Best Costa Blanca Towns for American Retirees 2026: Save 50% on Living Costs

Why American Retirees Are Flocking to Costa Blanca

Over 50,000 Americans are now officially registered as residents in Spain, and that number has surged 255% since 2019, according to Spain's Registradores de España. But here's the detail most retirement guides miss: the fastest-growing segment isn't young digital nomads—it's American retirees aged 55+ choosing Costa Blanca over Florida, Arizona, and the Carolinas.

The math is compelling. A retired couple spending $5,000 per month in the US can live the same lifestyle for $2,300-$2,700 on Costa Blanca—with better weather, world-class healthcare at a fraction of American costs, and 325 sunny days per year. That's not downsizing. That's upgrading.

At Casa Rica Estate, we specialize in matching American retirees with their ideal Costa Blanca town. Not every town suits every retiree. Some want golf and quiet. Others want cafes and culture. This guide ranks all six top towns by what actually matters to American retirees: healthcare access, cost of living, community, and quality of life.

Costa Blanca vs Popular US Retirement Destinations

Before we dive into individual towns, let's address the question every American retiree asks: how does Costa Blanca actually compare to retiring in the US?

Factor	Costa Blanca, Spain	Florida	Arizona
Monthly cost of living (couple)	$2,300-$2,700	$4,500-$6,000	$3,800-$5,000
Health insurance (per person)	$120-$250/mo	$500-$1,500/mo	$500-$1,200/mo
Sunny days per year	325	237	299
Average January temperature	55°F / 13°C	63°F / 17°C	55°F / 13°C
Average July temperature	84°F / 29°C	90°F / 32°C	106°F / 41°C
Property tax (annual)	0.3-0.5% of value	0.8-1.2%	0.6-0.8%
Crime rate	Very Low	Moderate	Moderate
Walkability	Excellent	Car-dependent	Car-dependent
Cultural richness	Historic Mediterranean	Resort/suburban	Desert/suburban

Key insight: Costa Blanca doesn't just save you money—it gives you a walkable, culturally rich lifestyle that most American retirement destinations simply can't match. You'll walk to the bakery in the morning, have lunch overlooking the Mediterranean, and never shovel snow again.

The 6 Best Costa Blanca Towns for American Retirees — Ranked

We've ranked these towns based on five criteria that matter most to American retirees: healthcare access, cost of living, expat community size, lifestyle amenities, and property value. Each town suits a different type of retiree.

1. Javea (Xàbia) — Best Overall for American Retirees

Population: 30,000 | Foreign residents: 47% | Airport: 90 min to Alicante

Javea consistently tops expat retirement rankings, and for good reason. This sophisticated town offers three distinct living zones—a historic old town with cobblestone streets, a vibrant working port with seafood restaurants, and the modern Arenal beach area with a boardwalk that feels almost Californian.

Why retirees choose Javea:

• Healthcare: Centro de Salud Javea plus multiple English-speaking GP practices (Medcare Spain network). Hospital Marina Salud in nearby Denia (20 min)
• Community: Large, established English-speaking community. Active social clubs, bridge groups, hiking clubs, and volunteer organizations
• Lifestyle: Arenal Beach walkability, Montgo Natural Park for hiking, Xabia International College for grandchildren visits
• Golf: Club de Golf Javea (9 holes) plus La Sella Golf Resort (27 holes) in nearby Denia

Property prices (2026):

• 2-bed apartment: €220,000-€450,000 ($240,000-$490,000)
• 3-bed villa with pool: €450,000-€900,000 ($490,000-$980,000)
• Luxury villa: €900,000+ ($980,000+)

Best for: Active, social retirees who want variety—beach, culture, and nature in one town. Comparable to Carmel-by-the-Sea, California, but at 60% of the cost.

📖 Read our complete Javea Property Guide 2026

2. Altea — Best for Culture and Arts Lovers

Population: 22,000 | Foreign residents: 35% | Airport: 55 min to Alicante

If you fell in love with Santa Fe, New Mexico, or Savannah, Georgia, you'll understand Altea instantly. This whitewashed hilltop town crowned by a blue-domed church is Costa Blanca's cultural capital—home to 50+ art galleries, a Fine Arts faculty, and a creative energy you can feel walking its cobblestone streets.

