Costa Blanca or Costa del Sol? Which region to choose for buying property in Spain
The Costa Blanca and the Costa del Sol are the two most popular destinations for buying property on the Spanish Mediterranean. Both have more than 300 sunny days a year and good flight connections with Poland (about 3 hours of flying). They differ, however, in entry price, taxes, the character of the coast and who they are the best choice for.
The most important differences in brief
| Costa Blanca | Costa del Sol | |
|---|---|---|
| Region | Alicante province, Valencian Community | Málaga province, Andalusia |
| Airport | Alicante-Elche (ALC) | Málaga (AGP) |
| Entry prices (indicative) | apartments from about €150k, houses from about €260k | usually from about €200k |
| ITP tax (resale) | about 10% (9% below €1m from June 2026) | 7% |
| Climate | slightly drier, about 250–300 mm of rainfall | about 500 mm of rainfall |
| Character | calmer, “more Spanish” | more international and luxurious |
Property prices
The Costa Blanca is mostly cheaper. Prices change from month to month, so you can check current amounts in our offers. The cost of living and renting on the Costa Blanca can be 20–30% lower, and a set lunch (menu del día) usually costs a few euros less than on the Costa del Sol.
The Costa del Sol is a more expensive market, but also a more liquid one. In Marbella and the surrounding area it is easier to resell, because there are more buyers from all over Europe.
Taxes on purchase
The two locations differ in regional rules. On the resale market in Andalusia (Costa del Sol) a fixed ITP tax of 7% is paid, in the Valencian Community (Costa Blanca) about 10%, and from June 2026 9% for properties below €1m. For new developments in both regions 10% VAT and AJD (1–1.5%) apply.
Together with the notary and the registry, total purchase costs are usually 10–12% of the price in Andalusia and about 12% on the Costa Blanca (resale) and 12–14% for new builds. You will find the details on the page Costs and taxes when buying in Spain.
Climate and beaches
The Costa Blanca is slightly drier, and the sea water in August reaches about 26°C. The beaches are calm and gently sloping, so they work very well for families with children. On the Costa del Sol the water is 1–2°C cooler, and waves and currents can be stronger. Summer there is slightly hotter and more humid.
Lifestyle
The Costa del Sol means Marbella, Puerto Banús, golf courses and beach clubs. The range of services, restaurants and nightlife is wider, and the environment more international. The Costa Blanca has a calmer pace, family tapas bars and towns where life goes on “the Spanish way”. A winter stay works well there.
Which region to choose?
The Costa Blanca will be better if you have a budget of up to about €350k, are looking for calm beaches for the family and the atmosphere of a typical Spanish town. The Costa del Sol suits a budget from about €400k, if golf, premium services and ease of resale matter to you.
If you are thinking about tourist rental, first check the rules in our post Tourist rentals in Spain in 2026. Approximate prices for a week’s rental of a two-bedroom apartment with a pool in summer are €450–700 on the Costa Blanca and €650–1,000 on the Costa del Sol, but a higher purchase price on the Costa del Sol does not have to mean a higher yield.
You will find a full overview of the coasts in the guides to the Costa Blanca and the Costa del Sol. Get to know specific towns: Calpe, Benidorm, Marbella and Estepona. See also the offers: Costa Blanca and Costa del Sol, and if you have questions, contact us.
Frequently asked questions
Where will I buy cheaper, on the Costa Blanca or the Costa del Sol?
Generally on the Costa Blanca, especially in the southern part of the coast, including Orihuela Costa. Entry prices there are clearly lower than on the Costa del Sol, and ITP tax is higher, so compare the total cost of purchase.
Which coast is better for year-round living?
Both are suitable for living all year round. The Costa Blanca has a slightly drier climate and calmer towns, the Costa del Sol a wider range of services and cultural life.
Can I buy property on both coasts with the help of one agency?
Yes. World Residence has worked in the real estate sector since 1998 and in Spain since 2010, offering properties on the Costa Blanca and the Costa del Sol, and no commission is charged to the buyer on the offers on the site.
Main photo: Vibanezmas (CC BY-SA 4.0) — Wikimedia Commons.
