Date Published: 08/09/2025

British couple in southern Spain say the “cost of living has gone up, but it’s still cheap”

Retired Brits Mal and Bill find freedom and sunshine on Spain’s Mediterranean shores

More than 130,000 British nationals over 60 now call Spain home, with most settling along the Mediterranean coast in places like Málaga and Alicante. Among them are Mal and Bill Netley, a retired couple who chose to live in El Albir, Alicante, share their experience.

“The cost of living has gone up, but it’s still cheap,” says Mal, 72. The couple moved to Spain after years of holiday visits. “We love the sun and try to travel here almost every year,” she explains. They were drawn to the relaxed Spanish lifestyle, where “we can spend every day outdoors. That wasn’t the case in London.”

Their dream of a holiday home became a more permanent plan. In 2002, they bought a two-bedroom apartment in El Albir, within the peaceful municipality of Alfaz del Pi. “We hadn’t even heard of this place before,” recalls Mal. “We knew about Benidorm but wanted to avoid the busy tourist areas. El Albir was quieter, more residential, with a strong local community.”

They almost settled in Tenerife but opted for mainland Spain to keep travel from the UK simpler and to enjoy the freedom to take road trips around Europe and Spain. “We’re not too old for adventure,” laughs Mal, highlighting how having a car gave them the flexibility to explore and cut flight costs.

Feeling welcome in Alicante was key too. “Some friends who chose the Costa del Sol were refused entry in bars for being English, so we made a good choice.” Yet the hustle and bustle of Benidorm is just a short bus or car ride away, offering the “best of both worlds.”

Despite Brexit, which restricts their stay to 90 days at a time due to Schengen rules, they maintain a lifestyle split with summers and winters spent in a caravan in Sussex. “We love Christmas with our children and grandchildren-it’s very special,” says Mal.

Their bills remain modest too, with community fees, electricity, and water running at just €142 every three months. With thoughts of applying for a permanent visa, they enjoy sunny days and a relaxed pace, embracing the freedom of their Spanish retirement life while staying close to family.

You might also be interested in: Cost of living in Spain: Is it really cheaper than the UK?

Image: Frauke Riether/Pixabay

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