Life on the Costa Blanca in 2024

Life in Spain – Costa Blanca

Find out the prices of daily expenses, food, apartment rentals, basic services, transportation, and health insurance in the most popular cities on the Costa Blanca. Living in the Costa Blanca region is a joyful experience all year round.

Alicante is a region renowned for its beautiful landscapes and pleasant climate, offering a range of options for different budgets. The availability of housing and services varies, providing alternatives for both those looking for economical solutions and those who prefer luxury and glamour. You can buy a new, ready-to-move-in property here from as little as €190,000. There is basically no upper limit.

When it comes to everyday expenses, basic food and beverages are priced similarly to what we are used to in Poland.

The Alicante region is known for its culinary offerings, ranging from basic dishes at reasonable prices to haute cuisine options, including Michelin-starred restaurants.

An important aspect to consider when living in Costa Blanca is the annual rate of change in the consumer price index (CPI). In December 2023, it stood at 3.1%. Despite economic fluctuations, the region maintains a balance between affordability and quality. This makes it an attractive place for both permanent residents and tourists. If you have always wanted to live in Costa Blanca, one of the most beautiful and popular regions of Spain, are retired, or are simply thinking about moving to this sunny country, please contact us. Go Spain Real Estate Agency will help you find your ideal property.

Choosing a city, living on the Costa Blanca

For lovers of the coast and a slightly cooler climate, we recommend Calpe. Calpe, also known as Calp, is a picturesque town located near Benidorm, but offering a much quieter atmosphere, away from the crowds of tourists. Calpe attracts visitors with its charm, beautiful beaches, crystal clear water, and spectacular views of the famous Peñón de Ifach, an impressive rock rising above the town.

If you are looking for somewhere a little more cosmopolitan, consider Alicante. This dynamic city offers a wide range of cultural attractions, including museums, art galleries, and theaters. Alicante is also known for its vibrant nightlife, numerous restaurants serving delicious cuisine, and beautiful beaches such as Playa del Postiguet.

For those who prefer a more luxurious setting, Altea may be the ideal choice. This charming town is known for its white houses, narrow streets, and artistic atmosphere. Altea is also popular among those seeking exclusive properties with sea views and peaceful places to relax.

Benidorm, although more touristy, offers a wide range of entertainment and amenities. Known for its high-rise buildings and numerous amusement parks, such as Terra Mítica, Benidorm is ideal for families and those seeking a dynamic lifestyle. The city also offers beautiful beaches and a rich nightlife.

Another noteworthy place is Jávea, also known as Xàbia. This town offers a unique climate, with mild winters and hot summers, and beautiful landscapes that attract nature lovers and water sports enthusiasts. Jávea is also known for its excellent infrastructure, including international schools and modern medical facilities.

Shopping in Costa Blanca

The cost of basic products on the Costa Blanca, such as bread, potatoes, and milk, is quite reasonable compared to prices in Polish supermarkets. Supermarket chains such as Mercadona, Masymas, Hiperber, DIA, Consum, Lidl, Aldi, Spar, Carrefour, and Hipercor can be found all along the Costa Blanca coast.

Sample food prices in popular cities on the Costa Blanca

Shopping on the Costa Blanca is convenient, given the number of stores throughout the Valencian Community. There are definitely more than average on the Costa Blanca. You will find a wide range of shops here, including modern supermarkets and shopping centers. There is also no shortage of traditional markets and street fairs. Thanks to the large number of markets that can be found in the Spanish region of Costa Blanca, you can count on excellent quality and variety of products on offer. Fresh fruit, vegetables, pickles, food stalls, and clothing stalls are ideal for those looking for good quality products at affordable prices.

Lunch or dinner on the Costa Blanca

For lunch or dinner for two on the Costa Blanca, you can expect to pay between €30 and €50. Prices vary depending on the restaurant and location, and each one offers different dishes at affordable prices. For those who want to have a good time with friends, Alicante offers numerous bars and cafes where a drink usually costs less than € 8-10. The Costa Blanca is a place where you can enjoy the local culture and company without having to spend a lot of money.

Prices reflect the high quality of life, where you can enjoy good food and drinks at reasonable prices. In addition to affordable restaurants, there are also mid-range restaurants available.

