Where to move in southern Spain? The Costa battle

Spain’s Southern Coast is blessed with sun, so it’s no surprise that many expatriates are interested in moving here.

But with three different “Costas” — Costa del Sol (Malaga area), Costa de Almeria, and Costa Calida (Murcia area) — how do you choose where to drop your towel and live at a slow pace?

Each location has its own personality, vibe, and fan base. One place is flashy and famous, another is wild and volcanic and the third is a little more chill. This is the place to be if you are torn. We have your (beach back).

So: Costa del Sol vs. Costa de Almeria vs. Costa Calida. Which one suits your needs and budget?

Best for lifestyle & things to do

Costa del Sol Here, the heavyweight champ is. It is packed with star-studded towns like Marbella and Nerja; buzzing with beach bars, rooftops, and an exciting nightlife. Malaga is home to golf courses, hiking trails in the Axarquia mountain range, and big museums.

Costa de Almeria Wild card. Nature lovers will enjoy the less crowded and rugged area. There are hiking, volcanic beaches, and snorkelling. Consider less “resort”, and more “raw natural beauty.” It’s true that there’s not much to do in Almeria and other cities, but the beauty is the lack of activities.

Costa Calida Feels like a midway point. Both quiet fishing villages as well as developed resorts are found here. Watersports are great at the Mar Menor, a huge saltwater lagoon. Kitesurfing and paddleboarding are just a few of them. Clearly not as posh as the Costa del Sol, but not as remote as Almería either.

Winner: Costa del Sol for variety, Costa de Almeria for peace.

Cost of living & real estate

Costa del Sol The truth is, it’s not cheap. Malaga city and Marbella command rents over €1,000/month for modest flats. If you aren’t flush with cash you will need to look at the inland areas, Axarquia in the east of province or shared housing.

Costa de Almeria The best option for those looking for value is to buy a home in the city of Vera or Garrucha. You can rent a decent flat from €500/month or buy one under €120,000 in towns like Vera or Garrucha.

Costa Calida The cost of living in Cartagena or Los Alcazares is currently around EUR550-650/month. Expect around €550–650/month in rent in Cartagena or Los Alcazares. Investors are interested in real estate, so if you plan to invest for the long term, now is the time.

Winner: Costa de Almeria (hands down).

Food & drink

Costa del Sol It is a gourmet center. The region has it all, from the beachside espetos to Michelin-starred dining. Malaga’s tapas culture is legendary (although in recent years, it has become more international).

Costa Calida Murcia’s wine culture is underrated, but it thrives on its seafood stews (arroz caldero) and rice with fish.

Costa de Almeria Keep it local, simple and fresh. You can often get free tapas with your drink. The produce is also top-notch. After all, Almeria is Europe’s greenhouse.

Costa del Sol wins for range and Costa Calida wins for authenticity.

Job & business opportunities

Costa del Sol Among these three regions, has the most vibrant economy. Malaga, a tech hub that is growing rapidly, has been nicknamed “Spanish Silicon Valley”. The city is home to many international companies and co-working spaces. Remote work communities are also common. Digital nomads are looking for the sun.

Costa Calida It is a good place for seasonal and tourism work. Although there is growth in agriculture and logistics, it’s not the best place for white-collar jobs yet.

Costa de Almeria There is a shortage of jobs. The majority of jobs are in small-scale agriculture or tourism. You can enjoy a peaceful life but it’s not a good career choice.

Winner: Costa del Sol (no contest).

The expatriate element

Costa del Sol It is the most multicultural area in Spain. You’ll often hear more English, German and Dutch in Marbella than Spanish. You’ll find a great social scene here and a soft landing.

Costa Calida There are growing expatriate populations. It’s more low-key in places like Mazarron Aguilas San Pedro del Pinatar.

Costa de Almeria is quieter. It is quieter. While there are expats here (around 22 per cent of its population are foreign-born, including many British retirees), the pace remains slower. Mojacar, Vera and Roquetas are all growing areas. But they’re far from the expat hotspots of Malaga or Marbella.

Winner: Costa del Sol (again)

Final verdict

In the end, what matters is who you are, and what you desire. It’s not a rule or a recommendation, but your own experience and feelings that will determine what you do.

Costa del Sol It is still the best in terms of lifestyle, nightlife and expatriate work. It is not free.

Costa de Almeria This is the perfect place to go if you want peace, nature and low-costs.

As for Costa CalidaIt remains the balanced option. Not too loud nor too quiet. Not too distant, but not in the spotlight. And it is still affordable— for now.

More articles on living in Spain.