Costa BridgeSpain Relocation Preparation

Marbella

Spain's most glamorous coast — luxury lifestyle, international community and premium property prices.

Suited to: Affluent retirees · High-net-worth individuals · Second-home owners · Remote workers

Costa
Costa del Sol
Province
Málaga
Population
~173,420
British Community
~5,600
Airport
Málaga–Costa del Sol (~50 km)
Train
None in Marbella itself

About this place

Marbella is synonymous with luxury Mediterranean living. With 173,000 residents, nearly 30% of whom are foreign nationals, it is one of Europe's most international cities. The property market reflects this: average prices exceed €5,000/m² and the Golden Mile commands some of Spain's highest values.
For British relocation planners, Marbella offers a very different proposition from Torrevieja or Jávea. This is not a mass-market British destination — it is an affluent, cosmopolitan environment where English is widely spoken but the community is genuinely international (Scandinavian, German, Dutch, Middle Eastern, Latin American).
The lifestyle is exceptional: 320 days of sunshine, world-class golf, yacht marinas, Michelin-starred restaurants and a social calendar that runs year-round. But the cost of entry is high — both in property prices and in ongoing living costs.

Explore Marbella

Healthcare

Health centres, hospitals, pharmacies, how to register, English-speaking doctors

Read more →

Admin & Documents

Town hall, NIE office, empadronamiento, police station, gestoría recommendations

Coming soon

Housing

Rental market, buying, neighbourhoods, estate agents, typical prices

Coming soon

Cost of Living

Monthly budget, rent, utilities, groceries, eating out, IBI

Coming soon

British Community

Expat groups, social clubs, Facebook groups, where to meet other Brits

Coming soon

Integrating Locally

Spanish classes, markets, fiestas, sports clubs, how locals socialise

Coming soon

Daily Life

Supermarkets, transport, parking, broadband, banks, post office

Coming soon

Things to Do

Beaches, restaurants, hiking, day trips, seasonal events

Coming soon

Schools & Families

State schools, international schools, nurseries, extracurricular

Coming soon

Related guides

Nearby towns you may also like

Last updated: 04/07/2026

Key contacts