For more discerning customers, there are Michelin-starred restaurants in Alicante. These establishments offer exquisite menus prepared by renowned chefs in a more exclusive setting with high-quality service.

In higher-end establishments, you should expect higher costs. Dishes can cost from 50 to 60 euros per person, and the price can increase significantly depending on your choice of dishes and wines. A full dinner can exceed even 100 euros per person.

It is important to remember to book a table in advance at restaurants marked with a Michelin star, especially during the high season, when both tourists and locals want to spend time in exclusive establishments.

Public transport on the Costa Blanca

Tram connections between cities on the Costa Blanca

The tram makes traveling around the Costa Blanca very easy. It provides connections between Alicante, Benidorm, Denia, and other cities. Line 1 connects Alicante with Benidorm, line 3 runs from Alicante to Venta Lanuza, and line 4 runs from Alicante Puerta del Mar to Plaza La Coruña. All lines provide easy access to the main tourist attractions and residential areas along the Costa Blanca coast. Line 9 connects Benidorm with Dénia, passing through towns such as Altea and Calpe.

If you use the tram line frequently, it is worth considering purchasing special subscriptions, which can be found on the official website. These include: a multiple-use ticket, a gold ticket for pensioners, a Jove bonus for people aged 16 to 30, and other options. You will also find information on how to obtain each of these tickets.

Bus network in Costa Blanca

Travel between cities on the Costa Blanca is also possible thanks to bus connections. ALSA is one of the most popular transport companies in the region.

One of the two most popular bus routes is Benidorm – Calpe. ALSA offers direct connections, and the journey can take between 30 minutes and an hour, depending on the route you choose.

Another popular route is Benidorm – Torrevieja, which buses cover in about 1 hour and 25 minutes.

In addition to these routes, there are other bus connections linking cities such as Alicante, Denia, Elche, and others in the region.

Taxis on the Costa Blanca

By using taxis on the Costa Blanca, you can quickly travel between cities and tourist attractions. However, it is important to remember that costs may vary depending on the time of day, distance, and company.

Basic fare and cost per kilometer: The standard “door slam” fee is 3-4 euros. Of course, the cost per kilometer traveled is added to this.

Sample fare: A taxi ride from Benidorm to Calpe, which takes about 30 minutes, costs between €27 and €35.

Additional charges may apply for night rides, public holidays, or luggage transport. It is recommended to confirm prices with the driver before starting the journey and consider booking with well-known taxi companies or through apps to avoid unpleasant surprises.

Gasoline prices on the Costa Blanca

At the beginning of 2024, the average price of unleaded 95 gasoline in Alicante was €1.55 per liter. In cities such as Altea and Benidorm, the price was 10 cents higher, at €1.65 per liter. As for diesel, the average price for diesel A was €1.489 per liter, while for diesel A+ (premium) it was €1.601 per liter.

As with other costs, the price of fuel depends on the location and gas station where you make your purchase.

Telecommunications services on the Costa Blanca

Prices for 300 Mbps fiber optic internet on the Costa Blanca are around €20 to €25 per month. It all depends on the service provider and the package you choose. For this price, subscribers get a fast fiber optic broadband connection that is sufficient for comfortable work, including high-definition streaming, online gaming, and video calls. Spain has one of the most developed fiber optic networks in Europe.

Plans and offers from telecommunications companies

The cost of renting property on the Costa Blanca

Rental prices vary depending on location, type of property, and its condition. For those looking for affordable rentals, it is worth checking out locations such as Elche, Polop, Alicante, and Villajoyosa. They offer studios and apartments from €500 per month up to €1,200. 

In these locations, you can find affordable properties that allow tenants to enjoy life in the sunny part of Spain on the Costa Blanca without spending a lot of money. Rentals in these cities are ideal for students, young couples, and singles.

A location such as Calpe offers a wide range of rentals in more exclusive areas, preferred by those with a higher standard of living; rents in this area start at €950 per month. Benidorm, known for its luxury villas, offers rentals for as much as €20,000 per month. The cost of renting a property on the Costa Blanca can vary significantly. The wide range of housing options, from economical to luxury villas, is suitable for different tenant budgets and lifestyles. The average rent on the Costa Blanca can range from €500 to €1,200 per month, depending on the location, size, and condition of the property. When looking for a home in this region, consider the cost of renting a property and additional expenses to stay within your budget.

