I’ve been living in Alicante for almost three years now, and people often ask me whether it’s expensive here. Honestly, compared to Madrid or Barcelona, it’s significantly cheaper, but it really depends on your lifestyle. Today I’m sharing my actual expenses to give you a reference point.
Housing Costs
Rent is the biggest expense. I currently rent a 60-square-meter one-bedroom apartment near the city center for 550 euros per month, including building fees. If you look further out, like around San Juan beach, similar apartments go for 400-450 euros. For shared accommodation, a room typically costs 250-300 euros. For buying property, beachfront apartments run about 2,000-2,500 euros per square meter, while the old town is cheaper. Utilities (water, electricity, gas, internet) average around 80 euros monthly for me, slightly higher in summer with air conditioning.
Daily Dining
Food costs vary widely. Grocery shopping at supermarkets like Mercadona or Consum costs 30-40 euros weekly if you cook at home. Eating out, a Menu del día lunch set (starter, main course, dessert, and drink) typically costs 10-15 euros. Paella averages 15-20 euros per person for a good meal. Coffee is 1.5 euros, beer 2-3 euros. If you dine out frequently, expect at least 300 euros monthly for food.
| Item | Price Range |
|---|
| Weekly groceries | 30-40 euros |
| Lunch set menu | 10-15 euros |
| Paella | 15-20 euros/person |
| Coffee | 1.5 euros |
| Beer | 2-3 euros |
Transportation and Other Expenses
Public transport is quite convenient: single bus fare is 1.45 euros, monthly pass 43 euros. I usually bike or walk, occasionally taking the tram. For drivers, petrol currently runs about 1.6 euros per liter, with parking fees at 1-2 euros per hour in the center. Gym memberships cost 25-40 euros monthly, cinema tickets 8-10 euros, and my mobile plan is 15 euros per month with 20GB data. Overall, excluding rent, 700-900 euros per month allows for comfortable single living.
At the end of the day, whether Alicante is expensive really depends on your perspective. If you’re accustomed to Nordic or Swiss prices, understanding the cost of living in Alicante will feel like paradise. Compared to Eastern Europe or South America, it’s certainly not cheap. I think the biggest advantage is value for money—the mild climate, beautiful beaches, and relaxed pace of life are priceless. Plus, the smaller Chinese community here makes life in Alicante more conducive to local integration. The actual living costs in Alicante remain reasonable for what you get in return.
One final tip: restaurants and accommodation prices increase during the summer tourist season, while winter off-season is actually the best time to experience authentic local life. Feel free to leave questions in the comments—I’ll answer what I can.
