Last Updated on May 7, 2025 by Maryam Siddiqui
Valencia, the third largest city in Spain, has certainly made its mark as an expat’s favourite. This is especially true for expats who aren’t into living in big cities but still want to feel that city energy around them. While the idea of moving and starting life in a new city is exciting, the cost of living is often a pain point for most expats. So, what’s the cost of living in Valencia like?
How does it stack up against other big cities in Spain? Figuring this out can help you decide if Valencia is the right fit for your lifestyle and budget. Now, let’s dive into what you can expect regarding day-to-day expenses, like rent, groceries, eating out, and getting around.
How expensive is Valencia?
Regarding the cost of living in Valencia, it is worth mentioning that it is neither the most expensive city nor is it the cheapest. You get all the perks of a big, modern city without some of the challenges that can come with living in extremely budget-friendly areas.
If you’re a family of four, you’re looking at around €2,447 per month, and that’s without counting rent. That covers things like groceries, transport, eating out once in a while, school supplies, and other day-to-day stuff. If you’re moving solo, your monthly costs are way lower, roughly around €691, again, without rent.
Of course, rent will add a bit more depending on where you choose to live. Nonetheless, Valencia offers a pretty nice balance between quality of life and affordability.
- Read Also: Pros And Cons Of Living In Valencia.
What is the cost of living in Valencia for expats?
When it comes to the cost of living in Valencia, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, just like with most things in life.
If you’re an expat thinking about moving to Valencia, having a rough idea of the costs can help you plan and budget better. So, with that in mind, here’s a simple breakdown of what day-to-day expenses might look like in Valencia.
Cost of rent in Valencia
If there’s one thing people everywhere seem to agree on, it’s that rent usually takes the biggest bite out of your budget. The same is also true for Valencia. Fortunately, the cost of renting an apartment in this city is not quite as steep as in the bigger towns in Spain.
Valencia is not just affordable but also provides a variety of housing options that will accommodate different budgets. If you are on a tight budget, finding accommodation away from the metropolitan city is ideal. The beauty of living in Spain is that even the small cities have extensive metro/train connections.
This makes it easy to move to and from the metropolitan area whenever you want. Take a look at the cost of rent in the different municipalities in the great city of Valencia.
| Municipality | Rent Price per m2 |
|---|---|
| Alboraya | 15.2 €/m2 |
| Alzira | 6.9 €/m2 |
| Bétera | 12.2 €/m2 |
| Torrent | 10.6 €/m2 |
| Rocafort | 11.2 €/m2 |
| Puçol | 10.3 €/m2 |
| Gandia | 8.2 €/m2 |
Price estimates are from Idealista (as of April 2025).
The average price of purchasing real estate properties
When it comes to finding the right accommodation, you are not limited to renting an apartment. As an expat in Spain, you also have the luxury of purchasing property if you fancy a permanent home.
Similar to renting an apartment, your options are as limited as your budget. Real estate units close to or within the metropolitan region often come with a higher price tag. Also, the specific neighbourhood where the property is located will often determine the price.
Unlike renting an apartment, buying property comes with added fees and taxes that you should be wary of. Reach out to our experts at Viv Europe to help you navigate the taxes and notary fees that are associated with buying property in Valencia.
That said, the average cost of buying property in Valencia is €1,636/m2. Now let’s take a look at the cost of buying property in the different municipalities in Valencia.
| Municipality | Property Price per m2 |
|---|---|
| Alboraya | 3,540 €/m2 |
| Alzira | 980 €/m2 |
| Bétera | 1,949 €/m2 |
| Torrent | 1,471 €/m2 |
| Rocafort | 2,420 €/m2 |
| Puçol | 2,021 €/m2 |
| Gandia | 1,372 €/m2 |
Price estimates are from Idealista (as of April 2025).
House bills
When it comes to monthly bills in Valencia, things are pretty manageable, especially compared to other bigger European cities. For basic utilities like electricity, water, heating, cooling, and trash pickup in an average-sized apartment, you can expect to pay about €124 a month.
