Cost of Living in Valencia
Summary: Understanding the the cost of living in Valencia helps a newcomer what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.
Apartment Rentals | The average cost of renting an apartment in Valencia is €650-€850 per month for a one-bedroom apartment, and €850-€1,200 per month for a two-bedroom apartment. Prices vary depending on the location and size of the apartment. |
Apartment Purchases | The average cost of purchasing an apartment in Valencia is €2,000-€3,000 per square meter. Prices vary depending on the location and size of the apartment. |
Transportation | The cost of public transportation in Valencia is €1.50 for a single ticket, €7.50 for a 10-trip ticket, and €30 for a monthly pass. Taxi fares start at €2.50 and increase depending on the distance traveled. |
Groceries | The cost of groceries in Valencia is relatively low. A loaf of bread costs €1.50, a liter of milk costs €1.00, and a dozen eggs costs €2.00. Prices vary depending on the type of food and the store. |
Restaurants | The cost of eating out in Valencia is relatively low. A meal at a mid-range restaurant costs €15-€20 per person. Prices vary depending on the type of restaurant and the location. |
Utilities | The cost of utilities in Valencia is relatively low. The average cost of electricity, water, and gas is €100-€150 per month. Prices vary depending on the size of the apartment and the amount of usage. |
Private School Tuition | The cost of private school tuition in Valencia varies depending on the school. The average cost of preschool tuition is €400-€600 per month, elementary school tuition is €600-€800 per month, middle school tuition is €800-€1,000 per month, and high school tuition is €1,000-€1,500 per month. |
Monthly Budget for Retirees in Valencia
"The cost of living in Valencia is generally considered to be quite affordable. Rent prices are generally lower than in other major cities in Spain, and groceries and other everyday items are also reasonably priced. Eating out in restaurants is also relatively inexpensive, with a meal for two people costing around €30. Public transportation is also reasonably priced, with a monthly pass costing around €30," said one expat living in Valencia.
Can I live in Valencia on $1,500 a month?
"I've been living in Valencia for a while now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $1,500 a month, but you'll have to make some sacrifices. First, you'll need to find an affordable neighborhood to live in. I'd recommend looking into areas like Benimaclet, Ruzafa, or Cabanyal. These neighborhoods are more affordable than others, like Ciutat Vella or Eixample, which are more expensive and might not fit your budget.When it comes to housing, you'll probably have to settle for a smaller apartment or share a flat with roommates to keep costs down. Utilities and internet can be quite affordable if you're mindful of your usage. For transportation, consider getting a monthly public transport pass, which costs around €45, or even better, use a bicycle to get around the city, as Valencia is very bike-friendly.Eating out can be quite affordable if you stick to local bars and restaurants, where you can find daily menus for around €10. However, if you're used to dining at high-end restaurants, you'll have to cut back on that. Groceries can be quite affordable, especially if you shop at local markets and buy seasonal produce.Entertainment-wise, you'll have to be selective about the events and activities you attend. There are plenty of free or low-cost events happening in the city, like concerts, exhibitions, and festivals. However, you might have to skip some of the more expensive activities, like going to the theater or attending sports events.In summary, living in Valencia on $1,500 a month is doable, but you'll have to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, being smart about your housing and transportation choices, and being selective about your entertainment options, you can live comfortably and enjoy the city," commented an expat living in Valencia.
Can I live in Valencia on $3,500 a month?
"I've been living in Valencia for a few years now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, even if you're used to modern amenities. However, you might have to make some sacrifices in terms of the neighborhood you choose to live in and the size of your apartment.For example, neighborhoods like Ruzafa, El Carmen, and Eixample are quite trendy and popular among expats, but they can also be more expensive. If you want to live in one of these areas, you might have to settle for a smaller apartment or share with roommates to make it work within your budget. On the other hand, if you're willing to live in a more residential area, you can find more affordable options in neighborhoods like Benimaclet, Campanar, or Patraix. These areas are still well-connected to the city center and have all the necessary amenities, but the cost of living is generally lower.In terms of other expenses, groceries and transportation are quite affordable in Valencia. You can save money by shopping at local markets and taking advantage of the city's excellent public transportation system. Eating out can be a bit more expensive, especially in touristy areas, but there are plenty of affordable tapas bars and restaurants if you know where to look.One sacrifice you might have to make is cutting back on some luxury items or services that you're used to. For example, you might not be able to afford a gym membership or regular spa treatments on a $3,000 a month budget. However, there are plenty of free or low-cost activities to enjoy in Valencia, like going for a run in the Turia River Park or taking advantage of the city's many cultural events and festivals.Overall, I think it's definitely possible to live comfortably in Valencia on a $3,000 a month budget, as long as you're willing to be flexible and make some adjustments to your lifestyle. It's a beautiful city with a great quality of life, and I'm sure you'll enjoy your time here," said one expat living in Valencia.
Can I live in Valencia on $5,000 a month?
"I've been living in Valencia for a few years now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, even if you're used to modern amenities. In fact, I think you'll find that your money goes quite a bit further here than in many other cities. Of course, you might have to make a few sacrifices, but I think you'll find that the quality of life here is well worth it.First, let's talk about housing. If you're looking for a more affordable neighborhood, I'd recommend checking out areas like Benimaclet, Ruzafa, or Campanar. These neighborhoods are still close to the city center and have a good mix of modern amenities, but the cost of living is a bit lower than in some of the more upscale areas. On the other hand, if you're looking for something a bit more luxurious, you might want to consider neighborhoods like Ciutat Vella or Eixample. These areas are more expensive, but they're also very central and have a lot of high-end shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions.As for other expenses, you'll find that groceries, transportation, and utilities are all quite affordable in Valencia. Eating out can be a bit more expensive, especially if you're used to dining at high-end restaurants, but there are plenty of more affordable options as well. One thing to keep in mind is that if you're planning to travel a lot, you might want to budget a bit more for transportation, as flights and train tickets can add up quickly.In terms of sacrifices, you might find that some of the more modern amenities you're used to aren't as readily available in Valencia. For example, you might have to get used to a smaller living space, as apartments here tend to be a bit more compact than in some other cities. Additionally, while there are plenty of gyms and fitness centers in Valencia, they might not have all the same equipment or classes that you're used to.Overall, I think you'll find that living in Valencia on $5,000 a month is not only possible but quite comfortable. You might have to make a few adjustments to your lifestyle, but I think you'll find that the city's vibrant culture, beautiful architecture, and friendly people more than make up for any sacrifices you have to make," commented an expat living in Valencia.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.
Additional Information:
- Fun Classes for Expats Living in Valencia
- Public Transportation in Valencia
- Best Markets in Valencia
- Retire in Valencia Guide
- 7 Tips for Living in Valencia
- Pros & Cons of Living in Valencia
- Tips for Expats Driving in Valencia
- Cost of Living in Valencia
- Health Care in Valencia
- The Essential Guide to Valencia
- Moving to Valencia
- Healthcare & Health Insurance in Spain
- Best Places to Live in Spain
- Real Estate in Spain
- Best Places to See While on a Look-See Trip to Spain (Plus, Itineraries)
- What It's Like Living in Valencia
- Pros and Cons of Living in Spain 2024
- 2024 Guide to Moving to Spain