How much does it cost to live in Torrevieja? A real monthly budget

One of the first questions from anyone buying in Torrevieja to live — year-round or seasonally — is what life here actually costs. The short answer: noticeably less than in northern Europe, and less than in Spain's big cities. Here are indicative figures for a couple.

Housing costs

• Community fees: 40–120 €/month depending on the urbanisation and its services (pool, gardens, lift).
• IBI (annual municipal property tax): 300–800 €/year for a typical apartment.
• Home insurance: 150–300 €/year.

Utilities

• Electricity: 60–120 €/month (more in summer with air conditioning).
• Water: 25–45 €/month.
• Fibre internet: 25–35 €/month; mobile from 10 €/line.

In total, a typical home runs to about 200–300 € a month across community fees, prorated taxes and utilities.

Groceries and eating out

• Weekly shop for two: 80–120 € at the supermarket; local street markets offer excellent fruit and vegetables for less.
• Menú del día (set lunch): 12–16 € including a drink.
• Dinner for two at a good restaurant: 40–60 €.
• A coffee on the seafront promenade: around 2 €.

Getting around

Many residents live without a car: the centre is flat and walkable. If you have one: fuel slightly below the European average, insurance from about 300 €/year. The city bus costs just over 1 €.

Health and leisure

Public healthcare is good; registered residents have access to it. Private health insurance — usual for non-residents and newcomers — costs 50–120 €/month per person depending on age and cover. Gyms from 25 €/month, golf and water sports at very reasonable prices.

An indicative monthly budget for a couple

With your home owned outright (no mortgage or rent): between 1,200 and 1,800 € a month living comfortably — utilities, groceries, eating out several times a week, a car and leisure included. It is one of the reasons so many northern Europeans move here: the same pension goes twice as far.

Thinking about making the move?

At Embassy My Home we have spent 25 years helping international buyers settle in Torrevieja. We will tell you the real costs of every area and every type of home — no surprises.