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
Understanding how much you'll pay to rent in Alicante in 2026 is essential whether you're moving there, investing, or just curious about the market.
This guide breaks down current rental prices, neighborhood trends, tenant preferences, and landlord costs in Alicante with fresh data.
We keep this article updated regularly so you always have the latest numbers.
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.
Insights
- Alicante rents have risen around 8% year-over-year, but properties near Playa de San Juan and Cabo de las Huertas are climbing even faster due to lifestyle demand from expats and remote workers.
- A parking space in central Alicante can add roughly €150 per month to your rent, making it one of the most valuable amenities in the city.
- Studios in Alicante now average around €900 per month, which is about 30% higher than similar units in inland Spanish cities of comparable size.
- The IRAV index caps rent increases on existing contracts, but new listings in Alicante are not subject to these limits, creating a two-speed rental market.
- Properties near the Universidad de Alicante in San Vicente del Raspeig rent out within 10 to 15 days during September and January due to student demand spikes.
- Furnished apartments in Alicante command about 10% to 15% higher rents than unfurnished ones, driven by students, expats, and short-term professionals.
- Alicante's vacancy rate sits around 4%, which is tight enough to keep landlords confident but not so low that tenants face extreme competition.
- The IBI property tax in Alicante is 0.62% of the cadastral value, meaning a typical apartment costs landlords around €40 to €60 per month in taxes.
What are typical rents in Alicante as of 2026?
What's the average monthly rent for a studio in Alicante as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the average monthly rent for a studio in Alicante is around €900, which is approximately $945 USD or €900 EUR.
Most studios in Alicante fall within a realistic range of €750 to €1,050 per month (about $790 to $1,100 USD), depending on location and condition.
The main factors that cause studio rents to vary in Alicante include proximity to the beach or TRAM lines, whether the building has a lift and air conditioning, and whether the unit comes furnished.
What's the average monthly rent for a 1-bedroom in Alicante as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the average monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Alicante is around €1,000, which translates to roughly $1,050 USD.
A realistic range for most 1-bedroom apartments in Alicante sits between €900 and €1,150 per month (about $945 to $1,210 USD).
In Alicante, you'll find cheaper 1-bedroom rents in neighborhoods like Benalúa and San Blas, while areas like Playa de San Juan and Centro command the highest prices.
What's the average monthly rent for a 2-bedroom in Alicante as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the average monthly rent for a 2-bedroom apartment in Alicante is around €1,230, which equals approximately $1,290 USD.
Most 2-bedroom apartments in Alicante rent for somewhere between €1,100 and €1,400 per month (about $1,155 to $1,470 USD), with coastal areas often exceeding that range.
Neighborhoods like Benalúa and San Gabriel tend to offer more affordable 2-bedroom options, while Playa de San Juan, Cabo de las Huertas, and Albufereta sit at the expensive end of the Alicante rental market.
By the way, you will find much more detailed rent ranges in our property pack covering the real estate market in Alicante.
What's the average rent per square meter in Alicante as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the average rent per square meter in Alicante is around €13.20, which works out to approximately $13.85 USD per square meter per month.
Across different neighborhoods in Alicante, rent per square meter typically ranges from €12 to €14 (about $12.60 to $14.70 USD), with prime beach zones and newer buildings pushing higher.
Compared to other major Spanish cities, Alicante's rent per square meter sits below Madrid and Barcelona but higher than most inland cities of similar size, reflecting its coastal lifestyle appeal.
In Alicante, properties that push rent per square meter above average typically feature modern construction, a terrace or balcony, air conditioning, and proximity to the beach or TRAM stations.
How much have rents changed year-over-year in Alicante in 2026?
As of early 2026, rents in Alicante have increased by approximately 8% compared to the same time last year, with a realistic range of 7% to 10% depending on neighborhood and property type.
The main factors driving rent increases in Alicante include limited supply of quality rental stock, strong demand from domestic movers and international renters, and the city's growing appeal as a lifestyle destination.
This year's rent growth in Alicante is broadly consistent with recent trends, though the pace has slightly moderated from the double-digit increases seen in some previous quarters.
What's the outlook for rent growth in Alicante in 2026?
As of early 2026, we expect asking rents in Alicante to grow by 4% to 7% over the coming year, with prime coastal areas potentially outperforming that range.
Key factors likely to influence rent growth in Alicante include ongoing supply constraints, continued in-migration from other parts of Spain and Europe, and the city's appeal to remote workers and retirees.
Neighborhoods like Playa de San Juan, Cabo de las Huertas, and parts of Centro are expected to see the strongest rent growth in Alicante due to their lifestyle appeal and limited new supply.