Why retirees choose Altea:

• Healthcare: Clinica Benidorm branch in town, plus IMED Levante hospital in Benidorm (15 min)—one of Costa Blanca's best private hospitals with full English-speaking staff
• Community: Bohemian, international mix—Scandinavians, Germans, British, and a growing American presence. Less "expat bubble," more integrated living
• Lifestyle: Weekly art markets, outdoor concerts in summer, excellent restaurants. Altea Old Town is entirely pedestrian—no cars, just atmosphere
• Golf: Don Cayo Golf Club in Altea la Vella (9 holes) with panoramic mountain and sea views

Property prices (2026):

• 2-bed apartment: €180,000-€450,000 ($196,000-$490,000)
• Old Town townhouse: €200,000-€800,000 ($218,000-$870,000)
• Villa with views: €450,000-€1,000,000 ($490,000-$1,090,000)

Best for: Creative retirees who value authenticity over convenience. Painters, writers, foodies, and anyone who wants their retirement to feel like a permanent European vacation.

📖 Read our complete Altea Property Guide

3. Moraira — Best for Luxury and Privacy

Population: 14,000 | Foreign residents: 56.5% | Airport: 85 min to Alicante

Moraira is Costa Blanca's answer to Nantucket or Palm Beach—exclusive, understated, and quietly expensive. This former fishing village has become one of Spain's most prestigious residential areas, where 56.5% of residents are foreign nationals—the highest percentage of any major Costa Blanca town.

Why retirees choose Moraira:

• Healthcare: Centro de Salud Teulada-Moraira, plus quick access to Denia's Hospital Marina Salud (25 min) and Benidorm's IMED Levante (30 min)
• Community: Wealthy, international community. English widely spoken everywhere. Weekly Friday market is a social highlight
• Lifestyle: El Portet beach (crystal-clear cove), upscale boutique shopping, Michelin-quality restaurants. Deliberately low-rise—no high-rises allowed
• Golf: Club de Golf Ifach (9 holes, est. 1974) with views of Penon de Ifach

Property prices (2026):

• 2-bed apartment: €250,000-€500,000 ($272,000-$545,000)
• 3-bed villa with pool: €500,000-€1,200,000 ($545,000-$1,305,000)
• Luxury seafront villa: €1,200,000-€5,000,000 ($1,305,000-$5,450,000)

Best for: Retirees with a generous budget who want privacy, exclusivity, and an intimate village atmosphere. If your idea of retirement involves a villa with sea views and morning walks to a pristine beach, Moraira is your town.

📖 Read our complete Moraira Property Guide 2026

4. Calpe — Best Value for Active Retirees

Population: 27,614 | Foreign residents: 53.1% | Airport: 65 min to Alicante

Calpe holds a unique distinction: it's the only town in Spain with a population over 20,000 where foreigners outnumber locals (53.1%, per INE 2024). Dominated by the iconic Penon de Ifach—a 332-meter limestone rock rising from the sea—Calpe offers the best price-to-lifestyle ratio on Costa Blanca.

Why retirees choose Calpe:

• Healthcare: Centro de Salud Calpe with English-speaking staff. IMED Levante hospital in Benidorm (25 min). Multiple private English-speaking clinics in town
• Community: The most internationally diverse town on Costa Blanca—53% foreign residents from 100+ nationalities. You'll never feel like an outsider
• Lifestyle: Two Blue Flag beaches, 7 km seaside promenade, weekly markets, active cycling and hiking community around Penon de Ifach
• Golf: Multiple courses within 20-30 minute drive (Ifach Golf, La Sella, Don Cayo)

Property prices (2026):

• 2-bed apartment: €130,000-€350,000 ($142,000-$381,000)
• 3-bed villa with pool: €350,000-€800,000 ($381,000-$870,000)
• Beachfront apartment: €180,000-€600,000 ($196,000-$653,000)

Best for: Active retirees on a moderate budget who want a cosmopolitan atmosphere. If you're looking for the most retirement lifestyle per dollar, Calpe delivers—with property prices 30-40% below Javea and Moraira.