Spanish media – electricity, water, and energy charges

In addition to the rent we pay each month, we must also take into account service charges such as gas, water, and electricity. These costs vary depending on the municipality, consumption, size of the property, and its energy efficiency.

The average price per kilowatt-hour (kWh) in the province of Alicante varies depending on the type of tariff and market (regulated or free). In 2024, the price per kWh on the regulated market, excluding taxes, varies depending on the time of day; for example, at midnight it was €0.06231/kWh, and at 8 p.m. it was €0.17529/kWh.

The monthly cost of electricity on the Costa Blanca can be around €70 for a two-person apartment with normal daily use of electrical appliances. With daily use of heaters or air conditioning in summer or winter, this cost can rise to €150. In the free market, tariffs may vary depending on the offer.

As for the price of water, it also varies considerably depending on the municipality. For example, in a house with 4 people with normal daily water consumption, you can spend around €50 every 2 months.

Buying a house on the Costa Blanca

The Costa Blanca offers many beautiful places, each of which is unique in its own way and offers something different for everyone. If you are planning to live in sunny Spain, it is worth considering buying a house on the Costa Blanca instead of paying monthly rent to a landlord. Cities with beautiful views include Altea, Benidorm, Calpe, Moraira, and Jávea. In the area covering Denia and Jávea, prices start at €190,000 for a small apartment, reaching up to €5 million for a luxury villa. The region attracts crowds of tourists thanks to its vibrant nature, impressive mountains, and spectacular coves. It is the perfect place for those who value peace and natural beauty.

In the south of the Costa Blanca, in towns such as Torrevieja and Orihuela Costa, you can find a range of equally affordable options, from modern apartments near the beach to townhouses.

If you dream of buying a property on the Costa Blanca, now is the perfect time to make your plans a reality! Whatever your budget and needs, this sunny part of Spain has something for everyone. Are you looking for a place with a vibrant nightlife and all the comforts? Or would you prefer a home surrounded by nature? You will certainly be delighted by towns such as Guadalest, Polop, La Nucia, and Jalon. However, if you are looking for luxury and prestige, it is worth paying attention to Altea Hills, Jávea, or the exclusive Cumbre del Sol in Poble Nou de Benitatxell.

The Costa Blanca is synonymous with uniqueness; here you will find the most expensive streets in the entire Valencian Community, as confirmed by annual rankings. In 2023, Calle Jazmines in Benitatxell took the lead, with an average house price of €2,637,333. This proves how desirable properties are in this region, which attracts those who value luxury and a high quality of life.

If you decide to invest in real estate on the Costa Blanca, our agents are ready to guide you through the entire property purchase process.

Health and life insurance

Healthcare on the Costa Blanca offers both public and private options and is known for its high quality and accessibility. The public healthcare system is free for those who are registered in the country and have a valid residence permit. For those who prefer private healthcare, there are several options available at varying prices.

From January 2024, the cheapest private health insurance in Spain, which would also apply to the Costa Blanca, starts at just €20.79 per month for basic policies with co-payments. For example, Asisa offers an option with hospitalization, limited co-payment, and telemedicine for €20.79 per month. Other providers, such as Zurich Klinc and DKV, offer similar policies at prices ranging from €24.47 to €25.43 per month.

In the case of health insurance without co-payments, prices are usually higher and range from €52 to €64 per month, depending on the age of the insured and the scope of coverage offered. These insurance policies usually cover a wider range of protection and have the advantage that no additional payments are required for consultations or interventions.

It is important to note that these prices may vary depending on the age of the insured and the type of insurance selected. In addition, insurance companies may offer different levels of service and benefits, so it is advisable to compare the available options to find the insurance that best suits your individual needs.

Monthly cost of living on the Costa Blanca – Example

The table below shows the living costs for a single person on the Costa Blanca who rents an apartment of approximately 70 m² and drives a gasoline-powered car. The second example is a couple living in a rented apartment of 90 m² and also driving a gasoline-powered car.

Moving to Spain

Are you interested in living in Spain? We have prepared comprehensive guides on moving and cost of living. Our guides will help you obtain key information and dispel any doubts. We also invite you to contact our office to purchase or rent property in Spain.