Moving to Málaga: Your essential guide to life on the Costa del Sol

This guide will give you a comprehensive overview of living in the vibrant province of Málaga, a true gem of Andalucía and home to the famous Costa del Sol. Whether you're a remote worker seeking sun and a new environment, a family looking for a new life, or a retiree, this guide will provide essential information for anyone considering moving to this part of Spain.

Best places to live on the Costa del Sol

The province of Málaga is a diverse area, with the bustling city of Málaga at its heart and the world-renowned Costa del Sol stretching along its coastline. The Costa del Sol is home to many popular towns and villages, each offering a unique lifestyle.

• Málaga City: The city of Málaga is a vibrant and culturally rich hub, often referred to as the "Silicon Valley of the Costa del Sol" due to its thriving tech and startup scene. The historic centre is a must-see, and the city boasts a modern port and a beautiful urban beach, Malagueta beach.
• Marbella: Known for its luxury, Marbella is a top destination on the Costa del Sol. It offers a glamorous lifestyle with high-end restaurants, boutiques, and exclusive beach clubs. It's a popular choice for expats seeking an upscale life.
• Estepona & Fuengirola: These coastal towns offer a more traditional Spanish feel while still catering to an international crowd. They have beautiful beaches and a lively atmosphere, and are popular choices for families and those looking for a more relaxed coastal life.
• Nerja: Located at the eastern end of the Costa del Sol, Nerja is famous for its "Balcón de Europa" viewpoint and the stunning Nerja Caves. It's a picturesque town that offers a perfect balance of natural beauty and cultural richness.
• Inland villages: The province also has charming white-washed villages in the mountains, such as Mijas, Ronda, and Frigiliana. These areas offer a peaceful, traditional Andalusian life away from the hustle and bustle of the coast.
• Other Notable Areas: Other areas worth considering include Soho, Málaga's art district known for street art, and Teatinos, the modern university district popular with young professionals and students. La Malagueta is a prime beach district, while El Perchel is an older, working-class district known for its fresh seafood.

For a more detailed breakdown of the different towns and cities, check out our article on The best areas in Costa del Sol for expats.

Population and popular expat areas

Málaga province is a very popular destination for expats, with a large and well-established international community. You'll find a significant number of English and German-speaking expat residents, particularly in areas like Marbella, Mijas, and Fuengirola. This makes the transition to a new life in Spain a bit easier, as many services are available in English. This is also a huge benefit when it comes to social life, as it's easy to connect with other expats and find community. Málaga's expat population includes a high number of British and German nationals as well as many others, and the overall population of the city is around 587,000.

As of July 1, 2025, the population of Malaga province stands at 1,798,265 inhabitants, making it the sixth most populous province in Spain. The province has experienced significant growth, adding 14,451 residents over the past year, with a notable increase of 4,155 people in the first quarter of 2025 alone. This growth is primarily driven by foreign migration, as the number of foreign-born individuals now represents 24.3% of the total population, a figure well above the national average.

Cost of living in Málaga and the Costa del Sol

The cost of living in Málaga is generally considered to be lower than in major Spanish cities like Madrid or Barcelona, but higher than in many other parts of Andalucía. A single expat can live comfortably on €1800 - €2,200 per month, including rent. Rent is a significant factor in the overall cost, and prices vary dramatically depending on the area. A one-bedroom apartment in Málaga's city centre can range from €850 to €1,200 per month, while a similar apartment in the suburbs might cost €700-€900. In Marbella, these prices are notably higher, with a one-bedroom apartment in a premium location costing €1,200-€2,000.

Renting and buying property in Málaga

The housing market in Málaga province is dynamic, with options ranging from city apartments to luxury villas on the coast. Rental prices have been on the rise due to high demand. The average rental price in Málaga city is around €15.2 per square meter, while in Marbella it is much higher at around €17.6 per square meter. The average property price in Málaga city is about €3,301 per square meter, whereas in Marbella, it is significantly more at around €5,071 per square meter. The most expensive areas are concentrated along the western Costa del Sol, while more affordable options can be found in inland towns and on the eastern side of the coast.

Luxury and most expensive areas

• Marbella's "Golden Mile": This is arguably the most prestigious and expensive area in the entire province, known for its opulent villas and exclusive developments.
• La Zagaleta, Benahavís: An elite, private residential estate with multi-million-euro villas, offering exceptional privacy and amenities like private golf courses and an equestrian club.
• Sierra Blanca: A prestigious area in the hills above Marbella with large, luxury villas and panoramic sea views.
• Nueva Andalucía: Often referred to as "The Golf Valley," this area is west of Marbella and known for its high-end villas and apartments surrounding world-famous golf courses.

