The cost of living well in Marbella.

Our verdict. Marbella suits a family that wants the sea, golf and an international school in one place, at about a third of London's cost. Aloha College charges €19,800 a year for the sixth form, Aloha Golf Club €25,000 to join and €3,200 a year, and a 20 m berth at Puerto José Banús €49,870. The weak point is tax and residency: residents pay up to 47% on worldwide income, and Spain's golden visa closed in April 2025, so buying a home no longer brings a residence permit. Next to Lisbon, the berth costs about twice the rate at Cascais, and the top tax rate is a point lower.

1. A prime family home, rented2026£45k

   €53,064 a year · Average house asking rent from portal listings, Golden Mile (Engel & Völkers data): €22.11 per m² a month x 200 m² x 12

   Engel & Völkers, Golden Mile Marbella rental market data, 12 Oct 2026

2. Senior school fees, two children2026-27£33k

   €19,800 a year a child · Aloha College Marbella, Year 13 (Sixth Form) annual tuition: 2 invoices of €9,900

   Aloha College Secondary Fees 2026-2027 (school PDF), 2026-27 academic year

3. Membership at a leading golf club2025£2,689

   €3,200 a year in subscriptions · joining €25,000 · Aloha Golf Club (Nueva Andalucía): new member entry fee €25,000 + adult annual subscription €3,200

   Club de Golf Aloha, 'How to join' fees sheet 2025 (PDF), 2025

4. A berth for a 20 m yacht2026£42k

   €49,870 a year · Puerto José Banús 2026 published annual tariff, Type V berth (up to 26 m length, 5.80 m beam), the smallest class that fits a 20 m vessel; incl. VAT

   Puerto José Banús, Tariffs 2026 (PDF), 2026 tariff

5. A full-time housekeeper or nanny2026£14k

   €17,094 a year · Spain Salario Mínimo Interprofesional 2026, €1,221/month x 14 payments; applies to full-time domestic employees (empleados de hogar)

   Seguridad Social, bases y tipos de cotización 2026, 2026

6. Tasting menu for two, twice a month2026£14k

   €698 a dinner · Skina (Michelin 2 stars), Menú Evolución €349 pp x 2, food only, incl. IVA

   Restaurante Skina, Menú Evolución page, page checked 20 Oct 2026

Figures are published prices, fees and surveys as dated, converted to pounds at the stated rates. They change, vary by home, school year and membership, and are a guide, not a quote. Nothing here is financial, tax or legal advice.

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Pounds at ECB reference rates (Gulf currencies at their dollar pegs) rates of 2026-10-20.