The Costa Blanca is one of the most attractive destinations in Spain, not only for holidaymakers but also for digital nomads, retirees, and anyone looking to settle in a sunny Mediterranean paradise. With its beautiful beaches, affordable lifestyle compared to northern Europe, and vibrant international communities, renting a home here is a hot topic.
But how much does it really cost to rent a flat, a villa, or a simple apartment on the Costa Blanca? Let’s dive into short-term rentals, long-term rentals, regional price differences, and extra costs you should expect in 2025.
Short-Term Rentals (Holiday Lets, Airbnb, Seasonal Apartments)
Short-term rentals in the Costa Blanca vary wildly depending on the season and location.
- High Season (June–September): Prices skyrocket in coastal hotspots like Benidorm, Calpe, Altea, and Jávea. A 1-2 bedroom holiday apartment can cost anywhere between €80–150 per night. Larger villas with pools in Jávea or Moraira can reach €300–600 per night in August.
- Shoulder Season (April–May, October): Prices drop significantly. A 1-bedroom in Alicante city or Torrevieja can be rented for €40–70 per night.
- Low Season (November–March): Many landlords offer winter rental deals, especially targeted at Northern Europeans staying for several months. Expect €600–900 per month for a fully furnished apartment in Torrevieja, Villajoyosa, or Santa Pola.
Popular short-term rental hotspots:
- Benidorm – High-rise apartments, nightlife-driven demand.
- Calpe – Holiday apartments with views of Peñón de Ifach.
- Altea – Charming old town houses and boutique apartments.
- Alicante City – Urban lifestyle, beach proximity.
- Santa Pola – Family-friendly, lower prices than Alicante.
- Torrevieja – Budget-friendly with a huge expat base.
- Guardamar del Segura – Quieter beach town, mid-range pricing.
- Jávea & Moraira – Premium coastal towns, villa-heavy market.
Long-Term Rentals (6–12 Months or More)
For those looking to relocate, long-term rentals offer better value. Prices depend heavily on proximity to the beach, city size, and level of tourism.
Here’s an overview of average monthly rents for 2025:
Major Cities & Coastal Towns:
- Alicante City – €700–1,200 for a 2-bedroom apartment. Cheaper in San Blas or Carolinas, more expensive in the old town and Playa Postiguet area.
- Benidorm – €800–1,500 for 2-bed apartments near Levante Beach. Cheaper inland but still above Costa Blanca averages.
- Torrevieja – €600–900 for a 2-bedroom. Very popular with expats, decent year-round deals.
- Elche – €550–800, cheaper than Alicante but 20 minutes from the coast.
- Orihuela Costa (La Zenia, Playa Flamenca, Cabo Roig) – €750–1,200 depending on proximity to beaches.
- Calpe – €700–1,100 for apartments, €1,500+ for villas.
- Altea – €750–1,200, especially in old town with sea views.
- Santa Pola – €600–850, family-friendly, close to Alicante airport.
- Villajoyosa – €650–900, colorful seaside town, quieter than Benidorm.
- Guardamar del Segura – €600–850, popular with retirees.
Premium Coastal Towns (North Costa Blanca):
- Jávea (Xàbia) – €1,200–2,500 for apartments and townhouses. Villas with pools: €2,000–5,000.
- Moraira – €1,200–2,500 for smaller apartments; luxury villas €3,000–6,000.
- Denia – €900–1,400 for apartments, strong year-round expat demand.
Inland Towns (Much Cheaper):
- Villena, Alcoy, Elda, Novelda – €400–700 for 2–3 bedroom flats. Great if you don’t need daily beach access.
- Pinoso, Hondón Valley – €450–700 for village houses or apartments.
Extra Costs You Should Expect
Rent isn’t the only expense. Consider these when planning your budget:
- Utilities (electricity, water, gas): €80–150 per month (air conditioning in summer increases costs).
- Internet: €25–40 per month (fiber is widely available).
- Community Fees: In apartment blocks with pools, lifts, or gardens, landlords may pass this cost to tenants.
- Security Deposit (Fianza): Typically 1–2 months’ rent.
