Moving to Alicante means embracing sunshine, sea breezes, and a slower pace of life on Spain’s Mediterranean coast. This guide breaks down rental prices, top neighborhoods, expat life, and what to expect from long-term living in 2025.
Alicante might not have the fame of Barcelona or Madrid, but that’s exactly its strength. This mid-sized city on Spain’s southeastern coast combines sunshine, affordability, and simplicity — making it one of the most popular destinations for long-term expats and remote workers. If you’re planning to settle here, here’s everything you need to know.
Key Facts About Alicante (Spain)
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Population | ~340,000 people |
| Language | Spanish (official), Valencian (co-official in the region) |
| Currency | Euro (€) |
| Average Rent | €700–1 000/month (1-bedroom in good areas) |
| Average Net Salary | ~€1,200–1,600 |
| Health Insurance | Public (SNS) + optional private (~€40/month) |
| Safety Level | High – peaceful and relaxed coastal city |
| Public Transport | TRAM light rail, buses. Monthly pass ~€35 |
| Climate | Mediterranean – mild winters, hot dry summers |
| Residence Permit / Long Stay | Via work, study, investment, non-lucrative or digital nomad visa |
| Education | University of Alicante, international schools |
| Grocery Prices | Lower than in major Spanish cities |
| Access to Nature | Beaches, mountains, nature reserves, salt lakes |
| City Atmosphere | Seaside, easy-going, affordable, great work-life balance |
Renting in Alicante: Easygoing and Affordable
Compared to bigger Spanish cities, Alicante offers excellent rental value. The city is compact, safe, and full of walkable neighborhoods. Most apartments come furnished, and finding a long-term rental is far easier here than in tourist-heavy zones.
Average monthly prices (2025):
- Studio or 1-bedroom: €700–1 000/month
- 2-bedroom near the beach: €900–1,500/month
- Utilities: €120–160/month
- Internet: ~€25/month
- Deposit: usually 1–2 months
Want to see what’s available? Browse current long-term listings in Alicante — filtered by price, location, and apartment type.
Residency and Visas: Same Spain, Less Stress
As part of Spain, EU/EEA citizens can move to Alicante freely. You’ll need to register locally, get a NIE number, and sign up for the town hall’s registry (empadronamiento).
If you’re from outside the EU, you’ll need one of the following:
- Non-lucrative visa (for passive income or retirees)
- Work or freelance visa
- Digital nomad visa (new option for remote workers)
- Student or family visa
Paperwork is standard Spain: slow but doable. What helps? Alicante is smaller than Barcelona or Madrid — so appointments and processing are faster.
Language and Daily Life: Relaxed and Bilingual
Alicante is in the Valencian Community, so both Spanish and Valencian are official languages. But don’t worry — Spanish is spoken everywhere, and English is widely understood, especially in hospitality, clinics, and by the beach.
Still, if you plan to stay long-term, learning Spanish opens doors to local services, better rent deals, and deeper friendships.
Where to Live in Alicante
- Centro / Mercado Central – historic charm, walkable, close to everything
- Playa del Postiguet – beach access, relaxed vibe
- Benalúa / San Blas – more local, residential, good prices
- Albufereta / Cabo de las Huertas – upscale, sea views, quieter lifestyle
- Carolinas – affordable, lively, student-friendly
Alicante is flat, compact, and very walkable. Trams and buses make it easy to reach nearby towns and beaches.
Top 5 Best Districts in Alicante for Long-Term Living
| District | Why It’s Great |
|---|---|
| 1. Centro / Old Town | Historic and lively, walkable to the beach, markets, and restaurants. Beautiful architecture. |
| 2. Playa de San Juan | Prestigious and modern beachfront area. Safe, spacious, ideal for families and remote workers. |
| 3. Albufereta | Quiet seaside neighborhood close to downtown. Great for retirees and relaxed lifestyle. |
| 4. Benalúa | Central, calm, and convenient. Good value and close to amenities. |
| 5. Carolinas Altas/Bajas | More local and budget-friendly. Full of services, less touristy, and well-connected. |
Cost of Living in Alicante
One of the biggest draws of Alicante is that you can live well without breaking the bank.
- Rent: €700–1000/month
- Utilities: €130/month
- Groceries: €200–300/month
- Transport pass: €35/month
- Dining out:
- Local café: €1.50–2 (coffee)
- Menu del día: €10–13
- Gym: €25–40/month
- Private health insurance: from €40/month
A solo person can live comfortably on €1,200–1,500/month — including extras like beach days and weekend getaways.
Work and Income
While Alicante is not a corporate hub, it’s great for:
- Remote work (digital nomads)
- Real estate and rentals
- Tourism and hospitality
- Language teaching
- Freelance creative fields (design, writing, consulting)
Spain’s digital nomad visa now allows non-EU remote workers to legally stay and pay reduced taxes. It’s a game changer for those earning abroad.
| Profession | Avg. Gross Salary per Month (EUR) |
|---|---|
| Software Developer | €2,500 |
| IT Project Manager | €3,000 |
| UX/UI Designer | €2,300 |
| Architect | €2,200 |
| Mechanical Engineer | €2,400 |
| General Practitioner (Doctor) | €3,800 |
| Nurse | €2,000 |
| High School Teacher | €1,900 |
| Marketing Specialist | €2,300 |
| Accountant | €2,200 |
Healthcare: Reliable and Accessible
Spain’s healthcare system is universal and highly rated. Once you’re registered and paying into the system (via employment or residency), you’ll get access to public clinics and hospitals.
- GP visit (private): €30–50
- Dental: cleaning from €25
- Private insurance: €35–70/month
- Pharmacies: open late and helpful
Alicante has modern facilities, with private clinics offering English-speaking staff and shorter wait times.
Final Thoughts: Is Alicante Right for You?
Alicante may not be the loudest city on the map, but it might be one of the most livable. It’s got real community, great weather, and a human pace. You can be at the beach in the morning, at your coworking space in 15 minutes, and sipping vermouth on a quiet plaza before sunset.
If you’re looking for simplicity without sacrificing quality of life, Alicante is worth a serious look.
Also read our guide on Moving to Barcelona