Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Spain Property Pack
Yes, the analysis of Alicante's property market is included in our pack
If you're thinking about retiring in Alicante, Spain, you're probably wondering how much money you actually need to live there comfortably.
In this guide, we break down the real costs of living in Alicante in 2026, from minimum survival budgets to luxury retirement lifestyles, with current housing prices that we update regularly.
We also cover what you need to know about buying property, visa requirements, taxes, and healthcare costs in Alicante.
And if you're planning to buy a property in this place, you may want to download our pack covering the real estate market in Alicante.
How much money do I need to retire in Alicante right now?
What's the absolute minimum monthly budget to survive in Alicante?
The absolute minimum monthly budget to survive in Alicante in 2026 is around €1,300 per month, which equals roughly $1,510 or £1,250, assuming you live very simply and watch every expense carefully.
At this minimum budget level in Alicante, you can cover a small older one-bedroom apartment away from premium beach areas, basic utilities, groceries if you cook at home, and essential transportation using buses and trams.
Living on this tight budget in Alicante means you will need to skip eating out almost entirely, avoid air conditioning during hot summer months, and likely live in less central neighborhoods like Babel or Carolinas rather than the scenic beachfront areas that attract most retirees.
What lifestyle do I get with $2,000/month in Alicante in 2026?
As of early 2026, a budget of $2,000 per month (around €1,720) in Alicante gives you a frugal but comfortable lifestyle where you can cover all essentials and still enjoy some of what the city offers.
With this budget, you can realistically afford a decent one-bedroom apartment in neighborhoods like San Blas, Benalúa, or Carolinas for around €650 to €800 per month ($755 to $930 or £625 to £770), leaving enough for other expenses without constant stress.
Social and leisure activities on $2,000 per month in Alicante include regular visits to tapas bars once or twice a week, trips to the Explanada de España promenade, and enjoying the city's free beaches, though you will need to be selective about paid entertainment.
The main limitation at this budget level in Alicante is that private health insurance will likely be basic coverage only, and you will need to choose between upgrading your apartment location or having more spending money for travel and dining.
What lifestyle do I get with $3,000/month in Alicante in 2026?
As of early 2026, a budget of $3,000 per month (around €2,580) in Alicante provides a comfortable Mediterranean retirement lifestyle where you do not need to constantly track expenses or make difficult trade-offs.
At this level, you can afford a nicely located one-bedroom or even a solid two-bedroom apartment in desirable areas like Ensanche Diputación, Centro, or Campoamor for €800 to €1,100 per month ($930 to $1,280 or £770 to £1,060), giving you more space and better surroundings.
With $3,000 per month in Alicante, you can dine out several times a week at local restaurants, join a gym near the port, take weekend trips to nearby towns like Benidorm or Elche, and enjoy regular taxis instead of always relying on public transport.
The key upgrade compared to the $2,000 budget in Alicante is that you gain meaningful flexibility, including better private health insurance with dental and optical coverage, the ability to absorb unexpected costs, and real choices about where to live rather than settling for the cheapest option.
What lifestyle do I get with $5,000/month in Alicante in 2026?
As of early 2026, a budget of $5,000 per month (around €4,300) in Alicante gives you a very comfortable, semi-luxury lifestyle, while $10,000 per month (around €8,600) puts you firmly in full luxury territory where money is rarely a constraint.
At $5,000 per month, you can rent a premium apartment in Playa de San Juan or Cabo de las Huertas for €1,200 to €1,600 ($1,395 to $1,860 or £1,155 to £1,540), while at $10,000 you can access high-end penthouses or seafront properties in Vistahermosa for €2,500 or more ($2,900 or £2,400 and up).
At the $5,000 to $10,000 per month range in Alicante, you unlock services like regular housekeeping, a personal driver for day trips, membership at private beach clubs, frequent fine dining at restaurants like Monastrell, and the ability to travel internationally several times a year without worrying about the cost.
