Cost of living in Spain in 2026: what living on the Costa Blanca and Costa del Sol really costs
The cost of living in Spain is a question for everyone considering buying property to live in permanently or for long stays. According to the Spanish statistics office INE, the average household spends about €2,837 a month, i.e. about €1,135 per person (2024 data). Real spending, however, depends on the region and lifestyle. Below are indicative ranges for 2026 for the two coasts most popular with Poles.
Monthly budget (indicative, EUR)
| Item | Costa Blanca (Benidorm, Alicante) | Costa del Sol (Málaga) |
|---|---|---|
| Rent, 1-bedroom apartment | 1,000–1,500 (near the beach) | 1,000–1,400 (centre), 650–900 (outside the centre) |
| Bills (electricity, water, internet) | 120–265 | 140–200 (couple) |
| Groceries, couple | 450–800 | 350–500 |
| Total budget, single person | 1,300–2,400 | 1,400–2,000 |
| Total budget, couple | 2,200–3,800 | 2,000–3,500 |
The ranges come from various sources and depend on lifestyle, so treat them as a reference point, not an offer.
Housing
This is the largest item in the budget. In Spain the average rent is about €14–15 per m² a month, and in Málaga it has risen by 30–40% since 2022. If you buy a property, you no longer pay rent, but you do pay community fees (usually €50–200 a month), the local IBI tax and insurance. You will find the details of purchase and maintenance costs on the page Costs and taxes in Spain.
Bills and internet
Electricity is about €70–160 a month, water €25–60, fibre €25–45, phone €10–35. In summer, air conditioning can noticeably raise the electricity bill.
Food
Grocery shopping for one person is about €250–450 a month, for a couple €450–800. A set lunch (menu del día) costs €11–18, and dinner for two in a mid-range restaurant €50–90.
Transport
A monthly public transport pass is about €20–40. Owning a car means insurance (€50–120 a month), fuel and parking, which in the season can cost €100–180. In Málaga, living without a car saves €150–300 a month thanks to subsidised public transport.
Health and insurance
Private health insurance is about €50–90 a month for younger people and €120–220 for seniors. Access to public healthcare depends on your professional situation and residence status, so it is worth checking before you move.
Which region is cheaper
The Costa Blanca is usually slightly cheaper for shopping and daily life, and the Costa del Sol offers a wider choice and better transport, though property prices there are higher, especially in Marbella. You will find an overview of locations on the page Favourite locations.
What this means for a buyer
If you are planning a purchase, remember the one-off costs (10–14% of the property price) and the monthly running costs. We describe the whole process on the page Procedure for buying property in Spain. We will gladly help match a location to your budget: contact us.
Data sources: INE and local cost summaries from 2026.
