Costa Brava vs. Costa Blanca: Where is it cheaper to buy beachfront property?

Choosing between the wild Mediterranean of Girona or the endless beaches of Alicante is not just a matter of taste, but also of budget. Buying a home on the Costa Brava is, in general, more expensive than on the Costa Blanca. While on the Girona coast the average price stands at €3,113/m², in the province of Alicante the average drops to 3,022 €/m².

This difference means that a standard 80 m² apartment requires an investment of €249,017 in the north, compared to the €241,766 it would cost in the south. The Costa Brava maintains an exclusivity marked by its rugged geography and a more limited supply of land.

Do you know exactly how much more you would pay for an 80 m² apartment in Cadaqués compared to one with the same surface area in Denia?

From Fotocasa, we compare the real purchase and rental prices for this month of March 2026 so you can decide. In this analysis, we detail the differences per square meter, examples of typical homes, and the cost of living in the most emblematic towns of both coastlines.

Where is it cheaper to buy a house by the sea: Costa Brava or Costa Blanca?

The direct answer is that the Costa Blanca is usually cheaper than the Costa Brava for buying seaside property, although there will be significant differences depending on the municipality we choose.

This is mainly due to a combination of a larger housing supply and more varied prices, compared to a more limited Costa Brava with high demand.

Which towns and areas does each coast cover?

The Costa Brava stretches across the province of Girona, from Blanes to the French border, including emblematic municipalities such as Cadaqués, Begur, or Calella de Palafrugell. It is characterized by its steep relief and its famous coves surrounded by pine trees.

For its part, the Costa Blanca occupies the coastline of the province of Alicante. Here we find highly sought-after locations such as Jávea, Altea, Benidorm, or Torrevieja. This area is famous for its extensive white sand beaches and an exceptionally warm climate.

The most searched towns to buy a house on the Costa Brava: prices and lifestyle

The Costa Brava is characterized by a high-end real estate market, where privacy and the artistic environment define property values.

Below, we explain what it’s like to live and buy a house in the main towns of the Costa Brava.

Buying a house in Cadaqués: Dalí’s refuge

Cadaqués is the most expensive municipality in the area. This town is the ultimate exponent of exclusivity in Girona. Buying a house in Cadaqués costs €6,692/m² in March 2026, according to data from the Fotocasa Price Index. This village, famous for its white facades and geographic isolation (guaranteeing privacy), is the jewel in the crown.

• 80 m² Property: €535,360.

• Highlights: Its protected environment in the Cap de Creus, its proximity to France, and its artistic heritage.

Living in Begur: exclusivity among coves and pines

Begur is synonymous with elegance. With a price of €4,055/m², it offers some of the best coves in the region, such as Aiguablava or Sa Tuna. It is ideal for those seeking urban planning integrated into nature and less crowded surroundings.

• 80 m² Property: €324,400.

• Highlights: Its medieval castle and panoramic views of the Illes Medes (Medas Islands) archipelago.

Buying property in Palamós: seafaring tradition and services

Palamós combines the charm of an active fishing port with all the amenities of a city. The price in March 2026 stood at €4,025/m².

• 80 m² Property: €322,000.

• Highlights: Its famous gastronomy (the Palamós prawn) and its excellent connection with Girona city.

Buying a house in Lloret de Mar: beaches, nightlife, and family activities

It is one of the tourism engines of the area and stands out for the strong presence of a foreign population. Despite its reputation for nightlife, it has very quiet residential areas such as Fenals and beautiful beaches. The price is more competitive: €3,103/m².

• 80 m² Property: €248,240.

• Highlights: Its Santa Clotilde Gardens and a very solid infrastructure of services (schools, hospitals).

Living in Roses and Empuriabrava: canals and connectivity

It is the ideal destination for sailing enthusiasts thanks to its residential canals. It is a more commercial and accessible area within the luxury segment.

In Roses, the square meter closed March at €3,752/m², while in the “Spanish Venice” (Empuriabrava) it dropped to €3,369/m².

• 80 m² Property: An 80 m² apartment in Roses costs around €300,160, while in Empuriabrava it would cost €269,520.

Comparison: property purchase price in the Costa Brava in March 2026

Costa Blanca: the winning option for tight budgets?

The Costa Blanca stands out for its massive tourism infrastructure and a much more diversified real estate offer, allowing for more competitive property purchase prices.

Jávea (Xàbia): The perfect balance

Chosen by many as the best area to live in due to its mix of coves and services. The average price is €4,062/m².

• 80 m² Property Price: €324,960.

• Highlights: The old town and life between the sea and the mountains.

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Buying a house in Calpe: living under the Peñón de Ifach

Calpe is the municipality with the highest price per square meter in this selection in Alicante: €4,764/m². Its modern skyline and white sand beaches make it very attractive to an international audience.

• 80 m² Property: €381,120.

• Highlights: The Peñón de Ifach Natural Park and its salt flats with flamingos.

Living in Altea: the charm of the Mediterranean dome

Known as one of the most beautiful villages in Spain, Altea stands out for its old town with cobblestone streets. The average price is €3,534/m² in March 2026.

• 80 m² Property: €282,720.

• Highlights: Its bohemian atmosphere, art galleries, and the exclusive Altea Hills marina.

Buying property in Denia: gastronomy and connection to the Balearic Islands

Denia is the capital of Marina Alta and stands out for its port, from where ferries depart for Ibiza and Mallorca. The square meter closed at €3,786/m².

• 80 m² Property: €302,880.

• Highlights: UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy and its 20 km of diverse coastline.

Living in Torrevieja: the most affordable option in Alicante

If you are looking for a modest investment, Torrevieja is the benchmark at €3,084/m². It is a vibrant city with a large community of European residents throughout the year.

• 80 m² Property: €246,720.

• Highlights: Its famous pink lagoons and the wide range of leisure activities and shopping centers.

Buying a house in Benidorm: living in the “New York” of the Mediterranean

Benidorm is the destination with the most powerful leisure and service infrastructure in Spain. Unlike other coastal municipalities that reduce their activity in winter, this city maintains its vitality 365 days a year. It is the ideal place for those seeking a high-rise home with sea views and almost guaranteed rental profitability due to its constant high demand. The average housing price in March 2026 stood at €4,030/m² according to the Fotocasa Index.

• 80 m² Property: €322,400.

• Highlights: Its two main beaches (Levante and Poniente), its top-tier medical services, and its unbeatable connection to Alicante Airport.

Comparison: property purchase price in the Costa Blanca in March 2026