Congratulations: you're made the decision to move to Spain and the Costa del Sol is your destination of choice! Living up to its name as Spain's sunny coast, the Costa del Sol has a great climate throughout the year and is one of the best places to live in Spain for expats, whether you're moving as a couple, a family or even retiring to Spain. But perhaps you're not quite sure where exactly on the Costa del Sol you want to live, and therefore where to start your property search in Spain. We're here to help with our selection of the best places for expats to live on the Costa del Sol.
Where to live on the Costa del Sol?
Málaga
At the heart of the Costa del Sol, the capital Málaga is a great place to live for expats since its home to the region's main airport, as well as having excellent high-speed train links to the rest of Spain. As well as this, for a big city, property prices are much more reasonable compared to other cities such as Madrid and Barcelona. Málaga is best for those expats who are after a fast-paced lifestyle with lots to do, a wide cultural offering and other expats to connect with.
Marbella
Marbella is an iconic upmarket destination on the Costa del Sol and is known as a hotspot for the rich and famous. Areas such as Puerto Banús, with its designer boutiques and world-class restaurants, are perfect for those who are seeking a life of luxury on the Spanish coast, while Nueva Andalucía is the spot for you if you want to live in an impressive, luxury villa in Spain. Recently voted the most exclusive destination in Spain, living in Marbella is evidently going to be more expensive than other areas of the Costa del Sol when it comes to buying property and cost of living, while also has the advantage of being home to some of Spain's best international schools.
Nerja
If you are thinking about moving to Spain, then Nerja in the Malaga province is a great option in the Costa del Sol for expats. 30% of those who live in Nerja are foreigners, meaning there's a great expat community, but without losing its Spanish authenticity. For those moving to Spain with kids, Nerja has several Spanish public schools which are great for integrating kids into the local area and learning Spanish, while just a short bus journey away in Almuñecar, there is also an international school.
When it comes to buying or renting property in Nerja, the closer you are to the coast, the more expensive properties will be. There are however a range of residential areas a little further inland that are popular with expats and offer reasonable prices just a short distance from the beach.
Fuengirola
Fuengirola is another area that strikes a balance between expat convenience and Spanish authenticity. Fuengirola is especially popular with British and Irish expats, while Nordic and German inhabitants are also on the rise. While Marbella is perhaps more glamorous, Fuengirola has its own charm and the added advantage of a beautiful beach, British restaurants and well-priced Costa del Sol properties for sale, making it one of the best places to live near Málaga. Compared to some other coastal options, Fuengirola is also one of the cheapest places to live on the Costa del Sol for expats.
Mijas
Another great option for expats is Mijas. Mijas Pueblo, the village of Mijas, is nestled in a hillside overlooking the coast and is the perfect place to live if you want stunning views, and is the epitome of Spanish Mediterranean living. As one of Spain's most charming whitewashed villages, Mijas Pueblo also comes with its downside: there is a lack of property in the area and anything that does come on the market isn't there for long.
On the other hand, there is also Mijas Costa which has a lot more options for expats moving to the Costa del Sol when it comes to finding somewhere to live. Mijas Costa includes La Cala de Mijas, Riviera del Sol and Calahonda, and is home to a considerable expat community.
Estepona
With beautiful beaches, top-rated local restaurants, great golf courses and a calm lifestyle, Estepona is arguably one of the best places for expats to live in Spain. Estepona is great for those looking for a quieter place to live and is especially popular with both people retiring in Spain and with families. Without the hustle and bustle of other areas on the Costa del Sol, Estepona is still developing but certainly isn't losing its Andalusian charm, making it one of the up and coming areas of the Costa del Sol.
Estepona is also a good option for those looking for a home on the Costa del Sol, as it offers reasonable prices, as well as being less than an hour from Málaga airport. With a budget of around 250,000-300,000 euros, for example, you would be able to buy a decent sized apartment with several bedrooms. Slightly further from the coast, this same amount would also even get you a villa.
Cost of living on the Costa del Sol
Is the Costa del Sol expensive? Living in the Costa del Sol is a great option for expats because there is something for everyone, from cheaper areas with more affordable living costs, to extreme luxury and high-end living. Cost of living in Spain is on the rise, including the Costa del Sol.
In Málaga, for example, the estimated monthly costs for a single person are 608.34 without rent, and 2,162.27 euros for a family for 4. This is according to Numbeo's cost of living estimator, which also states that living in Málaga is 13.38% less expensive than in Barcelona.
Buying property on the Costa del Sol
It's time for you to decide for yourself: where is the best place to live on the Costa del Sol? At idealista we're here to help you find your dream home in Spain, and it's time to start your search with our selection of property for sale in the Costa del Sol. And if you're not quite ready to commit to buying, you can also check out the wide range of long-term rentals on the Costa del Sol.