How much for a "comfortable" retirement in Alicante in 2026?
As of early 2026, a comfortable retirement in Alicante requires approximately €2,200 to €2,700 per month, which translates to $2,550 to $3,140 or £2,120 to £2,600, depending on your specific preferences and neighborhood choices.
We recommend adding a 20% buffer to whatever feels comfortable, meaning an extra €440 to €540 per month ($510 to $630 or £425 to £520), to handle inflation swings, summer electricity bills, and the occasional surprise expense like appliance repairs or family visits.
A comfortable retirement budget in Alicante covers expenses that a basic budget simply cannot, including better-quality private health insurance with specialist access, regular restaurant meals, gym memberships, occasional domestic travel within Spain, and the ability to live in a nicer neighborhood without constant financial stress.
How much for a "luxury" retirement in Alicante in 2026?
As of early 2026, a luxury retirement in Alicante starts at approximately €4,000 per month ($4,650 or £3,850), though many luxury retirees spend €5,000 to €8,000 or more depending on their taste for premium experiences.
A luxury retirement in Alicante means renting or owning a high-end apartment in premium coastal areas with sea views, having domestic help, enjoying fine dining regularly, accessing top-tier private healthcare including concierge medical services, and never needing to budget for experiences you want.
The most popular neighborhoods for luxury retirees in Alicante are Playa de San Juan for its beautiful beach and upscale restaurants, Cabo de las Huertas for its quieter, exclusive atmosphere near the sea, and Vistahermosa for spacious properties with panoramic Mediterranean views.
The main advantage of a luxury budget in Alicante beyond comfort is genuine peace of mind, knowing that any health issue, property repair, or spontaneous trip will not cause financial strain, and having the freedom to say yes to opportunities without checking your bank account first.
We have made this infographic to give you a quick and clear snapshot of the property market in Spain. It highlights key facts like rental prices, yields, and property costs both in city centers and outside, so you can easily compare opportunities. We’ve done some research and also included useful insights about the country’s economy, like GDP, population, and interest rates, to help you understand the bigger picture.
What are the real monthly expenses for retirees in Alicante in 2026?
What is a realistic monthly budget breakdown by category in Alicante?
A realistic monthly budget for a single retiree renting in Alicante in 2026 breaks down roughly as follows: rent €650 to €950 ($755 to $1,105), utilities €140 to €230 ($163 to $267), groceries €250 to €380 ($290 to $442), eating out €120 to €350 ($140 to $407), transport €40 to €100 ($46 to $116), healthcare €120 to €300 ($140 to $349), and personal expenses €120 to €250 ($140 to $290).
Housing costs in Alicante typically consume 35% to 45% of a retiree's total monthly budget, with a one-bedroom apartment costing €650 to €950 per month ($755 to $1,105 or £625 to £915) depending on neighborhood and building quality.
Food and groceries in Alicante generally account for 15% to 20% of the monthly budget, with a single person spending €250 to €380 ($290 to $442 or £240 to £365) on groceries when cooking at home most of the time.
The budget category that varies most depending on personal lifestyle in Alicante is dining and entertainment, which can range from €120 per month ($140) if you rarely eat out to €350 or more ($407) if you enjoy regular restaurant meals and social activities.
What fees surprise foreigners most after moving to Alicante?
The top three hidden fees that catch foreigners off guard in Alicante are community fees (gastos de comunidad) if you buy property, the annual property tax (IBI) that can be higher than expected, and the cost of getting proper health insurance that meets Spain's visa requirements.
When first arriving in Alicante, foreigners should budget for one-time setup fees including the TIE card (€16 or $19), NIE application costs, notary fees for rental contracts (€50 to €150 or $58 to $174), and potentially a deposit equal to one or two months' rent (€650 to €1,900 or $755 to $2,208).
What's the average rent for a 1-bedroom or a 2-bedroom in Alicante in 2026?
