Discover Your Next Home
Valencia
Spain
Featured Destination
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The Story
Overview
Valencia, Spain's third-largest city, is a vibrant coastal metropolis that perfectly blends historical heritage with modern innovation. Founded in 138 BC, the city has evolved from a Roman colony into a dynamic cultural and economic hub. Known for its stunning City of Arts and Sciences, historic old town, and as the birthplace of paella, Valencia offers residents an exceptional quality of life. The city was voted the world's top destination for expatriates in 2022, based on criteria such as quality of life and affordability. With its Mediterranean climate, rich cultural heritage, and forward-thinking urban planning, Valencia provides an ideal setting for both work and leisure.
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Location & Geography
At a Glance
Quick Facts
Climate
Mediterranean
Monthly Cost of Living
$2000 USD
Healthcare
High-quality public and private healthcare system, with excellent facilities and medical professionals.
Expat Community
Growing international community with a significant digital nomad and retiree presence.
English Prevalence
Widely spoken in tourist areas and business centers, though less common in day-to-day life.
Infrastructure
Modern infrastructure with excellent public transportation, high-speed internet, and well-maintained public spaces.
Lifestyle
Rich cultural scene, excellent gastronomy, and high quality of life with a perfect balance of historic charm and modern amenities.
Crime Rate
Low to moderate, with generally safe conditions throughout the city.
Discover More About Spain
Explore comprehensive insights about living in Spain, from visa requirements and healthcare systems to cultural nuances and lifestyle opportunities.
Quality of Life in Spain
Below you'll find key quality of life metrics comparing Spain to the United States. All metrics are normalized to a 0-100 scale for easy comparison. Green arrows (↑) indicate better performance than the US, while red arrows (↓) indicate worse performance.
Understanding the Metrics
Quality of Life Index: Overall score combining all factors. Higher scores indicate better living conditions.
Purchasing Power: How much you can buy with your money. Higher scores mean better purchasing power.
Safety Index: Level of safety and security. Higher scores indicate safer conditions.
Healthcare Index: Quality and accessibility of healthcare. Higher scores mean better healthcare systems.
Cost of Living Index: Cost of goods and services. Lower scores indicate more affordable living costs.
Property Price to Income Ratio: Housing affordability ratio. Lower scores mean more affordable housing relative to income.
Traffic Commute Time Index: Average commute times. Lower scores indicate better traffic conditions.
Pollution Index: Environmental pollution levels. Lower scores mean cleaner environment.
Climate Index: Climate comfort rating. Higher scores indicate more favorable weather conditions.
Quality of Life
78.2
Purchasing Power
47.3
Safety Index
65.9
Healthcare Index
80.3
Cost of Living Index
34.6
Property Price To Income Ratio
14.9
Traffic Commute Time Index
12.7
Pollution Index
30.3
Climate Index
89.8
Financial Overview
Cost of Living
Monthly Estimate
USD 2,000
Rent
USD 1,000
- 1-bedroom apartment in city center
Utilities
USD 120
- Electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage
Internet
USD 40
- High-speed fiber connection
Dining Out
USD 400
- Mix of local restaurants and higher-end dining
Safety & Security
Safety Overview
Generally very safe city
Crime Overview
Common Incidents
Petty theft and pickpocketing in tourist areas
Safe Areas
Most neighborhoods are safe, including residential areas
Safety Precautions
Normal urban safety awareness recommended
Emergency Numbers
Police
911
Ambulance
911
Fire
911
Medical Care
Healthcare
Healthcare System
System Type
Public and private healthcare systems available
Quality Level
High-quality medical care with modern facilities
Medical Facilities
Available Facilities
Access
Universal public healthcare through the Spanish NHS, plus private options
Weather & Seasons
Climate
Valencia enjoys a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and warm summers. Average annual temperature is 18.6°C (65.5°F), with summer temperatures ranging from 21-32°C (70-90°F) and winter temperatures rarely dropping below 6°C (43°F). The city receives around 2,670 hours of sunshine annually and experiences limited rainfall, primarily in autumn.
