Buyer's Guide
Cost of living on the Costa del Sol: the real costs of owning a home
The cost of living on the Costa del Sol for a couple who own their home is around €1,500 to €2,500 a month, depending on the area and lifestyle. Fixed home costs (community fees, IBI, utilities and insurance) usually add up to €250 to €600 a month. Marbella is the most expensive area; Málaga, Mijas and the AxarquÃa the most affordable.
Fixed home costs on the Costa del Sol
| Cost | Approximate range | Depends on |
|---|---|---|
| Community fees | €80-300/month | Pools, spa, concierge, gardens |
| IBI | €400-1,500/year | Cadastral value and town |
| Rubbish tax | €100-250/year | Town |
| Electricity | €50-150/month | Air conditioning and heat pump |
| Water | €20-50/month | Use and garden |
| Home insurance | €200-500/year | Size and contents |
| Internet and mobile | €35-60/month | Provider |
These figures are approximate and vary a lot between a simple complex and one with a spa and security. Before reserving, always ask for the expected community fee in writing.
If you will only live here a few months a year, your fixed costs do not fall in proportion: you pay community fees, IBI and insurance all the same. Bear that in mind when you compare with a seasonal rental.
Groceries, transport and leisure
Weekly shopping on the Costa del Sol is somewhat cheaper than in northern Europe, especially fruit, vegetables and fish. A set lunch menu costs around €13-18, although in Puerto Banús or central Marbella it rises quite a bit.
- Supermarket for two people: €350-550 a month.
- Car: insurance, fuel and maintenance, €150-300 a month.
- Public transport: intercity buses and the commuter train between Málaga and Fuengirola.
- Golf: a green fee ranges from about €60 to over €150 depending on the course and season.
A guide monthly budget for a couple
- Home (no mortgage): €250-600 for community fees, pro-rated IBI, utilities and insurance.
- Food: €350-550.
- Transport: €150-300.
- Leisure and eating out: €300-700.
- Private health insurance: €100-250 per couple, depending on age.
Approximate total: €1,500 to €2,500 a month. If you are a non-resident, add the yearly taxes we explain in non-resident property taxes.
Your real figure will depend on how often you eat out and how much you use the car. We recommend you track your first three months of spending to fine-tune your budget.
How to cut your fixed costs on the Costa del Sol
- Choose a development with a heat pump or solar panels: your electricity bill drops noticeably.
- Compare community fees across several developments before you reserve.
- Ask your town hall about IBI discounts, for example for solar energy.
- If you spend months away, choose a power tariff with no lock-in and lower your contracted power.
Two or three of these decisions can save you several hundred euros a year without giving anything up.
How costs vary by area
Marbella and BenahavÃs are the most expensive areas for restaurants, services and communities with lots of extras. Estepona and Benalmádena sit in the middle.
In Málaga city, Las Lagunas de Mijas or the AxarquÃa you will spend less on almost everything. Compare areas in the best areas of the Costa del Sol before deciding.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to live on the Costa del Sol per month?
A couple who own their home outright usually spend between 1,500 and 2,500 euros a month, depending on the area and lifestyle.
How much are community fees in a new development?
Between 80 and 300 euros a month in most cases. Developments with a spa, concierge or several pools are at the top end.
Is Marbella more expensive to live in than Estepona?
Yes, especially for restaurants, services and community fees. Estepona is usually 10 to 20% cheaper day to day.
Do you need a car on the Costa del Sol?
In almost every urbanisation, yes. If you live in central Málaga, Fuengirola or Torremolinos you can manage with the train and buses.
Official sources
- Spanish National Statistics Institute: Consumer Price Index
- Spanish Cadastre
- Renfe CercanÃas Málaga commuter trains
General information checked on the date shown; it does not replace advice from a lawyer or tax adviser for your case.
