Cost of Living Costa del Sol in 2026: What You Really Need to Budget
The cost of living Costa del Sol is one of the most searched topics among people planning to move, work remotely, or stay long-term in southern Spain. From digital nomads to retirees, many are drawn by the climate, lifestyle, and food — but want to know the real monthly expenses before committing.
In this guide, we break down the actual cost of living in Costa del Sol in 2026, based on local experience, long-term rentals, and day-to-day life on the coast.
Housing Costs: The Biggest Factor in the Cost of Living Costa del Sol
Housing is the largest monthly expense and varies by location, season, and rental type.
Long-Term Rental Prices (Monthly)
Benalmádena / Fuengirola
- 1-bedroom: €850–€1,200
- 2-bedroom: €1,100–€1,600
Málaga City
- 1-bedroom: €900–€1,300
- 2-bedroom: €1,200–€1,800
Marbella
- 1-bedroom: €1,100–€1,600
- 2-bedroom: €1,500–€2,500+
These figures align with current listings and long-term rental data from
Idealista rental market reports
Winter months (October–March) bring higher demand for long-term rentals, especially among Northern Europeans.
To understand how long-term rentals compare to short-term stays, read our full guide:
Long-Term Rentals vs Airbnb on Costa del Sol
Short-Term & Airbnb Monthly Costs
Short-term rentals and Airbnb offer flexibility, but at a higher price.
- €1,600–€3,500+ per month
- Utilities usually included
- Higher prices during peak seasons
If you’re curious about the business side of short-term rentals, you may find this useful:
Airbnb Property Manager Cost in Costa del Sol
Utilities & Monthly Bills in Costa del Sol
Typical monthly utilities for a couple:
- Electricity: €80–€180
- Water: €25–€50
- Internet (fiber): €30–€50
- Mobile plans: €10–€20 per line
Average total: €150–€250/month
Electricity costs fluctuate depending on air-conditioning usage, which is also reflected in
Spain household energy cost data
Groceries & Food Costs
Food quality is one of the strongest advantages when considering the cost of living Costa del Sol.
Groceries (Monthly)
- Single person: €200–€300
- Couple: €350–€500
Prices are consistent with data from Numbeo cost of living comparison for Málaga
Local supermarkets such as Mercadona, Lidl, and Aldi keep food prices affordable.
Eating Out
- Coffee: €1.50–€2.50
- Menu del día: €10–€14
- Casual dinner: €15–€25 per person
- Restaurant dinner: €30–€45 per person
Spain remains one of the most affordable countries in Western Europe for dining out, according to
OECD consumer price statistics
Transportation Costs
Car Ownership
- Fuel: €1.60–€1.80 / liter
- Insurance: €30–€70/month
Fuel prices follow national averages published by Spain Ministry for Ecological Transition
Public Transport
- Bus ticket: €1.50–€1.80
- Monthly pass: €30–€50
- Train (Cercanías): affordable and reliable
Public transport costs align with data from Renfe Cercanías official pricing
Healthcare & Insurance
Healthcare is a major reason people choose to live in Spain.
Public Healthcare
- High-quality universal system
- Available with residency
Spain consistently ranks high in World Health Organization healthcare system rankings
Private Healthcare
English-speaking doctors widely available
€50–€100/month per adult
Short waiting times
Lifestyle & Everyday Expenses
Typical monthly lifestyle costs:
- Gym: €25–€50
- Fitness classes: €10–€15
- Haircut (men): €10–€15
- Haircut (women): €25–€60
- Entertainment & events: €50–€150
The Mediterranean lifestyle helps reduce entertainment costs thanks to free outdoor activities.
Is the Cost of Living Costa del Sol Expensive?
Key takeaways:
- More expensive than inland Spain
- Cheaper than Northern Europe
- Strong value for climate, healthcare, and food quality
If you’re still deciding where to live, see our local area guide: Best Places to Live in Costa del Sol, Spain
How GG Rentals Helps You Control Living Costs
Many people overpay simply by choosing the wrong area or rental type.
At GG Rentals, we help guests:
- choose cost-efficient locations
- avoid overpriced rentals
- transition from short-term to long-term stays