Affordable areas

• Inland Towns: Towns further away from the coast, such as Alameda, Antequera, and Villanueva de Algaidas, offer some of the most affordable property prices in the province. These areas provide a more traditional Andalusian lifestyle.
• Valle del Guadalhorce: This region, which includes towns like Coín and Alhaurín el Grande, offers a blend of rural charm and proximity to the coast at a more accessible price point.
• Eastern Costa del Sol (Axarquía): The towns on the eastern side of the province, such as Vélez-Málaga, Chilches, and Torre del Mar, generally have lower prices than their western counterparts. Nerja and Frigiliana are popular in this region, but they can be more expensive.

If you are considering buying property in the area, a valuable resource is our article on sea-view apartments for sale in Málaga. To understand the process, be sure to read our guide on how to buy a property in Spain as a foreigner.

Working in Málaga: Job opportunities and remote work

While job opportunities in some sectors can be limited, Málaga is experiencing significant growth in the technology and tourism industries. The city of Málaga is a burgeoning tech hub, attracting a growing number of companies and professional talent. It is home to the Parque Tecnológico de Andalucía, a large technology park. For remote workers, Málaga is an ideal location due to its excellent climate and high quality of life.

The recent Spanish Digital Nomad Visa has made it easier for non-EU/EEA nationals to live and work in Spain for up to five years, provided they meet the minimum monthly income requirement (around €2,400). For more information on this topic, you can read our guide on how to work remotely from Spain as a digital nomad.

Healthcare in Málaga: Public and private hospitals

Spain has an excellent public healthcare system, which is available to residents who are contributing to the Spanish social security system. The Costa del Sol also offers a wide range of private healthcare options, which are popular among expats due to their shorter waiting times and bilingual staff.

Public hospitals

The public healthcare system in Málaga province is robust, with several major hospitals serving the population.

• Hospital Costa del Sol (Marbella): Located just east of Marbella, this is one of the most well-known public hospitals in the area. It is a large, general hospital and is highly respected throughout Spain and Europe, with a 24/7 emergency department. It's also recognised for its excellence in maternity and child care.
• Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga: This is a major public hospital in Málaga city, encompassing several specialised centres, including a General Hospital, a Maternal and Child Hospital (Hospital Materno-Infantil).
• Hospital Universitario Virgen de la Victoria (Málaga): Also in Málaga city, this is another key public hospital providing a wide range of medical services.
• Hospital de Alta Resolución de Benalmádena: A public hospital located in Benalmádena, offering high-resolution diagnostics and day-surgery procedures.
• Hospital de Alta Resolución de Estepona: A recently opened public hospital in Estepona that helps to reduce pressure on the Costa del Sol Hospital and serves the western side of the region.

Private hospitals

For those with private health insurance or who prefer to pay for services, there are numerous private hospitals known for their state-of-the-art facilities and multilingual staff.

• Hospital Quirónsalud Marbella: Part of a leading private hospital group, this hospital is located in the heart of Marbella and offers a wide range of specialities, including surgery, cardiology, oncology, and reproductive medicine. It has a 24/7 emergency service and is well-equipped with advanced diagnostic tools.
• HC Marbella International Hospital: A private facility located near Puerto Banús, known for its focus on oncology, with a strong emphasis on personalised medicine, advanced diagnostics, and research.
• Vithas Xanit International Hospital (Benalmádena): This is one of the leading private hospitals on the Costa del Sol. It is accredited by Joint Commission International, a prestigious healthcare accreditation body. It offers over 40 medical and surgical specialities and has a strong focus on cancer and heart care.
• Hospital Ochoa (Marbella): Situated on Marbella's promenade, this hospital has a wide range of specialities and is a well-established private healthcare provider.
• Quirónsalud Málaga Hospital: This private hospital in Málaga city is a leader in paediatrics and neonatology, gynaecology and obstetrics, and assisted reproduction. It has an adult and a neonatal ICU and a wide range of specialities.

For a comprehensive breakdown of the healthcare system, read our articles on navigating Spain's national healthcare system and healthcare for expat retirees.

International and bilingual schools in Málaga province

For families with children, the Costa del Sol has numerous reputable international schools, many of which follow the British curriculum. These schools are highly concentrated on the western side of the province, in and around the areas of Málaga city, Benalmádena, Marbella, and Estepona. It is recommended to visit schools and seek feedback from other parents before making a decision.

Here are some of the most some of the most prominent and well-regarded international schools in the Málaga province:

Málaga City

• The British School of Málaga: This school provides a British education from ages 3 to 18 and is the only all-through British school in Málaga city. It is part of the International Schools Partnership (ISP).
• Lycée Français International de Málaga: Situated in Málaga city, this school provides a French curriculum for families who want a Francophone education for their children.
• MIT School Málaga: A private bilingual school in Málaga city that offers a unique curriculum combining the Spanish system with a strong emphasis on technology, languages (including English, Chinese, German, and French), and sports.

