If you're considering living in Valencia, Spain, this article tells you all about what this sunny Mediterranean city has to offer. Valencia's weather, diverse neighbourhoods and colourful culture make moving to the city an appealing prospect for many foreigners. It's no surprise that for expats, Valencia is the top-ranked city in the world for living.
From students looking for a lively and affordable environment to professionals wanting a modern and well-connected area, or families with children looking for a quiet and safe place to live.
- What is living in Valencia like?
- Pros and cons of living in Valencia
- Is Valencia expensive to live?
- Best neighbourhoods to live in Valencia
- Living in Valencia as an expat
- Living in Valencia with children
- Living and working in Valencia
- Moving to Valencia or Madrid
- Madrid
- Valencia
- Comparison with other cities
- Living in Valencia vs Barcelona
- Malaga or Valencia?
What is living in Valencia like?
Valencia – with its Mediterranean weather, culture and nightlife – offers an exceptional quality of life. The city has a range of activities and cultural events throughout the year. Moreover, its prime location by the sea means you can enjoy beautiful beaches and a variety of water sports.
One of the highlights of living in Valencia is its food. The city is famous for being the birthplace of paella, but it also has a wide variety of dishes and local markets that provide access to fresh produce, making it easy to adopt a healthy and balanced diet.
- Valencia enjoys a Mediterranean climate, with hot summers and mild winters. This allows you to enjoy the outdoors for most of the year.
- The city has numerous museums, theatres, cinemas and concert halls. In addition, several festivals and cultural events are held throughout the year.
- Valencia is famous for its rich cuisine. The culinary offer is varied and of high quality, especially rice dishes.
- Located on the east coast of Spain, Valencia is well connected to other major cities, both by road, train or plane.
In terms of housing, the city offers a wide range of options, from city centre flats to more traditional houses in the suburbs. Housing prices are generally more affordable than in other major Spanish cities, making Valencia an attractive option for many.
Pros and cons of living in Valencia
Like any city, Valencia has its pros and cons. Its advantages include its warm and sunny climate. With more than 300 days of sunshine a year, it's the perfect place for lovers of good weather. Moreover, its location by the Mediterranean Sea means you can enjoy the beach and a wide range of water activities.
Valencia is also famous for its culture and nightlife. Local festivities, such as Las Fallas, attract visitors from all over the world. The city also has plenty of bars, restaurants and nightclubs, so there is always something to do.
On the downside, the cost of living can be higher than in other Spanish cities, especially concerning accommodation. However, this can be compensated by salaries, which tend to be higher than the national average.
Is Valencia expensive to live?
One of the most important aspects to consider when moving to a new city is the cost of living. Compared to other Spanish cities such as Madrid or Barcelona, Valencia is a more affordable place to live. This is reflected in rent prices, food costs and the costs of basic utilities.
A meal for two in a mid-range restaurant can cost around €50, and a beer or caña will set you back around €3. Groceries are reasonably priced, and there is a wide variety of markets and supermarkets where you can buy fresh, quality produce at affordable prices.
Basic utilities such as electricity, water and gas are generally cheaper in Valencia than in other Spanish cities, costing around €125 per month. A one-way travel ticket is around €2, although many choose to travel by bike around the city for a more affordable mode of transport.
Valencia property for sale
Property prices in Valencia continue to be on the rise, with a 20.3% increase from 2024. As of April 2025, the average property price was €2,992 per m2. Although increasing, prices are generally lower than in Barcelona, for example, where the average property price is €4,875 m2.
Renting in Valencia
Rent prices in Valencia vary depending on location and housing type. In April, the average rent price in Valencia was €15.5 per m2, which comes to €1,318 per month for an 85m2 apartment. There are more affordable options in the outskirts or residential neighbourhoods.
Best neighbourhoods to live in Valencia
Valencia is a city of contrasts, with neighbourhoods that reflect its diverse population. Each neighbourhood has its character and charm, which means there is one for every preference or lifestyle, whether you have children, are looking for a better quality of life or are a student.
El Carmen
Set in the central Ciutat Vella district, this historic neighbourhood is full of charm and character. There are narrow cobbled streets, old buildings and many bars and restaurants. It's an ideal place for those looking for a bohemian and artsy atmosphere. However, this area is one of the most expensive in the city, with property prices on average €4,059 per m2 in April 2025.
Ruzafa
This neighbourhood is known as the Valencian Soho within the L'Eixample district. This neighbourhood is famous for its lively nightlife and cultural scene. You'll find independent restaurants, shops, art galleries and theatres.
