City · Comunitat Valenciana · All places
A palm-grove city of shoemakers and sunshine, beside Alicante's airport and a short drive from the beaches.
Elche (Elx in Valencian) is a flat, sunny city in the south of the Valencian Community, about twenty minutes inland from the Mediterranean and next to Alicante. A forest of date palms, planted by the Moors and still irrigated by their channels, runs through the middle of the city and is a World Heritage site.
It is a practical, family-oriented city with a long industrial tradition in footwear and a growing logistics sector. It has fewer tourists and fewer expats in the centre than Alicante, and much cheaper housing. The airport that serves both cities lies within its municipality.
The city has 245,557 residents (2025). Residents born abroad make up 18.6% (2025).
Data as of · the latest figures cover Jun 2026
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What the data says
Elche stands out for climate; it is weaker on prosperity and digital. A typical 70 m² rental costs about €381 a month (2024).
Who it suits, 0 to 100
Practical conclusions we draw from Elche’s figures. They are inferences, not official statistics: each says what it rests on.
Few residents come from English-speaking or northern European countries, so daily life runs in Spanish. Contracts, the town hall and most doctors work in Spanish or Valencian.
Valencian is an official language alongside Spanish. Expect it on signs, at the town hall and in state schools.
Summer nights stay warm, so sleep depends on a cooled bedroom. Check for air-conditioning before you sign.
Most people drive to work. Without a car, check bus routes from any flat before you commit.
People born abroad are in work less often than people born in Spain across Comunitat Valenciana. Remote income or a job offer makes the move far easier.
Rice with rabbit, arroz con costra, tapas on the terraces and dates from the grove.
Easy-going and family-led, with evenings spent on squares and terraces.
Quiet by the standards of Alicante, with bars in the old centre and a night scene at the coast.
The old centre around Santa María, the Palmeral parks, working-class Carrús and the beach strip at Arenales del Sol.
Spanish in daily life, with Valencian in names, schools and festivals.
The Misteri d'Elx and the August fiestas, then the Nit de l'Albà fireworks.
Down-to-earth, practical and used to newcomers from Morocco, Latin America, Romania and northern Europe.
Elche is an easy-going working city. People spend evenings on terraces and in the squares of the old centre, around the Basilica of Santa María, and children play in the Palmeral parks that remain inside the city. In summer, many residents drive to the beaches of Santa Pola and Arenales del Sol in the evening for a swim and a meal.
The city's best-known tradition is the Misteri d'Elx, a medieval sacred drama sung in Valencian and performed each August in the basilica, which is recognised by UNESCO. The Lady of Elche, an ancient Iberian bust found nearby, is a symbol of the city, and its copies are everywhere. Food is rice-based: rice with rabbit, arroz con costra and the local dates.
Elche has large communities from Morocco, Latin America, Romania and the United Kingdom, and daily life is mostly in Spanish, with Valencian used officially and by part of the population. The Carrús district to the south is a dense, working-class area with a strong immigrant mix, while the streets north of the centre are more suburban. It is calm and rarely crowded.
Elche's palm grove dates from the Moorish period, when farmers brought dates and an irrigation system from North Africa. In the twentieth century, small workshops and factories turned the town into Spain's capital of shoemaking, and a wave of workers from other parts of Spain, and later from abroad, doubled its population.
The economy is still based on footwear, textiles, agriculture and, more recently, logistics, e-commerce and services around the airport. The Miguel Hernández University adds young people and research, but the shoe industry has shrunk, and the new jobs pay less. Jobs come out below average and prosperity weak. Unemployment is 14.8% (2025), and household income per person is €12,552 a year (2024). Adults with a university degree make up 32% (2024).
The low incomes explain the low prices. A typical 70 m² flat rents for about €381 a month (2024), and buying costs €1,635 per square metre (Q2 2026). Rents have been rising quickly from that base: the change over the year was 5.0% (2024).
The municipality is wide and includes a stretch of coast, so the city is both an inland town and a beach community. The airport is 10 km away (2026). Most people drive, and car use for commuting is 67% of commuters of commuters (2021). Recorded crime is 40.2 per 1,000 people (2024), and safety comes out average, with vehicle theft and burglary the usual complaints.
Figures for Elche itself, not its region. Each shows the period it covers.
Each card uses Elche data only and compares it with similar cities. Open “Why this score?” to see the measures behind it.
Climate is above average: in the top quarter of major European cities.
Pleasant days (18–28 °C, dry): 161 days a year — better than 95% of major European cities
Above average: 63 out of 100, where 50 is typical for the comparison group. These are the measures behind it.
| Measure | Value | Compared with peers |
|---|---|---|
| Pleasant days (18–28 °C, dry)Elche · 2015-01-01..2024-12-31 | 161 days a year | better than 95% of major European cities |
| Days above 35 °CElche · 2015-01-01..2024-12-31 | 0.60 days a year | better than 64% of major European cities |
| Nights above 20 °CElche · 2015-01-01..2024-12-31 | 112 nights a year | better than 0% of major European cities |
Connectivity is around the middle: better than most major European cities.