📖 Read our complete Calpe Property Guide 2026

5. Denia — Best for Food Lovers and Island Hoppers

Population: 45,893 | Foreign residents: 26.9% | Airport: 95 min to Alicante, 100 min to Valencia

Denia holds a title no other Costa Blanca town can claim: UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy. This historic port city at the northern tip of Costa Blanca serves as the gateway to the Balearic Islands, with ferries to Ibiza and Mallorca departing daily (2-3 hours). It's the town for retirees who love good food, history, and spontaneous island trips.

Why retirees choose Denia:

• Healthcare: Hospital Marina Salud—the best-equipped public hospital on northern Costa Blanca, with full English-speaking staff. Also HCB Hospital Denia (private, multilingual: EN, DE, NL, Norwegian)
• Community: More Spanish character than other towns (73% Spanish residents). Ideal for retirees who want immersion, not an expat bubble
• Lifestyle: Michelin-starred restaurants (Quique Dacosta), Denia Castle, Las Marinas beaches stretching 20 km. Ferry to Ibiza for weekend trips
• Golf: La Sella Golf Resort (27 holes, 5-star hotel) just 15 minutes inland. Oliva Nova Golf (18 holes, Seve Ballesteros design) 20 minutes north

Property prices (2026):

• 2-bed apartment: €150,000-€380,000 ($163,000-$414,000)
• 3-bed villa with pool: €380,000-€900,000 ($414,000-$980,000)
• Historic centre townhouse: €180,000-€600,000 ($196,000-$653,000)

Best for: Foodies, history buffs, and independent-minded retirees who want the most "real Spain" experience on Costa Blanca. If you dream of morning coffee in a castle's shadow and afternoon ferry to Ibiza, Denia is your answer.

📖 Read our complete Denia Property Guide 2026

6. Benidorm — Best Budget-Friendly Option

Population: 72,000 | Foreign residents: 35% | Airport: 45 min to Alicante

Forget what you've heard. Yes, Benidorm has high-rises and a party reputation—but it also has the best infrastructure, the lowest prices, and the most convenient access of any Costa Blanca town. For American retirees watching their budget, Benidorm delivers a remarkably high quality of life at remarkably low cost.

Why retirees choose Benidorm:

• Healthcare: IMED Levante—one of Costa Blanca's top private hospitals with English, German, and Dutch-speaking departments. Also HCB Hospitales Benidorm. The best medical infrastructure on the coast
• Community: Massive British community, growing international mix. Endless social activities, clubs, and events year-round. You'll never be bored or lonely
• Lifestyle: Two 3-km beaches, Terra Mitica theme park, 60+ shows nightly in entertainment venues, modern tram connecting to Alicante
• Golf: Melia Villaitana (36 holes—two courses), Asia Gardens golf. The best golf infrastructure on Costa Blanca

Property prices (2026):

• 1-bed apartment: €80,000-€180,000 ($87,000-$196,000)
• 2-bed apartment: €120,000-€350,000 ($131,000-$381,000)
• Penthouse with sea views: €250,000-€800,000 ($272,000-$870,000)

Best for: Budget-conscious retirees who want maximum amenities and social life. If you're coming from a city and don't want rural isolation, Benidorm gives you urban energy with beach lifestyle at the lowest entry price on Costa Blanca.

📖 Read our complete Benidorm Property Guide 2026

Town Comparison: At a Glance

Town	Best For	2-Bed Apt From	Expat %	Hospital Nearby	Vibe
Javea	Overall best	$240K	47%	20 min	Sophisticated
Altea	Arts & culture	$196K	35%	15 min	Bohemian
Moraira	Luxury & privacy	$272K	56.5%	25 min	Exclusive
Calpe	Best value	$142K	53.1%	25 min	Cosmopolitan
Denia	Food & culture	$163K	26.9%	In town	Authentic Spanish
Benidorm	Budget & social	$87K	35%	In town	Urban beach

Healthcare for American Retirees in Spain

This is usually the first concern—and rightfully so. Medicare does not cover you outside the United States. Here's what you need to know:

Private Health Insurance (Required for Visa):

• Ages 55-65: €120-€200/month ($130-$218)
• Ages 65-70: €150-€250/month ($163-$272)
• Ages 70+: €200-€300/month ($218-$327)

Compare that to US health insurance premiums of $500-$1,500 per person per month before Medicare. Even after Medicare at 65, supplemental coverage plus out-of-pocket costs in the US often exceed Spanish private insurance costs.

