Is Benidorm a good place to live as an expat?

Yes — Benidorm has an established international community, English-speaking services, good healthcare access and the Costa Blanca's mild Mediterranean climate. Most expats find they're settled within their first three months.

How much does it cost to rent in Benidorm?

Long-term rentals typically start around €700–€900/month for a 2-bed apartment and €1,200–€2,500/month for a villa with a pool, depending on location and season. Holiday-let prices are 2–3× higher.

What's the nearest airport?

Alicante-Elche (ALC) is the main international airport for the Costa Blanca with direct flights to most major European cities. Valencia (VLC) and Murcia (RMU) are useful alternatives for the north and south.

Do I need to speak Spanish to live in Benidorm?

English is widely spoken in coastal expat hubs. To deal with admin (banks, town hall, healthcare) and to integrate properly, basic Spanish is a big help — and starting before you arrive pays off quickly.

Can I work remotely from Benidorm?

Yes. Internet is generally fast (fibre is widespread), and the Digital Nomad Visa now makes it straightforward for non-EU remote workers to live in Spain legally for up to five years.

Moving to Central Costa Blanca

Moving to Benidorm

The skyline capital of the Mediterranean

Benidorm is unlike anywhere else in Spain — a vertical, year-round resort city of more than 200 high-rises, two enormous Blue Flag beaches and an entertainment scene that runs from family-friendly theme parks to legendary cabaret bars. Modern, accessible, brilliantly organised and visited by 16 million people a year.

Population

≈ 70,000 residents (16M visitors/year)

Climate

Mediterranean microclimate — 300+ sun days, mildest winters on mainland Spain

Airport

Alicante–Elche (ALC) — 55 km

Known for

Skyline, beaches, theme parks, nightlife, year-round tourism

Property prices in Benidorm

Apartments in iconic buildings (Intempo, In Tempo, Sunset Drive), villas in Sierra Dorada and Sierra Cortina, plus golf-front properties.

Property type	Typical price range	Rental (per month)
Apartments	€120–600k	€700 – €1,400
Sea-view penthouses	€500k–2M	On request
Villas	€500k–3M	€1,500 – €4,500+

Among the strongest year-round rental yields in Spain — short stays, winter swallows and long-term residents.

Best areas to live

Beach + nightlife

Levante

Iconic 2 km Blue Flag beach with high-rise apartments, year-round entertainment.

Quieter & residential

Poniente

3 km beach with the award-winning wave-shaped promenade — more residential feel.

British social scene

Rincón de Loix

Above Levante beach — large British community, classic resort apartments.

Villa life with views

Sierra Cortina & Sierra Dorada

Hillside villas overlooking Benidorm bay, near Terra Mítica and the golf course.

Schools & education

Public Spanish/Valencian schools plus international options nearby (Sierra Bernia, Lady Elizabeth, Elians).

Healthcare

Public Hospital Marina Baixa, plus IMED Levante, HLA, Clínica Benidorm and dozens of private specialists.

Getting around & transport

TRAM Line 1/9 to Alicante and Dénia, dense bus network, AP-7 motorway, AVE high-speed rail at Alicante (45 min). Alicante airport: 40 min by car.

Safety

Strong police presence and CCTV — one of the safest large resort towns in Europe.

Pros & cons of moving to Benidorm

Pros

Year-round mild microclimate
World-class infrastructure for older residents
Mediterranean climate with 300+ days of sunshine
Established international community and English-speaking services
Excellent public and private healthcare access
Strong food culture, beaches and outdoor lifestyle
Direct flights to most major European cities from ALC
Property still good value compared to the French or Italian coast

Cons

Very busy in summer; high-rise scale isn't for everyone
Long-term rentals can be tight in peak summer
Spanish bureaucracy (NIE, residency, taxes) takes patience
Some coastal areas feel touristy in July–August
Spanish is essential for serious inland integration

Who Benidorm suits best

Year-round and seasonal retirees
Families wanting beach + theme parks
Buyers seeking strong rental yields
Visitors wanting nightlife and entertainment

Want the full lifestyle deep-dive? See our Benidorm town guide for beaches, restaurants, things to do and events.