I’ve been living in Alicante for almost three years now, and people often ask me about the cost of living here. Today, I’d like to share my real experience. As an ordinary person working and living here, I find Alicante’s cost of living quite reasonable, especially compared to major cities like Madrid and Barcelona.
Housing Expenses
Housing is definitely the biggest expense. I currently rent a one-bedroom apartment near the city center, about 60 square meters, for €650 per month. If you’re willing to live further from the beach or choose a slightly older apartment, you can find decent options for around €500. Below is a comparison of rental prices in different areas:
| Area | One-Bedroom Monthly Rent | Two-Bedroom Monthly Rent |
|---|
| City Center | €600-800 | €900-1200 |
| Beach Area | €700-900 | €1000-1400 |
| Suburbs | €450-600 | €700-900 |
Daily Expenses
For grocery shopping, I usually go to Mercadona or Consum, spending about €40-50 per week. Fresh fruits and vegetables are very affordable, and seafood is much cheaper than in inland cities. When dining out, a daily menu at an ordinary restaurant typically costs €10-15, including starter, main course, dessert, and drink, with generous portions. If you want better paella or tapas, €20-30 per person will get you a great meal.
For transportation, a monthly bus pass costs €30.70, allowing unlimited rides on city buses and trams. Honestly, Alicante’s city center is quite compact, so walking or cycling is often sufficient, which means Alicante’s cost of living in terms of transportation is really low. If you have a car, parking in the city center costs about €1.5 per hour, but many residential areas offer free parking.
Quality of Life
Beyond the material aspects of life in Alicante, I think the quality of life here is truly exceptional. Over 300 days of sunshine per year, mild climate, and the ability to walk to the beach anytime—these are things money can’t buy. The healthcare system is also quite comprehensive, although public hospitals sometimes have waiting times, the overall service quality is good.
If your monthly income is around €1500-2000, you can live quite comfortably in Alicante. Of course, it depends on your lifestyle—if you enjoy going out frequently and traveling, you’ll need a bigger budget. However, compared to other European coastal cities, Alicante offers excellent value for money. With Mediterranean beauty and relatively manageable living costs, it’s no wonder so many people choose to settle or retire here, as reflected in Alicante’s cost of living.