Risks that could cause Alicante's rent growth to differ from projections include potential changes to Spain's rental regulations, broader economic slowdowns, or unexpected increases in new housing supply.
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.
Which neighborhoods rent best in Alicante as of 2026?
Which neighborhoods have the highest rents in Alicante as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the neighborhoods with the highest average rents in Alicante are Playa de San Juan, Cabo de las Huertas, and Centro, where typical apartments rent for €1,300 to €1,600 per month (about $1,365 to $1,680 USD).
These neighborhoods command premium rents in Alicante because they offer beach access, modern amenities, walkability, and a vibrant mix of restaurants, shops, and services.
The tenant profile in these high-rent Alicante neighborhoods typically includes expats, remote workers, well-paid professionals, and families seeking quality of life near the coast.
By the way, we've written a blog article detailing what are the current best areas to invest in property in Alicante.
Where do young professionals prefer to rent in Alicante right now?
The top three neighborhoods where young professionals prefer to rent in Alicante are Ensanche-Diputación, Centro, and Benalúa, all offering a mix of convenience, nightlife, and good transport links.
Young professionals in these Alicante neighborhoods typically pay between €900 and €1,200 per month (about $945 to $1,260 USD) for a 1-bedroom apartment.
What attracts young professionals to these areas includes walkable streets, proximity to restaurants and bars, easy access to the TRAM and train stations, and a lively urban atmosphere.
By the way, you will find a detailed tenant analysis in our property pack covering the real estate market in Alicante.
Where do families prefer to rent in Alicante right now?
The top three neighborhoods where families prefer to rent in Alicante are Playa de San Juan (especially PAU 5), Vistahermosa, and Albufereta, all offering space, safety, and access to parks.
Families in these Alicante neighborhoods typically pay between €1,200 and €1,600 per month (about $1,260 to $1,680 USD) for a 2 to 3 bedroom apartment.
What makes these neighborhoods attractive to families in Alicante includes newer buildings with lifts, proximity to beaches and green spaces, quieter streets, and a strong sense of community.
Top-rated schools near these family-friendly Alicante neighborhoods include public and concertado options in San Juan, as well as international schools serving the expat community in the coastal zone.
Which areas near transit or universities rent faster in Alicante in 2026?
As of early 2026, the areas near transit or universities that rent fastest in Alicante are Centro/Mercado/Luceros (near TRAM hubs), Campoamor-Carolinas, and San Vicente del Raspeig (next to Universidad de Alicante).
Properties in these high-demand Alicante areas typically stay listed for just 10 to 20 days, compared to the city average of around 25 days.
The typical rent premium for properties within walking distance of transit or the university in Alicante is around €50 to €100 per month (about $55 to $105 USD) compared to similar units farther away.
Which neighborhoods are most popular with expats in Alicante right now?
The top three neighborhoods most popular with expats in Alicante are Playa de San Juan, Cabo de las Huertas, and Albufereta, all offering beach access and an international-friendly atmosphere.
Expats in these Alicante neighborhoods typically pay between €1,100 and €1,500 per month (about $1,155 to $1,575 USD) for a comfortable apartment.
What makes these neighborhoods attractive to expats in Alicante includes English-speaking services, proximity to international schools, easy beach access, and a strong community of other foreigners.
The nationalities most represented in these Alicante neighborhoods include British, German, Scandinavian, and Dutch expats, along with a growing number of remote workers from across Europe.
And if you are also an expat, you may want to read our exhaustive guide for expats in Alicante.
Get fresh and reliable information about the market in Alicante
Don't base significant investment decisions on outdated data. Get updated and accurate information with our guide.
Who rents, and what do tenants want in Alicante right now?
What tenant profiles dominate rentals in Alicante?
The top three tenant profiles that dominate the rental market in Alicante are local and domestic movers, students (mainly from Universidad de Alicante), and international renters including expats and remote workers.
In Alicante, local movers and domestic relocators account for roughly 40% to 50% of rental demand, students make up about 20% to 25%, and international renters represent around 20% to 30%.
Local movers typically seek 2-bedroom apartments in practical neighborhoods, students look for shared flats or studios near transit, and expats often prefer furnished 1 to 2 bedroom units in coastal areas.
If you want to optimize your cashflow, you can read our complete guide on how to buy and rent out in Alicante.
Do tenants prefer furnished or unfurnished in Alicante?
In Alicante, roughly 55% to 60% of tenants prefer furnished apartments, while 40% to 45% opt for unfurnished, reflecting the city's strong mix of students, expats, and short-term professionals.
