5 Best Places to Retire in Spain (Compared)

Thinking about retiring in Spain? 

Makes sense. More sun, less stress, cheaper living, and no more grey UK winters. 

Even after Brexit, Spain is still the top choice for British retirees—and for good reason. 

• 280,000+ Brits already live here. 

• Living costs are 30-50% cheaper than the UK. 

• Healthcare? Some of the best in Europe. 

But moving isn’t as simple as it used to be. Visas, healthcare, taxes, and residency rules—there’s red tape to deal with. 

This guide breaks it all down so you know exactly what to expect. 

Why Spain is still one of the best places to retire 

🌞 The lifestyle you actually want 

300+ days of sunshine. Outdoor living. Slow-paced, Mediterranean life. 

In Spain, you don’t just retire—you start living differently. 

• No rush. Long lunches, late dinners, and a culture that doesn’t obsess over productivity. 

• Active lifestyle. Hiking, golf, yoga, fiestas—not just sitting in front of the TV. 

• Social scene. Expats, locals, meetups—it’s easy to build a community. 

This isn’t about just moving somewhere warmer. It’s about a better way of living. 

💰 Your money goes further 

Spain is significantly cheaper than the UK. 

• Rent is up to 70% lower in some cities. 

• Groceries, utilities, and transport cost way less. 

• Healthcare? World-class and way cheaper than private UK options. 

A couple can live comfortably on €1,500/month in many areas. 

Spain stretches your pension or remote income much further. 

🏥 Healthcare is actually good 

Spain’s healthcare system? One of the best in Europe. 

UK pensioners can access free public healthcare with an S1 form. If you need private insurance, it starts at around €50-€100 per month. 

If healthcare access is a priority, stick to cities and coastal regions with major hospitals. 

The 5 best places to retire in Spain 

1️⃣ Costa del Sol (Málaga, Marbella, Estepona, Fuengirola) 

📌 Why? 
Sun, beaches, and a massive British expat community. 

• Luxury meets convenience—modern amenities, golf courses, world-class restaurants. 

• English is widely spoken—easy transition for UK retirees. 

💰 Cost of Living 

• Rent (2-bed apartment): €800 – €1,500/month 

• Property price per m²: €2,500 – €5,000 

• Monthly expenses (excluding rent): €1,200 per couple 

🏥 Healthcare 

• Top-rated hospitals, many English-speaking doctors. 

✅ Best for: Retirees who want comfort, convenience, and a built-in expat network. 

2️⃣ Costa Blanca (Alicante, Benidorm, Torrevieja, Jávea) 

📌 Why? 
More affordable than Costa del Sol, but still has the beach lifestyle. 

• Huge British expat presence. 

• Lower housing costs, especially in Torrevieja & Benidorm. 

💰 Cost of Living 

• Rent (2-bed apartment): €600 – €1,200/month 

• Property price per m²: €1,800 – €3,000 

• Monthly expenses (excluding rent): €1,000 per couple 

🏥 Healthcare 

• Alicante has some of the best hospitals in Spain. 

✅ Best for: Retirees on a budget who still want sun, sea, and a strong expat community. 

3️⃣ Valencia 

📌 Why? 
The best mix of city life, culture, and affordability. 

• Cheaper than Madrid or Barcelona, but still vibrant. 

• Beaches + city infrastructure = the best of both worlds. 

💰 Cost of Living 

• Rent (2-bed apartment): €700 – €1,300/month 

• Property price per m²: €2,000 – €3,500 

• Monthly expenses (excluding rent): €1,100 per couple 

🏥 Healthcare 

• Valencia has top-tier public hospitals. 

✅ Best for: City lovers who still want affordability & beach access. 

4️⃣ Andalusia (Seville, Granada, Almería, Ronda) 

📌 Why? 
Traditional Spanish charm, culture, and lower costs. 

• Historic towns, tapas culture, flamenco. 

• Inland towns are even cheaper than the coastal spots. 

💰 Cost of Living 

• Rent (2-bed apartment): €500 – €1,000/month 

• Property price per m²: €1,500 – €2,800 

• Monthly expenses (excluding rent): €900 per couple 

🏥 Healthcare 

• Great hospitals in major cities, but smaller towns require travel for specialized care. 

✅ Best for: Retirees who want authentic Spanish culture and a slower pace. 

Is retiring in Spain still worth it after Brexit? 

Short answer? Yes. 

Long answer? It depends where you go and how well you plan. 

The visa process takes more effort, but Spain still offers: 
✔️ Cheaper living 
✔️ World-class healthcare 
✔️ A relaxed, outdoor lifestyle 

So if you’re considering it? Start planning, visit a few places, and make the move. 

🌟 Already retired in Spain? Thinking about it? Drop your thoughts below! 👇