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Valencia

Spain

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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

Want more detailed insights?

Explore our comprehensive cost of living breakdown, including detailed price comparisons for groceries, entertainment, healthcare, and more.

Safety & Security

Safety Overview

Family Friendly

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

    Beach Life

    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.

    Widely spoken in tourist areas and business centers, though less common in day-to-day life.
    Global Rank: #44 of 112 countries

    What Does This Mean?

      Languages

      Spanish
      Valencian

      Learning Difficulty

      Level 1
      Closely related to English

      Expected learning time: 24 weeks (600 hours)

      Based on FSI (Foreign Service Institute) language difficulty ratings

      Make Friends in Spanish

      Speaking the local language helps you feel at home. Start learning Spanish today with a free week of Duolingo Plus.

      • Learn at your own pace
      • Simple, fun daily lessons
      • No pressure or deadlines

      No credit card needed

      Embracing Your New Home

      Getting Comfortable in a New Culture

      Cultural Heritage
      Food Scene

      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

      Digital Nomad Hub

      Demographics

      Main Nationalities

      Diverse mix of EuropeansNorth Americansand global digital nomads

      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

      Modern Infrastructure
      Public Transport

      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

      Beachfront Villa

      $450,000

      San Pedro, Belize

      3 Bedrooms2 Bathrooms2,200 Square Feet

      Discover more exceptional properties in our curated collection

      View All Properties

      Your 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.