What you get in Spain:

• Spain ranks top 10 globally for healthcare quality (WHO)
• Prescription medications cost 40-80% less than in the US
• No prior authorization battles with insurance companies
• English-speaking doctors available in all Costa Blanca towns
• Specialist appointments typically within 1-2 weeks (vs months in the US)

Key hospitals on Costa Blanca:

Hospital	Location	Type	Languages
Hospital Marina Salud	Denia	Public	EN, ES
HCB Hospital Denia	Denia	Private	EN, DE, NL, NO
IMED Levante	Benidorm	Private	EN, DE, NL
Hospital General	Alicante	Public	EN, ES

Important: Keep your Medicare enrollment active even while living abroad. You may return to the US for specialized care, and re-enrolling in Medicare after a gap incurs permanent penalties.

Visa Options for American Retirees

Spain's Golden Visa was discontinued in April 2025. But American retirees have two excellent alternatives:

Non-Lucrative Visa (Most Popular for Retirees)

This is the go-to visa for retired Americans. Requirements:

• Income: €28,800/year ($31,350) for one person, €36,000/year ($39,200) for a couple
• Health insurance: Private, full coverage, zero copay
• Criminal background check: Last 5 years
• Residency: Must live in Spain 183+ days per year
• Work: Not permitted (perfect for retirees)
• Duration: 1 year initial, renewable for 2-year periods
• Path to permanent residency: After 5 years

For most retired Americans, the income requirement is easily met by Social Security plus any pension or investment income. Your Social Security continues to be deposited into your US bank account regardless of where you live.

Digital Nomad Visa (For Semi-Retired Americans)

If you're not fully retired and still earn consulting or freelance income:

• Income: €36,288/year ($39,500) from non-Spanish sources
• Tax benefit: Flat 24% tax rate for 6 years (Beckham Law)
• Duration: 1 year visa + 3-year residence permit
• Work: Remote work for non-Spanish clients allowed

📖 Read our complete Retire to Spain from USA Guide 2026

Cost of Living Breakdown: Monthly Budget for Retirees

Expense	Costa Blanca (EUR)	Costa Blanca (USD)	US Equivalent
Rent (2-bed apartment)	€700-€1,000	$760-$1,090	$1,800-$2,500
Groceries (couple)	€400-€500	$435-$545	$700-$1,000
Dining out (8x/month)	€240-€320	$260-$350	$500-$800
Health insurance (couple)	€250-€500	$272-$545	$1,000-$3,000
Utilities (electric, water, gas)	€130-€180	$142-$196	$200-$400
Internet + mobile (2 lines)	€50-€70	$54-$76	$150-$250
Transportation	€50-€100	$54-$109	$300-$600
Entertainment & leisure	€200-€300	$218-$327	$300-$500
TOTAL (couple)	€2,020-€2,970	$2,200-$3,240	$4,950-$9,050

The bottom line: A retired American couple can live comfortably on Costa Blanca for $2,200-$3,200 per month—roughly what Social Security alone provides for many dual-income retirees. That leaves pensions, 401(k) withdrawals, and investment income as pure discretionary spending.

What About Taxes?

American retirees face unique tax considerations because the US taxes citizens worldwide. Key points:

• US filing obligation continues: You must file US taxes annually regardless of where you live
• FBAR/FATCA reporting: Required if your foreign bank accounts exceed $10,000 at any point during the year
• US-Spain Tax Treaty: Prevents double taxation on most income types
• Spanish income tax: Starts at 19% (vs US federal rates of 10-37%)
• Property tax (IBI): Only 0.3-0.5% of cadastral value—dramatically lower than US property taxes
• Social Security: Continues uninterrupted. Direct deposit to your US bank account

Our recommendation: Work with a tax advisor experienced in US-Spain dual taxation before making the move. The savings are real, but the compliance requirements are specific.