As of early 2026, the average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Alicante is approximately €710 ($825 or £685), while a two-bedroom averages around €1,030 ($1,197 or £992), based on the city's rental rate of €12.90 per square meter.
For a one-bedroom in Alicante, you can expect to pay anywhere from €580 ($674 or £558) in budget-friendly areas like Babel or San Blas, up to €950 ($1,104 or £915) or more in premium locations like Playa de San Juan or Centro.
For a two-bedroom in Alicante, the realistic range spans from €900 ($1,046 or £867) in neighborhoods like Carolinas or Benalúa, up to €1,350 ($1,569 or £1,300) or higher in sought-after coastal areas like Cabo de las Huertas or Albufereta.
Neighborhoods offering the best value for retirees seeking affordable rent in Alicante include San Blas, Benalúa, Babel, and Carolinas, where you get good access to amenities and public transport without paying the premium associated with beachfront locations.
By the way, we've written a blog article detailing what are the latest rent data in Alicante.
What do utilities cost monthly in Alicante in 2026?
As of early 2026, the total monthly utilities cost for a typical retiree apartment in Alicante runs approximately €160 ($186 or £154), with a realistic range of €140 to €230 ($163 to $267 or £135 to £222) depending on the season and your usage habits.
Breaking down individual utilities in Alicante, electricity typically costs €60 to €100 ($70 to $116) per month, water runs €20 to €30 ($23 to $35), and gas (if used for heating or cooking) adds another €20 to €40 ($23 to $46), though many apartments use electric cooktops.
Internet service in Alicante costs around €35 to €50 ($41 to $58) per month for fiber connections, while mobile phone plans with generous data run €15 to €30 ($17 to $35), giving you a combined communications cost of €50 to €80 ($58 to $93).
What's the monthly food and transportation budget for one person in Alicante in 2026?
As of early 2026, the combined monthly food and transportation budget for one person in Alicante typically ranges from €400 to €700 ($465 to $814 or £385 to €675), covering groceries, some restaurant meals, and local travel.
A single retiree cooking at home in Alicante can expect to spend €250 to €380 ($290 to $442 or £240 to £366) monthly on groceries, with costs at the lower end if you shop at Mercadona or Lidl and higher if you prefer specialty shops or organic products.
Eating out regularly in Alicante adds €120 to €350 ($140 to $407 or £116 to £337) to your monthly food budget, with a typical menu del día (lunch special) costing €12 to €15 ($14 to $17) and dinner at a mid-range restaurant running €20 to €35 ($23 to $41) per person.
Transportation costs in Alicante are quite low at €40 to €100 ($46 to $116 or £38 to €96) monthly if you rely on the bus and tram network, compared to €200 to €400 ($232 to $465) or more if you own and operate a car including fuel, insurance, and parking.
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Can I retire in Alicante if I want to buy property in 2026?
What's the average home price in Alicante in 2026?
As of early 2026, the average home price in Alicante is approximately €2,500 per square meter, which means a typical 70 square meter apartment costs around €175,000 ($203,400 or £168,600), while a 90 square meter unit runs about €225,000 ($261,500 or £216,800).
The realistic price range in Alicante varies significantly by neighborhood, from around €1,800 per square meter ($2,092 or £1,734) in more affordable inland areas to €3,500 or more ($4,068 or £3,372) per square meter in premium beachfront locations like Playa de San Juan.
For retirees in Alicante, apartments in the 60 to 80 square meter range typically offer the best value, as they provide enough space for comfortable living while keeping purchase costs, community fees, and utility bills manageable compared to larger houses or villas.
Please note that you will find all the information you need in our pack about properties in Alicante.
What down payment do foreigners usually need in Alicante in 2026?
As of early 2026, foreigners buying property in Alicante typically need 40% to 45% of the purchase price in cash, which for a €175,000 apartment means approximately €70,000 to €79,000 ($81,340 to $91,800 or £67,440 to £76,120) to cover the down payment plus taxes and fees.
