Monthly Cost of Living in Valencia Spain: The Ultimate Guide 2023
The monthly cost of living in Valencia Spain makes it possible to live comfortably for between USD 1,500 and USD 2,000. Read on to see a breakdown of the monthly living costs!
We started this series on the ‘monthly cost of living in’ various cities and countries around the world because as fulltime travellers, we like to slow down our travels by staying at least one month or more in each place we visit. However, we found it a challenge when researching to find up-to-date and thorough guides on the monthly cost of living for $2,500 to $3,000 USD per month, to ensure we could live there within our budget.
This post on the Valencia Spain Cost of Living has been contributed by Anna at Spain Inspired. Now living in Valencia, Anna’s made it her mission to help those that are considering travelling to Valencia, and also those that are thinking of moving to or spending some time longer term in this amazing Spanish city.
Compared to other countries in the region, Valencia’s cost of living for the month is relatively affordable, but it is definitely not as cheap as the following places:
- Asia: Siem Reap, Cambodia ($1,200 – $1,750 USD)
- Latin America: Vilcabamba, Ecuador ($1,000 – $1,500 USD)
But, it is comparable to the following cities:
- Asia: Chiang Mai, Thailand ($1,500 – $2,000 USD)
- Latin America: San Jose, Costa Rica ($1,500 – $2,000 USD)
So, what is the monthly cost of living Valencia? Read on to see a detailed guide written by Anna, someone that has lives in Valencia, and has up-to-date first-hand experience of all aspects related to living costs and expenses.
Please Note: All prices are quoted in the local currency – US Dollars (USD). To easily convert prices to your currency, we use ‘xe Currency Converter’.
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Monthly Cost of Living in Valencia Spain
Living in Valencia is a dream come true, with its stunning beaches, lively festivals, and delicious food. However, for those planning to make this city their home, the question of how much it costs to live here can be a bit tricky.
That’s where I come in. As a Valencia local, I’ve been fortunate enough to get to learn the ins and outs of this vibrant city and can offer a firsthand account of what it costs to live here.
This is why, in this article, I’ll give you an honest and detailed breakdown of the prices in Valencia Spain and cost of living, from rent and utilities to groceries and entertainment.
So if you’re considering a move to Valencia or simply curious about the Valencia Spain living costs, you’re in the right place!
Where is Valencia, Spain?
Valencia is a beautiful city located on the eastern coast of Spain, in the region of Valencia. The city is situated on the banks of the Turia River, which has been diverted and turned into a park that runs through the city centre.
Valencia is the third-largest city in Spain, after Madrid and Barcelona, and is renowned for its vibrant culture, delicious cuisine, and stunning architecture. If you’re planning a trip to Valencia, it’s worth noting that the city can be easily reached by air, train, or car.
The Valencia-Manises airport is just a few kilometres from the city centre and is served by many airlines. Additionally, the city is well-connected to other Spanish cities by train, making it an ideal destination for those who wish to explore the region.
Living in Valencia
I absolutely love living in Valencia! The city is vibrant, friendly, and has a great lifestyle. It’s no surprise that Valencia was named the best city in the world for expats to live in in 2020 and 2022, and the healthiest city in the world in 2022.
One of the things I love most about Valencia is the weather. The city has a Mediterranean climate, which means long, hot summers and mild winters. It’s perfect for spending time outdoors, whether that’s walking along the beach or cycling through the Turia Gardens (the 9 kilometre park that runs through the centre of the city).
In fact, Valencia is a very walkable and bike-friendly city, which makes it easy to get around and stay active. Plus, there are several great beaches just 20 minutes or so by public transport from the city centre, so you’re never going to run out of things to do.
Another great thing about this city is the food – which makes sense when you consider that one of things that Valencia is most known for is the fact that this is where paella was first created. But there’s also an abundance of fresh produce and seafood, all for really reasonable prices.
Overall, living in Valencia is a wonderful experience. The low cost of living, great weather, and friendly atmosphere honestly make it an ideal place to call home.
What is the Overall Monthly Cost of Living in Valencia Spain?
Living in Valencia is very affordable, especially by European city standards. It is claimed Valencia is one of the cheaper cities to live in Western Europe.
Using the Cost of Living Index Comparison Calculator on the Expatistan website:
- Cost of living in Valencia is more expensive than in 71% of the living costs in Spanish cities
- Cost of living in Valencia is cheaper than in 78% of cities in Western Europe
- Valencia cost of living is cheaper than in 62% of cities in the World
N.B. The Cost of Living Index shows the difference in expat cost of living comparison between cities. The cost of living in the base city is always expressed as 100. The cost of living in the destination is then indexed against this number.
