Cost of Living in Mallorca
Mallorca is a dream destination, offering a mix of Mediterranean charm, modern amenities, and stunning landscapes. But how much does it actually cost to live in Mallorca? The answer depends on your lifestyle, location, and financial expectations. Whether you’re a young professional, a digital nomad, a family with kids, or a retiree, this guide will give you a full breakdown of living costs on the island, including housing, food, transportation, healthcare, and more.
🏡 Housing Costs: Renting vs. Buying
Finding a home in Mallorca is your biggest expense. Prices vary depending on location, size, and amenities. The closer you are to Palma or the coastline, the higher the prices.
📍 Renting in Mallorca
Renting is a great way to test different areas before committing to a purchase.
| Location | Rent (1-bed apartment) | Rent (3-bed apartment) |
|---|---|---|
| Palma City Center | €1,200 – €1,800/month | €2,500 – €4,000/month |
| Coastal Towns (Portals Nous, Santa Ponsa, Sóller) | €1,500 – €2,500/month | €3,000 – €5,000/month |
| Inland & Rural Areas | €700 – €1,200/month | €1,500 – €2,500/month |
🔗 Find Homes for Rent in Mallorca – Idealista
🔗 Search Long-Term Rentals – Kyero
💡 Tip: If you’re moving with a family, areas near international schools (like Palma Nova, Santa Ponsa, or Portals Nous) are more expensive but offer better amenities.
🏠 Buying Property in Mallorca
Mallorca is a popular real estate market, making it a great long-term investment. However, foreign buyers must consider taxes, legal fees, and ongoing maintenance costs.
| Location | Price per sqm (€) |
|---|---|
| Palma & Southwest Mallorca | €3,500 – €6,000 |
| Rural & Smaller Towns | €2,000 – €3,500 |
🔗 Mallorca Property Listings – Idealista
💡 Tip: Buying a property in Mallorca comes with taxes of 8-11%, depending on property value.
🍽 Daily Expenses: Food, Entertainment & Utilities
Living in Mallorca is more affordable than in London, Paris, or New York, but costs depend on your lifestyle.
| Expense | Estimated Cost (€) |
|---|---|
| 🛒 Groceries (per person) | €200 – €400/month |
| 🍽 Dining Out (mid-range meal) | €15 – €30 |
| ☕ Coffee at a café | €1.50 – €3 |
| 🍸 Cocktail in Palma | €8 – €14 |
| 🎟 Cinema Ticket | €8 – €10 |
| 🏋 Gym Membership | €40 – €70/month |
💡 Tip: Shopping at local markets (like Mercat de l’Olivar in Palma) is cheaper than supermarkets.
🔗 Best Tapas Restaurants in Palma
🔗 Best Rooftop Bars in Palma
🚗 Transport & Commuting Costs
Mallorca has reliable public transport, but many expats prefer owning a car, especially if living outside Palma.
| Transport Option | Estimated Cost (€) |
|---|---|
| 🚍 Public Transport Pass | €40 – €50/month |
| 🚖 Taxi Fare (5km ride) | €10 – €15 |
| 🚗 Car Rental (short-term) | €500+/month |
| ⛽ Petrol (per liter) | €1.60 – €2 |
🔗 Renting a Car in Mallorca
🔗 Public Transport in Palma
💡 Tip: If you live in Palma, you can rely on buses, cycling, or walking and save money on car expenses.
🏡 Cost of Living for Different Lifestyles
👨👩👧 Families Moving to Mallorca
📍 Best areas: Santa Ponsa, Portals Nous, Palma Nova (near international schools)
🏡 Housing: Expect higher rents near top schools (€1,500 – €3,000/month).
📚 School Fees: Private schools cost €6,000 – €18,000 per year per child.
👶 Childcare: Nurseries range from €300 – €800 per month.
👴 Retirees in Mallorca
📍 Best areas: Sóller, Alcudia, Pollensa, Santanyí
💶 Affordable locations: Rural villages & small towns offer lower rents.
🏥 Healthcare: Private insurance starts at €50 – €150 per month per person.
🔗 Healthcare in Mallorca: A Guide
🌍 Digital Nomads & Remote Workers
Mallorca is gaining popularity as a hub for remote workers.
💻 Coworking Spaces:
✔ The Hub Mallorca (Palma) – €150 – €350/month
✔ Palmapolitan Coworking – €180 – €400/month
💡 Tip: Internet is fast & reliable, but rural areas may have slower speeds.
⚠️ Hidden Costs to Consider
✔ Seasonal Price Increases – Rent & groceries rise in peak summer months.
✔ Tourist Taxes – Visitors pay €2 – €4 per night in hotels.
✔ Import Fees – Shipping goods from outside the EU can be expensive.
✔ Banking & Bureaucracy Costs – NIE application fees, legal paperwork, and taxes.
💡 Tip: If you plan to buy property, register a car, or set up a business, hiring a gestor (local legal advisor) helps avoid bureaucracy headaches.
🌴 Is Mallorca Affordable? Final Thoughts
✔ Rent & groceries are reasonable compared to major European cities.
✔ Luxury living is expensive, especially in coastal hotspots.
✔ Public transport & local markets can help keep costs low.
✔ Plan for hidden costs like legal paperwork & high-season price hikes.
🔗 Living in Mallorca: A Complete Guide
🔗 Moving to Mallorca: A Complete Guide
Whether you’re a family, retiree, digital nomad, or investor, Mallorca can be as affordable—or expensive—as you make it! ☀️🏡
