Housing snapshot
- One bedroom
- €650-900/month
- Three bedrooms
- €1,000-1,400/month
- Purchase, city center
- €2,500-3,800/m²
City research
Retire in Alicante
A closer look at Alicante, including Sunny Costa Blanca coastal city and Modern amenities with relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle.
337,000Population estimate
€750-1,150/monthAverage rent
At a glance
The local signals that matter most for a first visit or a first budget.
Population estimate337,000Published city/urban-area estimate; scope varies
Safety70Safety index
Healthcare8.3/10Quality rating
Average rent€750-1,150/monthMonthly cost
Why Alicante
The character of the city matters as much as the national averages.
- Sunny Costa Blanca coastal city
- Modern amenities with relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle
- Good public healthcare and private clinic access
- Popular with European retirees
- Walkable beachfront promenade
Costs and daily life
Use these figures to build a realistic monthly budget.
Monthly essentials
- Groceries
- €220-300
- Utilities
- €90-140
- Transport
- €35-45
- Health insurance
- €70-110/month
Healthcare
- Hospital quality
- 4.2/5
- Doctor visit
- €40-70
- Emergency response
- 8-12 minutes
- Specialist wait time
- 2-6 weeks
Getting around
- Walkability
- 85/100
- Public transport
- 7.8/10
- Airport
- Alicante–Elche Miguel Hernández Airport
- Airport distance
- 10km from city center
Healthcare essentials for Alicante
Digital Blood Pressure Monitor
FDA-approved upper arm monitor — track your health anywhere
Travel First Aid Kit (200+ pcs)
Comprehensive emergency kit — compact & TSA-approved
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Climate and community
The details that determine how a place feels through the year.
Climate
- Average temperature
- 19°C
- Summer high
- 30°C
- Winter low
- 8-10°C
- Rainfall
- 40-45 days/year
- Sunshine
- 2,800-3,000 hours/year
Expat community
- Expat population
- 60,000
- Population share
- 18%
- Main nationalities
- British, German, Nordic
- Integration support
- International clubs and meetups, Private clinics; language support varies
Climate planning gear for Alicante
Packable Waterproof Rain Jacket
Lightweight & compact — perfect for unpredictable weather
Universal Travel Power Adapter
All-in-one adapter with USB-C — works in 150+ countries
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Neighborhoods to compare
A useful shortlist for a first visit, rental search, or longer stay.
El Centro
Why it works: Historic charm, services, restaurants, close to marina
Watch for: More noise, busy in summer
Playa de San Juan
Why it works: Long sandy beach, modern apartments, popular with families and retirees
Watch for: Slightly higher prices in beachfront buildings
Albufereta
Why it works: Sea views, quieter than center, good value
Watch for: More dated buildings in some areas
Vistahermosa
Why it works: Residential, green, larger homes, calm environment
Watch for: Requires car or bus for frequent trips
Lifestyle and recreation
A quick read on the parts of city life that do not appear in a rent index.
Dining4.3/5Local rating
Culture3.8/5Local rating
Nightlife3.9/5Local rating
Shopping3.9/5Local rating
Green space3.8/5Local rating
Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know about retiring in Alicante
What is the cost of living in Alicante?
The published one-bedroom rent for Alicante is €650-900/month. Total monthly expenses depend on the local currency, housing choice, healthcare, taxes, and lifestyle.
Is Alicante safe for retirees and expats?
The directory safety index for Alicante is 70/100. A comparable citywide crime rate is not published here; conditions vary by district. The walkability score is 85/100 and public-transport coverage is 8/10.
What are the best neighborhoods to live in Alicante for retirees?
The listed retirement neighborhoods in Alicante include El Centro, Playa de San Juan, Albufereta. Compare healthcare access, services, transport, noise, and housing costs at neighborhood level before choosing.
How is the healthcare system in Alicante?
Alicante hospital facilities are rated 4.2/5. Doctor visits are listed at approximately €40-70; insurance acceptance and newcomer eligibility vary by provider and status.
What transportation options are available in Alicante?
Alicante has a public-transport efficiency score of 7.8/10 and coverage score of 8/10. The walkability score is 85/100, and the nearest international airport is 10km from city center.
What is the climate like in Alicante?
Alicante has an average temperature of 19°C with 40-45 days/year rainfall days listed per year; no snow days are listed. Seasonal comfort depends on personal needs and the specific neighborhood.
Are there other expats and retirees in Alicante?
Alicante has a listed international-resident share of 18% and the recorded nationalities are British and German. Integration services are International clubs and meetups, Private clinics; language support varies, Language schools, Relocation and legal advisory services; availability should be confirmed locally.
What visa or residence route applies to retirees in Spain?
Spain lists Non-Lucrative Visa. The published annual income figure is EUR 28,800 per year; requirements, processing and eligibility are route-specific and should be confirmed with the responsible authority before applying.
What tax points should retirees check before moving to Spain?
The country-level tax notes list income tax: 47% Max. CGT: 28%. Inherit: 0%−34% (Regional variation).; property tax: IBI varies by municipality and cadastral value; VAT or sales tax: 21%. Tax residence, pension source, treaty status, property and local rules can change the result, so obtain current advice for the individual case.
Can foreigners buy property near Alicante?
Property ownership rules are country- and property-specific and are not a city-level guarantee in this profile. Check title, restricted-zone, tax, registration and residency rules with the relevant authority and a qualified local adviser before signing.