Cost of living is vital information if you are looking to move to or live for a longer period of time in another country. Overall costs will vary according to the individual, their personal circumstances, and their lifestyle but the basic necessities such as accommodation, utilities, transportation, food and entertainment, will be very similar. On this basis, this article will determine approximately how much a person needs to earn or spend, to live comfortably in Valencia.
Valencia Monthly Budget and Lifestyle
Living in Valencia is affordable, but it’s important to have a realistic budget in mind. I’ve found that the prices in Valencia and cost of living here is lower than in many other European cities, but it’s still important to be mindful of your expenses.
A monthly budget of USD 1,500 is more than doable, and with USD 2,000 you’ll definitely be comfortable.
Even at the lower end of that scale, you’ll still be able to eat out occasionally and grab a drink from time to time at one of the (what feels like) thousands of bars throughout the city. Eating out is relatively inexpensive, and there are plenty of affordable supermarkets and more local markets where you can buy groceries.
While there are certainly both pros and cons of living in Valencia, I consider it an ideal option for those who are looking for an affordable lifestyle in a beautiful city. One reason for this is that salaries in Spain are quite low, so if you come from a country where salaries tend to be higher, you’re going to be pleasantly surprised.
QUICK OVERVIEW – How Much I Spend in Valencia Spain for 1 Month
- Accommodation: USD 1,095 per month in rent for one person living in a one-bedroom apartment in the trendy Ruzafa neighbourhood.
- Utilities: About USD 100 for everything (electricity, water, internet, cell phone)
- Transportation: USD 2.67 for the public bike system, based on an annual cost of EUR 29 (USD 32). Budget a few extra dollars for public transport if you need to, but you may find you don’t even need to use it given how walkable and bike-friendly the city is.
- Groceries / Wine / Beer: USD 268 per month for two people, so USD 134 per person, although noting that this is based on dining out a few times a week, bringing grocery prices down.
- Dining Out (per person): Budget around USD 200 per person per month for dining out. The restaurant options here are seriously good with something for every budget, so it’s worth setting aside some money for this to experience everything the city has to offer.
- Health Insurance / Medical Treatment: The public health system is free, but the private health insurance with some international coverage I found starts at USD 55 per month, although this will clearly change depending on your personal circumstances.
- Gym: USD 25 per month
- Fun, very necessary beauty stuff: USD 33 per month
- Visa Maintenance: Visas are free. While I’d suggest paying for a professional when it comes to your visa renewal just to avoid ripping your hair out from having to deal with Spanish bureaucracy, I’m not including it in this budget summary as it’s only a one-off charge every few years.
TOTAL: This gives a total cost of USD 1,644.67 per month for one person. However, this is based on living in the trendiest, and so one of the most expensive, parts of town. You can easily bring this down by a few hundred dollars by living even an extra 10-15 minutes by bus further away.
Cost of Accommodation in Valencia, Spain
Like anywhere, the cost of accommodation varies depending on the neighbourhood you choose to live in. The trendiest neighbourhood and thus the most popular with digital nomads / Valencia expats is easily Ruzafa. It’s also the most expensive though, with it being basically impossible to get a one bedroom apartment there for less than EUR 1,000 (USD 1,095) these days.
You’ll also find similar prices in another great suburb, El Carmen, which is part of the Old Town of Valencia, with great little streets (and street art) as far as the eye can see.
However, there are other suburbs that are cheaper and still very easy to get to the city centre. For instance, one bedroom apartments in neighbourhoods 10 minutes or so by bus from the city centre go for about EUR 700 (USD 766).
You’ll also find prices like this in up and coming neighbourhoods like Cabanyal, which are right next to Valencia’s beautiful beach but with prices that are still reasonable.
According to HousingAnywhere’s Rent Index, rental prices in Valencia have been stable since 2018, which contributes to the city’s favourable rental climate.
Monthly Cost of Utilities in Valencia, Spain
Living in Valencia, I’ve found that the cost of utilities is reasonable compared to other European cities. The electricity and water bills for my apartment come to around EUR 60 (USD 67) per month, although we tend to be pretty careful with our usage.
While the cost of utilities has gone up a bit recently, it’s still reasonable compared to other cities in Europe. I find that the quality of the services is good and I haven’t had any issues with outages or disruptions.
One thing I love about Spain is that the internet is fast and affordable. I pay just EUR 20 (USD 22) per month for a really reliable internet connection at home and, for my mobile phone plan, I get a 10 GB plan for just EUR 7 (USD 7.70) per month.
How to Get Around Valencia / Cost of Transportation in Valencia Spain
I love that I don’t need a car in Valencia, Spain so I don’t own one. Instead, the city is very walkable and we also rely a lot on the public bike system.