Yes, foreigners face higher down payment requirements in Alicante because Spanish banks generally limit mortgage financing for non-residents to 70% of the property value, compared to up to 80% for Spanish residents, plus all transaction costs must be paid in cash regardless of residency status.
We have a document entirely dedicated to the mortgage process in our pack about properties in Alicante.
You can also read our latest update about mortgage and interest rates in Spain.
What's the all-in monthly cost to own in Alicante in 2026?
As of early 2026, the all-in monthly cost to own a typical €175,000 apartment in Alicante with a mortgage ranges from €750 to €1,050 ($872 to $1,220 or £722 to £1,012) before utilities, while owning outright without a mortgage still costs €150 to €300 ($174 to $349 or £144 to €289) in fixed ownership expenses.
The all-in monthly ownership figure for Alicante includes your mortgage payment of €600 to €750 ($697 to $872) for a 70% financed property, plus community fees (gastos de comunidad) of €50 to €150 ($58 to $174), home insurance of €25 to €50 ($29 to $58), and a maintenance reserve for repairs.
Typical monthly property tax (IBI) in Alicante works out to €40 to €80 ($46 to $93 or £38 to €77) when spread across 12 months, while community fees (HOA equivalent) for a standard apartment building average €60 to €120 ($70 to $140 or £58 to €116) monthly.
The hidden ownership cost that catches new buyers off guard in Alicante is the derrama, which is a special assessment that the community can levy for major building repairs like elevator replacement or facade renovation, sometimes running several thousand euros with little advance warning.
By the way, we also have a blog article detailing the property taxes and fees in Alicante.
Is buying cheaper than renting in Alicante in 2026?
As of early 2026, the monthly cost of owning a mortgaged property in Alicante (€750 to €1,050 or $872 to $1,220) is often similar to or slightly higher than renting a comparable apartment (€650 to €950 or $755 to $1,104), especially when you factor in all ownership expenses and the opportunity cost of your down payment.
The typical break-even point where buying becomes financially better than renting in Alicante is around 7 to 10 years, depending on how much prices appreciate, your mortgage terms, and how long you stay in the same property without needing to sell.
Key factors that make buying more attractive for retirees in Alicante include the stability of owning your home outright after the mortgage is paid, protection against rent increases in a market where prices have been rising, and the emotional value of having a permanent base in Spain that you can customize to your preferences.
We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in Spain versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you’re planning to invest there.
What visas, taxes, and healthcare costs should I plan for in Alicante in 2026?
What retirement visa options exist in Alicante in 2026?
As of early 2026, the main retirement visa option for Alicante is Spain's non-lucrative residence visa, which has minimal direct fees (the TIE card costs €16 or $19) but requires proving you have sufficient financial means to support yourself without working.
To qualify for the non-lucrative visa in Spain, you need to demonstrate monthly income or savings equivalent to 400% of the IPREM (a Spanish reference index) for yourself, plus an additional 100% for each dependent, which currently works out to roughly €2,400 ($2,790 or £2,312) per month for a single applicant.
The typical annual visa renewal cost in Alicante is modest at around €20 to €40 ($23 to $46 or £19 to €38) for the TIE card renewal and any associated fees, though you will also spend time gathering documents like updated bank statements and health insurance certificates.
The most common visa mistake foreign retirees make in Alicante is underestimating the importance of maintaining proper health insurance throughout their stay, since a lapse in coverage can jeopardize your renewal and your legal status in Spain.
Do I pay tax on foreign income in Alicante in 2026?
As of early 2026, if you become a tax resident of Spain (typically by spending more than 183 days per year in the country), you will owe Spanish taxes on your worldwide income, including foreign pensions, investment returns, and other earnings, with rates ranging from 19% to 47% depending on the amount.
Foreign pensions are generally taxable in Spain once you become a resident, though some income types like US Social Security may have specific treaty provisions, and investment income from abroad (dividends, interest, capital gains) is subject to Spanish savings tax rates of 19% to 28%.
