LIVING IN MARBELLA: PROS, CONS & BEST AREAS TO LIVE
Tucked on the sunny southern coast of Spain, Marbella blends Mediterranean charm with a cosmopolitan flair. The city sits about halfway between Málaga and Gibraltar, right on the Costa del Sol. About 150,000 people call it home these days, though that number swells during the summer. It’s a place where you might bump into Spanish retirees swapping stories in the old town, Swedish golfers eyeing up the fairways, and families from all over making the most of sunny playgrounds.
Marbella isn’t just swanky cars and beach clubs (though you’ll spot plenty of both)—there’s a surprisingly relaxed side, with lazy lunches, quiet neighbourhoods, and markets selling olives below the shade of the orange trees. If you’re thinking of living in Marbella, expect a mix of glitz and Andalusian rituals, where everyday life often happens outdoors under reliably bright blue skies.
Is Marbella a good place to live?
Marbella usually tops the list for anyone dreaming of a laid-back lifestyle with a bit of sparkle. For many, the appeal goes beyond the obvious—yes, the beaches are gorgeous and the weather borders on smug, but day-to-day life here can be as peaceful or as lively as you want. It’s a town that manages to feel both international and distinctly Andalusian, with markets tucked alongside designer shops, and tapas bars just steps from the yacht harbour.
Of course, Marbella isn’t the cheapest part of Spain, and summer does bring a fair share of traffic and tourists. But for many expats, retirees, or families, those are small trade-offs for warm winters, Costa del Sol's world-class golf courses, and the simple pleasure of having the Mediterranean on your doorstep.
Living in Marbella: pros and cons
Life in Marbella comes with its fair share of perks, as well as a few quirks that are worth keeping in mind.
Some of the pros of living in Marbella include:
- With 300-plus days of sunshine each year, it’s perfect for beach days, long walks along the promenade, or a round of golf whenever you fancy.
- You’ve got reliable healthcare, plenty of international schools for those raising a family, and decent public transport if you don’t fancy driving.
- There’s something going on all year, from food festivals and open-air concerts to flamenco nights in tucked-away bars.
- Safety is a big draw—most people feel comfortable out and about at all hours.
But, as with anywhere, there are a few downsides:
- Marbella’s cost of living is a step up compared to much of Spain, especially when it comes to property or a night out in the posher parts of town.
- Summer brings crowds. You’ll notice the roads fill up, beach space shrinks, and getting a table at your favourite spot can take a bit of luck or local know-how.
Best places to live in Marbella: property market
Choosing where to live in Marbella really comes down to what you’re after. You may be looking for a spot in the thick of things, quiet streets with mountain views, somewhere handy for the school run, or a place in Marbella's most exclusive neighbourhoods.
The luxury property market in Marbella is growing, bringing many international developers. Even Rafael Nadal is investing in luxury homes along the Costa del Sol.
The town’s packed with neighbourhoods that each have their own local vibe and mix of residents, from the old-town regulars to international families up in the hills.
Puerto Banús
Puerto Banús is all about the marina, where you’ll spot superyachts, sports cars and no shortage of people-watching opportunities. It’s the place for anyone who likes their days busy and their nights even busier. You'll spot designer boutiques, champagne bars, and every international cuisine you can imagine. The buzz doesn’t let up, especially in summer, so if you want to be at the heart of Marbella’s glitz, this is as lively as it gets.
Sierra Blanca
Sierra Blanca sits quietly above the town, tucked into the lower slopes of La Concha with sweeping views right down to the sea. It’s the go-to for anyone after a bit of peace and privacy. Here it’s all about grand villas, leafy streets, and no crowds to worry about. There’s a real sense of calm and security, with gated communities and hardly any through traffic. You’re only a short drive away from Marbella’s bustle, but up here, the atmosphere is far more relaxed, and mornings tend to start with birdsong rather than car horns.
Nueva Andalucía
Nueva Andalucía is a favourite with families and golf lovers, sitting just inland from the marina but feeling far more laid back. It’s home to several top-notch golf courses and plenty of green space, so you’re never short of somewhere to stretch your legs or practise your swing. Daily life here is pretty straightforward. There are international schools close by, handy shops, and a good choice of cafés and restaurants. It’s the sort of place where neighbours actually say hello and you can dip into the busy side of Marbella when you fancy, then retreat to quieter streets when you don’t.
Old Town
Marbella’s Old Town is full of narrow, winding streets, whitewashed buildings, and pretty squares shaded by orange trees—proper classic Andalusia. You’ll have markets selling fresh produce just around the corner, family-run shops, and endless tapas spots where the food never feels rushed. Life moves at a gentler pace here, with neighbours chatting on doorsteps and evenings spent in lively plazas.
