Moving to Orihuela Costa - The Complete Guide
Cost of Living Overview
Compared to the U.K., Ireland and Northern Europe, the cost of living is lower. Typical monthly costs:
Rent: €600–€1,200
Utilities: €100–€150
Food: €250–€400
Internet: €25–€35
(See full cost breakdown in our Cost of Living guide) LINK TO BOOK
Healthcare in Spain
Spain offers both public and private healthcare. Many expats choose private health insurance, which typically costs €50–€150 per month depending on age.
Jobs & Working
Many expats work in:
Property
Hospitality
Construction
Online / remote jobs
Self-employed businesses
Important Steps Before Moving
Get NIE number
Arrange accommodation
Set up a bank account
Organise healthcare
Research schools (if needed)
Understand residency requirements
Final Thoughts
Orihuela Costa offers a high quality of life with a strong international community, good infrastructure and excellent climate. With proper planning, moving here can be a smooth and rewarding experience.
Moving to Orihuela Costa
Orihuela Costa is one of the most popular coastal areas in southern Spain, located in the Alicante province on the Costa Blanca. Known for its beaches, golf courses, international community and relaxed lifestyle, it attracts residents, expats, retirees, remote workers and property buyers from across Europe.
Whether you are planning a permanent move, buying a holiday home or relocating for lifestyle reasons, Orihuela Costa offers a combination of affordability, infrastructure and quality of life.
Why Move to Orihuela Costa
The area is popular for several reasons:
Over 300 days of sunshine per year
Blue flag beaches
Well-established expat community
Good healthcare system
Affordable property compared to other coastal areas
Access to Alicante and Murcia airports
Golf courses and outdoor lifestyle
Wide range of restaurants and amenities
Best Areas in Orihuela Costa
Popular areas include:
La Zenia – Central, busy, near shopping centre
Villamartin – Golf, expat community, nightlife
Cabo Roig – Beaches, restaurants, villas
Playa Flamenca – Coastal, popular with expats
Campoamor – More premium, quieter
Punta Prima – Close to Torrevieja
Orihuela Costa, Spain – A Guide for European, British & Irish Buyers
Orihuela Costa is one of the most popular coastal areas in southern Spain for people looking to buy a holiday home, retire abroad, invest in property, or relocate for a better lifestyle. Located on the southern Costa Blanca in Alicante province, it stretches for around 16 km along the Mediterranean coast between Torrevieja and Pilar de la Horadada.
The area is especially attractive to buyers from the U.K., Ireland, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany and Scandinavia because of its warm climate, modern infrastructure, beaches, golf courses, international community and relatively affordable property compared with many other Mediterranean destinations.
Why People Choose Orihuela Costa
Climate & Outdoor Lifestyle
One of the biggest attractions is the weather. The area enjoys more than 300 days of sunshine per year with mild winters and hot summers, making it ideal for year-round living or winter escapes.
People are drawn to:
Outdoor café culture
Beach living
Golf and walking
Cycling and watersports
Relaxed Mediterranean pace of life
Lower living costs than much of Northern Europe
Cost of Living in Orihuela Costa
Cost of Living in Orihuela Costa (2026-2030 Guide)
Orihuela Costa is considered one of the more affordable coastal areas in Spain, particularly compared to Northern Europe. Costs vary depending on lifestyle, property type and personal spending habits.
Monthly Living Costs
Single Person Approx:
€1,200 – €1,600
Couple Approx:
€1,800 – €2,400
Family Approx:
€2,500 – €3,500
Typical Monthly Expenses
Expense Cost
Rent €600 – €1,200
Electricity €70 – €120
Water €20 – €40
Internet €25 – €35
Food €250 – €400
Car & fuel €100 – €200
Insurance €50 – €150
Property Costs
Apartments: €100,000 – €250,000
Villas: €250,000 – €600,000+
Rentals: €650 – €1,200/month
Eating Out
Menu del día: €10–€15
Restaurant meal: €15–€25
Coffee: €1.50–€2.50
Beer: €2–€4
Transport
Car is recommended
Fuel similar to EU averages
Airport transfers widely available
Healthcare Costs
Private health insurance:
€50–€150/month depending on age and cover.
Is It Cheaper Than the UK & Ireland?
Yes — generally:
Rent cheaper
Food cheaper
Eating out cheaper
Utilities similar
Summary
Orihuela Costa offers a good balance between cost and lifestyle, making it ideal for retirees, families and remote workers.
Buying Property in Orihuela Costa
Buying Property in Orihuela Costa – Complete Guide
Orihuela Costa is one of the most popular areas in Spain for property buyers, offering a wide range of apartments, townhouses and villas close to beaches and golf courses.
Property Types
Apartments (most common)
Townhouses
Detached villas
New build developments
Average Prices
Property Type
2 bed apartment €110k – €200k
3 bed apartment €180k – €300k
Townhouse €180k – €350k
Villa €250k – €700k+
Buying Costs
Additional costs are approx 11–12%:
Property tax: 10%
Notary & registry: ~1%
Legal fees: €1,500–€2,500
Buying Process
Find property
Pay reservation deposit
Lawyer checks legal status
Sign contract
Pay 10% deposit
Complete at notary
Receive keys
Best Areas to Buy
Villamartin
La Zenia
Playa Flamenca
La Florida
Cabo Roig
Campoamor
Punta Prima
Should You Use a Lawyer?
Yes — always use an independent lawyer to:
Check ownership
Check debts
Review contracts
Mortgage Options
Non-residents can usually borrow:
60–70% of property value
Investment Potential
Orihuela Costa is popular for:
Holiday rentals
Long-term rentals
Capital growth
Final Thoughts
Buying property in Orihuela Costa is relatively straightforward, and with the right advice, it can be a good lifestyle and investment decision.
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