Marbella/San Pedro/Nueva Andalucía

• Aloha College Marbella: Located in Nueva Andalucía, this is a well-established and highly-regarded bilingual school offering the British curriculum and the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme.
• The English International College (EIC): One of the longest-established schools in the area, the EIC is in Marbella and follows the British curriculum, with a strong record of students progressing to top universities worldwide.
• Laude San Pedro International College: Located in San Pedro de Alcántara, this school offers a comprehensive British curriculum, including the International Primary Curriculum, GCSEs, and A-Levels, and also gives students the option to follow the Spanish ESO and Bachillerato programs.
• Swans International School: With two campuses in Marbella (one for primary and one for secondary), Swans offers a blend of the British curriculum with elements of the Spanish educational system, with a strong focus on languages and achieving high academic standards.
• Svenska Skolan Marbella: A Swedish curriculum school in Marbella catering mainly to Swedish-speaking children.
• Deutsche Schule Málaga: Located in Marbella, this school offers an education based on the German system, with a focus on both German and Spanish languages and culture.
• Colegio San José (Marbella Campus): This campus is known for its bilingual education, blending a strong academic focus with traditional values.

Estepona

• The International School Estepona: Located in the "New Golden Mile" area of Estepona, this school follows the British National Curriculum for children aged 2 to 12.
• Colegio San José (Estepona Campus): This campus is known for its bilingual education, blending a strong academic focus with traditional values.

Benalmádena

• The British College of Benalmádena: Situated in Benalmádena, this school offers the British curriculum from early years to pre-university.

Cártama

• Novaschool Sunland International: Located in Cártama, this school follows the British curriculum while also meeting the requirements of the Spanish Ministry, enabling students to obtain a dual British and Spanish diploma.

Getting around: Public transport on the Costa del Sol

Public transport in Málaga and on the Costa del Sol is affordable and efficient. Málaga city has a good bus and metro system, with a monthly pass costing around €25. For travel along the Costa del Sol, the commuter train line (C1) connects Málaga city to Torremolinos, Benalmádena, and Fuengirola. This same line also provides a direct link to and from Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP), with a journey time of just 12 minutes to the city centre and a fare of around €1.80.

However, the train network does not extend to other popular destinations like Marbella or Estepona. To reach these areas from the airport, the most convenient public transport option is a direct bus service operated by companies like Avanza. These buses offer direct routes from the airport to both Marbella and Estepona, with a journey to Marbella taking approximately 45-60 minutes and to Estepona around 70 minutes. Alternatively, a taxi or private car transfer is available, providing a door-to-door service and a faster journey time.

Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP) is a major travel hub, serving 158 non-stop destinations in 37 countries. On average, there are over 230 passenger flights scheduled to take off from the airport every day. It is a key gateway to Europe, with the highest volume of passengers travelling to and from the United Kingdom, followed by other European destinations. The airport is a base for several major airlines, including Ryanair, Vueling, and easyJet, which operate a high frequency of flights to popular locations such as London, Amsterdam, and Paris.

Climate in Málaga and the Costa del Sol

The Costa del Sol is blessed with a subtropical-Mediterranean climate. It lives up to its name ("Coast of the Sun") with over 300 days of sunshine a year. Summers are hot but often moderated by a sea breeze, while winters are exceptionally mild, with average daytime temperatures around 17-18°C. This wonderful climate is a key reason for the high quality of life in this part of Spain.

Things to do on the Costa del Sol

The Costa del Sol truly lives up to its name, offering endless things to do for every interest. The city of Málaga is a cultural hub, home to a wealth of museums, including the Picasso Museum, the Carmen Thyssen Museum, and the Pompidou Centre. Beyond the city, the province's stunning landscapes are yours to explore, from the dramatic gorges of El Caminito del Rey to the picturesque, white-washed villages. The warm climate makes a range of outdoor activities possible year-round, including hiking, cycling, and, of course, water sports along the coast.

Beaches

The coastline offers a diverse range of beaches, each with its own character. For a lively atmosphere, visit La Malagueta in Málaga city, which is easily accessible and lined with chiringuitos (beach bars). Playa del Cristo in Estepona is a sheltered cove with calm waters, making it perfect for families. If you're looking for natural beauty and a more tranquil setting, Playa de Cabopino in Marbella stands out with its protected dunes and pristine sands. Further east, in Nerja, Playa Burriana is a popular choice for its golden sand and excellent amenities.

Hiking routes

The inland areas of Málaga province are a hiker's paradise, with trails for all skill levels.