That is, for EUR 29 (USD 32) per year, you can use the bike system for free for the first 30 mins of each ride, which is almost always more than enough time to get anywhere. The city also has an extensive network of bike lanes, so it’s easy and safe to get around by bike.
Public transport is also a great option in Valencia. The metro, trams, and buses are all very cheap and reliable. In fact, getting the metro from the city centre to the airport only takes around 25 minutes.
Cost of Food and Drinks in Valencia, Spain
Living in Valencia means enjoying some of the best food and drink that Spain has to offer. I personally spend about EUR 60 (USD 67) per week at the supermarket for two people, although we do eat out at least twice a week.
Valencia is known for its fresh food, so we always make sure to shop for produce and fish at local markets instead of chain supermarkets. The cheese here is also amazing, and we love to try new varieties.
But one of the best things about Valencia – and Spain in general – is the wine, as you can find seriously good bottles of wine for only a few euros each. Similarly, when it comes to coffee, you can get a “cafe con leche” (coffee with milk) for around EUR 2.50 (USD 2.75) in most places. It’s a great way to start the day and there are plenty of cafes to choose from.
Dining out in Valencia is also a great experience. There are so many amazing restaurants to choose from, serving everything from traditional Spanish cuisine to international dishes. Prices vary depending on where you go, but you can find some great deals if you know where to look.
One great thing to keep an eye out for is the “menú del día” (daily menu), which is a three-course lunchtime meal – usually including a drink, bread and coffee – served at many more local restaurants in Spain for between EUR 10 and EUR 12 (USD 11 to USD 13.20).
Cost of Entertainment in Valencia, Spain
If you’re looking for entertainment in Valencia, you won’t be disappointed. The city is home to many theatres, cinemas, and concert halls. The Palau de la Musica is a must-visit for music lovers, with its stunning architecture and impressive acoustics. The City of Arts and Sciences is another popular attraction, with its futuristic buildings and interactive exhibits.
For those who love to eat and drink, and as mentioned above, Valencia has a huge selection of restaurants and bars, almost all of which have been amazing. You can find everything from traditional Spanish cuisine to international dishes. We usually spend around EUR 25 to EUR 30 (USD 27 to USD 33) per person for a full meal with entrees, main and dessert, including wine or beer, but it can go up as much as you want.
Drinks are also generally cheap for Europe – around EUR 2.50 (USD 2.75) for a beer and around EUR 5 (USD 5.50) for a glass of wine. Of course, you can pay more than that at a fancier place, but you really don’t have to. In particular, check out the areas of Ruzafa and El Carmen for a huge range of bar choices.
Cost of Any Affordable Splurging
When it comes to fitness, there are plenty of affordable options available. I personally go to a fairly basic gym that costs me EUR 25 (USD 27) per month. However, there are also a lot of other fitness studios and outdoor fitness classes available that offer good rates.
You also won’t struggle to find a reasonably priced place to get your mani-pedi. At my favourite place, a gel manicure costs EUR 15 (USD 16.40) and a normal pedicure is about the same price.
For those interested, while we don’t have a cleaner, I’ve seen people mention prices online of about EUR 10 (USD 11) per hour.
Cost of Health Insurance / Medical Costs in Valencia, Spain
The Spanish healthcare system is one of the best in the world, and it consistently ranks high in various surveys and world healthcare rankings. And while healthcare is free in Spain, many people opt for private health insurance for additional coverage and peace of mind.
Local insurance is cheaper, but for those like me who prefer to have some international coverage for when they go home or travel abroad, it can cost as little as EUR 50 (USD 55) per month.
There are many insurance companies in Spain that offer a wide range of policies, giving good flexibility for the cover you need and easier access to English-speaking doctors. Of course, it’s important to do your research and compare different policies to find the one that best suits your needs and budget.
Visa Maintenance in Spain
Maintaining a visa in Spain can be a bit of a hassle, but it’s worth it. The good news is that there are no visa application costs, but the bad news is that dealing with paperwork in Spain is an absolute nightmare.
I cannot emphasize this enough: the bureaucracy is terrible, and it can take several trips to different offices (to be told different things by each person) to get everything sorted out. If you don’t speak Spanish, I can’t even imagine how you’d handle it.
Because of the frustration involved in doing this, many people pay someone to help them deal with the paperwork, which honestly is what I should have done. I believe the cost of a Visa Agent is about EUR 300 (USD 330), but given the stress involved, it’s worth every penny.
Top Tips for Living in Valencia
If you’re planning to live in Valencia, Spain, there are some things you need to know to make the transition smoother.
Firstly, learn some basic Spanish phrases to help you communicate with the locals. This is especially important if you’re dealing with government offices or banks.
Secondly, familiarize yourself with the city’s transportation system, which includes buses, metro, and trams. You can purchase a monthly travel pass for unlimited rides.