Furnished apartments in Alicante typically command a rent premium of around €100 to €150 per month (about $105 to $160 USD) compared to unfurnished units of similar size and location.
Tenant profiles that tend to prefer furnished rentals in Alicante include students, expats, remote workers, and anyone relocating to the city who doesn't want the hassle of buying furniture.
Which amenities increase rent the most in Alicante?
The top five amenities that increase rent the most in Alicante are parking, terrace or balcony, lift, air conditioning, and a furnished kitchen with modern appliances.
In Alicante, parking adds roughly €150 per month (+11%), a terrace adds about €110 per month (+8%), a lift adds around €65 per month (+5%), and air conditioning adds approximately €50 to €75 per month, which translates to $55 to $160 USD depending on the amenity.
In our property pack covering the real estate market in Alicante, we cover what are the best investments a landlord can make.
What renovations get the best ROI for rentals in Alicante?
The top five renovations that get the best ROI for rental properties in Alicante are installing or upgrading air conditioning, refreshing the kitchen, modernizing the bathroom, improving windows and insulation, and making the terrace or balcony livable.
In Alicante, a new A/C unit costs around €800 to €1,500 (about $840 to $1,575 USD) and can add €50 to €75 per month in rent, a kitchen refresh costs €2,000 to €5,000 and can add €75 to €100 per month, and bathroom updates cost €1,500 to €4,000 and can add €50 to €75 per month.
Renovations that tend to have poor ROI and should be avoided by landlords in Alicante include high-end luxury finishes that exceed neighborhood standards, swimming pool installations in apartment buildings, and major structural changes that don't add functional space.
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.
How strong is rental demand in Alicante as of 2026?
What's the vacancy rate for rentals in Alicante as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the estimated vacancy rate for long-term rental properties in Alicante is around 4%, with a practical range of 3% to 6% depending on neighborhood and property type.
Across different neighborhoods in Alicante, vacancy rates are lowest in high-demand coastal areas like Playa de San Juan (closer to 2% to 3%) and slightly higher in less central districts (around 5% to 6%).
Compared to Alicante's historical average, the current vacancy rate is on the lower end, reflecting a tight rental market driven by strong demand and limited new supply.
Finally please note that you will have all the indicators you need in our property pack covering the real estate market in Alicante.
How many days do rentals stay listed in Alicante as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the average number of days rentals stay listed in Alicante is around 25 days before being rented.
Across different property types and neighborhoods in Alicante, days on market can range from as few as 10 to 15 days for well-priced units in prime areas, to 30 to 60 days or more for overpriced or compromised properties.
Compared to one year ago, the current days-on-market figure in Alicante is roughly similar, reflecting sustained high demand that has kept absorption rates steady.
Which months have peak tenant demand in Alicante?
The peak months for tenant demand in Alicante are late August through September, January, and late May through June, when most leases turn over and new arrivals search for housing.
The specific factors driving seasonal demand in Alicante include the Universidad de Alicante academic calendar (September start, January exams), post-holiday job relocations, and end-of-year lease reshuffles before summer.
The months with the lowest tenant demand in Alicante are typically November through early December and mid-summer (July to mid-August), when fewer people are actively searching.
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 will my monthly costs be in Alicante as of 2026?
What property taxes should landlords expect in Alicante as of 2026?
As of early 2026, landlords in Alicante should expect to pay annual IBI property tax of around €500 to €750 (about $525 to $790 USD), which works out to roughly €40 to €60 per month for a typical apartment.
Depending on property value and location in Alicante, annual IBI can range from as low as €300 for smaller or lower-value properties to over €1,000 for larger or more valuable ones (about $315 to $1,050 USD).
Property taxes in Alicante are calculated by applying the official IBI rate of 0.62042% to the property's cadastral value, which is typically lower than market value and is set by the local tax authority.
Please note that, in our property pack covering the real estate market in Alicante, we cover what exemptions or deductions may be available to reduce property taxes for landlords.
What maintenance budget per year is realistic in Alicante right now?
A realistic annual maintenance budget for a typical rental property in Alicante is around €900 (about $945 USD), covering routine repairs, servicing, and minor upkeep.
Depending on property age and condition in Alicante, annual maintenance costs can range from €600 for newer, well-maintained buildings to €1,500 or more for older properties that need more frequent attention (about $630 to $1,575 USD).
Landlords in Alicante typically set aside around 5% to 10% of annual rental income for maintenance, with coastal humidity and A/C wear often pushing costs toward the higher end.
What utilities do landlords often pay in Alicante right now?
In Alicante, the utilities landlords most commonly pay on behalf of tenants are community fees (comunidad) and building insurance, while tenants typically pay electricity, water, gas, and internet directly.
