Making the move to Spain can be a daunting experience, with so many factors to consider.
Chief among these is which area to settle in, with the country offering dozens of welcoming seaside options, as well as beautiful inland gems.
Many Brits wanting to move to the mainland find themselves choosing between the Costa del Sol and Costa Blanca.
While both have warm climates, culture and their own charm, there are many subtle and not-so-subtle differences.
Below, the Spanish Eye compares both locations in a bid to help you decide.
The Basics: What’s the difference?
The Costa del Sol (Coast of the Sun) is located in the southernmost region of Andalucia and stretches roughly 150km from Malaga to Manilva.
Popular towns for expats include Nerja, Torremolinos, Benalmadena, Marbella, Estepona, Fuengirola, Sabinillas and Manilva.
It has a more glamorous reputation and is popular with jet-setters for its buzzing nightlife.
The Costa Blanca (White Coast) is around 500km further northeast in the province of Alicante.
Areas popular with expats along its 240km stretch of coastline include Alicante, Denia, Javea, Torrevieja and Benidorm.
It’s known for its stunning white-sand beaches, laid-back vibe, and an arguably more affordable lifestyle.
Climate: Sun, sea, and… slight variations
Both coasts boast over 300 days of sunshine per year. However, the Costa del Sol tends to be slightly warmer in winter thanks to the shelter of the Sierra Nevada mountains.
Both have average annual temperatures of 18C and summers are hot on both coasts, but the Costa Blanca can get a bit more humid.
Winner: If mild winters are a dealbreaker, the Costa del Sol might have the edge.
Cost of living
Generally speaking, the Costa Blanca is more affordable when it comes to property prices, groceries, and eating out.
You’ll find more budget-friendly options, especially if you look outside major tourist hubs.
The Costa del Sol is home to Marbella, which pitches itself as a luxury resort and is packed with designer stores and wealthy residents and tourists – and where cocktails can cost upwards of €30 each in some establishments along the Golden Mile.
However, there is much more to the coast than Marbella, with far more affordable options in the likes of Fuengirola, Torremolinos or Manilva.
Both coasts offer everything from bargain apartments to luxury villas – it just depends on location.
On the Costa del Sol, the average property price per square meter is around €3,507, with Marbella leading the way at €5,501, followed by Estepona at €3,192.
The average property price in the Costa Blanca, specifically in the Alicante province, reached €2,324 per square metre in 2024 – however, prices are rising fast and surged by 13.9% last year.
Winner: Costa Blanca takes the win for affordability.
Lifestyle and vibe
The Costa del Sol is often associated with a more cosmopolitan lifestyle. Marbella’s glitz, Malaga’s art and culture scene, and the international airport make it feel a bit more ‘big city’ and international.
On the other hand, the Costa Blanca offers a more laid-back lifestyle, with many expat communities embracing a relaxed, outdoor way of life.
You’ll still find nightlife, golf courses, and modern amenities, just at a slower pace.
The Costa Blanca also has more attractive beaches with less pebbles and stones, and is surrounded by stunning rocky landscape, perfect for hikers and explorers.
Winner: Depends on your personality. Fancy a bit of glam? Costa del Sol. Prefer peace and quiet? Costa Blanca.
Food and dining
The Costa del Sol, particularly Malaga and its surrounding areas, is known for its rich, varied cuisine featuring fresh seafood, tapas, and local specialties like sardine skewers or ‘espetos’, and a cold garlic soup called ajoblanco.
The Costa Blanca cuisine is also heavily influenced by the Mediterranean Sea, featuring fresh seafood and rice dishes, with staples like olive oil, saffron, and tomatoes, and dishes like Arroz a Banda and Caldero.
Arroz a Banda is fisherman’s dish made with fish stock, seafood, peppers and alioli sauce. Caldero is a rich, flavourful fish stew originating from Tabarca Island, traditionally made with rockfish and cooked with garlic, peppers, and saffron.
Both coasts have a bit of everything, from fine dining to humble chiringuitos and fast food, it all depends on your taste and appetite.
Malaga province boasts nine Michelin stars spread across multiple restaurants in Marbella, Fuengirola, Ronda and Malaga, including Kaleja, Skinna, Blossom and Jose Carlos Garcia.
However it is slightly edged out by the Costa Blanca region, which boasts 10 Michelin stars – although three of those are taken by one restaurant alone: the incredible Quique Dacosta in Denia.
There is also the two-star Bon Amb in Javea, and one-star restaurants like Peix & Brases in Denia and Tula in Javea.
Winner: Tie – good food is available for all budgets on either coast
Expat Communities
Both regions have well-established British expat communities, so you won’t be short of English-speaking doctors, shops, and social groups.
The Costa Blanca, particularly areas like Torrevieja and Benidorm, has a higher concentration of British residents, which can be comforting if you’re looking for familiarity.
The Costa del Sol is a bit more diverse, with a wider mix of international residents, particularly Swedish, Norwegian, Irish and American.
Winner: Tie – depends on whether you want to dive into Spanish culture or ease in with a familiar community.
Travel and Accessibility
The Costa del Sol is serviced by Malaga International Airport, a major hub with excellent year-round connections to the UK and across Europe.
The Malaga train station also offers direct high-speed rail connections with Madrid, Sevilla, Granada and other major cities.
It’s train network runs until Fuengirola and is very well run and managed. There is a huge demand for this trainline to be extended along the Costa del Sol, with the government currently carrying out studies on how to make the decades-long dream a reality.
Until then, residents who need to travel up and down the coast should ideally buy or rent a car. There are extensive bus services but they are not the most reliable.
The Costa Blanca is served by Alicante Airport, which also offers strong connections, particularly in summer, but it can be quieter off-season.
It also has a main train station that offers rail services to Murcia, Valencia, Cartagena, and Ciudad Real. There is also a high-speed connection with Madrid and other major cities.
Winner: Slight edge to Costa del Sol for more robust travel options all year-round.
So, Costa del Sol or Costa Blanca?
If you’re after a more upscale lifestyle, cultural variety, and slightly warmer winters, the Costa del Sol might be your ideal destination.
If affordability, a relaxed pace, and an easy-to-navigate expat scene are more your style, the Costa Blanca could be your Spanish home in the sun.
Ultimately, both are fantastic choices. Your decision might come down to visiting each, soaking in the local atmosphere, and seeing which one feels like home.
