Why Americans Invest in Marbella: The California of Europe

By Natalia Vlasova March 13th, 2025 · 7m. reading time

Read more about Natalia

In the last couple of years, more North Americans are relocating to Spain than ever before. The appeal? A Mediterranean lifestyle, exceptional weather, a lower cost of living, high-quality healthcare, excellent education, and low crime rates. Whether you're a retiree, digital nomad, or entrepreneur, Spain — and particularly the Costa del Sol — offers an irresistible lifestyle. Among the top reasons why Americans invest in Marbella is its unique blend of luxury, security, and affordability, making it an ideal place to live, work, and retire.

Marbella and Malaga have become prime destinations for American expatriates. Here’s why:

• Best climate in Europe, as Marbella’s unique microclimate offers mild winters and warm summers.
• Private gated communities with similar amenities to areas like Beverly Hills for a much lower cost.
• International schools & expat-friendly community with more people choosing Marbella for primary residence.
• Direct flights from New York to Malaga with increasing availability.
• A dynamic social scene featuring 22 stunning golf courses with breathtaking sea and mountain views, a lively nightlife, and world-class dining experiences.
• Lower cost of living, as on average Spain is 32% cheaper than the U.S., meaning a $100,000 U.S. lifestyle would cost approximately $68,000 in Spain.

Marbella is often compared to Beverly Hills and the French Riviera, offering glamorous beach clubs, Michelin-star restaurants, and elite golf courses. All of that to enjoy with 320 days of sun and a soft Mediterranean climate.

Malaga area received various recognitions by the famous American publication Forbes. Malaga was named "The 20 Best Places for Americans to Live, Invest, and Work in Europe,", as one of Spain’s top three cities for expats. With the highest concentration of museums per square kilometer in Europe, rich culture, and a booming real estate market, the Costa del Sol is an unmatched investment opportunity. Additionally, Marbella was named the Best European Destination for 2024 by Forbes, further solidifying its reputation as a premier location for luxury living and investment.

There are multiple ways for Americans to relocate to Marbella:

• Non-Lucrative Visa: Ideal for retirees and those with passive income (minimum €28,800 per year required, subject to confirmation).
• Digital Nomad Visa: Perfect for remote workers with a minimum income of €32,240 annually (subject to confirmation).

While Spain and the U.S. have a double taxation agreement, expats must still file U.S. tax returns. Special programs like the Beckham Law can significantly reduce tax burdens for Americans working in Spain.

Get a professional advice on this or any other topic before planning your investment in Spain by contacting our in-house legal team today.

Spain’s world-class healthcare system is both affordable and high-quality. Private health insurance costs less annually than a single month’s premium in the U.S. Many Americans praise Spain’s excellent doctors, hospitals, and shorter wait times.

Spain ranks among the safest countries in the world with low crime rates and strict gun laws. Marbella offers security, a strong sense of community, and an exceptional quality of life for families, retirees, and entrepreneurs.

A safe, welcoming community allows kids and families enjoy an exceptional quality of life.

United Airlines offers direct flights from New York to Malaga, with over 50 seasonal flights per week. Malaga’s airport is a major international hub, providing easy access to the U.S., Europe, and beyond.

In general, Malaga Airport offers flights to 150 destinations worldwide, making the connection with Europe and rest of the world smooth and pleasant to travel.

Marbella caters to American tastes with international cuisine, thriving golf courses, and even an American football team (Fuengirola Potros). The Costa del Sol is often called the Costa del Golf, boasting the highest density of golf courses in Europe. And if you miss home, you’ll find plenty of American expats enjoying local BBQ spots, NBA games in sports bars, and late-night dining.

Discover Our Full Marbella Golf Guide. 

Additionally, Marbella has a strong paddle and tennis culture, with numerous clubs and courts available for all skill levels. The region’s great weather allows for year-round outdoor play, making it an ideal destination for enthusiasts of both sports. Paddle, in particular, has seen a massive rise in popularity, with Marbella hosting international tournaments and boasting some of the best facilities in Spain.

Puerto Banús, among the top luxury marinas in Europe, stands as a hotspot for high-end shopping, fine dining, and stunning waterfront views. Additionally, the nearby Malaga Port accommodates superyachts and international cruise ships, further establishing the region as a premier nautical destination.

For those who appreciate fashion, Marbella delivers an unmatched shopping experience with designer boutiques and flagship stores from prestigious brands such as Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Loro Piana, and Bottega Veneta to luxury seasonal pop ups in the heart of the city and themed events. These high-end retailers cater to an exclusive and sophisticated clientele, ensuring that luxury is always within reach.

If you are looking to indulge in the variety of cuisines that Marbella has to offer, check out our recommendations on Marbella’s best restaurants. 

Marbella presents a lucrative opportunity for real estate investors and homebuyers. Property prices remain significantly lower than those in Beverly Hills, Miami, or the Hamptons, while still delivering same level of exclusivity and high-end living. Investing in a property in Marbella, you can expect:

• High ROI due to the booming rental market, with high demand for short-term vacation rentals and long-term expatriate housing.
• Marbella is a stable and growing investment location, making it an ideal place to purchase a second home.
• Many American entrepreneurs successfully launch ventures in hospitality, wellness, real estate, and e-commerce in Marbella.
• Lower prices per square meter compared to US top areas, offering similar amenities, security and privacy.

Explore all Marbella homes here.

No relocation is without its challenges. Some common adjustments include:

• Time difference (6-9 hours from the U.S.)
• Language barriers, though Marbella is very English-friendly
• Different banking and bureaucracy processes

However, most expats agree that the benefits far outweigh the inconveniences.

Drumelia has a highly international team, representing over 10 different nationalities. Among them are team members who made the strategic decision to move to Marbella permanently after living in the U.S. for many years, choosing the city as the ideal place to raise their children and continue their professional growth.

Kemdrix Berkeley, the Sales Performance Responsible at Drumelia, was born and educated in the U.S. Before deciding to relocate to Spain permanently, he worked with corporate giants such as Nike and Apple, gaining extensive experience in the global business landscape.

Cristina Merchán, the Human Resources & Talent Responsible at Drumelia, was originally born in Spain but spent many years working for the important health institutions in the U.S. Eventually, she made the decision to move back to Marbella with her family, embracing the unique lifestyle and professional opportunities the region has to offer.

Unlike the U.S., Spanish real estate agents can represent both buyers and sellers, and the process is different from what Americans may be used to. That’s why working with trusted professionals is essential. Marbella isn’t just a vacation hotspot — it’s an opportunity for a better life. More Americans are choosing this Mediterranean paradise for its safety, affordability, lifestyle, and investment potential.

Ready to make the move? Let’s talk!