Torrevieja
Cost of Living in Torrevieja
Monthly budget, rent, utilities, groceries, eating out, IBI
Updated 22 Oct 2026 · Local facts checked against official sources · How we check
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In short
Living in Torrevieja costs a couple between €720 and €1,280 per month excluding rent, with a two-bedroom apartment typically costing €600 to €900. Monthly essentials include €300 to €450 for groceries and €80 to €150 for electricity. A meal out at a mid-range local restaurant generally costs €12 to €20 per person.
Quick facts
- A couple's monthly budget excluding rent is approximately €720–€1,280.
- Check local estate portals to confirm typical one-bedroom rents, while two-bedroom apartments cost €600–€900 per month.
- Monthly household utility bills typically include €80–€150 for electricity, €25–€40 for water, and €15–€30 for gas.
- A meal out in a mid-range local restaurant costs approximately €12–€20 per person.
- IBI (council tax) is generally lower than UK council tax for equivalent properties, and current bus fares can be confirmed at the town hall.
Torrevieja is an important destination for British retirees and movers looking for affordable Mediterranean living. Understanding day-to-day expenses is vital before relocating here. The one thing to know is that day-to-day running costs remain noticeably lower than in the UK, provided you budget accurately for housing, utilities, and transport.
Monthly Budget
| Category | Approximate Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Rent (2-bedroom apartment) | €600–€900 |
| Electricity | €80–€150 |
| Water | €25–€40 |
| Gas (bottled or mains) | €15–€30 |
| Internet / Mobile | €40–€60 |
| Groceries | €300–€450 |
| Dining out (occasional) | €100–€200 |
| Transport (car costs or bus) | €100–€200 |
| Health insurance (if required) | €60–€150 |
| Total (excluding rent) | €720–€1,280 |
These figures are general estimates for planning purposes, not guarantees. Actual costs vary by lifestyle, property efficiency, and consumption patterns.
Rent
A two-bedroom apartment typically rents for €600–€900 per month. Check local estate agent listings or property portals to see current availability for one-bedroom and alternative long-term lets.
Household Bills
Monthly household utility costs include electricity at €80–€150, water at €25–€40, and gas (bottled or mains) at €15–€30. Electricity costs have normalised from 2022 peaks but remain higher than UK expectations for some households. Combined internet and mobile packages run between €40 and €60 per month. Council tax (IBI) is generally lower than UK council tax for equivalent properties.
Groceries
Groceries generally cost between €300 and €450 per month for a couple. Torrevieja has a full range of supermarkets including Spanish chains (Mercadona, Consum, Lidl, Aldi) and stores catering to international tastes. Weekly markets offer fresh produce at lower prices than supermarkets. British food products are available in specialist shops, though at a premium.
Transport
Monthly transport expenses, whether using a car or local buses, average €100–€200. Check with the local town hall or transport operators for specific bus fares. If living centrally, some residents manage without a car, but most find one necessary for shopping, healthcare, and exploring. Running a car in Spain involves:
- Annual ITV (vehicle inspection) from year 4
- Car insurance (mandatory)
- Fuel (currently lower than UK prices per litre)
- Road tax (usually modest)
Eating Out
Occasional dining out adds about €100–€200 per month to a couple's budget. A meal out in a mid-range local restaurant costs approximately €12–€20 per person.
Seasonal Effects
Check with local service providers and accommodation agents regarding seasonal price variations across utility consumption and rental terms.
Costs Newcomers Miss
Healthcare can be an unexpected cost depending on your status. If you are a UK state pensioner with an S1 form, public healthcare in Spain is largely free at the point of use (with some prescription co-payments). If not, you will need private health insurance to meet visa requirements and cover medical costs, which typically ranges from €60 to €150 per month. Car maintenance also requires factoring in the annual ITV from year four, mandatory insurance, and road tax alongside fuel.
Costa Bridge View
Torrevieja delivers excellent value for money, making it especially well suited to retirees, downsizers, and expats looking for a low-cost base in Spain. The trade-offs lie in the need to budget carefully for private health insurance if you do not qualify for an S1 form, and the reality that most residents will still require a car to run errands and explore outside the centre. With rent starting around €600 for a two-bedroom flat and living expenses easily kept under control, it remains an accessible choice.
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Last updated: 22 Oct 2026 · Yolanda
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