The Costa Blanca has been attracting both tourists and people looking for a new place to live for years. The sunny climate, picturesque beaches and high quality of life mean that more and more Poles are considering moving to this part of Spain. However, before making such a decision, it is worth considering what the real cost of living looks like and whether Spain is actually cheaper than Poland. An analysis of expenses on housing, food, transport or services will allow you to better understand what you need to prepare for when planning to change your place of residence. Many people wonder if everyday expenses on the Costa Blanca are lower than in Poland, or maybe living in Spain is associated with higher costs.
In this article, we will analyze the most important aspects related to the cost of living, compare prices and check whether Spain is actually a more profitable place to live.
Cost of renting and buying a property
One of the key expenses to consider when moving is the cost of renting or buying a property. In Spain, housing prices vary greatly and depend on the location, standard and distance from the sea. In popular resorts such as Alicante, Benidorm or Torrevieja, a monthly rental of an apartment of about 50-60 m² can cost between 600 and 1000 euros. In smaller towns, you can find cheaper options, where prices start from as little as €400 per month. Compared to large Polish cities such as Warsaw, Krakow or Wrocław, rental costs are similar, and in some cases even lower. When it comes to buying a property, the average price per square meter on the Costa Blanca ranges from 2000 to 3000 euros, which is still competitive with real estate prices in Poland. What’s more, in Spain you can find many attractive real estate offers with a sea view, which is a big advantage for investors and people looking for a permanent home.
Food and daily expenses
The daily cost of living, including food expenses, can significantly affect your decision to move. Spain is famous for its wide range of fresh food products, which are often cheaper than in Poland. Vegetables, fruits, olive oil and seafood are available at very attractive prices, especially at local markets. For example, a kilo of tomatoes costs about 1.5 euros, while fresh fish can be bought for as little as 6-10 euros per kilo. Imported products and some processed products may be more expensive than in Poland, but the overall cost of grocery shopping remains at a comparable or even lower level. What’s more, eating out is much cheaper than in large Polish cities. Dinner in a typical Spanish restaurant costs from 10 to 15 euros, which is a very advantageous option. Many restaurants offer so-called “menú del día”, which are dinner sets priced at €8-12, which include an appetizer, main course, dessert and drink.
Transport and communication costs
The costs of public transport and car operation are other aspects that are worth considering. Spain has a well-developed transport network, and public transport is relatively cheap. The price of a single ticket in Alicante is around 1.45 euros, and a monthly subscription for public transport costs between 40-50 euros. Compared to Polish, where monthly tickets in large cities often exceed PLN 100, prices in Spain are comparable. When it comes to fuel, gasoline and diesel prices are slightly lower than in Poland, which makes the operation of a car more profitable. In addition, tolls mainly apply to motorways, however, many routes on the Costa Blanca are free of charge, which further reduces travel costs. For those who prefer cycling, Spain offers numerous bicycle paths, and the climate is conducive to an active lifestyle all year round.
Service costs and fixed fees
Fees for utilities, telecommunications services and other basic expenses also have a big impact on the household budget. Electricity, water and gas bills in Spain can be lower than in Poland, especially for households using solar energy. The average monthly utility costs for an apartment with an area of about 70 m² range from 80 to 150 euros, which is similar to Polish prices in PLN. Internet and mobile phone subscriptions are also at a level comparable to Polish, but in Spain you can find very attractive package offers, which include high-speed fiber optic internet and television. The cost of healthcare in Spain is also affordable, especially for those with residency and access to public healthcare. Private health insurance costs between €50 and €100 per month, which provides quick access to specialist doctors and modern medical facilities.
Summary
The decision to move to the Costa Blanca should be carefully thought out, and an analysis of the cost of living can help you make the right decision. In many aspects, such as renting real estate, food or transport, Spain turns out to be more affordable than Poland. Of course, the final costs depend on individual preferences and lifestyle, but the general trend indicates that living on the Costa Blanca can be more profitable than in large Polish cities. Thanks to the stable economy, developed infrastructure and mild climate, more and more people are choosing to move to this part of Spain. If you are considering changing your place of residence or investing in real estate on the Costa Blanca, it is worth taking advantage of professional advice and finding a solution tailored to your needs. The Costa Blanca offers not only lower costs of living, but also high comfort and an exceptional quality of everyday functioning.
