Why expats are moving to Valencia

One of the biggest draws for expats considering a move to Valencia is the affordable property prices. Unlike busy cities where real estate costs can be high, Valencia offers a range of housing options to suit every budget. Whether you're dreaming of a cosy apartment in the city centre or a spacious villa by the sea, Valencia's property market has something for everyone.

According to a report, released in 2023 by Ministerio de Fomento (Ministry of Public Works), a property in Valencia should cost you around £2,070 per square metre (PSM). This figure doesn’t take into account the property type however, and so the cost PSM may differ depending on whether you’re looking at an apartment or house ect. You should also expect different areas of Valencia to be more expensive than others, much like Chelsea and Tottenham in London or the Upper and Lower East Side in New York.

Apartments, houses, villas - oh my! Valencia caters to diverse preferences when it comes to property types.

Apartments are one of the most common options for people buying property in the city of Valencia. Mostly because they offer many benefits, such as; communal spaces, less maintenance, convenience and reduced utility costs. When buying an apartment in Valencia, you would be looking to spend anywhere between €74,000 (£63,222) and €2,100,000 (£1,792,377). These prices account for property size, e.g. 2-bed apartments will be cheaper than 5-bed apartments, the amenities of said property, and the location of the property.

House prices in Valencia vary based on their size and location. However, there are many property types to choose from. If you’re looking for a smaller house, like a 2-bed house, you’d be looking to spend between €130,000 (£110,957) and €270,000 (£230,448). If you dream of more of a villa-style house, complete with pool and 3-4 bedrooms, the prices start at around €360,000 (£307,265), with the more luxurious properties listed at anywhere between €575,000 (£490,770) and €1,200,000 (£1,024,215).

Country Houses, located on the outskirts of the city, offer the option for more space. If you dream of a breathtaking 6-bed house with pool and gardens the prices aren’t necessarily higher. Six bedroom houses without a pool start at around €385,000 (£328,550), with houses that host a pool starting at around the same price, with the more luxurious properties listed at €850,000 (£725,371).

Choosing the right neighbourhood is key to enjoying Valencia’s lifestyle. Each with their own unique charm. Below is a brief guide to the most popular neighbourhoods in Valencia.

This neighbourhood, also known as Barrio del Carmen, lies in the heart of the city’s historic centre. Characterised by its maze of narrow streets, historic buildings and colourful street art El Carmen is most famous for its bohemian atmosphere, lively bars and boutiques reminiscent of wonderland. This neighbourhood is perfect for those looking for a mixture of traditional and modern Spanish living.

Some potential downsides of living in El Carmen are the lack of sunlight because of the narrow streets and architecture, and noise. Of course, the lack of sunlight is a benefit in the summer months as they provide plenty of shade, however in the winter months it can get quite cold.

El Carmen is also the centre of Valencia’s annual Fallas celebrations, which means the streets can get quite loud. Although the noise only happens a few days a year, you should take it into consideration.

Because of its artistic flair, multicultural vibe, and bustling food scene, this neighbourhood is in high demand. Historically this neighbourhood wasn’t the most sought after, however it has become one of the most gentrified, sought after neighbourhoods to live in Valencia. Located just south of Valencia’s city centre, Ruzafa is home to an assortment of cafés, vintage shops, galleries, bars and restaurants. Subsequently, the area is popular among young professionals and expats, with its creative energy and assuring sense of community.

This neighbourhood has a multicultural feel to it, with a wide range of dining options offering all kinds of international cuisines. Similarly, the array of coffee shops and cafés has made Ruzafa popular with those who study or work remotely, making this area of the city lively during both the day and the night. The popularity of Ruzafa influences the prices of properties, making it a good location to consider buying a property if you think you’ll want to rent it for guests in the future.

El Cabanyal is a historic maritime neighbourhood located where Valencia meets the Mediterranean coast. Infamous for its tiled facades, colourful streets and welcoming atmosphere, El Cabanyal offers residents a glimpse into the city’s rich maritime heritage. Originally a fishing village, El Cabanyal retains its distinct character with row upon row of traditional fishermen’s cottages, locally known as “barracas”, interspersed with modernist architecture.

El Cabanyal is most infamous for its promenade, where locals and tourists gather to stroll along the beach, savour fresh seafood and soak up the sunshine. However, compared to El Carmen and Ruzafa, this neighbourhood is relatively quiet, with less of a party scene. Despite this, the neighbourhood also boasts a thriving art scene, with numerous galleries, theatres and street art installations, which all showcase the creativity of El Cabanyals residents. With a unique blend of old-world charm and contemporary vivacity this neighbourhood is perfect for those seeking an authentic taste of Valencia’s coastal life.

