Spain's two most popular coasts among foreign buyers. Both on the Mediterranean, both with 300+ sunny days, both with developed infrastructure. But their character, prices, and target audience differ.
Below is an objective comparison across 10 criteria that matter when choosing.
Overview — Two Coasts, Different Character
Costa Blanca — the coastline of Alicante province (Valencian Community). 244 km from Dénia in the north to Torrevieja in the south. Character: democratic, diverse, from fishing villages to resort towers. Highest foreign buyer share in Spain — 51.8%.
Costa del Sol — the coastline of Malaga province (Andalusia). ~160 km from Nerja in the east to Manilva in the west. Character: more glamorous, expensive, luxury-oriented. Marbella is the unofficial capital of Spain's luxury segment. Foreign share — 42.9%.
Prices — Comparison
| Property type | Costa Blanca | Costa del Sol |
|---|---|---|
| Average price/m² (2025) | €2,500 | €3,842 |
| 2-bed apartment (typical) | €150,000–€300,000 | €250,000–€500,000 |
| Villa with pool | €350,000–€800,000 | €600,000–€2,000,000 |
| Luxury villa (premium zones) | €800,000–€2,000,000 | €2,000,000–€10,000,000+ |
| New build (apartment) | €200,000–€400,000 | €350,000–€700,000 |
| Entry threshold (minimum) | ~€100,000 (Torrevieja) | ~€180,000 (Fuengirola) |
The difference: Costa Blanca is on average 35–50% cheaper. Yet the quality of housing, climate, and infrastructure are comparable. This is the main reason budget-conscious investors and first-time buyers choose the Costa Blanca.
Climate — Is There a Difference
Both coasts enjoy a Mediterranean climate, but differences exist.
| Parameter | Costa Blanca | Costa del Sol |
|---|---|---|
| Sunny days/year | 320+ | 320+ |
| Average winter temp | 10–17°C | 10–18°C |
| Average summer temp | 26–32°C | 25–34°C |
| Rainfall (mm/year) | 300–350 | 500–600 |
| Humidity | Lower (drier) | Higher (closer to Atlantic) |
| Wind | Moderate | Levante (easterly) in summer |
Costa Blanca has the driest climate on Spain's coast. The WHO considers it one of the best in the world for health. Costa del Sol is slightly warmer in winter but more humid and windier. For people with respiratory issues, Costa Blanca is preferable.
Lifestyle
Costa Blanca — For Whom
A democratic atmosphere: from budget apartments to luxury villas. Home to Scandinavian and British retirees, families with children, digital nomads. Three distinct zones:
North (Jávea, Moraira, Altea, Dénia): Quiet, green, premium. Villas among pines, coves, yacht clubs. Scandinavian and British community. International schools. Above-average prices.
Centre (Alicante, Benidorm, El Campello): Urban infrastructure + beach. Coworking spaces, restaurants, cultural events. Airport nearby. Ideal for combining work and leisure.
South (Torrevieja, Orihuela Costa, Guardamar): Most affordable segment. Large international community. Full expat infrastructure (shops, clinics, English everywhere). High rental yields.
Costa del Sol — For Whom
A more glamorous lifestyle. Marbella is the magnet for wealthy buyers, celebrities, and entrepreneurs. A coast for those who value luxury restaurants, golf clubs, and yacht marinas.
Marbella / Puerto Banús: Luxury epicentre. Boutiques, Michelin restaurants, nightlife. 62% of purchases above €2.5M are by foreigners.
Estepona: The "New Marbella" — a growing town with a beautiful old centre. More affordable than Marbella but catching up fast.
Fuengirola / Benalmádena: More family-oriented. Popular among Scandinavians and Brits. Prices below the Costa del Sol average.
Nerja / Torrox: Eastern part, more authentic. Less development, more nature. Growing market.
Infrastructure and Transport
Airports and Accessibility
| Parameter | Costa Blanca | Costa del Sol |
|---|---|---|
| Airport | Alicante-Elche (ALC) | Malaga–Costa del Sol (AGP) |
| Passengers/year | ~16 million | ~22 million |
| Direct routes | 150+ (Europe) | 130+ (Europe + long-haul) |
| To coast | 15–60 min | 15–90 min |
| AVE (high-speed train) | Alicante → Madrid 2h 20min | Malaga → Madrid 2h 30min |
Both coasts are well connected to Europe. Malaga is larger and has more long-haul flights (direct to New York, Doha, Riyadh). Alicante has more low-cost carriers (Ryanair, Wizz Air, EasyJet).
Healthcare
Both regions have public hospitals and world-class private clinics. Costa Blanca: Hospital General de Alicante, Quirónsalud Torrevieja, Vithas Medimar. Costa del Sol: Hospital Costa del Sol (Marbella), Quirónsalud Málaga, HC Marbella. Staff in both regions often speak English.
