Spanning from the tip of Tarifa to Nerja, the Costa del Sol is one of Spain’s most coveted coastal destinations. Renowned for its stunning beaches and exceptionally year-round mild climate throughout the year, this region attracts both locals and international visitors, fostering a vibrant property market.
While the Costa del Sol is famed for its exclusive residential enclaves, it also offers areas with more affordable property options, some priced well below Málaga province's average (€15.0/m²). Here, we highlight the towns and villages along the Costa del Sol with the most competitive rental prices.
The cheapest rental prices on the Costa del Sol
Velez-Malaga
The most affordable town to rent a property on the Costa del Sol is Vélez-Málaga. According to the latest idealista price report, the average rental price for homes in this area was €9.2/m² in November 2024, reflecting a 6.2% increase compared to the same month in the previous year.
Vélez-Málaga, with a population of 85,377 inhabitants (2023) according to the municipal register, is notable for its extensive 25-kilometre coastline and its rich historical heritage. Among its landmarks is the Vélez-Málaga Castle, a fortification of Islamic origin that was once one of the most significant citadels in the Kingdom of Granada. In fact, between the 13th and 15th centuries, Vélez-Málaga was a key city within the Nasrid Kingdom of Granada.
Torre del Mar
You don’t need to venture too far from Vélez-Málaga to discover the second most affordable location to rent a home on the Costa del Sol. Torre del Mar, with an average rental price of €10.4/m² as of November 2024, ranks second for budget-friendly flats. This figure reflects a 5.2% increase compared to the previous quarter and a year-on-year rise of 4.4%.
Nestled along the coastline and bordered by the Vélez River, Torre del Mar traces its origins to the Phoenicians and Ancient Greece. The town’s name is derived from a watchtower constructed in the 10th or 11th century to safeguard the coast. Today, this charming coastal town is renowned for its expansive promenade, which separates the beach from its vibrant services and leisure areas. Torre del Mar has a population of 23,481 inhabitants, according to the Spanish Statistics Institute (INE).
Torrox
Torrox ranks as the third most affordable area for renting homes on the Costa del Sol. Situated along the Mediterranean coast and on the slopes of the Sierra de Almijara, it lies approximately 42 kilometres from Málaga city and has a population of 19,997 inhabitants (2023). According to the latest idealista report, the average rental price in Torrox is €10.7/m², marking a 1.5% increase compared to the same month in 2023 but a 2.4% decrease from the previous quarter.
Torrox's origins can be traced back to its Roman roots when it was believed to have been a factory town named Caviclum. During the Arab period, the cultivation of mulberry trees was introduced, propelling Torrox to prominence as a significant centre for the silk industry, supplying markets in Málaga and Granada. Today, the town blends the traditional charm of an Andalusian white village with a vibrant coastline dedicated to sun-and-beach tourism.
Algarrobo-Costa
With an average rental price of €11.0/m², Algarrobo-Costa ranks as the fourth most affordable location to rent a home on the Costa del Sol. It is part of the village of Algarrobo, which has a population of 6,773 inhabitants, according to INE data.
This charming town on the Andalusian coast is notable for its rich historical heritage, including the Torre Ladeada, or Torre del Portichuelo, which bears a slight resemblance to the Leaning Tower of Pisa due to its tilt. Furthermore, Algarrobo-Costa boasts a vibrant food scene and hosts major events throughout the year, such as its popular Oktoberfest celebration.
- Properties for sale in Algarrobo-Costa
- Rental properties in Algarrobo-Costa
- New builds in Algarrobo-Costa
Manilva
Rounding out the list of the most affordable areas to rent on the Costa del Sol is Manilva, a municipality bordering Casares and the province of Cádiz. Renowned for its stunning beaches, Manilva is a true coastal gem. According to the latest idealista report, the average rental price for a flat in November 2024 was €11.1/m², an all-time high that reflects a year-on-year increase of 11.9%.
Manilva, with its charming town centre of whitewashed houses and picturesque marina, boasts a rich historical heritage. Notable sites include the archaeological remains of Castillejos de Alcorrín, a 9th-century BC fortress with Phoenician influences. Other significant landmarks are the Parish Church of Santa Ana, the Castle of the Duchess and the Chullera Tower.
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