City Guide
Perfect balance of beach, culture, and affordability. Spain’s third-largest city with Mediterranean vibes, incredible food (birthplace of paella!), and a thriving expat community. Not as touristy as Barcelona, not as expensive as Madrid.
At A Glance
- One bedroom rent
- €1,300a month, city centre
- Two bedroom rent
- €1,600a month, city centre
- Climate
- Mild Mediterranean28° in summer, 12° in winter
- Rainy days
- 50a year
- People
- 800,000Valencian Community
What a month costs
| Household | A tight month | A comfortable month |
|---|---|---|
| One person | €2,250 | €3,050 |
| A couple | €2,800 | €3,900 |
| A family of four | €4,000 | €5,600 |
Rent, utilities, food, health cover, transport and phones, after tax. The family figure assumes a two bedroom flat, cover for everyone and a school allowance. All of it is an estimate built from September 2026 asking prices, not a promise.
What people love
- Among Spain's sunniest big cities (~2,700 hours of sunshine/year, AEMET)
- Beautiful beaches right in the city
- Extremely walkable/bikeable
- Large English-speaking expat community
- Amazing food scene (paella capital!)
- Affordable compared to Madrid/Barcelona
- Modern infrastructure + historic charm
- Easy access to mountains for day trips
What to go in knowing
- Limited job market (best for remote workers)
- Can be very hot in July-August
- Spanish important for daily life outside expat areas
- Tourist crowds in summer
Rents are typical city centre asking prices in September 2026 and move with the market. Everything here is a guide, not a promise.
