4 4 schools$1,400/mo avg rentVery Large expat community
Fuengirola's most internationally focused neighbourhood known for its large Scandinavian and Finnish community. Among the most affordable on the Costa del Sol.
4/5
Safety
5/5
Family Friendly
3/5
Quality of Life
3/5
Expat Friendly
3/5
Healthcare
Very Large
Expat Community
7-32°C
Temp Range
Moderate
English Level
☀️ Climate & Weather
Monthly temperatures, rainfall, and sea conditions
32°C
Hottest (Aug)
9°C
Coolest (Dec)
26
Sunny days/mo avg
388mm
Annual rainfall
Avg highAvg lowSea tempRainfall
15°
🌊 Jan
15°
🌊 Feb
15°
🌊 Mar
16°
🌊 Apr
18°
🌊 May
21°
🌊 Jun
24°
🌊 Jul
25°
🌊 Aug
23°
🌊 Sep
21°
🌊 Oct
18°
🌊 Nov
16°
🌊 Dec
💰 Cost of Living
Monthly family budget estimates (USD)
At a Glance
$1,400
Avg. rent /mo
$8.00
Budget meal
$32
Mid-range dinner (2 ppl)
Dining & Drinks
Cappuccino$1.60
Domestic beer$2.00
Imported beer$3.00
Water (1.5L)$0.45
Groceries
Loaf of bread$1.10
Milk (1L)$0.82
Dozen eggs$1.80
Chicken (1 kg)$4.50
Transport
Taxi flag-drop$3.00
Taxi per km$1.05
Monthly transit pass$38
Gasoline (per liter)$1.63
Monthly Bills
Internet$33 /mo
Utilities (avg.)$105 /mo
Gym membership$28 /mo
Domestic help$580 /mo
Preschool / nursery$350 /mo
Comfortable
Family in a 2-3 bedroom apartment, children at local bilingual state school, one car or relying on excellent public transport.
$2,400/mo
Rent$950
Groceries$470
Lifestyle & leisure$140
Transport$180
Utilities$105
Dining out$250
Healthcare$100
School fees (per child)$100
Domestic help$100
Established
Family in a larger 3-bedroom apartment, children at private Spanish school or international school, one car.
$4,800/mo
Rent$1,600
Groceries$650
Lifestyle & leisure$300
Transport$280
Utilities$140
Dining out$400
Healthcare$180
School fees (per child)$750
Domestic help$200
Premium
Family in a large apartment or villa, children at a top international school, two cars, regular dining out and leisure.
$8,000/mo
Rent$2,800
Groceries$900
Lifestyle & leisure$700
Transport$500
Utilities$180
Dining out$900
Healthcare$300
School fees (per child)$1,200
Domestic help$520
Los Pacos is one of the most affordable residential areas on the Costa del Sol, offering good quality of life at prices closer to inland Andalusia than the tourist coastal strip. Excellent for families on a budget or those prioritising the train connection to Malaga. All costs in EUR.
🌬️ Air Quality
Average monthly AQI (US EPA scale)
30Jan
28Feb
30Mar
32Apr
35May
38Jun
42Jul
43Aug
38Sep
33Oct
30Nov
28Dec
Good (0–50)Moderate (51–100)USG (101–150)Unhealthy (151+)
Yearly average AQI is 34. Best air quality Jan–Dec (best: Dec at 28).
👥 Demographics
28%
Expat Population
lower-middle
Income Level
~18,000 (Los Pacos district)
Population
Nationalities
Spanish72%
British10%
Moroccan5%
Swedish/Nordic4%
German3%
Romanian2%
Other4%
Languages Spoken
🏘️ Community & Culture
Authentic Spanish residential neighbourhood characterLong-established expat community with deep local rootsActive community associations and Spanish classesFamily-oriented with good schools and parks nearby
An Authentic Fuengirola Residential District
🌳 Parks & Recreation
Fuengirola Blue Flag beach 1-2km away on footMunicipal sports centre with pool and gym nearbyBioparc Fuengirola — one of the best zoos in SpainRiver park with cycling and walking paths
Fuengirola Beach and Sports Facilities
🚗 Getting Around
Cercanias train to Malaga Airport in 25 minCercanias train to Malaga City in 35 minWalkable to most daily amenities without a carDirect motorway access to Marbella and Malaga
Excellent Transport Links — Best in the Area
🛒 Daily Life
Full Fuengirola amenities at genuinely local pricesMultiple large supermarkets including Mercadona and LidlPublic hospital 25 min away, private clinics locallyBilingual state schools and international school options
Full Urban Amenities at Spanish Prices
📝 Living with the Climate
Warm summers with evening Atlantic breezeMild winters — rarely below 8 degrees CSome of the highest sunshine hours in mainland SpainFlat terrain — cycling and walking practical year-round
