Spain’s Costa Blanca is one of the most sought-after destinations for expats looking for a sunny, relaxed lifestyle. With its 320+ days of sunshine, stunning beaches, vibrant expat communities, and affordable living, it’s no wonder thousands choose to relocate here every year.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about living on the Costa Blanca as an expat, including healthcare, education, cost of living, and local culture. Whether you’re retiring, moving with a family, or seeking a new adventure, this guide will help you make an informed decision.
- 1. Why Choose Costa Blanca?
- 2. Best Places to Live on the Costa Blanca
- 3. Cost of Living in Costa Blanca
- 4. Healthcare in Costa Blanca
- 5. Education & Schools in Costa Blanca
- 6. Expat Communities & Local Culture
- 7. Getting Around: Transport & Infrastructure
- 8. How to Move to Costa Blanca: Visas & Residency
- Final Thoughts: Is Costa Blanca Right for You?
1. Why Choose Costa Blanca?
The Costa Blanca, or “White Coast,” stretches over 200 km along Spain’s southeastern coastline in the province of Alicante. It offers a mix of lively tourist hotspots and charming traditional Spanish towns. Some of the biggest draws for expats include:
✅ Mediterranean Climate – Warm winters and hot summers.
✅ Affordable Cost of Living – Cheaper than many other European destinations.
✅ Welcoming Expat Community – Large English-speaking and international presence.
✅ Excellent Healthcare System – Spain ranks among the best in the world.
✅ Great Connectivity – Alicante Airport provides direct flights to major European cities.
✅ Diverse Lifestyle – From beach towns to golf resorts and quiet inland villages.
2. Best Places to Live on the Costa Blanca
Alicante – The Vibrant City
- Ideal for those wanting city life with beaches.
- Great shopping, nightlife, and cultural events.
- Excellent transport links and a major airport.
Torrevieja – Expat-Friendly Coastal Town
- Huge expat community with many English-speaking services.
- Affordable property prices and excellent healthcare.
- Famous for its pink salt lakes and healing microclimate.
Benidorm – The Tourist & Entertainment Hub
- Bustling city with an active nightlife scene.
- Great for retirees and investors seeking rental properties.
- Well-developed amenities and healthcare services.
Moraira & Jávea – Upmarket, Tranquil Coastal Towns
- More exclusive, ideal for retirees and luxury buyers.
- Beautiful coastal scenery, fewer tourists, and a relaxed lifestyle.
- Higher property prices but excellent quality of life.
Orihuela Costa – The Golf & Resort Area
- Perfect for golf lovers, with many championship courses.
- Family-friendly environment and international schools.
- Close to La Zenia Boulevard, the largest shopping center in the area.
3. Cost of Living in Costa Blanca
One of the biggest advantages of living on the Costa Blanca is its affordability compared to other European destinations like France, Portugal, or the UK.
| Expense | Average Cost (€) |
|---|---|
| Rent (2-bedroom apartment) | €600-€1,200 per month |
| Utilities (electricity, water, internet) | €100-€150 per month |
| Groceries (per person) | €200-€300 per month |
| Public Transport (monthly pass) | €40-€60 |
| Dining Out (per meal) | €10-€25 |
| Healthcare (private insurance) | €50-€150 per month |
💡 Tip: Living in less touristy areas like inland villages or smaller towns reduces costs significantly.
4. Healthcare in Costa Blanca
Spain has one of the best healthcare systems in Europe, and Costa Blanca is no exception.
Public Healthcare (Seguridad Social)
- Free or low-cost healthcare for residents and EU nationals.
- Expats with residency and social security contributions can access public hospitals.
- Excellent facilities, but Spanish-speaking doctors are more common.
Private Healthcare
- Many expats opt for private healthcare for faster access and English-speaking doctors.
- Private insurance costs around €50-€150 per month, depending on coverage.
- Top private hospitals: Hospital Quirón (Torrevieja, Alicante), IMED (Benidorm, Elche).
5. Education & Schools in Costa Blanca
Expats with families will find a variety of education options on the Costa Blanca.
Public Schools (Colegio Público)
- Free education for residents.
- Spanish is the main language of instruction.
- Best for families planning long-term integration.
International Schools
- Great for expat families wanting English, German, or French curriculum.
- Some of the top schools include:
- El Limonar International School (Villamartín, Murcia)
- Newton College (Alicante)
- Xàbia International College (Jávea)
- Fees range from €5,000 to €12,000 per year.
6. Expat Communities & Local Culture
Costa Blanca has a large, diverse expat community, making it easy to settle in.
Expat Groups & Social Life
- Active Facebook groups for networking and support.
- Local clubs for hobbies like golf, hiking, and language exchanges.
- British, Dutch, Scandinavian, and German expat communities are well-established.
Spanish Culture & Festivals
- Semana Santa (Easter Week) – Religious parades and celebrations.
- Las Fallas (March, Valencia Region) – Giant sculptures and fireworks.
- Moors & Christians Festival – Colorful reenactments of historical battles.
- Tapas & Wine Culture – Local bars offer affordable, high-quality food.
💡 Tip: Learning basic Spanish will improve integration and help in daily life.
7. Getting Around: Transport & Infrastructure
- Car Rental & Ownership – Many expats prefer to own a car for convenience.
- Public Transport – Buses and trams are affordable and reliable in larger towns.
- High-Speed Rail – Alicante to Madrid in just 2.5 hours!
- Airports – Alicante-Elche Airport (ALC) has international connections.
8. How to Move to Costa Blanca: Visas & Residency
- EU Citizens: Can move freely with no visa.
- Non-EU Citizens: Options include:
- Golden Visa (for property purchases over €500,000).
- Non-Lucrative Visa (for retirees and self-sufficient individuals).
- Digital Nomad Visa (for remote workers earning outside Spain).
- Residency Registration: Required for long-term stays (TIE card, NIE number).
Final Thoughts: Is Costa Blanca Right for You?
✅ Costa Blanca is perfect for you if you want:
- A sunny, relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle
- Affordable living with great amenities
- An established expat community
- Easy access to healthcare and services
If you’re ready to find your dream home on the Costa Blanca, Solmar Direct can help!
🌍 Browse our latest properties: Click here
📞 Need advice? Contact us today!
