The Real Cost of Living in Marbella
Marbella has a reputation for being expensive, and it can be. But it's also possible to live well here on a moderate budget. The key is understanding where the money goes.
Housing (The Big One)
Housing is your biggest expense and the most variable.
Rental Prices (Long-term, per month)
| Area | 2-bed apartment | 3-bed townhouse | |------|-----------------|-----------------| | San Pedro | €1,200-1,800 | €1,800-2,500 | | Nueva Andalucia | €1,500-2,500 | €2,200-3,500 | | Marbella Centre | €1,800-3,000 | €2,500-4,000 | | Golden Mile | €2,500-5,000+ | €4,000-8,000+ | Note: These are 2024/2025 prices for unfurnished long-term rentals. Short-term and furnished rentals cost significantly more. The market is competitive, especially for good properties under €2,000/month.Monthly Budget Breakdown
Here's what a couple without children might spend:
Comfortable Budget (€3,500-4,500/month)
- Rent (2-bed apartment, decent area): €1,800
- Utilities (electricity, water, gas, internet): €200
- Groceries: €500
- Eating out (2-3x per week): €400
- Car (fuel, insurance, maintenance): €300
- Health insurance (2 people): €200
- Mobile phones (2 lines): €50
- Gym membership: €80
- Entertainment/leisure: €200
- Miscellaneous: €250
Budget-Conscious (€2,500-3,000/month)
- Rent (2-bed apartment, San Pedro or inland): €1,300
- Utilities: €150
- Groceries (more home cooking): €400
- Eating out (1x per week): €150
- Car: €250
- Health insurance: €200
- Mobile phones: €40
- Entertainment: €100
- Miscellaneous: €150
Groceries
Supermarket prices are generally lower than the UK or northern Europe.
Weekly shop for two people: €80-120 at Mercadona or Lidl Price examples:- Bread (loaf): €1-2
- Milk (1L): €1
- Eggs (dozen): €2-3
- Chicken breast (kg): €6-8
- Local wine (bottle): €3-5
- Beer (six-pack): €4-5
- Coffee (café con leche): €1.50-2.50
- Menu del día (lunch): €12-15
Utilities
Electricity: €80-150/month (more with AC in summer) Water: €30-50/month Gas (if not electric): €30-50/month Internet + TV: €50-70/month Mobile phone: €15-25/month per lineHealthcare
Private health insurance: €80-150/month per person depending on age and coverage GP visit (private, without insurance): €50-80 Specialist consultation: €80-150 Public healthcare: Free once registered (requires residency and padrón)Transport
Petrol: Similar to UK prices (around €1.50/L) Car insurance: €400-800/year ITV (MOT equivalent): €40-50/year Bus fare (local): €1.50-2 Taxi (Marbella to Puerto Banus): €15-20Eating Out
Menu del día (3-course lunch): €12-18 Dinner for two (mid-range restaurant): €50-80 Dinner for two (upmarket restaurant): €100-200+ Coffee: €1.50-3 Beer/wine (bar): €2.50-5The Hidden Costs
Things people forget to budget for:
- Gestoria fees for paperwork: €500-1,500/year
- NIE renewal fees
- Private school fees if you have children: €500-1,500/month
- Flights home
- Storage costs if you're between homes
- Initial setup costs (deposits, furniture, car)