Rent payments have become a challenging part of budgeting for many households. A notable price rise was logged over the past year, making it essential for tenants in Alicante to work toward aligning their housing costs with attainable levels. Experts typically advise keeping housing costs under about 30 to 35 percent of income to prevent rent from overwhelming a household’s finances.
A resident of Alicante who rented an apartment last year could expect to spend up to 42 percent of their income on monthly rent—nine percentage points higher than the previous year, according to a study on wages and rental relationships for 2022. This burden also surpasses the average salary data seen in regional job postings and reflects trends in rental prices tracked by local real estate indices and housing authorities.
In 2022, the average income for tenants in the province rose by no less than 24.3 percent, according to leading real estate portals. As this trend continued, the price per square meter climbed, with the average annual cost reaching approximately 9,427 euros for an 80 square meter apartment. On the income side, job offers in the region reflected gross monthly salaries around 1,851 euros, equivalent to about 22,208 euros gross annually. From these figures, the previously cited 42 percent housing-cost burden can be estimated.
For rent in Alicante: up to 600 euros for a basement or lower-level space
With these numbers, the capacity to cover rent is now closer to the national average, where around 43 percent of income goes toward housing costs. There remains a clear gap between Alicante and provinces facing the sharpest affordability challenges. In Barcelona, rent consumes up to 62 percent of a tenant’s income; in Gipuzkoa, 59 percent; in the Balearic Islands, 58 percent; and in Madrid, 57 percent.
Within the Valencian Community, rent burden varies by area: Valencia itself shows about 45 percent, while Castellón sits near 28 percent. The regional average hovered around 42 percent, marking the highest level in the past decade and aligning with Alicante’s situation, according to Fotocasa data.
Researchers note that the rise is not solely due to stagnant wages. The strongest driver is rent prices reaching historical highs, evidenced by significant increases over the past 17 years. The director of research emphasizes that tenants are currently allocating far more than the 30 percent threshold recommended by European control bodies for housing costs.
How much does renting a house in Alicante cost?
Industry observers explain that in 2022 the national average gross monthly salary reached about €2,033, a slight decline from 2021. With inflation around 5.7 percent, regional differences become more pronounced, impacting the affordability of housing across provinces.
Local analysts highlight that while averages provide a snapshot, individual affordability depends on a combination of wages, local demand, and the type of rented property. The overall trend points to higher housing costs relative to income in Alicante, a pattern mirrored in nearby urban centers and reflected in ongoing market analyses.