How much does it really cost to live in Benidorm in 2026? Real, updated monthly expenses in the Costa Blanca
The image of Benidorm has changed enormously over the past few years.
What used to be seen only as a summer holiday destination is now one of the most sought-after cities by international buyers who want to live in Spain by the sea, invest in a second home, or move permanently to the Costa Blanca. The combination of a Mediterranean climate, modern services, air connections across Europe, and highly developed urban infrastructure continues to attract thousands of foreigners every year.
However, one of the most common questions among those considering buying a home in Spain or relocating to the Costa Blanca is still the same: how much money is really needed to live in Benidorm in 2026?
The answer depends on your lifestyle, the location of the property, and whether you rent or own your own home. Even so, current market data makes it possible to set fairly precise and realistic figures. In 2026, a single person needs approximately between €1,300 and €2,400 per month to live comfortably in Benidorm. A couple typically needs between €2,200 and €3,800 per month, while a family can easily exceed €4,500 a month, especially if they live near the sea or in modern residential areas.
The cost of housing in Benidorm remains the biggest monthly expense
The property market in Benidorm continues to record strong international demand. The city has established itself as one of the main destinations for foreign buyers interested in apartments in the Costa Blanca, sea-view properties, and homes for holiday rentals.
In 2026, renting a home is no longer as cheap as it was a few years ago. A shortage of long-term rentals, combined with tourism growth and foreign investment, has driven a steady rise in prices.
Today, a small studio outside the centre can cost between €700 and €950 per month. A modern one-bedroom apartment near the beach is usually in the range of €1,000 to €1,500 a month, while premium properties in the first line of the sea can easily exceed €2,500 per month.
Families looking for larger homes, especially in areas such as Poniente or in modern developments with a pool and gym, usually find prices between €1,600 and €3,000 per month, depending on location and views.
For that reason, many foreign buyers eventually consider that buying property in Spain may be more profitable in the long run than continuing to pay high rents.
The cost of food in Benidorm in 2026
Despite the inflation seen across Europe in recent years, Spain still offers very competitive value for money when it comes to food—especially compared with northern European countries.
One of the biggest advantages of living in the Costa Blanca is having daily access to fresh Mediterranean produce. Fruit, vegetables, fresh fish, seafood, and olive oil are a regular part of everyday life in Benidorm.
A single person typically spends between €250 and €450 a month on supermarkets, while a couple usually falls somewhere between €450 and €800 per month, depending on their spending habits.
Real prices in 2026 show that:
a loaf of bread costs around €1.20
a café coffee in a café between €1.80 and €3
a set lunch menu between €14 and €18
dinner for two people at a mid-range restaurant can be between €50 and €90
chicken is around €7–€9 per kilogram
fresh fish typically ranges between €12 and €25 per kilogram depending on the species
Mediterranean cuisine remains one of the factors people value most when deciding to move to Spain.
Monthly bills and utilities
The cost of electricity and water in Benidorm depends a lot on how much you use the air conditioning during the summer. Although the Mediterranean climate allows for mild winters, the warmer months significantly increase energy consumption.
In 2026, a typical home usually pays:
electricity: between €70 and €160 per month
water: between €25 and €60
fibre internet: between €25 and €45
mobile phone: between €10 and €35
In many private residential developments there are also community fees that can vary between €50 and €200 per month, especially in buildings with a pool, security, a gym, or landscaped areas.
Transport and getting around the Costa Blanca
Benidorm allows for a relatively comfortable life without needing to use a car every day. Many areas are easy to reach on foot, and public transport works properly.
That said, a large share of foreign residents keep a vehicle of their own to get around the Costa Blanca, visit other cities, or reach more remote residential developments.
In 2026:
fuel is roughly between €1.55 and €1.75 per litre
car insurance can cost between €50 and €120 per month
a local transport card usually costs between €20 and €40
private parking in central areas can reach €100–€180 per month during peak season
Private healthcare and medical insurance for foreigners
One of the things that most reassures people looking to live in Spain as a foreigner is the quality of Spain’s healthcare system. While public healthcare exists, many international residents choose to take out private insurance.
In 2026, a private health insurance policy in Spain usually costs:
between €50 and €90 per month for young adults
between €120 and €220 for older people or retirees
The presence of private hospitals, international clinics, and doctors who speak several languages continues to be a major advantage for foreign buyers in the Costa Blanca.
Is it expensive to live in Benidorm compared with Europe?
For many buyers coming from Poland, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, or Nordic countries, Benidorm continues to offer an excellent balance between quality of life and monthly cost.
Although house prices have risen considerably, the reality is that living in the Costa Blanca is still cheaper than many cities in Northern Europe, especially when you factor in the climate, safety, access to the sea, and a Mediterranean lifestyle.
What’s more, many people who work online or receive foreign income find that moving to Spain lets them significantly improve their quality of life while keeping costs relatively under control.
The continued growth of international buyers shows that Benidorm is no longer just a tourist destination. The city has become one of the strongest markets for those seeking real estate investment in Spain, a second home, or a permanent life by the Mediterranean.