Spain has tax treaties with most major countries including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and EU nations, which typically prevent double taxation by allowing credits for taxes paid in your home country or allocating taxation rights between countries.
The single most important tax rule foreign retirees should understand before moving to Alicante is the 183-day residency threshold: once you spend more than half the year in Spain, you become a Spanish tax resident and must declare and potentially pay tax on all your global income.
What health insurance do retirees need in Alicante in 2026?
As of early 2026, most non-EU retirees in Alicante need private health insurance that meets Spain's visa requirements, costing approximately €120 to €300 ($140 to $349 or £116 to £289) per month depending on age, coverage level, and whether you include extras like dental and optical.
Foreigners can access Spain's public healthcare system if they qualify through specific pathways such as the S1 form (for certain EU and UK retirees), but most non-EU retirees on non-lucrative visas must maintain private insurance as a condition of their residence permit.
A realistic total annual healthcare budget for a retiree in Alicante, including insurance premiums, co-pays, medications, and occasional out-of-pocket specialist visits, ranges from €2,000 to €5,000 ($2,324 to $5,810 or £1,927 to £4,817) depending on your health needs and coverage choices.
Buying real estate in Alicante can be risky
An increasing number of foreign investors are showing interest. However, 90% of them will make mistakes. Avoid the pitfalls with our comprehensive guide.
What sources have we used to write this blog article?
Whether it's in our blog articles or the market analyses included in our property pack about Alicante, we always rely on the strongest methodology we can … and we don't throw out numbers at random.
We also aim to be fully transparent, so below we've listed the authoritative sources we used, and explained how we used them and the methods behind our estimates.
| Source | Why it's trustworthy | How we used it |
|---|---|---|
| INE Household Budget Survey (EPF 2024) | Spain's official statistics agency and flagship spending dataset. | We used it to anchor typical spending levels in Spain. We then adjusted housing costs specifically for Alicante using local rent data. |
| idealista Alicante Rent Index | Spain's largest property portal with transparent price reporting. | We used it to estimate realistic rents for different apartment sizes. We based our housing budget calculations on their December 2025 data. |
| idealista Alicante Sale Price Index | Same transparent methodology used widely in market analysis. | We used it to calculate typical purchase prices for common apartment sizes. We based down payment and buying cost estimates on this data. |
| European Central Bank EUR/USD Rate | The standard clean benchmark for euro currency conversions. | We used it to convert all dollar amounts to euros accurately. We applied the January 2026 reference rate throughout the article. |
| BOE RD 557/2011 (Immigration Regulation) | Spain's official legal source for immigration requirements. | We used it to quantify the minimum financial means for non-lucrative residence. We explained why a survival budget can still fail visa rules. |
| Spanish National Police Fee Schedule | The official, current fee table for immigration procedures. | We used it to provide concrete TIE and renewal fee amounts. We estimated annual paperwork costs based on this schedule. |
| Spanish Tax Agency (AEAT) Residency Rules | Spain's tax authority and primary source for residency criteria. | We used it to explain when you become tax resident. We based our 183-day rule explanation on this official guidance. |
| Bank of Spain Euribor Indicator | Spain's national central bank with authoritative rate data. | We used it to ground our mortgage rate assumptions. We calculated monthly ownership costs based on current market rates. |
| CaixaBank Non-Resident Mortgage Guide | A major Spanish bank explaining its own lending policy. | We used it to support realistic down payment ranges for foreigners. We confirmed the typical 70% financing cap for non-residents. |
| INE CPI Indicator (December 2025) | Spain's official inflation release used for policy nationwide. | We used it to sanity-check 2026 budgets against recent inflation. We justified our recommended safety buffer for retirees. |
We made this infographic to show you how property prices in Spain compare to other big cities across the region. It breaks down the average price per square meter in city centers, so you can see how cities stack up. It’s an easy way to spot where you might get the best value for your money. We hope you like it.
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