Living in Benidorm: Is It Worth It?

Benidorm, Spain, is a vibrant coastal city known for its sunny weather, beautiful beaches, and bustling tourist scene. It has become a popular destination not only for vacations but also for those considering relocating to enjoy a Mediterranean lifestyle. Living in Benidorm offers a unique blend of modern amenities, scenic views, and a friendly international community, especially attracting expats from the UK and other European countries.

Living in Benidorm comes with many advantages. The city boasts a warm climate nearly year-round, making it ideal for those who enjoy outdoor activities and beach life. Affordable housing options and a relatively low cost of living compared to other European cities add to its appeal. Additionally, the strong expat community provides a support network, making integration smoother for newcomers.

On the downside, Benidorm can be very crowded during the high tourist season, which might not be suitable for everyone. The job market outside the tourism and service industries is limited, and summers can be quite humid, which some may find uncomfortable.

For those seeking a quieter and more peaceful lifestyle, living just outside Benidorm in nearby towns like Finestrat can be an excellent option. Finestrat, located only a few kilometers inland, offers a calmer atmosphere with newer and often better price-quality rate housing. It combines mountain and coastal living with beautiful views and a more relaxed pace, yet remains close enough to Benidorm for easy access to its amenities and vibrant social scene.

Another great option is Villajoyosa, a charming coastal town situated between Alicante and Benidorm. Villajoyosa is known for its colorful streets, authentic Mediterranean lifestyle, and welcoming expat community. It offers a slower pace of life, beautiful beaches, and generally more affordable housing compared to Benidorm. With good healthcare facilities, local markets, and convenient public transport links, Villajoyosa is ideal for those wanting peaceful seaside living without sacrificing accessibility to larger cities.

Since Brexit, British citizens are considered third-country nationals in Spain and must obtain an appropriate visa to live in Benidorm long-term. Common visa options include the Non-Lucrative Visa, aimed at retirees or those with sufficient passive income, and the Digital Nomad Visa for remote workers. Work visas and entrepreneur visas are also available for those planning to work or start a business in Spain.

The visa application process starts at the Spanish consulate or embassy in the UK, such as in London, Manchester, or Edinburgh. Applicants need to submit the following documents:

• A valid passport with at least six months’ validity
• Proof of financial means to support yourself during your stay
• Private health insurance valid in Spain
• A clean criminal record certificate
• Completed visa application form
• Proof of accommodation in Spain (rental contract or property ownership)
• Additional supporting documents depending on visa type (e.g., retirement proof, employment or business plans)

After visa approval, the individual must travel to Spain and complete local registration steps, including obtaining an NIE number (foreigner identification), registering at the local city hall (padrón), and applying for a physical residency card called the TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero).

British expats who were residing in Spain before January 1, 2021, can apply under the Withdrawal Agreement, which grants them a smoother path to long-term residency. However, new arrivals must comply with the stricter current immigration rules.

Healthcare access is available for British residents in Spain. Registered residents can use Spain’s public healthcare system, although private insurance is often required initially to obtain visas like the Non-Lucrative Visa.

Additionally, UK driving licenses are valid for a limited time after moving but must be exchanged for a Spanish license within six months of residency registration.

In summary, Brits can still move to Benidorm, but must navigate the visa and residency process post-Brexit carefully, ensuring all paperwork and registrations are completed to live and work legally in Spain.

Yes, Benidorm supports a year-round lifestyle with plenty of amenities. The city does not shut down outside the tourist season; shops, restaurants, medical services, and cultural activities continue throughout the year. Winters are quieter and more relaxed, offering a different but equally pleasant experience compared to the lively summer months.

When considering living in Benidorm, understanding the cost of living in Benidorm Spain is essential for budgeting and planning.

As of August 2025, the average price per square meter to rent a property in Benidorm is approximately 16.7 €/m². This means that renting an 80 m² apartment would cost about 1,350 € per month.

For those interested in purchasing property, the average price per square meter is around 3,246 €/m² in August 2025. Therefore, buying an 80 m² apartment would cost approximately 260,000 €.

Rent prices can vary depending on the apartment’s location and proximity to the beach, but these averages give a clear idea of the general market rates in 2025.

Eating out in Benidorm is reasonably priced, with a typical meal for two at a mid-range restaurant costing about 45 €. For those who prefer cooking at home, grocery costs for two people range between 150-200 € per week, depending on dietary habits and shopping preferences.

