🌅 Living in Costa del Sol: Monthly Costs, Internet, Schools & Healthcare in 2025

💰 Monthly Cost of Living in 2025

The Costa del Sol offers a Mediterranean lifestyle with costs that remain surprisingly affordable, especially compared to Northern Europe.

Total Estimated Monthly Cost:
Couple: €1,800–€2,800
Single professional: €1,400–€2,000

🌐 Internet & Remote Work

If you’re working remotely, you’ll love the infrastructure:

• Fiber-optic internet is available in nearly all towns, including La Cala, Benalmádena, Fuengirola, and parts of Mijas Pueblo.
• Speeds of 600–1,000 Mbps are common.
• 5G mobile coverage is stable in most urban and tourist areas.

Bonus: Many modern properties include co-working spaces or communal lounges geared toward digital nomads.

🏫 Schools: International & Local Options

For families, the Costa del Sol has both excellent public and private education choices.

Public Schools (Free for EU Citizens)

• Spanish curriculum with strong academic standards.
• Language support programs for non-Spanish speakers.
• Top-rated schools in Benalmádena and Fuengirola.

International Schools

• British, German, French, Swedish, and Scandinavian curriculums available.
• Average tuition: €6,000–€10,000/year.
• Many schools between Marbella and Málaga offer hybrid learning (online + in-person).

Special mention: Mijas has a dedicated department for foreign residents, offering support with school enrollment, legal matters, and language integration.

🏥 Healthcare for EU Citizens

Spain offers one of Europe’s best public healthcare systems — free to EU citizens who are employed, self-employed, or retired (with S1 registration).

• No upfront cost for general visits or emergencies
• Extensive network of clinics and hospitals
• Málaga's Hospital Regional and Marbella’s Costa del Sol Hospital are top-tier

Private Healthcare: For extra comfort, faster access, and multilingual staff.

• Private insurance: €50–€150/month
• Top providers: Sanitas, Cigna, DKV, Mapfre

Most expats use both public and private services for flexibility.

☀️ Lifestyle Benefits

• 300+ sunny days per year
• Outdoor living 9+ months/year
• Beaches, mountains, golf, and marinas all close together
• Expats enjoy clubs, language exchanges, cultural events
• Healthy Mediterranean diet and access to fresh markets

🚎 Transport & Mobility

• Cercanías train links Málaga → Torremolinos → Benalmádena → Fuengirola (future link to Marbella expected)
• Reliable, low-cost buses connect smaller towns
• Widespread use of e-scooters and electric car sharing in tourist hubs
• Car useful for remote areas, but many EU expats go car-free in towns