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Expat Exchange - Cost of Living in Benidorm 2024
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Benidorm, Spain


Cost of Living in Benidorm

By Joshua Wood, LPC

Innoinsure
Innoinsure

Summary: Understanding the the cost of living in Benidorm helps a newcomer what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.

Apartment Rentals Benidorm is a popular tourist destination, so rental prices can be quite high. A one-bedroom apartment in the city center can cost around €600-800 per month, while a two-bedroom apartment can cost around €800-1000 per month. Prices can be lower in the outskirts of the city.
Apartment Purchases The cost of purchasing an apartment in Benidorm can vary greatly depending on the size and location. A one-bedroom apartment in the city center can cost around €100,000-150,000, while a two-bedroom apartment can cost around €150,000-200,000. Prices can be lower in the outskirts of the city.
Transportation Public transportation in Benidorm is relatively inexpensive. A single bus ticket costs €1.50, while a monthly pass costs €30. Taxis are also available and typically cost around €5-10 for a short ride.
Groceries The cost of groceries in Benidorm is relatively low. A loaf of bread costs around €1, while a liter of milk costs around €0.80. A kilogram of apples costs around €1.50, while a kilogram of potatoes costs around €1.20.
Restaurants The cost of eating out in Benidorm can vary greatly depending on the type of restaurant. A meal at a fast food restaurant can cost around €5-10, while a meal at a mid-range restaurant can cost around €15-20. A meal at a high-end restaurant can cost around €30-50.
Utilities The cost of utilities in Benidorm is relatively low. The average monthly cost for electricity, water, and gas is around €50-60. Internet and phone services can cost around €30-40 per month.
Private School Tuition The cost of private school tuition in Benidorm can vary greatly depending on the school. Preschool tuition can cost around €500-1000 per month, while elementary school tuition can cost around €1000-1500 per month. Middle school tuition can cost around €1500-2000 per month, while high school tuition can cost around €2000-2500 per month.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Benidorm

"The cost of living in Benidorm is considered to be relatively affordable compared to other parts of Spain. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center is moderately priced, while outside the city center it is significantly cheaper. The cost of utilities such as electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage is also quite reasonable. Groceries in Benidorm are also affordable, with local markets offering fresh produce, meat, and dairy at competitive prices. Eating out in Benidorm can vary, with inexpensive restaurants offering meals at a lower cost, while mid-range to high-end restaurants can be more expensive. Public transportation in Benidorm is also reasonably priced, with monthly passes available for regular commuters. Alternatively, owning and maintaining a car can be more costly, with gasoline prices being higher than in some other countries. Healthcare in Benidorm is of a high standard and is relatively affordable, especially for residents who are covered by the Spanish public healthcare system. Private health insurance is also available at varying costs. Overall, the cost of living in Benidorm is considered to be lower than in major cities such as Madrid or Barcelona, making it an attractive option for those looking for a more affordable lifestyle in Spain," said one expat living in Benidorm.

Can I live in Benidorm on $1,500 a month?

"I've been living in Benidorm for a while now, and I can tell you that it's possible to live comfortably on $1,500 a month, but you'll have to make some sacrifices and be smart about your spending. First, you'll need to find an affordable place to live. I'd recommend looking for an apartment in neighborhoods like La Cala, El Rincón de Loix, or Els Tolls. These areas are more affordable compared to the more expensive neighborhoods like Levante Beach or the Old Town.When it comes to utilities, you can expect to pay around $100-$150 a month for electricity, water, and gas. Internet and phone services can cost you around $50 a month. So, you'll need to budget accordingly for these expenses.For transportation, I'd recommend using public transport or getting a bicycle, as owning a car can be quite expensive due to fuel costs, insurance, and parking fees. A monthly public transport pass costs around $40, which is quite affordable.Groceries can be relatively cheap if you shop at local markets and discount supermarkets like Mercadona or Lidl. You can expect to spend around $300-$400 a month on groceries if you cook most of your meals at home. Eating out can be affordable too if you stick to local tapas bars and avoid touristy areas. A meal at a local restaurant can cost you around $10-$15.As for entertainment, there are plenty of free or low-cost activities to enjoy in Benidorm. You can spend your time at the beach, go for hikes in the nearby mountains, or explore the local parks. If you want to go out for drinks, stick to local bars where you can find beers for as low as $2.In conclusion, living in Benidorm on $1,500 a month is doable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, using public transport, cooking at home, and enjoying low-cost entertainment, you can live comfortably and enjoy your time in this beautiful Spanish city," commented an expat living in Benidorm.