Elviria
Elviria sits just a bit east of the main buzz of Marbella and has a real reputation for its gorgeous, uncrowded beaches. There’s a proper mix of homes here too, from apartments to spacious villas, so it suits different tastes and budgets. The area’s got a relaxed, residential feel but still offers plenty in the way of shops, cafés, and some handy schools, meaning it works well for both families and those after a quieter, coastal lifestyle. You get that nice balance—close enough to Marbella when you want a bit more buzz, but far enough that you can really unwind at the end of the day.
Cost of living: is Marbella expensive?
Marbella does carry that “high-end” tag, and there’s no getting around the fact that everyday costs can be steeper here than in much of Spain, especially if you’re comparing it to less touristy spots on the coast. To live comfortably in Spain, you're looking at needing at least €1,500 per month; however, in Marbella, this goes up to €2,500 per month. That said, there are options to suit most budgets if you know where to look.
Housing is the big one for most people’s budgets. According to the latest data, the average price to buy a place in Marbella sits around €5,162 per m² as of May 2025. Renting can also be on the pricier side for Spain, with long-term rents averaging roughly €19.1 per m². So, a two-bedroom flat in the centre will likely set you back anywhere from €1,500 per month, or more if you go for something upscale.
When it comes to food, you’ve got local supermarkets and fresh produce markets that help you keep costs down—think about €50–€70 per week for basics if you shop smart. Eating out can swing from a simple menu del día at €15 a head to wallet-busting dinners on the harbour, depending on how splashy you feel.
Public transport in Marbella is workable but by no means extensive—buses run up and down the main stretch, and a monthly pass will cost you about €70. Most locals end up relying on their own cars, so it’s worth factoring in fuel and parking if you’re settling in for the long haul.
Living and working in Marbella
Living and working in Marbella isn’t just about sunshine and palm trees (though you get plenty of both). It’s also a proper draw for anyone keen on career opportunities, especially if you fancy something a bit international.
The service sector is huge, so jobs in hospitality, tourism, and retail are usually the most in-demand. If you’re more business-minded, Marbella’s reputation as a hub for startups and fresh companies means you’ll hear more languages in a co-working space than you’d expect for a coastal town. The city is especially focused on tech, digital marketing, and property.
People from just about everywhere settle in Marbella, which means networking, business connections, and finding collaborators are a bit easier than in smaller Spanish towns.
Work-life balance is something Marbella genuinely nails. The climate means outdoor lunches, post-work swims, or a kickabout on the beach aren’t out of the question, most months. The local food scene, sporting facilities, and steady calendar of events help make downtime count, so overtired workaholics don’t tend to stick around for long.
Living in Marbella as an expat
Marbella’s long been a haven for expats—so you’ll find yourself rubbing shoulders with folks from all over Europe and beyond. That means it’s pretty straightforward to settle in, with plenty of English spoken in shops, cafes, and even at the town hall.
On the social side, bars like The Claddagh Bar are popular hangouts for expats wanting that off-duty pint, while Arco Tapas Bar is a go-to for relaxed meals and friendly service. There are loads of international meetups, sports clubs, and cultural groups dotted around, so making mates (and getting practical tips for life admin) isn’t too tricky. While it’s tempting to stick to the familiar, joining in with Spanish customs—like long lunches, evening strolls along the paseo, or learning a bit of local lingo—makes the experience miles more rewarding.
Living in Marbella with kids
There’s a real family-friendly vibe—think well-kept playgrounds, plenty of green space, and beaches where kids are genuinely welcome. You’ll find a good mix of public, private, and international schools, including options like Swans International School and Aloha College. Most family life here happens outdoors, from weekend walks in the hills to after-school ice creams along the beach. While summers do get busy, and traffic can spike around school drop-off, most parents reckon the warm community and easy access to activities make day-to-day life more relaxed than in many bigger cities.
Moving to Marbella
Sorting out a move to Marbella is less daunting if you get ahead of the paperwork. Make sure you tick off essentials like getting your NIE (foreigner’s number), opening a local bank account, and sorting out health insurance if you’re not covered through work.
The rental market can get competitive, especially before summer, so it’s wise to start your property search early and be ready with references. Getting the lay of the land by visiting different neighbourhoods pays off, as each patch has its own character and quirks.
Don’t be shy about picking up some Spanish, even if you hear plenty of English around; it’ll go a long way with locals and in day-to-day life. Finally, once you land, dive into local meetups, clubs or classes as making the effort to connect will help you feel at home faster and get under the skin of Andalusian life.
2025-06-20T09:30:34Z
