Costa Blanca vs. Costa del Sol: A Guide for Foreigners Moving to Spain

9/13/24, 2:41 PM By Costas News Costa del Sol

When deciding between the Costa Blanca and Costa del Sol as a place to live and buy property, foreigners often face a tough choice. Both regions offer sunny climates, beautiful coastlines, and thriving expatriate communities. Here's a detailed comparison to help you decide.

Location and Overview

Costa Blanca: Situated on Spain's eastern coast in the province of Alicante (Valencia region), it stretches from Dénia in the north to Pilar de la Horadada in the south.
Costa del Sol: Located on the southern coast in Andalusia, it lies mostly within Málaga province, running from Manilva in the west to the border with Costa Tropical in Granada province to the east.

Expat Communities

The presence of other foreign residents can influence everything from social life to job opportunities. According to Spain's National Institute of Statistics (INE):

Costa Blanca (Valencia): Home to 263,340 EU citizens and 87,699 British residents.
Costa del Sol (Andalusia): 206,934 EU citizens and 92,180 British residents.

Costa Blanca is slightly more popular with EU citizens, while Costa del Sol has a marginally higher number of British residents.

Climate

Both costas offer plenty of sunshine:

Costa del Sol: 325 sunny days per year, with an average yearly temperature of 18.3°C and 65 days of rain.
Costa Blanca: 320 sunny days annually, with an average temperature of 18.7°C and fewer rainy days (31 annually).

Though both regions boast warm climates, Costa Blanca has slightly fewer rainy days than Costa del Sol.

Property Market

Costa del Sol: A hotspot for property buyers, particularly in luxurious areas like Marbella, Estepona, and Puerto Banús. The average property price is €3,377 per square metre (as of August 2024). While there are affordable options in places like Mijas and Fuengirola, the overall prices are driven up by high-end real estate in Marbella.
Costa Blanca: Foreign buyers make up more than 50% of the demand in areas like Torrevieja, Orihuela, and Moraira. With an average property price of €2,260 per square metre, Costa Blanca is more affordable than Costa del Sol, especially in Alicante.

Cost of Living

Costa Blanca: Generally cheaper than Costa del Sol. Rent in Alicante is 11.9% lower than in Málaga, and maintaining a similar lifestyle is more affordable.
Costa del Sol: While cities like Marbella have higher costs of living (rent prices in Marbella are 205% higher than in Alicante), restaurant prices can be lower than in some Costa Blanca towns.

Taxes

Tax differences can significantly impact your decision:

Costa Blanca (Valencia region): Higher taxes on inheritance, donations, and wealth for high earners, with a progressive system.
Costa del Sol (Andalusia): Known for lower inheritance and donation taxes, though personal income tax rates are relatively high.

Depending on your financial situation, you may save more in taxes by choosing Costa Blanca if you're a lower earner, or Costa del Sol if you're wealthier.

Education and International Schools

If you're moving with family, schooling options are crucial:

Costa Blanca: Offers 25 international schools.
Costa del Sol: Has 37 international schools, and three of its schools—Aloha College, British School Málaga, and Laude San Pedro—rank among Spain's best according to El Mundo.

The Costa del Sol currently offers superior international education options compared to Costa Blanca.

Conclusion

Choosing between Costa Blanca and Costa del Sol depends on your priorities. If you're looking for affordability and fewer rainy days, Costa Blanca may be the better option.

However, if you prefer a larger British expat community, a thriving luxury property market, and top-tier international schools, Costa del Sol could be more appealing. Ultimately, personal factors like lifestyle, budget, and family needs should guide your decision.