Are you thinking of calling Costa del Sol your new home? Famed for its Mediterranean beaches, sunny climate, and relaxed lifestyle, this Spanish region attracts a welcoming community from around the world. If you're looking for a coastal spot to retire or somewhere by the sea to raise a family, living in Costa del Sol may be the right choice for you.
Is Costa del Sol a good place to live?
With over 300 days of sunshine, Costa del Sol is great for outdoor enthusiasts and sun seekers. It offers sandy beaches, world-class golf courses, and a wealth of cultural attractions.
Excellent infrastructure, including healthcare, international schools, and public transport, supports the diverse expat community in the region. Costa del Sol strikes the perfect balance between modern living and an authentic Spanish lifestyle, with bustling Malaga and glamorous Marbella among the many coastal destinations to reside in.
Places to live in Costa del Sol
Each location presents distinct attractions and amenities that suit different tastes and preferences. Areas like Marbella, Benalmádena, and Mijas are popular for Brits living in Costa del Sol.
- Marbella: known for its luxurious lifestyle, Marbella is a popular choice for those seeking upscale living by the sea.
- Málaga: the capital of Costa del Sol, Málaga’s bustling centre is filled with shops and cafes.
- Estepona: Estepona is a picturesque seaside town known for its traditional Spanish character, beautiful beaches and golf courses.
- Benalmádena: this seaside resort boasts attractions including Tivoli World theme park, Sea Life aquarium, and beaches lined with palm trees.
- Nerja: this beach town has a pretty, historic centre and plenty of unspoiled nature to get lost in.
- Torrox: renowned for its microclimate, Torrox offers some of the mildest temperatures in Europe.
- Rincón de la Victoria: only a twenty-minute drive from Málaga, this town is a peaceful retreat with a traditional feel.
- Fuengirola: this popular coastal town is ideal for families looking for an active seaside lifestyle.
- Mijas: a quaint, white-washed village in the hills that combines relaxed living with outdoor activities.
- Benahavís: although not directly on the coast, Benahavís is famous for its glamorous character, coastal views, and excellent cuisine.
- Manilva: known for its beautiful beaches, wine production, and proximity to Gibraltar, Manilva offers a peaceful, laid-back way of life.
Living in Costa del Sol: pros and cons
When considering life in Costa del Sol, it's important to balance its sun-drenched appeal with potential drawbacks.
Some advantages of living in Costa del Sol include:
- Year-round outdoor living: thanks to its sunny weather, Costa del Sol encourages an active lifestyle, offering outdoor amenities for golf, cycling, hiking, and water sports.
- Affordable cost of living: compared to many other European locations, Costa del Sol's living expenses can be relatively affordable, offering good value for housing, dining, and entertainment.
- Welcoming community and services: Costa del Sol's diverse population and the availability of language-friendly services, such as English-speaking lawyers, ensure a friendly and inclusive environment for newcomers.
However, like all places, there are downsides:
- Busy tourist season: during peak times, some areas may become crowded, disrupting the peace and quiet during the off-season.
- Language differences: while many speak English, learning Spanish can improve your experience and ease of integration into the community.
Is it expensive to live in Costa del Sol?
Evaluating the cost of living in Costa del Sol, including the price of dining out, accommodation, and transportation, is a good way to weigh your options.
The region has a wide range of eateries, from traditional Spanish tapas bars to international fusion restaurants. A typical meal at a mid-range restaurant in Malaga costs around €12-€15, while a three-course dinner for two at a high-end spot can range from €50 to €100.
According to idealista's price report, property prices in Costa del Sol in February 2025 averaged between €2,700 and €5,000 per m2. The priciest areas to buy property are those offering a high-end lifestyle, such as Marbella, where the average purchase price is €5,071 per m2, and rental prices in Marbella average €18 per m2.
However, the eastern part of Costa del Sol presents more affordable options. Municipalities like Torre del Mar, Benajarafe, and Rincón de la Victoria offer some of the cheapest areas to rent in Costa del Sol. If you're looking for a budget-friendly option, as of February 2025, rental prices in Torrox are €11 per m2, while purchasing property is valued at €2,759 per m2.
How to get around Costa del Sol
The region offers excellent travel connectivity, largely due to Malaga’s international airport. Its strategic location simplifies travel throughout Europe and beyond, while also making it easy to host visiting family and friends.
- Public transport: Costa del Sol has an extensive bus network and train services that connect various coastal towns and major destinations. Taxis are also widely available for short or late-night trips.
- International airport: Malaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP) is the region’s main airport, providing numerous domestic and international flights, including to 20 destinations in the UK.
- By car: The A-7 motorway, or Autovía del Mediterráneo is a well-connected road network that runs along the coast, linking major towns and attractions.
What to do in Costa del Sol: nightlife and daytime fun
Costa del Sol provides an array of daytime experiences along its coastline and in its scenic towns. Adventurers can enjoy the crystal-clear waters through activities like paddleboarding, jet skiing, and snorkelling, while golf enthusiasts will appreciate the region's renowned courses and active golfing community. For those interested in culture, Málaga offers attractions such as the Picasso Museum and Carmen Thyssen Museum.
In the evening, Costa del Sol becomes lively with opportunities for night owls. Marbella and Puerto Banus feature beach clubs offering cocktails, live music, and sea views at night. Cultural performances, including music concerts, flamenco shows, and theatre, can be found at historic venues like the Cervantes Theatre in Malaga. Additionally, Marbella hosts the notable boutique festival, Starlite Occident. The local cuisine is also a highlight, featuring dishes like traditional espetos, which are skewered sardines cooked over an open fire.
Living in Costa del Sol as an expat
The region offers a welcoming environment for integrating with the local community, aided by a variety of resources. Its accommodating lifestyle, tailored for foreigners through language and cultural adaptations, makes it an ideal destination for both families and those looking to retire in Costa del Sol. These features, among others, are why many people choose to buy property in Costa del Sol.
You’ll find excellent education options, including British and bilingual schools that cater to the diverse international community. You can also select from a wide array of language schools offering Spanish-intensive courses or weekly lessons.
Healthcare facilities, including a variety of public and private hospitals, offer quality medical services frequently supported by English-speaking staff to accommodate non-Spanish speakers.
- Property for sale in Costa del Sol
- Long-term rentals in Costa del Sol
- Holiday rentals in Costa del Sol
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