adeslas, Asisa, DKV
Private healthcare costs (pay-as-you-go):
Prescription medications: Generally 40% of pharmacy cost for pensioners (with Spanish health card). Private pay is still significantly cheaper than UK/US prices.
Monthly healthcare budget:
Transport: Car and Getting Around
You'll almost certainly need a car in Costa Blanca:
Car ownership costs (monthly):
Fuel costs:
Buying a car in Spain:
Public transport:
Without a car: Possible in larger towns like Torrevieja if you live centrally. Difficult elsewhere. Most expats drive.
Lifestyle and Entertainment
The good stuff—what makes life enjoyable:
Golf:
Beach and pools:
Gyms and fitness:
Entertainment:
Social activities:
Travel (from Alicante Airport):
Monthly lifestyle budget:
Sample Monthly Budgets
Here are realistic monthly budgets for different lifestyles:
*Works for: Careful retirees, those with paid-off property, simple lifestyle preferences*
*Works for: Most retirees, those seeking good balance of comfort and value*
*Works for: Those seeking full enjoyment without budget constraints*
*Works for: Those testing the waters before buying, or preferring rental flexibility*
Comparison: Spain vs Home Country
How does Costa Blanca compare to where you're coming from?
vs United Kingdom:
vs Germany:
vs Scandinavia (Sweden, Norway):
vs Netherlands/Belgium:
The savings are real. Many retirees find their pension goes 30-40% further in Spain.
Tips for Managing Costs
Practical advice from long-term residents:
Shopping:
Utilities:
Dining:
Healthcare:
Transport:
General:
Ready to Start Your New Life?
Browse available properties in Costa Blanca South
The Bottom Line
Living in Costa Blanca is genuinely affordable—and the value extends beyond simple cost savings. You're not just spending less; you're living better. The climate means lower heating costs and an outdoor lifestyle. The food quality is excellent at lower prices. The pace of life is healthier and less stressful.
For a couple owning their property outright, comfortable living costs €1,800-2,500/month. That's €21,600-30,000/year for a lifestyle that would cost significantly more in Northern Europe—with more sunshine, better food, and less stress.
The question isn't whether you can afford Costa Blanca. It's whether you can afford not to consider it.
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