Cost of Living in Gibraltar
Everyday expenses, price ranges, utilities, groceries, transport & realistic monthly budgets
Max D
1 December 2025
3 min read
15 views
📅 Last updated: December 2025
✅ Quick Snapshot — What to Expect
Gibraltar is one of the most expensive places in Southern Europe — but salaries and tax advantages often compensate. Rent is the biggest cost; groceries and utilities sit mid-range compared with the UK.
🏡 Housing — The Biggest Cost
Monthly rent (unfurnished):
* 1-bed apartment (centre): £1,250 – £1,850
* 2-bed apartment (centre): £1,900 – £3,000
* Room in shared flat: £650 – £950
* Studio apartment: £900 – £1,300
Zones matter:
* Ocean Village / Marina Bay — premium prices, modern builds
* Town Area / Main Street — mid-range, central location
* Upper Town / South District — more affordable options
Deposits: usually 1–2 months rent upfront.
Tip: Join local Facebook groups and contact estate agents early — good flats disappear fast.
⚡ Utilities — Monthly Costs
* Electricity + Water: £90 – £150 (depends on A/C and heating use)
* Internet (Gibtelecom fibre): £35 – £55
* Mobile (SIM-only): £15 – £30
* TV + Landline bundle: included in All-In-One from £65
Combined bill: AquaGib issues one monthly invoice for electricity and water.
Tip: Set up Direct Debit to avoid queues and late fees.
🛒 Groceries — Monthly Spend
* Single person: £220 – £350
* Couple: £380 – £550
Typical prices:
* Milk (1L): £1.30 – £1.50
* Bread: £1.20 – £2.00
* Chicken breast (1kg): £6 – £8
* Eggs (12): £2.50 – £3.50
* Rice (1kg): £1.50 – £2.00
* Apples (1kg): £2.00 – £3.00
* Coffee (café): £2.50 – £3.50
Where to shop:
* Morrisons, Eroski — main supermarkets in Gibraltar
* La Línea (Spain) — often 20–30% cheaper
* Mercadona, Lidl — best value in La Línea (5 min from border)
🍽 Eating Out
* Inexpensive meal: £10 – £15
* Mid-range restaurant (per person): £20 – £35
* Fast food combo: £7 – £10
* Pint of beer: £4 – £5
* Coffee: £2.50 – £3.50
Tip: Ocean Village and Casemates Square have the highest concentration of restaurants.
🚗 Transport
Gibraltar is compact — most people walk.
* Bus day pass: £1.50 – £2.00
* Taxi (short ride): £6 – £10
* Taxi (airport → town): £8 – £12
* Fuel: slightly higher than Spain
Owning a car: possible, but parking is limited and registration is complex. Many residents use Spanish-registered cars if living near the border.
🏥 Healthcare & Insurance
* Public healthcare (GHA): available to residents, subsidised
* Private insurance: £45 – £90 / month
* Private GP visit: £40 – £60
Tip: Register with GHA if you're a resident — it covers most essential care.
🧒 Childcare & Education
* Nursery (full-time): £600 – £1,000 / month
* Public schools: free for residents
* Private/international schools: £5,000 – £12,000 / year
💰 Realistic Monthly Budgets
Single person (comfortable):
* Rent: £1,400
* Utilities: £120
* Groceries: £280
* Transport: £30
* Eating out / leisure: £150
* Mobile: £25
➡️ Total: ~£2,000 / month
Couple (comfortable, no kids):
* Rent: £1,900
* Utilities: £140
* Groceries: £450
* Transport: £40
* Eating out / leisure: £250
* Mobile (x2): £50
➡️ Total: ~£2,800 / month
🇬🇮 Comparison: Gibraltar vs La Línea (Spain)
* Rent: Gibraltar 30–50% higher
* Groceries: Spain 20–30% cheaper
* Utilities: similar
* Eating out: Spain slightly cheaper
* Salaries: Gibraltar much higher + lower taxes
That's why many people live in La Línea and work in Gibraltar.
💡 Money-Saving Tips
* Shop in Spain — cheaper groceries
* Flat-sharing — very common among young professionals
* Bundle telecom — Gibtelecom All-In-One saves money
* Walk everywhere — avoid fuel and car costs
* Use GHA — reduces need for private insurance
* Mercadona in La Línea — best prices on basics
* Get a Spanish SIM — cheaper roaming if you cross often
🔗 Useful Links
Housing: propertygibraltar.com
Healthcare: gha.gi
Government: gibraltar.gov.gi
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