International Schools
Costa Blanca: El Limonar (Villajoyosa), Laude Lady Elizabeth (Jávea), King's College (Alicante), Sierra Bernia (Altea). Programmes: British, IB.
Costa del Sol: Aloha College (Marbella), Swans International (Marbella), The English International College, Novaschool. Greater choice in the premium segment.
Rental Yields
| Town | Coast | Gross yield | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Benidorm | Costa Blanca | 6–8% | Year-round |
| Torrevieja | Costa Blanca | 6–7% | Year-round |
| Alicante | Costa Blanca | 5.6% | Year-round |
| Jávea | Costa Blanca | 4–6% | Seasonal (premium) |
| Marbella | Costa del Sol | 4–5% | Seasonal (luxury) |
| Fuengirola | Costa del Sol | 5–6% | Year-round |
| Malaga (city) | Costa del Sol | 4.7% | Year-round |
| Estepona | Costa del Sol | 4–5% | Seasonal |
Costa Blanca wins on yield: lower entry threshold + higher percentage yield = better ROI. Benidorm leads across all of Spain (up to 8%) thanks to year-round tourist flow.
Costa del Sol wins on absolute income: a €2M villa in Marbella at €5,000–€15,000/week generates significant gross revenue, but the percentage yield is lower.
Price Growth Prospects
Both coasts are forecast to grow +5–9% in 2026. But the dynamics differ:
| Factor | Costa Blanca | Costa del Sol |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 growth | +15.3% | +15.3% |
| 2026 forecast | +5–9% | +5–9% |
| Further growth potential | High (40% below 2007 peak) | Moderate (closer to peak) |
| Overheating risk | Lower | Higher (especially Marbella) |
| New construction | Active | Limited (scarce land) |
Costa Blanca has greater growth potential — the price gap from the 2007 peak provides "room" for appreciation. Costa del Sol has already approached historical highs.
More detail in our guide "Spain Property Market Forecast 2026."
For Investment — Which Is Better
Costa Blanca — if your goal is maximum yield on moderate investment.
- Lower entry threshold (from €100,000)
- Higher yields (6–8% vs 4–5%)
- Greater capital growth potential (40% to peak)
- 51.8% of buyers are foreign (stable demand)
- Benidorm — one of Europe's best short-term rental markets
Costa del Sol — if your goal is premium segment with high absolute income.
- Luxury market is recession-resistant (60% of deals >€2.5M are cash)
- Branded residences (Four Seasons, Mandarin Oriental) — 20–40% premium
- Higher liquidity in the premium segment (international demand)
For Living — Which Is Better
- Lower cost of living (20–30% cheaper than Costa del Sol)
- Dry climate (better for health)
- Variety: from city life in Alicante to quiet mountain villages
- Large international community (especially in the south)
- Proximity to Valencia (1.5h by car)
- Glamour and nightlife (Marbella, Puerto Banús)
- Golf (70+ courses — more than anywhere else in Europe)
- Long-haul flights (Malaga → New York, Middle East)
- Slightly milder winters
- Proximity to Gibraltar (tax and business advantages)
For Retirement — Which Is Better
For retirees, Costa Blanca is the leader. Reasons:
- Drier climate — better for joints, lungs, overall wellbeing
- Lower cost of living — pension stretches further
- Torrevieja, Orihuela Costa, Guardamar — huge retiree communities from Scandinavia and the UK with full infrastructure: English churches, clubs, libraries, volunteer organisations
- Healthcare: Torrevieja hospital — one of the best in the Valencian Community
- Safety: low crime rate
- 2-bed apartment near the sea: from €120,000 — affordable even on an average European pension
Costa del Sol also works for retirement, but the budget required is higher and the climate slightly more humid.
Final Comparison Table
| Criterion | Costa Blanca | Costa del Sol | Leader |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price/m² | €2,500 | €3,842 | Costa Blanca |
| Rental yield | 5.6–8% | 4–5.5% | Costa Blanca |
| Growth potential | High | Moderate | Costa Blanca |
| Luxury segment | Available (Jávea, Moraira) | Dominant (Marbella) | Costa del Sol |
| Climate (dryness) | Drier | More humid | Costa Blanca |
| Airport | 16M passengers | 22M passengers | Costa del Sol |
| Cost of living | Lower | Higher | Costa Blanca |
| Nightlife / glamour | Benidorm | Marbella | Costa del Sol |
| For retirement | Excellent | Good | Costa Blanca |
| International schools | Sufficient | More choice | Costa del Sol |
| Golf | 20+ courses | 70+ courses | Costa del Sol |
| Foreign buyer share | 51.8% | 42.9% | Costa Blanca |