Distance to the main airport: 10.1 km — better than 57% of major European cities
Average: 57 out of 100, where 50 is typical for the comparison group. These are the measures behind it.
| Measure | Value | Compared with peers |
|---|---|---|
| Distance to the main airportElche · 2026-10-21 | 10.1 km | better than 57% of major European cities |
Safety is around the middle: around the middle of Spanish cities above 50,000.
Recorded crime: 40.2 per 1,000 people — better than 82% of Spanish cities above 50,000
Average: 52 out of 100, where 50 is typical for the comparison group. These are the measures behind it.
| Measure | Value | Compared with peers |
|---|---|---|
| HomicidesElche · 2025 | 1.22 per 100k people | better than 30% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| Recorded crimeElche · 2024 | 40.2 per 1,000 people | better than 82% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| RobberiesElche · 2025 | 65.2 per 100k people | better than 69% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| BurglariesElche · 2025 | 140 per 100k people | better than 33% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| Sexual offencesElche · 2024 | 0.54 per 1,000 people | better than 25% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| TheftsElche · 2025 | 1,046 per 100k people | better than 60% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| Vehicle theftsElche · 2025 | 107 per 100k people | better than 24% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
Healthcare is around the middle: around the middle of Spanish cities above 50,000.
Life expectancy: 83.4 years — worse than 52% of Spanish cities above 50,000
Average: 48 out of 100, where 50 is typical for the comparison group. These are the measures behind it.
| Measure | Value | Compared with peers |
|---|---|---|
| Life expectancyElche · 2023 | 83.4 years | better than 48% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
Housing is around the middle: around the middle of Spanish cities above 50,000.
Rent per m²: 5.45 €/m² a month — better than 86% of Spanish cities above 50,000
Average: 48 out of 100, where 50 is typical for the comparison group. These are the measures behind it.
| Measure | Value | Compared with peers |
|---|---|---|
| Rent per m²Elche · 2024 | 5.45 €/m² a month | better than 86% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| Rents, change in a yearElche · 2024 | 5.00% | better than 8% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| Buying price per m²Elche · 2026-Q2 | 1,635 €/m² | better than 78% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| Rent growth a year, over 3 yearsElche · 2024 | 6.40% | better than 13% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| House prices, change in a yearElche · 2026-Q2 | 13.9% | better than 55% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
Transport is around the middle: around the middle of Spanish cities above 50,000.
Average commute (one way): 35.7 minutes — better than 79% of Spanish cities above 50,000
Average: 47 out of 100, where 50 is typical for the comparison group. These are the measures behind it.
| Measure | Value | Compared with peers |
|---|---|---|
| Average commute (one way)Elche · 2021 | 35.7 minutes | better than 79% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| Commute by carElche · 2021 | 67.3% | better than 24% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| Commute by public transportElche · 2021 | 9.60% | better than 31% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
Jobs is below average: in the bottom quarter of Spanish cities above 50,000.
Unemployment: 14.8% — worse than 75% of Spanish cities above 50,000
Below average: 33 out of 100, where 50 is typical for the comparison group. These are the measures behind it.
| Measure | Value | Compared with peers |
|---|---|---|
| UnemploymentElche · 2025 | 14.8% | better than 25% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| Unemployment, change in a yearElche · 2025 | -0.93 points | better than 45% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
Digital is weak: in the bottom quarter of Spanish cities above 50,000.
5G coverage: 99.9% — worse than 90% of Spanish cities above 50,000
Weak: 20 out of 100, where 50 is typical for the comparison group. These are the measures behind it.
| Measure | Value | Compared with peers |
|---|---|---|
| Homes that can get gigabit internetElche · 2025 | 95.9% | better than 17% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| Homes with fibre to the doorElche · 2025 | 97.7% | better than 31% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| 5G coverageElche · 2025 | 99.9% | better than 10% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
Prosperity is weak: in the bottom quarter of Spanish cities above 50,000.