Living in Valencia as a non-resident is easy, thanks to the city’s year-round sunshine, affordable living costs, and a welcoming community, Valencia is a paradise for expats.

Valencia is the perfect place to enjoy everyday activities, such as exercising, a morning coffee or even reading a book, outside. Furthermore, the city's affordable cost of living compared to other European cities, makes it an attractive option for expats seeking a higher quality of life- without breaking the bank.

The city offers a supportive community to help you settle in with ease, as well as a whole host of international restaurants to choose from, alongside traditional dishes like paella, horchata and fresh seafood. With excellent public transportation options, and plenty of green spaces. Living in Valencia as a non-resident promises an enriching and fulfilling experience amidst the beauty and charm of Spain’s east coast.

Compared to other Spanish cities, the cost of living in Valencia is relatively low, making it an attractive option for non-residents seeking a high quality of life without breaking the bank. 

According to NUMBEO (Who specialise in data collection in cost of living, property prices and quality of life), the estimated living expenses for one person average around €651.60 (£556.10), making Valencia 42.6% less expensive to live in than London.

Of course, this figure will vary depending on your way of life, so we’ve listed things you may choose to spend money on, with their average cost. 

• Meal £ Restaurant (1 person) = €12.00 (£10.23)
• Meal ££ Restaurant (2 people) = €45.00 (£38.36)
• Local Beer (0.5l draught) = €2.50 (£2.13)
• Water (0.33l bottle) = €1.35 (£1.15)
• Milk (1l) = €1.03 (£0.88)
• Utilities (basic e.g. electricity, water etc.) = €110.36 (£94.07)

From exploring historic landmarks like the City of Arts and Sciences and the Valencia Cathedral to indulging in mouthwatering paella at local restaurants. Valencia offers a wealth of activities for residents and expats alike. Need to unwind? Head to one of Valencia’s lush green spaces, such as the Turia Gardens or the Jardí de Montfort, for a leisurely stroll or a picnic with friends. And let’s not forget about the beaches!

Valencia’s most famous dish is Paella, but it’s not the only dish you will find in the city. Rice, locally referred to as ‘arroz’, is one of the star ingredients when looking at Valencia’s colourful cuisine. Walking amongst menu options you are likely to find dishes such as arroz a banda (rice cooked in fish stock) embellished with prawns, arroz negro (rice cooked in cuttlefish ink), buñuelos de bacalao (deep-fried cod bites traditionaly served with aioli) and arròs amb fesoli i naps, which is a rice-based stew, flavoured with white beans, turnips and pork.

Aside from Valencia’s traditional dishes, the city has something to everyone’s taste. With approximately 1,500 restaurants and 330 cafés, and the promise of variety, it is no wonder Valencia is a popular place to live.

Recently, Valencia was elected as the European Green Capital. This recognises Valencia’s dedication to improve both the environment, and quality of life for both residents and visitors. This is because of the amount of green space that can be found when walking around the city.

• Jardi del Turia (The Turia Gardens): You are sure to notice the green space as soon as you arrive. The various gardens, including Jardi del Turia (The Turia Gardens) is one of the largest urban parks in Spain. Covering 9 kilometres, the park hosts plenty of space for sports, leisure or a walk along one of the many footpaths.
  
  The gardens have their foundations on the former riverbed of the River Turia, which was later altered to prevent flooding. In a city full of creativity, it was only right that the different sections of the gardens were designed by several different landscape artists, that all recreate the former river scenery in some way. This has resulted in a wonderland of orange trees, palm trees, an abundance of flowers, pine trees and rose beds. You will also find fountains, sports facilities and ponds. Located between the City of Arts and Sciences and Cabecera Park, the Jardi del Turia  are the perfect place to relax, cycle, run, or simply reconnect with nature.
  
  
• Valencian Gardens: Across the city you will find a variety of options for your daily walk, including the Jardí de Montfort, Jardin Botanico (Botanical Gardens), El Umbracle (with 55 fixed and 54 floating arches), Jardí de les Hespèrides, Jardines de la Glorieta, and a number of other parks and green spaces. Many people choose Valencia as their home simply because the abundance of green space decreases stress levels and can improve concentration. No wonder it has a separate city for art and science!

Popular beaches in Valencia, Spain

The beaches stretch for miles along Valencia’s Mediterranean coastline, complete with golden sand and clear turquoise waters, making them ideal for sunbathing, swimming and water sports.