Can I live in Benidorm on $3,500 a month?

"I've been living in Benidorm for a few years now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, especially if you're used to modern amenities. However, you might have to make some sacrifices in terms of the neighborhood you choose to live in and the size of your apartment.For example, if you want to live in a more upscale neighborhood like Levante or Poniente, you might have to settle for a smaller apartment or share with roommates to make it work within your budget. These areas are closer to the beach and have a lot of restaurants, bars, and shops, so they tend to be more expensive.On the other hand, if you're willing to live in a more affordable neighborhood like La Cala or Rincón de Loix, you can find a larger apartment or even a small house within your budget. These areas are still close to the beach and have plenty of amenities, but they're not as trendy or popular as Levante and Poniente, so the cost of living is lower.In terms of other expenses, groceries and utilities are generally affordable in Benidorm, but you might have to cut back on eating out or going out for drinks if you want to stick to your $3,000 a month budget. Public transportation is also quite affordable, so you can save money by not having a car and using buses or trams to get around.Overall, I think it's definitely possible to live comfortably in Benidorm on $3,000 a month, but you'll have to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices in terms of your living situation. If you're willing to do that, you can enjoy a great quality of life in this beautiful coastal city," said one expat living in Benidorm.

Can I live in Benidorm on $5,000 a month?

"I've been living in Benidorm for a few years now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, even if you're used to modern amenities. Of course, you might have to make a few sacrifices, but nothing too drastic.First, let's talk about housing. If you want to live in a more affordable neighborhood, I'd recommend looking into areas like La Cala, El Rincón de Loix, or even Alfaz del Pi, which is a bit further away but still close enough to Benidorm. These areas offer more reasonably priced apartments and houses, and you can still find places with modern amenities. On the other hand, I'd avoid neighborhoods like Levante Beach or Poniente Beach, as they tend to be more expensive due to their proximity to the beach and tourist attractions.When it comes to transportation, owning a car can be quite expensive in Spain, especially with the high cost of fuel. So, one sacrifice you might have to make is relying more on public transportation, which is actually quite good in Benidorm. There are buses and trams that can take you pretty much anywhere you need to go, and they're quite affordable. Plus, walking or biking is always an option, as the city is quite compact and easy to navigate.As for groceries and dining out, you'll find that the cost of living in Benidorm is generally lower than in many other European cities. You can find affordable supermarkets like Mercadona or Consum, where you can get all your groceries without breaking the bank. Dining out can be quite affordable too, especially if you stick to local restaurants and bars, where you can enjoy delicious tapas and drinks at reasonable prices. Of course, if you want to splurge on a fancy meal every once in a while, there are plenty of high-end restaurants to choose from as well.In terms of entertainment and leisure activities, there's plenty to do in Benidorm without spending a fortune. The city has beautiful beaches, parks, and outdoor spaces where you can enjoy the sunny weather for free. There are also plenty of affordable attractions, like the Terra Natura zoo or the Aqualandia water park, which offer discounted rates for residents. And if you're into nightlife, there are plenty of bars and clubs where you can have a great time without spending too much.Overall, I think you'll find that living in Benidorm on $5,000 a month is not only possible but also quite comfortable. You might have to make a few sacrifices and be mindful of your spending, but you'll still be able to enjoy a great quality of life in this beautiful Spanish city," commented an expat living in Benidorm.

About the Author

Joshua Wood Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.

Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.


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Benidorm, Spain

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