Thirdly, be aware of the city’s schedule. Valencia is known for its siesta period, where most shops and businesses close from 2 pm to 5 pm.
And lastly, take advantage of the ‘menú del día’ (daily menu) which is advertised out the front of restaurants for a three-course lunchtime meal – usually including a drink, bread and coffee.
FAQs Monthly Cost of Living in Valencia Spain
Is Valencia Cheaper than Barcelona?
The answer is yes, the cost of living in Valencia vs Barcelona is significantly different. Valencia is generally a more affordable option than Barcelona. Accommodation prices in Valencia are significantly lower than Barcelona, and you can find comfortable and stylish hotels for a fraction of the cost.
When it comes to food, Valencia’s cuisine is known for its affordable and delicious options, and in terms of transportation, Valencia’s public transportation system is efficient and affordable, with a single ticket costing around 1.50€.
What is the average rent in Valencia?
According to recent data, the average cost of apartments to rent in Valencia Spain is around €600 per month (one-bedroom apartment). However, this can vary depending on the location, size, and condition of the apartment. In more central areas such as El Carmen or Ruzafa, rents can be higher due to their popularity with tourists and expats.
On the other hand, neighbourhoods further from the city centre like Benimaclet or Campanar tend to have lower rents. It’s also worth noting that the rental market in Valencia can be competitive, so it’s important to act quickly if you find a property you like.
Where is the Best Place to Live in Valencia Spain?
If you’re looking for a bustling city centre with plenty of nightlife and cultural attractions, then the neighbourhoods of El Carmen or Ruzafa might be perfect for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a quieter, more residential area with plenty of green spaces, then neighbourhoods like Benimaclet or Campanar might be more your style.
Where do the Most Expats Live in Spain?
The Costa del Sol is one of the most popular areas for expats, with its sunny beaches, lively nightlife, and numerous amenities. The Balearic Islands, including Mallorca and Ibiza, are also popular among expats, thanks to their stunning scenery and laid-back lifestyle.
Barcelona, Madrid, and Valencia are the largest cities in Spain and offer a wealth of job opportunities, cultural activities, and attractions. Andalusia, in southern Spain, is known for its beautiful white villages and historic cities such as Seville and Granada.
Are there Many People Retiring in Valencia Spain?
The city of Valencia is becoming increasingly popular among retirees, thanks to its warm climate, affordable cost of living, and high quality of life. While there are no official statistics on the number of retirees in Valencia, anecdotal evidence suggests that the city is home to a growing number of expats who have chosen to retire there.
Which Part of Spain is the Cheapest?
The southern region of Andalusia is often considered one of the most affordable areas of Spain. This region includes cities like Seville, Granada, and Malaga, all of which offer a rich cultural experience at a reasonable cost. Additionally, the eastern region of Valencia is another affordable option, with its beautiful beaches and charming towns.
What is the Population in Valencia Spain?
The Valencia Spain population is approximately 800,000 people. This makes it the third-largest city in Spain after Madrid and Barcelona.
Is Spain Cheap to Visit?
If you’re planning a trip to Spain and wondering whether it’s a budget-friendly destination, the answer is yes and no. Spain can be an affordable place to visit if you plan your trip wisely. The cost of living in Spain is lower than in other European countries, and prices for accommodation, food, and transportation are generally reasonable. However, the cost of tourist attractions and activities can add up quickly, so it’s important to prioritize what you want to see and do. Another way to save money is by eating like a local and avoiding touristy restaurants.
In Summary – Monthly Cost of Living in Valencia Spain
Compared to other countries in the region, Valencia’s cost of living for the month is relatively affordable, but it is definitely not as cheap as the following places:
- Asia: Siem Reap, Cambodia ($1,200 – $1,750 USD)
- Latin America: Vilcabamba, Ecuador ($1,000 – $1,500 USD)
But, it is comparable to the following cities:
- Asia: Chiang Mai, Thailand ($1,500 – $2,000 USD)
- Latin America: San Jose, Costa Rica ($1,500 – $2,000 USD)
The cost of living in Valencia is influenced by factors such as housing, transportation, food, and entertainment.
If you’re looking for a beautiful location to settle down for a month or more, with plenty to do, look no further than Valencia in Spain. This Spanish town has something for everyone – from great food to historical sites and churches.
Are you looking for somewhere to live either permanently or temporarily, with a monthly cost under USD 3000? Then moving to Valencia in Spain should be strongly considered and added to your list!
<<<Author Bio>>>
Anna is the founder of Spain Inspired, a website where she shares insider tips and hidden gems to inspire visitors to take the road less travelled and explore Spain like a local. Now living in Valencia, Anna’s made it her mission to help fellow travellers experience the very best of this stunning country – with some great wine and tapas along the way, ideally!
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