Cost of Living in Altea vs Moraira and Calpe (2025)
Cost of Living in Altea vs Moraira and Calpe (2025)
This guide compares the three Costa Blanca neighbours on the costs that matter: housing (rent & buy), utilities & internet, groceries & eating out, transport and everyday life. It complements our lifestyle overviews without repeating them.
Snapshot: typical monthly costs (couple renting a 2-bed, long-term)
Indicative ranges for a standard, non-luxury 70–90 m² apartment, 12-month contract, excluding peak-season holiday lets. Rents based on €/m² data (Aug 2025). Dining/groceries reflect local averages.
| Category | Altea | Moraira | Calpe |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (2-bed, long-term) | Altea ~€900–1,050/mo | Moraira ~€950–1,150/mo | Calpe ~€975–1,200/mo |
| Electricity & water | Altea €80–140/mo | Moraira €80–140/mo | Calpe €80–140/mo |
| Fibre internet (300–600 Mb) | Altea €25–40/mo | Moraira €25–40/mo | Calpe €25–40/mo |
| Groceries (couple, home-cook majority) | Altea €250–350/mo | Moraira €260–360/mo | Calpe €250–350/mo |
| Eating out (2 mid-range dinners + 4 coffees) | Altea €110–150/mo | Moraira €120–160/mo | Calpe €110–150/mo |
| Transport (fuel/insurance/parking mix) | Altea €120–180/mo | Moraira €120–180/mo | Calpe €120–180/mo |
Why the ranges? Seasonal demand and micro-location (frontline vs. second line; old town vs. hills) move the needle most.
Housing: rent vs. buy
Rent (€/m², Aug 2025)
- Altea: ~€12.0/m² (e.g., 80 m² ≈ €960).
- Moraira: ~€12.8/m² (80 m² ≈ €1,025).
- Calpe: ~€13.1/m² (80 m² ≈ €1,050).
Takeaway: Long-term rents are tight everywhere, but Altea often edges cheapest, Moraira mid-to-high, and Calpe slightly higher on average due to strong seafront demand around Arenal-Bol/Fossa. Availability varies month-to-month, so timing matters.
To buy (€/m², Aug 2025)
- Moraira: ~€4,250/m² (highest of the three; premium villas & El Portet push averages up).
- Calpe: ~€3,438/m² overall (frontline spikes much higher; Arenal-Bol district listed above €7,000/m² on some portals).
- Altea: ~€3,415/m² overall (Altea Hills skews upper-end).
Different portals track slightly different baskets, but the shape is consistent: Moraira highest; Calpe and Altea a step below, with Calpe’s frontline creating outliers.
Altea listings | Moraira listings | Calpe listings
Utilities & internet
- Electricity: prices vary hourly on the regulated tariff; 2025 average levels have hovered around €0.12–0.16/kWh, with off-peak dips and peak spikes. Budget €60–€120/month for a 2-bed used sensibly (A/C drives summer bills).
- Fibre internet: widely available in town areas; typical standalone fibre from ~€20–€35/month depending on speed/promos (e.g., 600Mb–1Gb plans).
- Water & rubbish: municipal and community-dependent; expect €25–€45/month combined for an apartment; villas vary by irrigation/pool.
Groceries & eating out
- Groceries: similar pricing across the three towns (same national chains & local markets). Weekly baskets are more about what/where you buy than the town itself.
- Eating out: Calpe benchmarks put an inexpensive meal around ~€11 and a mid-range three-course dinner for two around ~€40; expect similar in Altea and a modest premium at Moraira’s marina/El Portet spots.
Transport & getting around
Fuel and insurance are province-level (not town-specific). Parking is easier off-season in all three; peak-season pressure is highest in Calpe’s seafront and Moraira’s marina. If you prefer walking daily, central Altea and Calpe’s flat seafront are most forgiving; Moraira is compact but car-centric for many errands.
Schooling, childcare & leisure
- Schools: Spanish public/concertado in-town; international options within a short drive of each (fees similar across the area).
- Gyms & clubs: padel/tennis memberships and sailing clubs price comparably; beach clubs peak-price July–August.
Where each town “wins” on value
- Altea: Often the best rent-for-character balance (old town & walkable seafront) with slightly lower €/m² than its neighbours.
- Moraira: Highest purchase values driven by scarce premium stock; great if you want upscale residential feel and strong resale.
- Calpe: Broadest stock and services; excellent beach/lifestyle value, though frontline hotspots can price like a bigger city.
Tips to keep costs down
- For rent, search outside July–August and look one–two streets back from the promenade.
- Check actual fibre availability at the exact address (don’t assume by street).
- Ask communities about holiday-let rules (noise/parking) before you sign.
- Use off-peak electricity where possible; set A/C to 25–26°C and use cross-breeze.
FAQ
Which is the cheapest town overall?
For long-term rent, Altea often undercuts by a little; purchase budgets stretch furthest in Altea/Calpe. Moraira is premium to buy.
Why can Calpe be pricier to rent than expected?
High demand around Arenal-Bol/Fossa and plentiful beachfront blocks push average €/m² up, especially in summer.
Are utilities very different between the towns?
Not really; electricity tariffs are national/market-driven, and water/rubbish vary by property type more than by town.
