Property Owners
Discover the Benefits of Expat Rentals
Rent out your apartment with Globexs
Rent out your apartment with Globexs
Valencia has become one of Europe's most sought-after destinations for expats, remote workers, and retirees. Ranked #1 globally for expat satisfaction by InterNations in 2024, Spain's third-largest city offers Mediterranean lifestyle at prices that Madrid and Barcelona can't match.
But how much does it actually cost to move to Valencia in 2026? At Globexs, we've helped thousands of expats relocate since 2002. This guide provides current, verified data on every expense you'll face—from rent and utilities to visa requirements and first-month setup costs.
Single person: €1,500–1,800/month (including rent)
Couple: €2,400–2,800/month
Family of four: €3,500–4,000/month
These figures assume comfortable (not luxury) living: your own apartment in a good neighborhood, regular dining out, health insurance, and typical leisure activities. Budget-conscious expats can reduce these numbers by 20–30% through shared housing and careful spending.
Housing is your largest expense. Valencia's rental market has tightened significantly due to increased demand from expats, students, and professionals. Current data from Fotocasa and Idealista shows:
Studio/1-bedroom: €900–1,600/month (city average €1,250)
2-bedroom: €1,100–1,900/month (city average €1,460)
3-bedroom: €1,400–2,200/month
Premium areas (Ruzafa, El Carmen, L'Eixample): €18–22/m²
Mid-range (Benimaclet, Algirós, El Pla del Real): €14–17/m²
Affordable (Patraix, Campanar, Quatre Carreres): €12–15/m²
Short-term furnished rentals cost 15–25% more than annual contracts but include significant advantages for newcomers: all utilities included, no Spanish bank account required, no work contract needed, and flexible terms while you explore neighborhoods and decide where to settle permanently.
Monthly utility costs for a typical 85m² apartment:
Electricity and gas: €90–140 (higher in summer with air conditioning)
Water and rubbish: €25–35
High-speed fiber internet (600 Mbps): €30–45
Mobile phone: €15–25
Spain has some of Europe's highest electricity prices. Older buildings with poor insulation cost more to heat and cool. When apartment hunting, check for efficient split-unit air conditioning systems.
Valencia sits in Spain's fertile huerta region, making fresh produce excellent and affordable. Local markets—especially the famous Mercado Central—offer better prices than supermarkets for fruits, vegetables, and seafood.
Monthly groceries (single person): €200–300
Monthly groceries (couple): €350–450
Monthly groceries (family of 4): €600–700
Major supermarket chains include Mercadona (best prices, limited variety), Consum (local favorite), Carrefour, Lidl, and Aldi.
Menú del día (lunch special): €12–15
Dinner for two (mid-range restaurant): €40–60
Tapas and craft beer evening: €25 per person
Valencia is highly walkable and bikeable, with an extensive network of bike lanes and a city bike-sharing scheme. Most expats live comfortably without a car.
Monthly transport pass (bus + metro + tram): €29–40
Single metro/bus ticket: €1.50
Valenbisi bike-share (annual): €30
Spain's public healthcare system (SNS) is excellent—Hospital La Fe in Valencia is a national reference center. EU citizens can access public healthcare with their EHIC. Non-EU residents on work visas who contribute to Social Security also gain access.
Most expats add private insurance for English-speaking doctors and shorter wait times:
Sanitas (comprehensive, age 30): €85/month
Dental add-on: €14/month
Basic coverage for visa applications: €50–70/month
Your visa type determines the minimum income you must demonstrate:
Main applicant: €2,760–3,200/month (200% of Spanish minimum wage)
Spouse/partner: +€1,035/month
Each child: +€345/month
The income threshold rises annually with Spain's minimum wage. For 2026, expect requirements between €33,000–38,000 annually for single applicants.
Minimum €2,400/month passive income (€28,800/year). You cannot work in Spain on this visa—it's designed for retirees and those living on investments or pensions.
Moving to Valencia requires significant upfront investment beyond your regular monthly budget:
Security deposit: 1–2 months' rent (€1,250–2,500)
Real estate agency fee: 1 month's rent (€1,000–1,500)
NIE (tax identification) application: €12
Visa fees: €80–150
Basic furnishing (if unfurnished): €500–2,000
Initial health insurance (often quarterly): €250–400
Total first-month budget: €5,000–8,000 above regular monthly expenses.
Valencia offers the same Mediterranean lifestyle as Barcelona at significantly lower cost:
Housing: 25–40% cheaper than Madrid; 30–35% cheaper than Barcelona
Restaurants: 20% cheaper than Madrid/Barcelona
Transport: Nearly half the cost of Madrid's monthly pass
Groceries: Up to 30% cheaper, especially at local markets
A lifestyle costing €3,000/month in Madrid typically costs €2,200–2,400 in Valencia.
Valencia is no longer the hidden gem it was a decade ago. Rent has risen substantially, and the €500 central apartments of 2015 are history. However, compared to major cities in the US, UK, or Northern Europe, Valencia remains remarkably affordable for the quality of life it offers.
With 300 days of sunshine, Blue Flag beaches within city limits, world-class cuisine (this is the birthplace of paella), excellent healthcare, and one of Europe's best qualities of life—Valencia delivers exceptional value for expats who do their homework and budget realistically.
Since 2002, Globexs has specialized in helping expats relocate to Valencia. Our services include:
Temporary furnished housing (1–11 month contracts, all bills included)
Visa and NIE support (our legal department handles paperwork in Valencia)
Bank account assistance
Community events (twice monthly) to help you build your social network
Multilingual team who understand expat needs
