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The Costa Blanca, located in the province of Alicante, is a popular destination for both tourists and those looking for an ideal place to live, whether as a permanent or seasonal residence. In this article, we will look at the cost of living on the Costa Blanca and compare it to other areas of Spain and Europe, along with the factors that make the quality of life in this region one of the best in the Mediterranean.
Housing
One of the main expenses when living anywhere in the world is housing. On the Costa Blanca, the price of housing is significantly lower than in other coastal areas of Spain and in European cities. To put it in perspective:
| City | Rent (1 room, city centre) | Rent (1 room, outside city centre) | Purchase price (city centre, €/m²) | Purchase price (outside city centre, €/m²) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alicante | 600 – 800 € | 450 – 600 € | 2.000 €/m² | 1.500 €/m² |
| Madrid | +1.200 € | 900 – 1.200 € | 4.000 €/m² | 3.000 €/m² |
| Barcelona | 1.300 – 1.500 € | 1.000 – 1.300 € | 4.500 €/m² | 3.500 €/m² |
| Costa del Sol (Marbella, Málaga) | 900 – 1.500 € | 800 – 1.200 € | +3.000 €/m² | 2.500 €/m² |
| Londres | +2.000 € | 1.500 – 2.000 € | 12.000 €/m² | 9.000 €/m² |
| París | 1.500 € | 1.200 – 1.500 € | 10.000 €/m² | 7.500 €/m² |
Feeding
The Costa Blanca offers a significant food cost advantage, due to its proximity to agricultural areas and abundance of local produce. Here is some comparative data:
- The monthly cost of food shopping for a couple can be around 250-350 euros in supermarkets on the Costa Blanca.
- In northern European countries, such as Germany or the UK, the same monthly shopping can cost 30-50% more, and a meal in a restaurant can be double or triple the cost compared to the Costa Blanca.
Transport
Public transport on the Costa Blanca is efficient and affordable:
- The price of a single bus ticket in Alicante is 1.45 euros, while a monthly public transport pass costs around 40 euros.
- In comparison, the price of a single ticket in Madrid is 1.50 to 2 euros, and a monthly pass costs approximately 55 euros. In London, a monthly pass for zones 1-2 costs around €150.
Quality of life on the Costa Blanca
What is the climate of the Costa Blanca?
One of the main attractions of the Costa Blanca is its Mediterranean climate. The region boasts more than 300 days of sunshine a year and an average annual temperature of between 17°C and 20°C. Even in winter, temperatures rarely drop below 10°C, allowing for outdoor living practically all year round.
Services on the Costa Blanca
The Costa Blanca has an excellent infrastructure of public and private services. The Spanish health system is considered one of the best in Europe, and the region is well covered by quality hospitals and clinics. In addition, public health care is free of charge for residents and offers high quality services.
In terms of education, the Costa Blanca has a wide range of both public and public schools, including international schools.
Living on the Costa Blanca offers a unique combination of low cost of living and high quality of life, with affordable housing, food and transport, together with a sunny climate and a rich cultural life.