Household income per person: 12,552 € a year per person — worse than 89% of Spanish cities above 50,000
Weak: 11 out of 100, where 50 is typical for the comparison group. These are the measures behind it.
| Measure | Value | Compared with peers |
|---|---|---|
| Household income per personElche · 2024 | 12,552 € a year per person | better than 11% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
What we cannot score for Elche yet
Highs around 30° in August, lows around 9° in January. 161 pleasant days a year (dry, 18–28 °C). 112 warm nights above 20 °C: check for air-conditioning.
| Month | High | Low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 15.7°C | 9.2°C | 36 mm |
| February | 16.4°C | 9.9°C | 14 mm |
| March | 17.8°C | 11.3°C | 58 mm |
| April | 19.4°C | 13.1°C | 42 mm |
| May | 23.0°C | 16.5°C | 29 mm |
| June | 26.8°C | 20.3°C | 15 mm |
| July | 30.0°C | 23.4°C | 4 mm |
| August | 30.3°C | 24.2°C | 18 mm |
| September | 27.5°C | 21.9°C | 53 mm |
| October | 24.2°C | 18.3°C | 40 mm |
| November | 19.9°C | 13.6°C | 39 mm |
| December | 17.2°C | 11.1°C | 37 mm |
Elche has one of the sunniest and driest climates in Spain. Winters are mild and bright, with warm days and cool nights; summers are long, hot and humid, and the palm grove offers some shade. Rainfall is only 385 mm a year (2015–2024), but when it comes it can be heavy and flood the streets.
Tropical nights, when the temperature never falls below twenty degrees, run at 112 a year (2015–2024). Frost days are 0 a year (2015–2024). Pleasant days, mild and dry, number 161 a year (2015–2024).
It is a winter city: from October to May, the weather is excellent, and many northern Europeans come. In July and August, most people head for the coast or stay indoors in the afternoon, and air conditioning is a necessity for sleeping.
Lines start with Spain; switch the others on to compare.
56/100 · average · 58th of 106 Spanish cities above 50,000
14.8% in 2025
13.9% in Q2 2026
€5.5 per m² a month in 2024
€1,635 per m² in Q2 2026
83.4 years in 2023
Facts about the people who live in Elche. Shown as context only: none of this changes a score.
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Fit from the data, 0 to 100, against other Spanish cities. Open a group to see the figures behind it.
The palm grove, nearby wetlands, the beaches of Santa Pola and hiking in the hills. The summer heat is the limit.
Not measured yet: Environment, Fine-particle pollution (PM2.5), Lifestyle, Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), Strong-wind days.
Warm winters, low costs and an airport on the doorstep. A good alternative to the busier coastal resorts, though summer nights are heavy.
Not measured yet: Cost of Living, Doctors, Environment, Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂).
Cheap and sunny, close to the airport and Alicante's coworking spaces. The city itself offers few places to meet others.
Nothing stands out.
Better nearby for remote workers: Paterna (65), Valencia (61)
Not measured yet: Cost of Living, Fixed broadband penetration, Lifestyle.
One of the better-value cities on the Valencian coast, with real services. Local work is hard to find, and rents are climbing.
Better nearby for budget-conscious movers: Vila-real (62), Alcoy (61), Castellón de la Plana (60)
Not measured yet: Cost of Living, Households spending >40% of income on housing, Price level vs EU average.
Spacious houses and golf in the surroundings, but few luxury services or international schools.
Not measured yet: Average dwelling size, Education, Environment, Income tax and social security, average earner, Total tax on labour, average earner.
A campus university with cheap flats around it, and a quieter student scene than Alicante's.
Not measured yet: Cost of Living, Cycle most, Education, Lifestyle, Price level vs EU average, Walk most, Youth unemployment (15–24).
The Misteri d'Elx, the palm grove and local festivals. A modest cultural scene beyond that.
Nothing stands out.
Better nearby for culture, food and nightlife: Alicante (70), Valencia (62)
Not measured yet: Lifestyle, Walk most.
Affordable homes, parks, schools and beaches within reach. A calm and practical place to bring up children, if the household has income that does not depend on the local job market.
Better nearby for families with children: Alcoy (57)
Not measured yet: 15-year-olds' maths (PISA), Average dwelling size, Childcare availability, Education, Environment, Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), Pre-primary participation.
Low costs, a footwear and logistics cluster and an airport nearby. The local market is modest.
Nothing stands out.
Better nearby for founders and self-employed: Paterna (64), Valencia (59), Alicante (54)
Not measured yet: Jobs in high-tech sectors, Regulatory quality.
Logistics, retail and manufacturing jobs at modest pay; many young people move to Alicante, Valencia or Madrid.
Better nearby for young professionals: Benidorm (51), Castellón de la Plana (50)
Not measured yet: Jobs in high-tech sectors, Lifestyle, Median gross salary, Youth unemployment (15–24).
Taxes, residency and the wider economy are set nationally, so they are the same in Elche as anywhere in Spain.
Compared with Elche; each card says where it is better or worse for someone living there.
70 m²: €380 a month
Compare with Elche70 m²: €315 a month
Compare with Elche70 m²: €591 a month
Compare with Elche70 m²: €497 a month
Compare with Elche70 m²: €315 a month
Compare with Elche70 m²: €366 a month
Compare with ElcheGuide written 2026-10-22. Figures are refreshed as new official data is published; the period beside each number says what it covers. “Our read” cards are our inferences from those figures. How we score
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