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Alicante
Spain
Featured Destination
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The Story
Overview
Alicante is a historic Mediterranean port city in Spain's Valencian Community. It is known for its vibrant mix of culture, beautiful beaches, and warm climate, which makes it a popular destination for tourists and expats alike. The city has a rich history, with roots going back to ancient Greece and Carthage, and has evolved over the centuries to become a modern, bustling hub while maintaining its historic charm. For expats, Alicante offers a relaxed lifestyle with easy access to cultural activities, excellent healthcare, and a reasonable cost of living compared to other European cities. With its mild winters and hot summers, it's an attractive destination for those seeking a warm climate year-round. The city has a well-established infrastructure and is well-connected to the rest of Spain and Europe through its airport, railway, and ferry services.
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Location & Geography
At a Glance
Quick Facts
Climate
Hot Semi-Arid
Monthly Cost of Living
$1470 USD
Healthcare
Well-developed healthcare system with public and private options available
Expat Community
Thriving, especially among retirees from Northern Europe
English Prevalence
Fairly common, particularly in tourist and expat areas
Infrastructure
Modern infrastructure with efficient transportation, good internet, and reliable utilities
Lifestyle
A vibrant mix of Mediterranean coastal living, historical richness, and modern amenities
Crime Rate
Low to moderate levels of crime
Discover More About Spain
Explore comprehensive insights about living in Spain, from visa requirements and healthcare systems to cultural nuances and lifestyle opportunities.
Quality of Life in Spain
Below you'll find key quality of life metrics comparing Spain to the United States. All metrics are normalized to a 0-100 scale for easy comparison. Green arrows (↑) indicate better performance than the US, while red arrows (↓) indicate worse performance.
Understanding the Metrics
Quality of Life Index: Overall score combining all factors. Higher scores indicate better living conditions.
Purchasing Power: How much you can buy with your money. Higher scores mean better purchasing power.
Safety Index: Level of safety and security. Higher scores indicate safer conditions.
Healthcare Index: Quality and accessibility of healthcare. Higher scores mean better healthcare systems.
Cost of Living Index: Cost of goods and services. Lower scores indicate more affordable living costs.
Property Price to Income Ratio: Housing affordability ratio. Lower scores mean more affordable housing relative to income.
Traffic Commute Time Index: Average commute times. Lower scores indicate better traffic conditions.
Pollution Index: Environmental pollution levels. Lower scores mean cleaner environment.
Climate Index: Climate comfort rating. Higher scores indicate more favorable weather conditions.
Quality of Life
78.2
Purchasing Power
47.3
Safety Index
65.9
Healthcare Index
80.3
Cost of Living Index
34.6
Property Price To Income Ratio
14.9
Traffic Commute Time Index
12.7
Pollution Index
30.3
Climate Index
89.8
Financial Overview
Cost of Living
Monthly Estimate
USD 1,470
Rent
USD 963
- 1-bedroom apartment in city center
Utilities
USD 120
- Electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage
Internet
USD 31
- Monthly broadband connection
Dining Out
USD 44
- Mid-range restaurant meal for two people
Safety & Security
Safety Overview
Relatively safe city
Crime Overview
Common Incidents
Petty theft and pickpocketing in tourist areas
Safe Areas
Most neighborhoods are safe for residents
Safety Precautions
Standard urban safety awareness recommended
Emergency Numbers
Police
911
Ambulance
911
Fire
911
Medical Care
Healthcare
Healthcare System
System Type
Public and private healthcare options available
Quality Level
High-quality medical services with English-speaking professionals
Medical Facilities
Available Facilities
Access
Universal public healthcare for residents, affordable private options
Weather & Seasons
Climate
Alicante enjoys a hot semi-arid climate with mild winters and hot, humid summers. The city sees minimal rainfall, concentrated in September and October. The average annual temperature hovers around 18°C (64°F), with winter lows rarely dropping below 7°C (45°F) and summer highs reaching up to 32°C (90°F). With over 2,850 hours of sunshine each year, it is one of the sunniest cities in Europe.
