You've seen the pictures: the turquoise coves of Jávea, the iconic rock of Calpe, the whitewashed streets of Altea. The dream of a life on the Costa Blanca is powerful. But as that dream gets closer to reality, the most important question arises: “What is the actual cost of living on the Costa Blanca?”

As we navigate mid-2025, Spain is no exception to the rising costs seen worldwide. The days of the Costa Blanca being a "dirt cheap" destination are in the past. However, for those coming from the UK, Ireland, Northern Europe, or North America, it still offers a remarkable quality of life that can be significantly more affordable than at home.

This is a transparent, no-nonsense guide to the real cost of living on the Costa Blanca North (in the popular areas between Dénia and Altea). We will break down actual monthly costs using real numbers to help you build a realistic budget for your new life in the sun.

Monthly Housing Costs: Renting on the Costa Blanca

Your single biggest monthly expense and the largest variable in your budget will be housing. The "right" price depends entirely on your desired location and lifestyle.

The 2-Bedroom Apartment (In-Town Convenience)

• Lifestyle: Perfect for those who want to walk to shops, cafés, and the beach. Common in the port or old town areas of Jávea, Dénia, or Moraira.
• What you get: Typically 2 bedrooms, 1-2 bathrooms, a balcony, and often access to a communal pool.
• The Cost: Expect to pay between €850 and €1,300 per month for a modern, well-located apartment.

The 3-Bedroom Villa with Pool (The Expat Dream)

• Lifestyle: Your own private space, a garden, and a swimming pool, usually found in the many urbanisations (residential communities). A car is absolutely essential.
• What you get: A standalone house with 3 bedrooms, 2+ bathrooms, a private pool, and a garden. You'll also be responsible for pool/garden maintenance (approx. €100-€150/month).
• The Cost: Prices for a modern, desirable villa start around €1,800 per month and can easily go up to €3,500+ for properties in prime locations.

A Breakdown of Monthly Utility Bills in Spain

This is the category that often surprises newcomers. While some costs are low, electricity can be a significant expense.

• Electricity (Electricidad): Your most volatile bill. In summer (July/August) with heavy air conditioning use or in winter with electric heating, your bill can easily jump to €150-€250+ per month. In milder months, it can be as low as €80. A safe year-round average to budget is €100 per month.
• Water (Agua): Generally affordable. For a couple, the bill is typically €30-€50 per month.
• Internet & Mobile (Fibra y Móvil): High-speed fibre optic internet is widely available. Expect to pay €20 to €60 per month for a good package bundling internet and one or two mobile phone lines.
• Gas: Many properties use orange butano gas bottles for hot water and cooking. A bottle costs around €17-€20 and might last a month. Budget €20-€40 per month on average.
• Council Tax & Bins (IBI y Basura): These are annual costs typically paid by the property owner, not the renter.

Average Cost of Groceries and Shopping

The cost of your weekly shop on the Costa Blanca is generally lower than in many other European countries, especially for fresh produce, wine, and meat.

• The Supermarket Run: For a couple doing a standard weekly shop at a major supermarket like Mercadona, Mas y Mas, or Consum, a realistic budget is €100-€130 per week. This leads to a monthly budget of €450-€550.
• The Local Market: One of the joys of living here is the weekly market, where you can buy incredibly fresh, seasonal fruit and vegetables directly from local farmers.
• International Goods: Craving specific products from your home country? You'll find them in dedicated international stores but at a significant premium.

Transportation Costs on the Costa Blanca

On the Costa Blanca, particularly outside of the main town centres, a car is generally a necessity. Public transport between towns is limited.

• Car Running Costs: Assuming you own a car, your monthly costs will include:
• • Fuel (Gasolina/Diésel): A monthly budget of €120-€200 is realistic for typical daily use.
  • Insurance (Seguro): Expect to pay €300-€500 per year, which breaks down to €25-€40 per month.
  • Maintenance & ITV: Budgeting an extra €30 per month to cover annual servicing and the ITV (Spain's mandatory vehicle inspection) is a smart move.

Healthcare Costs for Expats

Spain has an excellent public healthcare system, but access depends on your residency status.

• Public Healthcare: Available to residents contributing to the Spanish social security system (i.e., you are employed or self-employed).
• Private Health Insurance: For most non-working expats (e.g., those on a Non-Lucrative Visa), full-coverage private health insurance is a mandatory requirement. A good policy for a healthy individual aged 50-65 will cost between €70 and €150 per person, per month.

The Cost of Leisure and Socialising

This is where the Costa Blanca truly shines. The cost of enjoying a high-quality social life is significantly lower than in many other countries.

• Morning Coffee: A café con leche in a local Spanish bar: €1.80 - €2.50.
• A Beer or Wine: A small beer (caña) or a glass of house wine: €2.00 - €3.50.
• The Legendary Menu del Día: A cultural institution. For a fixed price, you get three courses plus a drink and bread. It's fantastic value at €14 to €20 per person.
• A Nice Dinner Out: A three-course evening meal with wine at a mid-range restaurant in Jávea or Moraira will cost €40 - €70 per person.
• Activities: A monthly gym membership is around €40-€60.

Sample Monthly Budgets for the Costa Blanca (2025)

Here are two sample budgets for a couple living on the Costa Blanca.

Budget 1: The Comfortable Couple (Renting an Apartment)

Rent (2-bed apt): €1,000

Utilities (Avgerage): €270

Groceries: €500

Car (running costs): €180

Private Healthcare: €200

Leisure & Social: €450

Total Estimated Monthly Cost: €2,600

Budget 2: The Villa Lifestyle Couple

Rent (3-bed villa): €2,200

Pool/Garden Maintenance:€120

Utilities (Avg.): €340

Groceries: €550

Car (running costs): €200

Private Healthcare: €200

Leisure & Social: €600

Total Estimated Monthly Cost: €4,210

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Q1: How much money do you need to live comfortably on the Costa Blanca? A: Based on our 2025 estimates, a couple can live a very comfortable life for around €2,500 to €3,000 per month. A more luxurious lifestyle with a villa and frequent dining out would be closer to €4,000+.
• Q2: Is it cheaper to live on the Costa Blanca than in the UK? A: Generally, yes. While electricity can be expensive, daily costs like groceries, eating out, and council tax (IBI) are significantly lower than in the UK, and rental prices are often more favourable for the quality of property you get.
• Q3: What is the biggest monthly expense when living in Spain? A: As in most countries, housing (rent or mortgage) is the largest single expense, followed by utilities and groceries.

Conclusion: The Real Return on Investment

The cost of living on the Costa Blanca in 2025 offers incredible value. While it's no longer a "dirt cheap" destination, the amount of life you get for your money is extraordinary. The most significant saving isn't financial; it’s the immeasurable return on investment in your quality of life. More sunshine, less stress, a vibrant social culture, and a healthier lifestyle are the real dividends. And that, for many, is priceless.