Cost of living in Spain – Is Marbella expensive?

Spain is a popular option for expats, particularly retirees – and it’s easy to understand why.

It boasts a warm and sunny year-round climate, a laidback culture, delicious cuisine, and a world-renowned healthcare system. Yet, despite the amazing quality of life on offer, it’s still an affordable place to live – much more affordable than you probably think, in fact.

The cost of living in Spain is around 25-35% lower than in the UK. A single person needs approximately €1,200 – €1,500 a month, on average, to live comfortably in most parts of the country (not including rent).

Of course, this will vary depending on the kind of lifestyle you wish to lead and the location you’d prefer to live. But to give you a better idea of how much it would cost to live your ‘dream’ life in the sun, the Bromley Estates experts have broken down some of the main expenses you can expect to pay as an expat – including example prices for Spain in general and Marbella.

Groceries and restaurants

Spain has a strong agricultural industry and produces many local products. As a result, food and drink tend to be a lot cheaper than in the UK, and everyday consumables, such as bread and milk, can usually be found in the supermarkets for less than €1.50 each.

This is one of the main reasons why the cost of living in Spain is so low. Depending on what you like to eat, your entire monthly grocery shop can cost up to €250 per person.

Dining out is also extremely affordable – so much so, it usually becomes a way of life for most residents, with many establishments costing between €12 and €16 per dish. Resorts often have a range of dining options, including Michelin-starred restaurants if you’re looking to splash the cash. But you can easily enjoy a delicious seafood lunch at a local chiringuito for as little as €12 per person, and a three-course meal for two typically costs around €50 – €70.

Clothes and personal care

Every day, ‘personal care’ essentials can also be classed as ‘cheap’. On your trip to the local supermarket, you can pick up a tube of toothpaste for around €2 to €3.50, a bottle of shampoo for around €3.50 to €5, and roll-on deodorant between €2.50 and €4 – which is roughly the same as you’d expect to pay in the UK.

Spain is the home of Inditex (Zara, Pull&Bear, Bershka, Massimo Dutti) and Mango. As these brands are local, prices in Spanish stores are consistently 15% to 30% lower than in the UK.

This means you could expect a pair of jeans in Zara to be between €35 and €85. A summer dress from a high street store will cost between €30 and €50, and a pair of trainers from a big-name brand like Nike or Adidas could cost around €85 – €105.

Utilities

Basic utilities in the UK are amongst the highest in Europe, so you can expect much lower energy bills in Spain. While there was an energy price crisis in 2022, prices have come down from their peak.

The exact cost of your household bills will depend on several factors, including the size of your house, the weather and your personal level of consumption. But on average, you can expect to pay around €140 – €180 a month to run an 85m² property. And high-speed broadband (60 Mbps or more) can usually be installed for around €30 a month.

Transport

Moving around the country is both easy and budget-friendly – especially in the Costa del Sol. Spain has an exceptional public transportation network, including a city metro system, (Málaga city centre) buses, and high-speed trains, allowing you to easily reach your luxury destination and the many beach clubs along the south coast. A one-way fare can cost as little as €1.50. And residents over the age of 60 are eligible for a Tarjeta Dorada (Gold Card). This costs just €6 a year and entitles you to a 25-40% discount on Renfe train fares.

Cars in Spain are also cheap to buy and run (compared to the global average), with 1 litre usually costing between €1.60 – €1.75. And if you’d like to return to the UK for a visit, many economy airlines now offer very low-cost flights.

Healthcare in the Costa del Sol

UK nationals can access free public healthcare in Spain, but you must meet the eligibility criteria.

Eligibility rules for UK nationals changed in January 2021:

• If you work/are self-employed: You get full, free healthcare access because you pay into the Social Security system (just like the UK’s National Insurance).
• If you are a Retiree (S1 Form): If you receive a UK State Pension, the UK government pays Spain for your care. You get full access to the Spanish system for free.

The “Early Retiree” Gap: If you move to Spain before retirement age and don’t work, you’re not automatically covered by the public system. You must either pay for private insurance or pay into the Convenio Especial (a public pay-in scheme) once you’ve been a resident for a year.

Entertainment and nightlife costs in Marbella

This is an aspect that’s often overlooked when researching the cost of living in Spain. But if you’re relocating permanently – particularly in your retirement – leisure activities are definitely something you should budget for. After all, you’ll have lots of long sunny days to fill. And whether you’re a fan of shopping, fitness, dining out or more, it’s worth having a little expendable income.

Golf is one of the most popular daytime pursuits in Spain, particularly in Marbella. It’s home to some of the best courses in the world, and if you can find some seasonal deals, you could pay between €55 and €65. For a standard 18-hole round with a buggy in Marbella’s “Golf Valley”, you would be expected to pay around €90 – €180.

Elite courses like Las Brisas or Valderrama are now beyond the €200 mark, with some peak-season green fees now reaching €400 – €550.

Monthly gym memberships can be found around the €40 mark, but if you’re seeking a more ‘premium’ establishment, prices often start at €50 – €100+ per month. If you’re a lover of the movies, two tickets to the cinema will cost you less than €20!

Want to find out more about living in Spain?

So, is Marbella expensive? Well, that comes down to different lifestyle choices and budgets. One thing’s for sure: Marbella is a wonderful place to settle down.

If you’re thinking about relocating to Spain, there are lots of financial aspects to consider – from the day-to-day living expenses outlined above to the cost of a property, taxes, community fees and more. It’s easy to feel confused and overwhelmed. But as a leading real estate agency, at Bromley Estates Marbella, we can offer our expert guidance on monthly rental prices, international schools, local markets, local restaurants, and much more.

We’ve helped countless UK citizens to find their ideal home in the sun and settle into a new Spanish life with ease – and we could do the same for you. If you have any questions about the cost of living in Spain, the services we provide, golf courses in the area, or the quality of local produce, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. We have excellent knowledge of Spain, particularly Marbella, and we’ll be glad to assist in any way we can.

Simply give us a call on +34 952 939 460 (+44 208 068 7606) or send an email to info@bromleyestatesmarbella.com and we’ll respond to your enquiry as soon as possible.