- Agency Fees: Often 1 month’s rent if renting via an agency.
💡 Example Calculation: A 2-bedroom apartment in Alicante city for €850/month + €150 utilities → roughly €1,000/month total.
Regional Breakdown
- Alicante City: Urban lifestyle, nightlife, and strong transport connections. Popular with students and expats alike.
- Benidorm: Expensive in summer, driven by tourism. Harder to find long-term deals near the beach.
- Torrevieja: Expat hub with a strong British, Irish, and Scandinavian community. Affordable long-term options.
- Santa Pola: Great for families, quieter alternative to Alicante.
- Elche: More Spanish character, cheaper but inland.
- Calpe & Altea: Attractive coastal towns with international communities. Mid-to-high pricing.
- Jávea & Moraira: Premium destinations, strong demand for villas, higher prices.
- Denia: Year-round expat demand, ferries to Ibiza, slightly more affordable than Jávea.
- Inland towns (Villena, Alcoy, Pinoso): Bargains available, ideal for those wanting authentic Spanish lifestyle.
Rental Trends in 2025
- Rising Prices: Demand from digital nomads, retirees, and tourists continues to push costs up.
- Tourist Licence Rules: Short-term rentals increasingly regulated. Always check if your landlord has the proper licence.
- Winter Rentals: Still a great option for affordability, especially in Torrevieja and Guardamar.
- Digital Nomad Visa: More internationals are moving to Spain, driving up long-term rental demand.
Tips for Renters
- Where to Look: Idealista.es, Fotocasa.es, Milanuncios.com, and Facebook expat groups.
- Contracts: Ensure you get a written contract (Spanish or bilingual). Read terms carefully about utilities and community fees.
- Check Licences: For short-term, ask if the property has a tourist licence (número de registro turístico).
- Seasonal Strategy: Consider off-season rentals if you want a cheaper, long-term base.
FAQ
How much does it cost to rent an average apartment in Costa Blanca?
Around €700–1,000/month for a 2-bedroom flat, depending on location.
Which city is the cheapest for long-term rentals?
Inland towns like Villena, Alcoy, or Pinoso offer flats from €400–600/month.
Where is the most expensive area to rent?
Jávea, Moraira, and Altea’s prime spots are among the highest-priced.
Are there differences between summer and winter prices?
Yes, coastal rentals can double or triple in summer compared to winter rates.
What’s the best option for expats?
Torrevieja, Guardamar, and Alicante city are very popular, offering affordable prices and active expat communities.
Average Rental Prices Across Costa Blanca
The table below provides an overview of average rental prices across key cities and towns in Costa Blanca. It highlights both short-term nightly rates (typical holiday lets) and long-term monthly rents (for stays of 6–12 months or more). Prices can vary depending on exact location, property condition, and proximity to the beach, but this comparison gives a realistic 2025 snapshot.
| City/Town | Short-Term (€/night) | Long-Term (€/month) |
|---|---|---|
| Alicante City | €60–120 | €700–1,200 |
| Benidorm | €80–150 | €800–1,500 |
| Torrevieja | €50–90 | €600–900 |
| Elche | €50–70 | €550–800 |
| Orihuela Costa | €60–100 | €750–1,200 |
| Calpe | €70–120 | €700–1,100 |
| Altea | €70–110 | €750–1,200 |
| Santa Pola | €50–80 | €600–850 |
| Villajoyosa | €60–90 | €650–900 |
| Guardamar del Segura | €50–80 | €600–850 |
| Jávea (Xàbia) | €120–250 | €1,200–2,500 |
| Moraira | €120–250 | €1,200–2,500 |
| Denia | €80–130 | €900–1,400 |
| Villena | €40–60 | €400–700 |
| Alcoy | €40–60 | €400–700 |
| Pinoso | €40–60 | €450–700 |
💡 Summary: As the table shows, inland towns like Villena, Alcoy or Pinoso are up to 50% cheaper compared to popular coastal cities such as Alicante, Benidorm, or Jávea. On the other hand, premium seaside destinations (Jávea, Moraira, Altea) command the highest rents, especially for villas and holiday lets.
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