Best Time to Visit
Contact us for detailed seasonal information
Unlock premium insights including weather trends and monthly averages
Communication
Language
English Proficiency
Spanish is primary, Valencian widely spoken, English common in tourist areas
What Does This Mean?
Languages
Learning Difficulty
Expected learning time: 24 weeks (600 hours)
Based on FSI (Foreign Service Institute) language difficulty ratings
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Embracing Your New Home
Getting Comfortable in a New Culture
Alicante is a historic Mediterranean port city in Spain's Valencian Community. It is known for its vibrant mix of culture, beautiful beaches, and warm climate, which makes it a popular destination for tourists and expats alike. The city has a rich history, with roots going back to ancient Greece and Carthage, and has evolved over the centuries to become a modern, bustling hub while maintaining its historic charm. For expats, Alicante offers a relaxed lifestyle with easy access to cultural activities, excellent healthcare, and a reasonable cost of living compared to other European cities. With its mild winters and hot summers, it's an attractive destination for those seeking a warm climate year-round. The city has a well-established infrastructure and is well-connected to the rest of Spain and Europe through its airport, railway, and ferry services.
Making the Transition Easier
Common Challenges
Adapting to Mediterranean pace of life, siesta culture
Helpful Tips
- Learning basic Spanish recommended
Understanding Local Life
Emphasis on socializing and family life
Community
Expat Life
Demographics
Main Nationalities
Community Life
Popular Activities
- Active social clubs and community events
Your American Community in Spain
Join local meetups and Facebook groups in your area
Essential Services
Infrastructure
High-quality public services and facilities
Connectivity
Internet Service
High-quality public services and facilities
Average Speed: Contact us for details
Mobile Coverage
Good
Utilities
Power Grid
High-quality public services and facilities
110/220V / 60Hz
Water Quality
Contact us for details
Tap water treatment recommended
Municipal Services
Waste Management
Efficient public transport, reliable utilities, high-speed internet
Recycling: Contact us for details
Property & Housing
Real Estate
Affordable compared to other Mediterranean destinations
Market Overview
Affordable compared to other Mediterranean destinations
Market Forecast
Contact us for details
Buying Property
Restrictions
- No significant restrictions for foreign buyers
Renting Property
Typical Terms
Contact us for details
Deposits
Contact us for details
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View All PropertiesYour Educational Journey
Understanding Local Education
Alicante is a historic Mediterranean port city in Spain's Valencian Community. It is known for its vibrant mix of culture, beautiful beaches, and warm climate, which makes it a popular destination for tourists and expats alike. The city has a rich history, with roots going back to ancient Greece and Carthage, and has evolved over the centuries to become a modern, bustling hub while maintaining its historic charm. For expats, Alicante offers a relaxed lifestyle with easy access to cultural activities, excellent healthcare, and a reasonable cost of living compared to other European cities. With its mild winters and hot summers, it's an attractive destination for those seeking a warm climate year-round. The city has a well-established infrastructure and is well-connected to the rest of Spain and Europe through its airport, railway, and ferry services.
Your Educational Choices
What's Available to You
Public, private, and international schools
Quality You Can Expect
Good quality education options
International Learning Opportunities
Schools That Welcome International Students
British and American curriculum schools available
Financial Planning
Tax System
Progressive tax system with resident and non-resident distinctions
Income Tax
System Overview
Progressive tax system with resident and non-resident distinctions
Property & Investment
Property Tax Rate
Contact us for details
Capital Gains Rate
Contact us for details
Pension & Retirement
Foreign Pensions
Double taxation agreements available with many countries
Social Security
Contact us for details
Key Considerations
Pros & Cons
Discover More About Spain
Explore comprehensive insights about living in Spain, from visa requirements and healthcare systems to cultural nuances and lifestyle opportunities.