Community fees in Alicante typically cost landlords around €50 to €100 per month (about $55 to $105 USD), depending on building size and amenities like pools or gardens, with building insurance adding another €15 to €30 per month.
The common practice in Alicante is for landlords to cover fixed building costs while tenants handle consumption-based utilities, though the exact split is always defined in the rental contract.
How is rental income taxed in Alicante as of 2026?
As of early 2026, rental income in Alicante for Spanish tax residents is taxed as part of general income (IRPF), with rates ranging from 19% to 47% depending on total income, though a reduction on net positive income may apply for habitual-residence rentals.
The main deductions landlords can claim against rental income in Alicante include repair and maintenance costs, IBI property tax, community fees, insurance premiums, mortgage interest, and a depreciation allowance on the property.
A common tax mistake specific to Alicante that landlords should avoid is failing to properly separate habitual-residence rentals from tourist rentals, as the tax treatment and available reductions differ significantly between the two.
We cover these mistakes, among others, in our list of risks and pitfalls people face when buying property in Alicante.
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.
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 authoritative | How we used it |
|---|---|---|
| idealista Rent Reports (Alicante) | It's one of Spain's biggest property portals and publishes a consistent, transparent rent index. | We used it to anchor Alicante's €/m² level and the year-over-year change. We also used its district breakdown to identify which parts of the city are pricier. |
| Fotocasa Rent Index (Alicante) | It's another major Spanish portal that publishes a structured index and headline metrics. | We used it to cross-check average €/m² and typical monthly rents by bedroom count. We also used its "by feature" numbers to estimate amenity premiums. |
| INE (National Statistics Institute) | INE is Spain's official statistics agency and the source of the legal rent-update reference index. | We used it to explain how rent updates work for many contracts in 2026. We also used it to separate "rent updates" from "asking rents on new listings." |
| BOE (Official Gazette) - IRAV Definition | BOE is the official publication of Spanish law and regulatory texts. | We used it to cite the formal IRAV calculation rule. We used that to frame why renewals can rise more slowly than new listing prices. |
| MIVAU (Housing Ministry) | It's Spain's national housing ministry, so it's authoritative on housing policy implementation. | We used it to confirm the policy context and timing of IRAV. We used it to explain what IRAV is and what it isn't. |
| Ayuntamiento de Alicante (IBI Page) | It's the official city government site that publishes local tax ordinances. | We used it to locate the current IBI ordinance for 2026 planning. We used it as the official gateway to the ordinance PDF. |
| Alicante IBI Ordinance PDF (Dec 2025) | It's the legal text that sets the tax rate Alicante actually applies. | We used it to pull the official IBI rate for urban homes. We used that rate to estimate annual property tax for typical landlord scenarios. |
| Agencia Tributaria (Rental Income Calculation) | It's Spain's tax authority, so it's the highest-trust source on rental taxation mechanics. | We used it to summarize how rental income is computed. We used it as the base for the monthly costs tax section. |
| Agencia Tributaria (Reduction Rules) | It's the official page that explains when and how the landlord reduction applies. | We used it to explain reductions on net rental income for long-term housing rentals. We used it to keep the tax section accurate. |
| Universidad de Alicante Academic Calendar | It's the university's official document setting teaching and exam periods. | We used it to identify the months when student demand spikes. We used it to justify seasonality patterns in Alicante. |
| CNMC (Energy Regulator) | CNMC is Spain's energy regulator, so it's the official source for regulated network charges. | We used it to support that regulated electricity components can change in 2026. We used it to keep the utilities section grounded in regulator data. |
| CNMC PVPC Price Comparator | It's maintained by the regulator and points to official inputs for PVPC pricing. | We used it as the official reference for how Spanish electricity pricing is tracked. We used it to avoid guesswork in the utilities section. |
| Aguas de Alicante (Water Tariffs) | It's the local utility provider, so it's the best source for local water tariff structures. | We used it to ground what water billing looks like in Alicante. We used it to support typical utility responsibilities locally. |
| BBVA Research (Real Estate Outlook) | It's a major bank research desk with published methodology and macro housing analysis. | We used it to inform the 2026 outlook narrative. We used it to keep the forecast realistic rather than overly optimistic. |
| BBVA Research Report PDF (Nov 2025) | It's the underlying document behind the public summary page. | We used it to cross-check the exact framing behind the outlook. We used it to triangulate the growth scenario for 2026. |
Get the full checklist for your due diligence in Alicante
Don't repeat the same mistakes others have made before you. Make sure everything is in order before signing your sales contract.