El Cabanyal
The Poblats Maritims district of El Cabanyal could be perfect if you want something a little quieter. This former fishermen's neighbourhood is located by the sea and is famous for its colourful modernist-style houses. It is ideal for those looking for a relaxed lifestyle close to the beach. Moreover, it is more affordable, with homes for sale with an average price in April 2025 of €3,005 per m2.
These are just a few examples of Valencia's many neighbourhoods, each with character and charm. So whatever you're looking for, you're sure to find a place that feels like home.
Living in Valencia as an expat
In recent years, Valencia has been recognised by Internations as the best city in the world for expats. This is thanks to its high quality of life, great weather and ease of settling in as a foreigner, among other factors. Due to this, the city has become a hub for digital nomads, also attracted by its fast internet, coworking spaces, and affordable cost of living.
Expats can get involved in language exchange meetups, providing opportunities to learn Spanish while immersing themselves in the local culture. Valencia also offers a range of English-speaking services, including lawyers and other professionals, to assist with the practicalities of settling in a new country. This combination of resources and community makes Valencia an appealing destination for foreigners seeking both work and leisure in a Mediterranean setting.
Living in Valencia with children
If you're considering moving to Valencia with children, there are several things to bear in mind. The city offers a wide range of family-oriented activities and services.
Firstly, education is an important factor to consider. Valencia has high-quality public and private schools offering an excellent education. In addition, many of these schools offer bilingual programmes, which can be a great advantage for your children in the future.
Valencia also has several parks and green spaces for children to play and have fun. From the large and diverse Parque de Cabecera to the iconic Jardín del Turia, there are numerous places where your children can enjoy the great outdoors.
Finally, Valencia is a safe city, with a relatively low crime rate compared to other major Spanish cities, making it an attractive option for families with children.
Living and working in Valencia
Valencia is not only an ideal place to enjoy life but also to work. The city has a growing economy driven by tourism, technology and industry. The variety of job opportunities makes living and working in Valencia an attractive option for many.
On the other hand, Valencia's quality of life is high, with a wide range of services and amenities, from excellent public transport systems to a wide variety of leisure and cultural options. In addition, the city's proximity to the sea and its pleasant year-round climate make life in Valencia even more attractive.
In terms of finding employment, Valencia has several universities and training centres, allowing residents to improve their skills and competencies to adapt to the demands of the labour market.
Valencia's relatively low cost of living compared to other Spanish cities, combined with the competitive salaries, makes living and working in Valencia very attractive.
Moving to Valencia or Madrid
Deciding between Valencia and Madrid can be difficult. Both cities have pros and cons, and it will depend on your personal preferences and circumstances. You'll need to consider everything from job opportunities to the cost of living and whether you prefer a quieter or faster pace of life.
Madrid
As the capital, Madrid offers a wide range of job opportunities, especially in sectors such as banking and finance. It also has a wide range of cultural offerings, with numerous museums, theatres and events. However, the cost of living can be significantly higher, and the pace can be overwhelming for some.
Valencia
Valencia, on the other hand, offers a more relaxed lifestyle. The city is known for its warm climate, beaches and cuisine. Although it may not have as many job opportunities as Madrid, many people find it has a better quality of life. In addition, the cost of living is generally lower, with an average price per square metre of €1,383 per square metre, compared to €3,152 per square metre in Madrid.
Choosing between Valencia and Madrid depends on what you're looking for. If you prefer a faster pace of life and more job opportunities, Madrid may be for you. However, Valencia could be ideal if you value a quieter lifestyle and a higher quality of life.
Comparison with other cities
Other large Spanish cities could also be interesting, which you may have some doubts about. Although Valencia has a great quality of life and all the benefits already mentioned, cities such as Barcelona or Malaga could also be considered interesting options.
Living in Valencia vs Barcelona
Spain's second-largest city is known for its cultural life and iconic architecture. However, it also has a higher cost of living. When deciding between living in Barcelona or Valencia, it is worth noting that although the latter is smaller, it does offer a high quality of life with more affordable prices, plus a mild climate and less crowded beaches.
Malaga or Valencia?
Choosing between Valencia and Malaga is difficult too. Malaga is famous for its sunny climate and beautiful beaches and is somewhat less affordable than Valencia, which has generally lower rents and cheaper prices for food and other essentials. However, Malaga offers a relaxed and laid-back atmosphere that many find attractive.
As for job opportunities, the technology and design industries are booming in Valencia, while tourism and hospitality are the main employment sectors in Malaga. Therefore, choosing between Valencia and Malaga may largely depend on your career field.
Ultimately, your decision will depend on your personal preferences, budget and career goals, although both offer a high quality of life and a quiet, relaxed experience.
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