• El Caminito del Rey: Once considered the "most dangerous path in the world," this iconic trail has been completely restored and is now a safe and spectacular experience. It takes you through breathtaking gorges on walkways suspended over 100 meters high.
• La Concha: For a more challenging hike, this trail near Marbella leads to the summit of La Concha mountain, offering panoramic views of the entire Costa del Sol and, on a clear day, the coast of Africa and Gibraltar.
• Río Chillar: Located near Nerja, this is a unique and popular "river walk" where you hike upstream in the cool waters, navigating small waterfalls and pools. It's an excellent choice for a hot summer day.
• El Torcal de Antequera: This stunning natural park is famous for its unique limestone formations that have been eroded into bizarre and beautiful shapes. There are several well-marked hiking paths that wind through this geological wonder.

Golf courses

Málaga is often called the "Costa del Golf" due to its high concentration of world-class golf courses.

• Valderrama Golf Club: Located in Sotogrande, this course is considered one of the best in Europe and has hosted the Ryder Cup. It's known for its immaculate fairways and challenging layout.
• Finca Cortesín Golf Club: A prestigious course in Casares, it is consistently ranked among the top courses in Spain and has hosted the Volvo World Match Play Championship.
• Real Club de Golf Las Brisas: Situated in Marbella's Golf Valley, this course is highly regarded for its beautiful design and prestigious history.
• La Cala Golf Resort: Located in Mijas, this is one of the largest golf resorts in Europe, featuring three championship courses and a golf academy, catering to players of all abilities.

Festivals

The local culture in Málaga is deeply rooted in Andalusian traditions. The province is renowned for its numerous festivals, with some of the most notable being the Holy Week processions and the vibrant Málaga Fair in August, a ten-day celebration featuring music, dance, and food. The city also has a rich gastronomic scene and a wide array of cultural spots like the Teatro Cervantes.

Visas for expats in Málaga

For non-EU/EEA citizens, Spain offers several visa options for those looking to move. The Non-Lucrative Visa is for those who are financially independent, while the Work Visa is for those who have a job offer from a Spanish company. The most recent option is the Digital Nomad Visa, designed for remote workers and freelancers. A crucial part of the visa process is getting a Foreign Identity Number (NIE). A professional international moving company or a legal consultant can be a huge help in navigating this complex process.

For a detailed look at the different visa options, check out our article on work visas for Spain. Additionally, learn about the vital NIE number and how to get one.

Professional international moving

Moving to Spain, especially from another country, can be a complex process. A professional international moving service can be a huge asset in ensuring a smooth transition. Companies with experience in the region can handle everything from packing and transport to customs and setting up your new home in Málaga. The companies listed below have a proven track record of handling moves to the Costa del Sol from the UK, Germany, Sweden, France, and the Netherlands as well as many other countries:

1. Matthew James Removals: This company is a top choice for expats from the UK, which is the largest expat group in the region. They are a British-owned company with a significant and established depot in Mijas on the Costa del Sol. They are renowned for their expertise in handling the complexities of post-Brexit moves and offer a range of services from full-house moves to part-loads.
2. Britannia Southern: As the local representative of the Britannia Movers International group, this company has a long history and deep local knowledge of the Málaga province. With their office and warehouse in Mijas Costa, they provide a full range of removal and storage services and are a highly reputable option, especially for British expats.
3. Wisse Moving: This company is particularly important for expats from the Netherlands, Sweden, and other Scandinavian countries. They have a strong physical presence in Málaga and Marbella and are known for their personalised service, with a dedicated move manager for each client. They have specialised expertise in routes between Spain and the Netherlands, as well as regular part-load services to Scandinavia.
4. White & Company: As a major player in the international moving industry and a member of the British Association of Removers, White & Company is a reliable choice for expats from the UK and beyond. Their extensive network of depots and a long-standing reputation for quality service make them a trusted option for moves to Málaga.
5. St George's European Removals: This company is a strong option for expats from a variety of European countries, including the UK, Germany, Portugal and France. They specialise in removals between these locations and Spain, with their own storage facilities in both regions. Their focus on weekly services and in-house expertise on customs procedures makes them a reliable and professional choice.
6. Arsa Transport: This company specialises in moving services from all over the Netherlands, Switzerland, Germany and France to Spain's main destinations, including Málaga. They offer door-to-door services and cater to both small and large moves, making them a solid choice for expats, especially from the Netherlands.

For a detailed breakdown of the associated costs, read our complete guide to the costs of moving to Spain.

We hope this guide provides a useful starting point for anyone considering a life in Málaga and on the Costa del Sol. The blend of beautiful coastal Spain, rich culture, and excellent climate makes it an incredible place for a new life. To continue your journey and find out more about moving, living, and buying property in Spain, explore our extensive library of guides and articles.