For your phone, you’re in luck! A mobile plan with calls and over 10GB of data usually costs around €13 a month. As for the internet, a solid plan with at least 60 Mbps and unlimited data runs about €26 monthly. Speeds are decent, and you’ll find that most places in Valencia have reliable service.
Lastly, if you’re renting, sometimes utilities are already included in your rent, especially with short-term rentals. It’s always good to double-check with the landlord or agency. Here is a simplified breakdown of the cost of utilities.
| Expenses | Costs |
|---|---|
| Electricity, Gas, and Water | €167.59 |
| TV channel package and wifi | €34.73 |
| Mobile internet and phone call package | €16.83 |
Price estimates are from Numbeo (as of April 2025).
Average spending on food
Apart from rent, groceries can take up a decent chunk of your budget, especially if you love eating out often. One of the easiest ways to keep your cost of living in Valencia low is by cooking at home.
The good news? In Valencia, the culture embraces home-cooked meals, and it’s pretty common to gather with friends or family over a nice meal at home.
Once you settle in, you might find yourself picking up that habit too, especially with all the fresh produce and great local markets around. Beyond saving money, cooking at home also gives you more control over what you eat. Whether you’re into healthy eating, trying new recipes, or just making your meals can be both fun and budget-friendly.
| Food Item | Expense |
|---|---|
| Milk, 1 L | 0.98 € |
| Bread, 0.5 kg | 1.11 € |
| Rice, 1 kg | 1.46 € |
| Eggs, x12 | 2.55 € |
| Cheese, 1 kg | 9.69 € |
| Chicken Fillets, 1 kg | 7.35 € |
| Round Steak, 1 kg | 12.00 € |
| Apples, 1 kg | 2.24 € |
| Banana, 1 kg | 1.55 € |
| Oranges, 1 kg | 1.69 € |
| Tomato, 1 kg | 2.12 € |
| Potato, 1 kg | 1.52 € |
| Onion, 1 kg | 1.64 € |
Price estimates are from Numbeo (as of April 2025).
Expected transport cost in Valencia
Valencia has a pretty chill and affordable public transport system, which is great news if you’re planning to move here. For most expats, hopping on a bus, tram, or the metro is the go-to way to get around the city without spending a fortune.
If you’re planning to use public transport regularly, you’ll want to check out the monthly pass, which covers buses, trams, and the metro. A monthly transport card (called the SUMA pass) for Zone A, which covers most of the city, is about €42 and gives you unlimited rides.
Valencia is also very walkable and bike-friendly. A lot of people ditch public transport altogether and use Valenbisi, the city’s bike-share program. It’s super affordable (less than €30 a year) and a fun way to get around while soaking up the sunshine.
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- Read Also: Public Transport In Spain.
| Expenses | Cost |
|---|---|
| One-way Ticket (Local Transport) | 1.50 € |
| Monthly Pass (Regular Price) | 29.00 € |
| Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff) | 1.18 € |
| Taxi 1 hour waiting (Normal Tariff) | 21.38 € |
| Gasoline (1 litre) | 1.54 € |
Leisure Expenses
One of the coolest things about living in Valencia is that there’s always something to do. While some of the activities, like hitting the beach, are free, you will need to pay some money for a few others.
Going out to eat, grabbing drinks with friends, or catching a concert or play can liven up your days. Keep in mind that such fun activities do come with extra costs and hence increase the cost of living in Valencia.
The same goes for activities like gym memberships, joining a sports club, or picking up a new hobby. It all adds up, so it’s good to factor that into your budget.
| Expense | Cost |
|---|---|
| Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult | 36.95 € |
| Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend) | 11.12 € |
| Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat | 8.75 € |
| Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) | 5.00 € |
| Imported Beer (0.33 litre bottle) | 1.72 € |
| McMeal at McDonald’s (or Equivalent Combo Meal) | 10.00 € |
| Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course | 50.00 € |
What are the cheapest areas of Valencia?
