A couple can live comfortably on the Costa del Sol for around €1,500–€2,500 per month — and that includes rent. For many people moving from the UK, Scandinavia, or Germany, that is significantly less than they are paying at home, for a lifestyle that is significantly better.
If you are thinking about moving to the Costa del Sol as an expat, planning to retire in Spain, or simply want to know what everyday life actually costs here, this guide gives you a realistic, up-to-date picture for 2026 — covering rent, food, utilities, healthcare, transport, and more.
Is the Costa del Sol Affordable?
Yes — compared to most of western Europe, the Costa del Sol is genuinely affordable. You can enjoy a warm Mediterranean climate, beautiful beaches, excellent food, and a relaxed lifestyle at a cost that would be very difficult to match back home.
That said, costs vary depending on where you live and how you live. Marbella is considerably more expensive than Fuengirola or Torremolinos. And expats who own their property — rather than renting — naturally enjoy much lower monthly outgoings.
Accommodation
Housing is the biggest monthly cost for most people, and it varies significantly by town and property type.
Renting in 2026:
- One-bedroom apartment in Fuengirola or Torremolinos: approximately €700–€1,000 per month
- Two-bedroom apartment near the sea in Mijas or Benalmádena: approximately €900–€1,400 per month
- Luxury apartment or villa in Marbella or Estepona: from €2,000 and upward
Buying instead of renting removes the monthly rent entirely, and many expats find that owning gives them far greater stability and long-term value. If you are considering making the move permanent, buying on the Costa del Sol is worth looking at seriously. Browse our latest properties for sale across the coast.
Food and Groceries
Supermarkets on the Costa del Sol are well stocked with both Spanish and international products. Chains like Mercadona, Lidl, Carrefour, and Aldi offer very competitive prices — noticeably cheaper than equivalent shops in northern Europe.
A rough monthly grocery budget for a couple living in Spain:
- Budget-conscious: €250–€350
- Typical: €400–€550
- Premium or lots of imported products: €600+
Fresh fruit, vegetables, fish, and local produce are a highlight. A kilo of tomatoes or oranges can cost as little as €0.80–€1.50 at local markets, and the quality is excellent.
Eating Out and Cafés
This is where expat life on the Costa del Sol really stands out. Eating out regularly is entirely affordable — and a central part of daily life here.
- Coffee at a local café: €1.20–€1.80
- Menu del día (3-course lunch with drink): €10–€15
- Mid-range dinner for two with wine: €35–€60
- Meal at a beachfront chiringuito: €20–€40 per person
If you choose local Spanish restaurants rather than tourist-facing ones, you will eat very well for very little. Many expats find they eat out far more often in Spain than they ever did back home — and spend less doing it.
Utilities
Monthly utility costs for a typical apartment in Andalusia:
- Electricity: €60–€120 (air conditioning in summer is the main driver)
- Water: €15–€30
- Gas (where applicable): €20–€50 in winter
- Internet (fibre broadband): €30–€50 per month
- Mobile phone plan: €15–€35 per month
Newer apartments and new developments on the Costa del Sol often include energy-efficient systems that help keep bills low year-round.
Healthcare
Spain has an excellent public healthcare system. Expats who are registered residents and contribute to social security — whether through employment, self-employment, or as retirees from EU countries — can access public healthcare at little or no cost.
Private health insurance is popular among expats, particularly those who are retired or self-employed. Costs in 2026:
- Individual policy: €60–€150 per month depending on age and coverage
- Couple: €120–€280 per month
Private consultations without insurance typically cost €50–€120 per visit, which is still very affordable by international standards. For many people considering whether to retire in Spain, healthcare quality and cost is one of the most reassuring factors.
Transport
Getting around the Costa del Sol is straightforward and inexpensive, especially along the coast.
- Train (Cercanías): The coastal line connects Málaga Airport, Málaga city, Torremolinos, Benalmádena, and Fuengirola. A single journey costs around €1.80–€3.00, and monthly passes are available.
- Bus: Local routes are typically €1.30–€2.00 per trip.
- Taxi / rideshare: Journeys within a town cost around €6–€12. Fuengirola to Marbella is approximately €40–€60.
- Car: Petrol in Spain is cheaper than in the UK and Scandinavia. Running a car here is straightforward and affordable.
Many expats living in well-connected towns like Fuengirola find they do not need a car at all for day-to-day life.
Education
For families moving to Spain with children, schooling is an important part of the monthly budget picture.
- Spanish state schools are free for residents, and many offer bilingual programmes in English and Spanish.
- International schools on the Costa del Sol — offering British, Scandinavian, German, and other curricula — charge fees ranging from approximately €4,000 to €10,000+ per year.
We covered international schooling in detail in our guide to education on the Costa del Sol.
Leisure and Lifestyle
One of the biggest financial advantages of living in Andalusia is that much of what makes life enjoyable costs very little.
- Beach access: free
- Hiking trails and nature parks: free
- Cinema: €7–€10
- Gym membership: €25–€50 per month
- Golf: green fees from €30–€150 depending on the course (see our guide to top golf courses on the Costa del Sol)
With over 300 days of sunshine per year, the outdoor lifestyle here naturally reduces the need for expensive entertainment. Most expats find they spend far more time outdoors — at the beach, hiking, or having coffee on a terrace — than they ever did back home.
Sample Monthly Budget for a Couple in 2026
This estimate covers a couple living comfortably in a mid-range town like Fuengirola or Benalmádena, who own their property.
| Category | Estimated Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Utilities (electricity, water, internet) | €130–€200 |
| Groceries | €400–€550 |
| Eating out (2–3 times per week) | €250–€400 |
| Transport | €100–€200 |
| Health insurance | €120–€200 |
| Leisure and personal | €150–€300 |
| Total (property owners) | €1,150–€1,850 |
| + Rent (if renting) | + €700–€1,400 |
| Total (renters) | €1,850–€3,250 |
These are realistic, mid-range figures. Digital nomads and remote workers living simply can manage on less. Those who enjoy a more active social life or live in premium areas will spend more.
How Does It Compare to Life Back Home?
For expats moving from the UK, Norway, Sweden, Germany, or the Netherlands, the comparison is striking. The same quality of life — good food, solid healthcare, leisure, and a strong social scene — typically costs meaningfully less on the Costa del Sol than back home. And that is before you factor in the weather, the pace of life, and the fact that the beach is five minutes away.
It is why so many people who first come to the Costa del Sol on holiday eventually come back to stay permanently.
Thinking About Making the Move?
If you are considering buying a property on the Costa del Sol, our team at Alamo is here to help. We work with international buyers every day and guide them through every step — from choosing the right town and property to understanding the full buying process in Spain.
Browse our latest properties or get in touch with our team for a no-obligation conversation about life on the Costa del Sol.