Key Takeaways
- ✓ A single person can live comfortably on the Costa Blanca for €1,000–€1,500/month.
- ✓ A couple’s typical budget is €1,500–€2,200/month including housing.
- ✓ Groceries cost 20–30% less than in the UK, Germany or Scandinavia.
- ✓ Private health insurance starts at €50–€80/month per person.
- ✓ Owning a property outright eliminates the largest expense — budget €200–€400/month for running costs instead of rent.
Housing
Housing is the single largest expense and the one that varies most. Long-term rental for a furnished two-bedroom apartment in Torrevieja runs €500–€800/month depending on location and condition. If you own your property outright, your monthly housing costs drop to €150–€300 (community fees, IBI, insurance, and utilities).
Here are two real examples at different price points — the kind of properties many expats buy to eliminate rent from their monthly budget:
€135,000Renovated 2-Bed Bungalow in La Siesta
Torrevieja · La Siesta
€249,000Renovated 2-Bed Apartment in La Veleta
Torrevieja · La Veleta
Groceries and Dining
Supermarket shopping is noticeably cheaper than northern Europe. A weekly shop for two people at Mercadona or Consum typically costs €50–€80. Fresh fruit, vegetables, fish and meat are excellent quality and considerably cheaper than in the UK, Germany or Scandinavia. The daily municipal market in Torrevieja is a great source of fresh local produce at even lower prices.
Eating out is one of the Costa Blanca’s great bargains. A menú del día (three-course lunch with drink) costs €10–€15 at most local restaurants. A dinner for two with wine at a mid-range restaurant runs €30–€50. Coffee is €1.20–€1.80, a caña (small beer) €1.50–€2.50.
Utilities
Electricity is the main variable cost. A two-bedroom apartment costs €60–€100/month in summer (with air conditioning) and €30–€50/month in winter. Water runs €20–€35/month. Internet (fibre) is €30–€40/month. A Spanish mobile SIM with data costs €10–€20/month.
Healthcare
Spain has an excellent public healthcare system. EU citizens with an S1 form or registered as residents have access to the public system. Many expats also take out private health insurance for shorter wait times and English-speaking doctors. Policies from Sanitas, Adeslas or Asisa start at €50–€80/month per person (under 60) and €80–€150/month for over 60s.
Transport
Petrol costs approximately €1.50–€1.70/litre. Car insurance runs €300–€600/year for a standard vehicle. Road tax (IVTM) is €60–€150/year. Many day-to-day journeys in Torrevieja can be done on foot or by bicycle. The inter-urban bus network connects coastal towns for €1.50–€4.00 per journey.
Monthly Budget Summary
| Category | Single | Couple |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (owned, running costs) | €200–€350 | €200–€350 |
| Groceries | €200–€300 | €300–€450 |
| Dining out / socialising | €100–€200 | €150–€300 |
| Utilities | €80–€130 | €100–€160 |
| Health insurance | €60–€100 | €120–€200 |
| Transport | €100–€200 | €100–€200 |
| Leisure / misc | €100–€200 | €150–€300 |
| Total | €840–€1,480 | €1,120–€1,960 |
For details on property purchase and annual ownership costs, see our property taxes guide and complete buying guide.