Cost of living on the Costa Blanca – more expensive than in Poland?

Is it more expensive to live in Spain than in Poland?

The Costa Blanca is one of Spain’s most popular regions among Poles. With sunshine for most of the year, access to the sea and a peaceful lifestyle, more and more people are considering moving there. The key question, however, is what is the cost of living on the Costa Blanca and is it more expensive than in Poland?

The answer is surprising – the cost of living on the Costa Blanca is very similar to that of Poland, and in many respects even lower.

Cost of living on the Costa Blanca – a general overview

Analyzing daily expenses such as food, fuel and basic services, it quickly becomes apparent that life in Spain does not have to be expensive. Many products and services cost the same as in Poland, and some – especially eating out and fuel – compare favorably.

Key spending areas:

• groceries
• restaurants & menu del día
• fuel and transportation
• basic services (utilities, hairdresser, internet)

Menu del día – cheap food in Spain

One of the biggest perks of living on the Costa Blanca is the low prices of food in restaurants, especially at lunchtime.

What is the menu del día?

Menu del día is a lunch set available at most restaurants on weekdays. It usually includes:

• appetizer
• main course
• dessert
• Beverage (water, wine or beer)

Menu del día prices on the Costa Blanca

• 10-12 € – smaller towns
• 12-15 € – cities and popular resorts
• 15-18 € – higher standard restaurants

In comparison, a similar dinner in Poland increasingly costs more, and often does not include a drink. That’s why eating out in Spain can sometimes be cheaper than in Poland.

Prices in grocery stores on the Costa Blanca

Grocery shopping on the Costa Blanca is not significantly different from the prices known in Poland. Popular chains include Mercadona, Lidl, Aldi and Consum.

Examples of food prices:

• bread: €0.80-1.50
• milk (1 l): 0,90-1,10 €
• eggs (12 pcs.): 2-3 €
• Pasta or rice: €0.90-1.50
• yellow cheese: €2-4
• chicken (1 kg): 5-7 €

Vegetables and fruits – often cheaper than in Poland

Thanks to local production, prices for vegetables and fruits are very favorable:

• tomatoes: 1-2 €/kg
• oranges, tangerines: €0.80-1.50/kg
• peppers, zucchini, eggplant: 1-2 €/kg

Buying from local markets, the cost of living on the Costa Blanca can be lower than in Poland, especially when it comes to fresh produce.

Fuel prices in Spain – Costa Blanca

Fuel is another argument in favor of Spain.

Average fuel prices:

• Gasoline: 1,28-1,65 € / liter depending on the location of the gas station (national roads, highways, smaller towns, larger towns)
• Diesel: 1,18-1,55 € / liter depending on the location of the gas station (national roads, highways, smaller towns, larger towns)

Compared to Poland, fuel prices in Spain tend to be lower, which is important for those who use a car on a daily basis.

Basic services – how much does everyday life cost?

The cost of services on the Costa Blanca is stable and predictable.

Sample prices for services:

• hairdresser: €10-15
• beautician: €20-35
• Internet + phone: €30-50 per month
• electricity (apartment): 60-100 €
• water: €20-30
• Public transportation: €1.45-1.60 per ride

For many, the costs are comparable to Poland or even lower, especially outside major cities.

Is life on the Costa Blanca more expensive than in Poland?

To summarize:

• food prices are the same or lower
• Food in restaurants is cheaper than in Poland
• fuel costs less
• services are at a similar price level
• lower heating costs in winter reduce annual expenses

In practice, many people conclude that the cost of living on the Costa Blanca is lower than in Poland, and the quality of life – much higher.

Summary

The Costa Blanca is a region where you can live comfortably without increasing your budget compared to Poland.
Similar prices, cheaper eating out, lower fuel costs and an excellent climate simply make everyday life easier.

If you are planning to buy a property, move or stay longer, the Costa Blanca and the Alicante area is one of the best choices in Europe in terms of cost of living to quality of life.