📖 Read our US Tax & FATCA Guide for Spain Property Owners

Practical Tips for American Retirees Moving to Costa Blanca

Before you move:

• Visit for 2-3 weeks in winter (January-February) to experience the "real" climate, not summer vacation weather
• Open a Spanish bank account early—you'll need it for the visa application
• Get your NIE (foreigner identification number)—the first step for any official transaction in Spain
• Research health insurance options while still in the US (Sanitas, Adeslas, and ASSSA are popular with expats)

After you arrive:

• Register on the Padrón (municipal census)—unlocks access to public services
• Get a local SIM card with Movistar or Orange (fiber internet from €30/month)
• Join expat groups on Facebook—every town has active American and English-speaking communities
• Learn basic Spanish—even 100 words transforms your experience. Costa Blanca has dozens of affordable Spanish schools

Climate: 325 Days of Sunshine

Costa Blanca's climate is arguably its strongest selling point for American retirees—especially those escaping harsh winters or extreme summer heat.

Month	Avg Temp	Sun Hours/Day	Rain Days
January	55°F / 13°C	7	4
April	66°F / 19°C	11	4
July	84°F / 29°C	13	0
October	72°F / 22°C	9	4

The Mediterranean climate means dry, warm summers and mild winters. You can eat outdoors from March through November. Winter days often reach 60-65°F (16-18°C)—perfect for golf, hiking, or simply enjoying a café terrace.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I collect Social Security while living in Spain?

Yes. Your Social Security benefits continue regardless of where you live. Payments are deposited into your US bank account on the regular schedule. You can then transfer funds to your Spanish account using services like Wise or OFX at better exchange rates than traditional banks.

Does Medicare work in Spain?

No. Medicare does not cover medical expenses outside the United States. You'll need private Spanish health insurance, which costs €100-€300 per month per person—significantly less than equivalent US coverage. Keep your Medicare enrollment active to avoid penalties if you return.

How much money do I need to retire in Costa Blanca?

For the Non-Lucrative Visa, you need to demonstrate €28,800/year income (single) or €36,000/year (couple). In practice, a comfortable retirement budget is €2,000-€3,000 per month for a couple. Many American retirees live well on Social Security alone.

Do I need to speak Spanish?

Not strictly necessary—English is widely spoken in all six towns, especially among businesses serving the expat community. However, learning basic Spanish significantly enriches your experience and is considered respectful. Most towns offer affordable Spanish classes for expats.

Can I drive with my US license?

For the first 6 months, yes. After establishing residency, you must obtain a Spanish driver's license. Spain does not have a reciprocal license exchange agreement with the US, so you'll need to pass the Spanish driving test (theory + practical). Many expat driving schools offer the course in English.

What about pets?

Spain is very pet-friendly. You'll need an EU pet passport, microchip, and up-to-date rabies vaccination. Most Costa Blanca towns have excellent veterinary clinics with English-speaking staff. Many restaurants and cafés welcome dogs on terraces.

Is Costa Blanca safe?

Extremely. Spain has one of the lowest violent crime rates in Europe. Costa Blanca's main safety concern is petty theft in tourist areas during summer—far less crime than comparable US retirement destinations. Most retirees report feeling safer here than in their American neighborhoods.

How do I get started?

Start with a property viewing trip. At Casa Rica Estate, we arrange personalized town tours matched to your retirement priorities—whether that's healthcare proximity, golf access, beachfront living, or cultural immersion. Contact us to plan your visit.

Your Next Step

Costa Blanca isn't just a place to retire—it's a place to live better. With 325 sunny days, world-class healthcare at a fraction of US costs, and property prices that let you upgrade your lifestyle rather than downsize it, the question isn't whether to retire here. It's which town suits you best.

Ready to explore? Browse our available properties or contact Casa Rica Estate for a personalized consultation. We'll help you find not just a property, but your perfect retirement town on Costa Blanca.