Cost of Living in Alicante

For a couple, a realistic monthly budget excluding rent is around €1,900. This is based on Numbeo's August 2026 estimate for a family of four (€2,658.7) and adjusted for a couple's lower food and transport costs. Here's a typical breakdown:

Category	Monthly Cost (€)
Groceries	450
Utilities (electricity, water, gas)	150
Transport (bus, occasional taxi)	80
Eating out (a few meals)	200
Leisure & entertainment	150
Health & personal care	100
Other (clothing, household items)	100
Total (excl. rent)	1,230

Note: The table above is a sample; your actual spending will vary. For a more precise estimate, use Numbeo's cost-of-living estimator, which allows you to input your household size and lifestyle.

Rent is your biggest single cost. According to Wise's 2026 data, a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages €765 per month, with a range of €690–€863. Outside the centre, the average drops to €638 (range €602–€777). For a three-bedroom, expect to pay around €1,179 in the centre and €1,069 outside. These figures are in line with what you'll find on local portals like Idealista, though prices have been rising in recent years. For the best deals, look in neighbourhoods like Carolinas Altas or San Blas, which are a short tram or bus ride from the centre.

Monthly utility bills for a small apartment—electricity, water, and gas—typically come to around €150. This is based on CityCost's October 2026 data, which shows utilities for a 85m² apartment at about €120–€180. Internet and mobile plans are extra, usually €30–€50 per month. Remember that electricity costs can spike in summer if you use air conditioning heavily, and in winter if you rely on electric heating.

Alicante's supermarkets are noticeably cheaper than the UK. CityCost's October 2026 data gives these typical prices:

• Milk (1 litre): €0.99
• White bread (500g): €1.46
• Rice (1kg): €1.43
• Eggs (12): €2.90
• Chicken fillets (1kg): €8.71
• Apples (1kg): €2.30
• Oranges (1kg): €1.59

For fresh produce, the Central Market (Mercado Central) on Avda. Alfonso X el Sabio is a local favourite, with seasonal fruit and vegetables often cheaper than supermarkets. A weekly shop for a couple typically runs to €60–€80 at Mercadona or Consum, the two biggest local chains.

Alicante is compact, and many residents walk or cycle. The urban bus network (TAM) covers the city well; a single fare is around €1.50, and a 10-trip card (Bono) costs about €8. The TRAM (light rail) connects the city with El Campello, Benidorm, and Dénia, with single fares starting at €1.50. For longer trips, the Cercanías C-1 line runs to Elche and Murcia. If you drive, petrol is cheaper than the UK, but parking in the centre is a challenge—many residents use underground car parks or park-and-ride facilities.

Eating out is one of Alicante's great pleasures, and it's affordable. A menú del día (three-course lunch with drink) at a local bar or restaurant typically costs €12–€15. CityCost's October 2026 data lists a meal at a budget restaurant at €17.03, and a three-course dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant at €58.7. A cappuccino is €1.97, and a local beer (0.5 litre) is €2.97. For a special night out, the Explanada de España area has many restaurants, but you'll pay a premium for the seafront location.

Your bills will vary with the seasons. Summer (June–September) brings high electricity use for air conditioning, which can add €50–€100 to your monthly bill. Winter is mild, but heating costs can rise if you use electric radiators. Grocery prices for local produce like oranges and tomatoes drop in season, while imported goods cost more year-round. Tourism also affects prices: in August, restaurant and rental prices peak, while in winter you'll find better deals on accommodation and some services.

Beyond the obvious, budget for these often-overlooked costs:

• IBI (property tax): If you buy, you'll pay an annual local property tax. The rate varies by property value, but for a typical flat it's around €300–€600 per year. Check with the town hall for your specific property.
• Community fees: If you buy an apartment, you'll pay monthly community fees for building maintenance and shared areas, typically €50–€100.
• Health insurance: If you're not eligible for public healthcare, private insurance costs around €50–€100 per month per person.
• Bank fees: Some Spanish banks charge monthly maintenance fees; look for no-fee accounts like those from online banks.
• TV licence: You'll need to pay the Spanish TV licence (about €100 per year) if you have a TV.
• Moving costs: International removals can cost €1,000–€3,000, depending on volume.

Alicante offers a comfortable lifestyle at a cost that's hard to beat on the Mediterranean coast. The trade-off is that wages are lower than in northern Europe, so if you're working locally, your budget will be tighter. For retirees or remote workers with UK or other foreign income, the low cost of living is a major draw. The city is well-connected, with an international airport and high-speed rail, making it easy to travel. If you're looking for a vibrant city with a beach, good food, and a genuine local feel, Alicante is a strong choice—just be sure to budget for the extras that come with any move.

• Cost of Living in Alicante (Numbeo)
• Cost of Living in Alicante, Spain (Expatistan)
• Cost of living in Alicante in 2026: Clothing, Food, Housing & More (Wise)
• Full Living Cost Comparison: Alicante and Valencia (CityCost)
• Cost of Living Estimator for Alicante, Spain (Numbeo)
• r/Alicante on Reddit: Cost of Living in Alicante (Reddit)
• Alicante, Spain: Retirement, Real Estate and Cost of Living Information (International Living)
• Cost of Living Comparison Between Alicante, Spain And Valencia, Spain (Numbeo)