Public transportation is affordable, with monthly passes costing around 35 €. Utilities, including electricity, heating, water, and garbage for an average-sized apartment, are estimated at about 125 € per month.

Benidorm offers a more affordable lifestyle compared to many parts of the UK, with studies showing it is about 63% cheaper than London overall. Housing costs alone can be nearly 80% less expensive. Compared to other parts of Spain, Benidorm falls within the mid to higher range for property prices due to its popularity as a tourist and expat destination, but daily expenses remain reasonable.

In summary, the cost of living in Benidorm is attractive for those seeking a Mediterranean lifestyle without the high expenses often found in larger European cities, making it a compelling choice for both retirees and working expats.

One of the most important factors for retirees when choosing a place to settle is access to reliable healthcare and a lifestyle that supports healthy, active aging. In this respect, Benidorm scores highly, thanks to Spain’s excellent healthcare system and the city’s wealth of activities tailored to older residents.

Spain consistently ranks among the top countries in the world for healthcare quality, and Benidorm benefits from both public and private medical facilities. Residents who register officially with the town hall and obtain their residency documentation can access the national health service, which covers general practitioners, specialists, emergency care, and subsidised medication. For newcomers applying on visas such as the Non-Lucrative Visa, private health insurance is mandatory, with monthly premiums typically starting from around €60–€120 depending on age and coverage.

Benidorm is home to several well-equipped medical centers and private clinics, many with English-speaking staff—important for retirees from the UK and other countries who may not be fluent in Spanish yet:

• Hospital Clínica Benidorm: A prestigious private hospital offering over 40 medical specialties, modern facilities, and multilingual staff. It services a large internationalpatient base, including many European retirees. Located at Avenida Alfonso Puchades 8, Benidorm.
• Hospital IMED Levante: A private hospital providing multidisciplinary healthcare withadvanced technology, located at Calle Dr Santiago Ramon y Cajal 7, Benidorm.
• Euro Clínica Rincón: A multidisciplinary outpatient clinic offering general practice, dentistry, diagnostics, and home care services.

Beyond healthcare, Benidorm provides an ideal environment for maintaining an active retirement. The city’s mild year-round climate encourages outdoor activities such as walking, swimming, or cycling along the dedicated seafront routes. For those who enjoy sports, many golf courses, tennis courts, and fitness centers are available within short distances.

Social life is another key part of retirement in Benidorm. With a large international community—particularly British retirees—there are countless clubs, associations, and activities ranging from language exchanges to charity volunteering and hobby groups. This makes it easier to integrate, make friends, and avoid isolation.

The Mediterranean diet is widely recognized as one of the healthiest in the world, and retirees in Benidorm have easy access to fresh local produce thanks to open-air markets and reasonably priced supermarkets. Consuming fish, olive oil, fruit, and vegetables as staples of daily meals contributes significantly to long-term health and vitality.

Combined with a slower pace of life, plenty of sunshine for natural Vitamin D, and reduced stress levels compared to major cities in the UK or Northern Europe, Benidorm creates a supportive environment for physical and mental well-being in retirement years.

Benidorm offers a dynamic coastal lifestyle that combines the benefits of a sunny Mediterranean climate, beautiful beaches, and a vibrant urban atmosphere. Known for its iconic skyline and welcoming international community, the city supports a comfortable life year-round with abundant amenities, cultural activities, and diverse dining and leisure options.

Access to high-quality healthcare is a major highlight, with well-equipped medical centers and private clinics in Benidorm and nearby Alicante that cater to the needs of an international population. Coupled with a lifestyle that encourages outdoor activity, social engagement, and a healthy Mediterranean diet, Benidorm provides an environment conducive to well-being and longevity.

While the city’s lively tourist seasons bring energy and entertainment, nearby quieter towns like Finestrat and Villajoyosa offer alternatives for those seeking more tranquility without sacrificing convenience. The cost of living remains attractive compared to many European cities, making Benidorm an accessible choice for a broad range of residents.

For British citizens and other expats, moving to Benidorm post-Brexit is fully feasible, though it requires careful attention to visa and residency formalities. Ultimately, whether as a permanent home or seasonal getaway, Benidorm represents a balanced blend of quality of life, community, and affordability on Spain’s beautiful Costa Blanca.