If you’re dreaming of living in the Valencia region without burning a hole in your wallet, you are in luck. There are a few hidden gems that offer incredible charm at a fraction of the cost. One of those affordable neighborhoods is Ayora.
Not far behind is Aielo de Malferit at €567/m². This is a small town with a strong musical heritage and a laid-back lifestyle.
Then there’s Bocairent, averaging €631/m², a historic hillside village with cobbled streets and stunning Moorish architecture.
Lastly, L’Alcudia de Crespins sits at €670/m² and brings a cosy, local vibe with easy access to the surrounding countryside. These towns are ideal for anyone seeking a peaceful life in Valencia without the city prices.
What are the most expensive areas of Valencia?
If you’re looking to settle in the most prestigious and high-end areas of the Valencia region, there are several spots where property prices reflect luxury.
Alfinach (Puçol) leads the list with an average of €2,272/m². This neighborhood is known for its gated communities, private schools, and proximity to the sea and the Sierra Calderona mountains.
Campolivar (Godella) at €2,194/m², is a peaceful, green suburb with spacious villas and excellent amenities just a short drive from the city.
Finally, Torre en Conill, also in Bétera, stands at €2,030/m² and is known for its upscale homes, golf course, and tranquil setting. These areas are perfect if you seek top-tier living in the Valencia region.
Is Valencia more expensive than Madrid?
Wondering if life in Valencia is pricier than in Madrid? The short answer is: not really! Valencia is generally more affordable than Spain’s capital, and quite noticeably so.
To put things into perspective, you’d need about €3,807 in Valencia to maintain the same standard of living you’d enjoy with €4,600 in Madrid, assuming you’re renting in both places.
Overall, the cost of living in Valencia is around 14% lower than Madrid’s. When you factor in rent, it drops even more, about 17.2% lower. Rent alone is a significant 23.6% cheaper in Valencia, which makes a big difference if you’re planning a move or a longer stay.
Valencia and Madrid offer different vibes, Madrid being a bustling metropolis and Valencia blending city life with beachy relaxation. So, if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly but still vibrant lifestyle, Valencia could be just the spot!
Is Valencia more expensive than Barcelona?
Curious about how Valencia stacks up against Barcelona when it comes to the cost of living? Good news if you’re budget-conscious, Valencia is noticeably easier on the wallet.
To keep the same lifestyle you’d enjoy with €4,800 in Barcelona, you’d only need about €3,866 in Valencia, via Numbeo. That’s a pretty big difference!
The cost of living in Valencia is around 17.8% lower than in Barcelona without rent, and about 19.5% lower inclusive of rent.
And speaking of rent, that’s where you’ll feel the savings. Rent prices in Valencia are roughly 23% cheaper than in Barcelona. This is actually a game-changer, especially if you’re looking for more space or a better location.
So, if you’re dreaming of sunny plazas, Mediterranean vibes, and more breathing room in your budget, Valencia might just be calling your name.
Is it worth the price of living in Valencia?
Thinking about moving to Valencia? Honestly, it’s a great pick for expats, affordable, vibrant, and full of charm. One of the biggest perks? You get big-city vibes without the crazy price tag.
Just remember, your experience will depend a lot on the neighbourhood you choose, your budget, and what kind of lifestyle you’re after.
Moving anywhere is a big step, so take your time, plan it well, and don’t hesitate to ask for help. At Viv Europe, we’re here to make your move smoother with expert immigration support. Valencia might just be the perfect fit, you’ll know when you’re ready!
- Read Also: Living In Valencia: Is It The Best City In Spain?
When are you moving to Spain?
If you’ve made it this far, chances are you’re seriously considering making the move, and we’re so excited for you!
If you’ve got questions or just want a little expert guidance, our team at Viv Europe is here to help. Whether you’re dealing with visas, finding a place to live, or figuring out your residency options, we’ve got your back from start to finish.
Go ahead and book a consultation whenever you’re ready, we’d love to chat and help make your relocation dreams a reality. Let’s make this journey smooth and stress-free. Finally, for more tips and information about living in Spain, consider following our Facebook Group – All About Spain For Expats.