Best Time to Visit
Contact us for detailed seasonal information
Unlock premium insights including weather trends and monthly averages
Communication
Language
English Proficiency
Both Spanish and Valencian are official languages, with Spanish being predominantly used in daily life. English is widely spoken in tourist and business areas.
What Does This Mean?
Languages
Learning Difficulty
Expected learning time: 24 weeks (600 hours)
Based on FSI (Foreign Service Institute) language difficulty ratings
Make Friends in Spanish
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Embracing Your New Home
Getting Comfortable in a New Culture
Valencia, Spain's third-largest city, is a vibrant coastal metropolis that perfectly blends historical heritage with modern innovation. Founded in 138 BC, the city has evolved from a Roman colony into a dynamic cultural and economic hub. Known for its stunning City of Arts and Sciences, historic old town, and as the birthplace of paella, Valencia offers residents an exceptional quality of life. The city was voted the world's top destination for expatriates in 2022, based on criteria such as quality of life and affordability. With its Mediterranean climate, rich cultural heritage, and forward-thinking urban planning, Valencia provides an ideal setting for both work and leisure.
Making the Transition Easier
Common Challenges
Language barrier, different business hours, siesta culture
Helpful Tips
- Learning basic Spanish is helpful, embrace local customs
Understanding Local Life
Late dining hours, importance of social connections
Community
Expat Life
Demographics
Main Nationalities
Community Life
Popular Activities
- Regular expat meetups
- cultural events
- and international social groups
Your American Community in Spain
Join local meetups and Facebook groups in your area
Essential Services
Infrastructure
High quality of public services and facilities
Connectivity
Internet Service
High quality of public services and facilities
Average Speed: Contact us for details
Mobile Coverage
Good
Utilities
Power Grid
High quality of public services and facilities
110/220V / 60Hz
Water Quality
Contact us for details
Tap water treatment recommended
Municipal Services
Waste Management
Excellent public transportation, high-speed internet, and modern utilities
Recycling: Contact us for details
Property & Housing
Real Estate
Active real estate market with various options
Market Overview
Active real estate market with various options
Market Forecast
Contact us for details
Buying Property
Restrictions
- No significant restrictions for foreign buyers
Renting Property
Typical Terms
Contact us for details
Deposits
Contact us for details
Featured Properties
Beachfront Villa
$450,000San Pedro, Belize
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View All PropertiesYour Educational Journey
Understanding Local Education
Valencia, Spain's third-largest city, is a vibrant coastal metropolis that perfectly blends historical heritage with modern innovation. Founded in 138 BC, the city has evolved from a Roman colony into a dynamic cultural and economic hub. Known for its stunning City of Arts and Sciences, historic old town, and as the birthplace of paella, Valencia offers residents an exceptional quality of life. The city was voted the world's top destination for expatriates in 2022, based on criteria such as quality of life and affordability. With its Mediterranean climate, rich cultural heritage, and forward-thinking urban planning, Valencia provides an ideal setting for both work and leisure.
Your Educational Choices
What's Available to You
Public, private, and international schools available
Quality You Can Expect
High standard of education
International Learning Opportunities
Schools That Welcome International Students
Several international schools offering various curricula
Financial Planning
Tax System
Progressive tax system with special provisions for residents
Income Tax
System Overview
Progressive tax system with special provisions for residents
Property & Investment
Property Tax Rate
Contact us for details
Capital Gains Rate
Contact us for details
Pension & Retirement
Foreign Pensions
Various tax benefits available for new residents
Social Security
Contact us for details
Key Considerations
Pros & Cons
Discover More About Spain
Explore comprehensive insights about living in Spain, from visa requirements and healthcare systems to cultural nuances and lifestyle opportunities.