Your Money Goes Further in Marbella Than You Think
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Cost of living in Marbella for UK and international buyers - groceries, dining, healthcare, and how it compares to Britain.
The question everyone asked us before we moved was whether we could actually afford it. Marbella has a reputation for being expensive - the yachts, the restaurants, the Golden Mile - and in some parts of it, that reputation is accurate. But the everyday cost of living on the Costa del Sol is considerably lower than in the UK, and for families who have moved from London or the south east, the difference is striking.
Food and Eating Out
Groceries from a Spanish supermarket cost significantly less than equivalent items in UK supermarkets. Fresh produce is particularly good value. Spanish markets offer fruit and vegetables at prices that would be unrecognisable to anyone accustomed to UK supermarket costs. Eating out is similarly different. A family meal at a local Spanish restaurant in Fuengirola, Estepona, or La Cala de Mijas costs a fraction of what the equivalent UK restaurant would charge. We eat out more than we did in the UK and spend less doing it.
Utilities and Running Costs
Electricity in Spain is more expensive than many buyers expect - the billing structure is different and summer air conditioning use can make bills higher than anticipated. Heating costs are almost non-existent outside winter months. Water bills are reasonable. Council tax (IBI) is generally lower than UK council tax for equivalent properties, calculated on the cadastral value which is typically below market value.
What Costs More
Healthcare for non-residents requires private insurance unless you qualify for the state system. International schools, if you choose them over the bilingual Spanish system, are a significant cost. The process of buying property in Marbella itself carries 10 to 12 percent in additional purchase costs. But the ongoing cost of living once you are there tends to be lower than buyers fear. PlanMarbella.com helps you plan the full financial picture before you commit to anything.
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Check if it's still free - PlanMarbella.comFrequently Asked Questions
Is Marbella expensive to live in?
Day-to-day costs are lower than the UK for most things - food, eating out, and running costs. Property prices have risen but remain competitive compared to prime UK markets. Private healthcare and international schools are the main additional costs for expat families.
How does the cost of living in Marbella compare to London?
Significantly lower for everyday costs. Groceries, eating out, and leisure are all cheaper. Property purchase costs are lower per square metre than comparable London areas. The main additional costs are private healthcare and potentially international school fees.
What are the hidden costs of living in Marbella?
Air conditioning electricity bills in summer can be higher than expected. Private health insurance is essential for non-residents. Maintaining a car adds running costs. Spanish bureaucracy sometimes involves professional fees - a gestor, a translator, a lawyer - that UK buyers do not always budget for.
What is IBI and how much does it cost in Marbella?
IBI is Spain's annual local property tax, calculated on the cadastral value of the property. In Marbella, it is typically 0.5 to 0.7 percent of the cadastral value, which is usually lower than the market value. It is generally less than UK council tax for equivalent properties.