Valencia offers several stunning beaches, each with its own unique appeal:

• Playa de la Malvarrosa: This is the most popular beach in Valencia. It features a lively promenade lined with restaurants, cafés, and bars where visitors can savour fresh seafood, traditional spanish cuisine and take in breathtaking sea views.
  
  
• Playa de las Arenas: Located just south of Playa de la Malvarrosa, this beach is renowned for its clean, expansive sandy shores - a scene straight out of daydreams. It’s perfect for families and offers a variety of water activities such as paddleboarding, water sports and jet skiing. The beach promenade is also popular for walking, jogging and roller-skating.
  
  
• Playa de la Patacona: For those seeking a quieter seaside location, Playa de la Patacona is the perfect choice. It offers a tranquil setting with fewer crowds, providing ample space to relax and unwind.

One of the most attractive aspects of life in Valencia is its strong sense of community. Valencian people’s values are deeply rooted in a strong sense of camaraderie, tradition and inclusivity. As a Catholic country, it is unsurprising that family bonds and social connections play a central role, with regular gatherings and celebrations reinforcing the importance of these connections.

Many people choose to move to Valencia because of its incredible hospitality, with residents welcoming both neighbours and visitors with warmth and generosity. Whether you’re a local or an expat, Valencia offers an environment where people from all walks of life come together to form a tight-knit community. The city’s rich cultural heritage is celebrated through various festivals, including the Fiesta de San Vicente Ferrer (Feast Day of Saint Vicente Ferrer) and the Cherry Fair, which is celebrated in the nearby mountain town of Serra.

Valencia’s vibrant community spirit is evident in its many festivals, street markets, and communal gatherings, where locals and visitors alike come together to celebrate life and embrace each other’s differences. Whether you find yourself cheering on Valencia CF at Mestalla stadium, eating tapas in a lively bar, or participating in local fiestas, the sense of camaraderie in Valencia is palpable, creating a supportive and inclusive atmosphere that will immediately make it feel like home.

Getting around Valencia is easy and convenient thanks to its efficient public transport system. With a network of buses, trams and metro system, which consists of several different lines, connects key areas both within Valencia and its surrounding suburbs. Plus, with the option to rent bicycles or take a leisurely stroll along the Turia Gardens, getting around Valencia has never been easier or more enjoyable.

For longer trips, Valencia is well-connected to other Spanish cities and international destinations, through its modern airport and train station. With its diverse range of transportation options, Valencia provides both residents and visitors with convenient and accessible ways to navigate the city and beyond.

Valencia boasts a diverse range of educational institutions, from top-ranked universities to international schools, catering to various academic needs and preferences. Popular institutions include:

• University of Valencia: This university consistently ranks among Spain’s top universities, offering a wide range of academic programs.
  
  
• Polytechnic University of Valencia: Renowned for its focus on engineering and technology, this institution is another prominent choice for students.
  
  
• International Schools: Several international schools in Valencia provide quality education following international curricula, offering diverse learning options.

For expats with children, Valencia covers a broad range of  educational options, including primary to higher education, with a strong emphasis on language programs and cultural enrichment for your little ones to thrive and succeed in Valencia’s diverse and multicultural environment.

Valencia boasts a Mediterranean climate characterised by mild winters, hot summers, and plenty of sunshine year-round. With an average of over 300 days of sunshine per year, Valencia offers the perfect setting for outdoor adventures, beach days, and al fresco dining. So, say goodbye to dreary weather and hello to blue skies and balmy temperatures in Valencia!

September to December is definitely not cold. You should expect the average daily temperature in Valencia during autumn to be around 18℃, though temperatures can reach an average high of 23℃. Saying this, you may need to wear some warmer layers if you plan to explore the city at night.

From December to February you should expect the weather in Valencia to be fairly mild. This area of Spain is characterised by the weather's tendency to alternate between sunny periods and (rare) periods of wind and rain. Saying this, daytime temperatures still reach 18-20℃ (64-68℉), due to the wind coming across from Africa.

March through to May is considered spring in Valencia. This period of the year is warm and sunny, with the occasional rainy day. From as early as March you should expect temperatures to reach 30℃ (86℉), temperatures that will continue for the rest of the year.

Summer in Valencia is from June to mid-September. These months are typically hot and full of sunshine with temperatures between 28℃ (82℉) and 35℃ (95℉). Although hot, the breeze from the sea means it isn’t too hot to go about daily activities, however some periods may be hot and muggy, especially in the west of the city, which may make the heat uncomfortable for a short while!

Are you considering purchasing property in Valencia? Whether it’s for living in, retirement, or a second home, Valencia’s appeal is undeniable. As you embark on this journey, ensuring smooth financial transactions is crucial.

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