I’ve been living in Alicante for six months now, and many friends have been asking me about the living expenses here. Today I’m sharing my real experience, hoping it will help those planning to live in Alicante.
Housing Costs
Rent is the biggest expense. A one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around 600-800 euros per month. If you choose areas slightly further away, like San Juan or Playa de San Juan, prices drop to 450-600 euros. I currently live 15 minutes’ walk from the beach in a one-bedroom apartment, paying 550 euros monthly, including property fees. Utilities (water, electricity, gas, and internet) total about 80-100 euros per month, higher in summer with air conditioning.
Daily Food Expenses
Grocery shopping is cheaper than expected. I usually shop at Mercadona or Consum, spending about 40-50 euros weekly on vegetables, fruits, meat, bread, and daily necessities. Local tomatoes and oranges are especially fresh and affordable. For dining out, regular restaurant menus cost 10-15 euros, including starter, main course, dessert, and drink. Paella or tapas average 15-25 euros per person for a great meal. Coffee culture is big here, with a cup costing 1.5-2 euros.
Here’s my monthly food expense breakdown:
| Expense Type | Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|
| Groceries | 180-200 | Cooking at home |
| Dining Out | 100-150 | 2-3 times weekly |
| Coffee & Drinks | 40-60 | Almost daily |
| Total | 320-410 | Varies by person |
Transportation
Public transport is convenient. A single bus ticket costs 1.45 euros, while a monthly pass is about 40 euros for unlimited rides. I bought a second-hand bicycle for 150 euros and now mainly cycle for daily trips, saving money while exercising. Occasional taxis start at 5 euros, rarely exceeding 15 euros within the city. If you own a car, gasoline prices range from 1.5-1.7 euros per liter, with city center parking at 2 euros per hour.
Other Expenses
Gym memberships cost 25-40 euros monthly, movie tickets 8-10 euros, and phone plans 15-25 euros per month. For healthcare, it’s basically free with social security, while private health insurance runs 50-80 euros monthly. Entertainment is abundant, with free beaches and affordable cultural activities. Overall, living in Alicante costs approximately 1,200-1,500 euros per month for one person, though you can manage with around 1,000 euros if you’re frugal.
Compared to Madrid or Barcelona, Alicante’s cost of living is significantly lower, plus the climate is pleasant and the pace of life comfortable. The only thing to note is that prices increase during the summer tourist season. If you’re considering moving to live in Alicante, I recommend planning your budget in advance and exploring local supermarkets and markets—you’ll quickly adapt to the spending levels here.
