Living in Valencia, Spain: An American Expat’s Guide to Cost of Living, Neighborhoods, and Daily Life

Valencia, Spain is increasingly popular among American expats thanks to its warm climate, affordable lifestyle, welcoming vibe, and Mediterranean beauty. Here’s a comprehensive look at what it’s like for Americans to live in Valencia, including where expats are drawn to, the pros and cons of daily life, and up-to-date costs to help plan the move.

Valencia is a very desirable place to live for Americans, offering both big-city amenities and a laid-back Mediterranean lifestyle. The city enjoys over 300 sunny days per year, beaches within city limits, a picturesque historic center, and world-class festivals such as Las Fallas. It is walkable, bike-friendly, and boasts modern health care and quality public transport. The local food scene and vibrant culture make daily life rich and varied for newcomers.

Most American expats settle in the city center neighborhoods of Ruzafa, El Carmen, and Ensanche, as well as the beachside district of Cabanyal. These areas are central, full of cafes and restaurants, and offer easy access to both city attractions and the beach. For families and those seeking more space, suburbs like Paterna, Rocafort, and Godella are popular for their tranquil atmosphere, international schools, and suburban comforts while still being well connected to central Valencia.

Additionally, American expats also choose quieter towns and well-connected suburbs such as Alfafara and Burjassot. These locations offer a relaxed pace of life, more spacious homes, and a strong community feel, while maintaining good access to Valencia’s city center and amenities.

When considering settling in Valencia, Spain’s vibrant third-largest city, it is important to understand the general cost of living for effective budgeting purposes in 2025. According to Numbeo, monthly expenses for a family of four amount to about 2,450 €, excluding rent, while a single person can expect around 693 € in monthly costs without housing. Compared to Madrid, Valencia proves more affordable—overall living expenses are roughly 15% lower, and rental prices are on average about 25% cheaper, making it an attractive option for those seeking a balance between lifestyle and cost.

Valencia remains a relatively affordable city compared to major US cities and prominent European capitals in 2025. This affordability makes it an attractive destination for expats and retirees who want a high quality of life at a lower cost.

• Compared to Washington D.C., Valencia is about 46% cheaper overall. Food prices are roughly 35% lower, housing costs are 56% lower, transportation is nearly 50% cheaper, and entertainment and personal care expenses are also significantly reduced. This means living in Valencia stretches your money much further than in the US capital.
• When compared to New York City, Valencia offers a similar advantage, with rent costs reportedly up to 76% lower and overall living expenses around 59% lower, despite New York’s much higher average salaries.
• Valencia’s cost of living is approximately 20-30% lower than in France and much less than in high-cost countries such as Switzerland or Canada, while offering a similar Mediterranean lifestyle and urban amenities.

Valencia is renowned for its vibrant cultural calendar packed with unique festivals and traditional celebrations throughout the year. The most iconic event is Las Fallas held every March, a spectacular festival where enormous artistic monuments made of papier-mâché are displayed throughout the city and then ceremoniously burned, symbolizing renewal and the celebration of spring. This festival encapsulates Valencian passion for art, noise, and communal celebration.

Other significant holidays include the regional holiday on October 9th, known as Nou d'Octubre, commemorating the Valencian Community with parades and festivities citywide. Religious festivities dedicated to patron saints such as San Vicente Martir and Virgen de los Desamparados are also deeply embedded in local culture, featuring processions and traditional events.

Valencia's summer months are lively with the Feria de Julio (July Fair) spanning the entire month, featuring concerts, theatre, traditional "Batalla de Flores" flower battles, and open-air cinemas. Music lovers can enjoy major festivals nearby like the Arenal Sound Festival in Burriana, the urban music-focused Zevra Festival in Cullera, and the internationally acclaimed Medusa Festival for electronic music also in Cullera. Additionally, the Night of San Juan on June 23 is celebrated with vibrant beach parties.

Throughout the year, Valencia offers a rich program of cultural activities spanning music, theatre, exhibitions, and gastronomy, making it a city that pulsates with local traditions and international appeal alike.

Valencia has become a hotspot for digital nomads thanks to its welcoming atmosphere, affordable living costs, and excellent infrastructure tailored for remote work lifestyles. The city offers a variety of coworking spaces located in vibrant neighborhoods such as Ruzafa, Cabanyal, and the city center. Notable coworking venues like Garage Coworking Valencia, Wayco Spaces, and Surf Office provide 24/7 access, fast internet, meeting rooms, and inspiring environments with terraces and natural light, suitable for freelancers and remote teams alike.

Coworking Spaces:

• Garage Coworking Valencia
• Wayco Valencia
• Core Smart Working
• Vortex Coworking
• Botánico Coworking
• Llum Coworking Valencia
• tiovivo creativo
• International Coworking Valencia

Complementing workspaces, coliving options have grown popular, offering furnished rooms with private leases in shared apartments that foster community and networking among nomads and young professionals. These coliving spaces often include coworking areas, flexible rental terms, and all-inclusive pricing, making moving and settling down easier.

Coliving Spaces:

• Vivarium Coliving & Coworking
• MyCO Living
• Cohausing Cabanyal
• Palma Coliving
• Ayora Valencia Coliving
• Enso Coliving
• Edom Coliving
• 4wanders Coliving
• Sharedd.co Coliving

Outdoor and fitness activities form a crucial part of the Valencian nomad lifestyle. The city boasts over 160 km of cycling paths across flat terrain and scenic routes such as the Via Verdes, perfect for road cycling enthusiasts. Paddle tennis and thorough running trails thrive in areas like the Turia Park, which is illuminated for evening jogs. Beachfront opportunities abound for water sports including paddleboarding, jet skiing, and sailing. Yoga classes in scenic spots, group fitness, and multilingual football leagues cater to varied interests, ensuring that an active lifestyle is highly accessible in Valencia.

The combination of a dynamic social scene, excellent work facilities, and a host of outdoor sporting activities make Valencia an ideal city for digital nomads seeking a balanced lifestyle.

Valencia stands out as an increasingly popular destination for American expats seeking a warm climate, affordable cost of living, and vibrant Mediterranean lifestyle in 2025. Offering a balance between big-city amenities and relaxed coastal living, Valencia attracts newcomers with its sunny weather, beautiful beaches, rich culture, and high-quality healthcare and public services.

While housing costs have risen recently, Valencia remains significantly more affordable than major US cities such as New York and Washington D.C., and many European capitals. American expats enjoy diverse neighborhoods, from lively urban centers like Ruzafa and El Carmen to peaceful suburbs like Paterna and Godella, with options suitable for singles, families, and retirees alike.

The city’s strong digital infrastructure, welcoming international community, and ongoing innovation make it particularly attractive for remote workers and professionals. Though language and bureaucracy present some challenges, the benefits of a safer, healthier, and more affordable lifestyle with year-round outdoor living outweigh the drawbacks.

For Americans planning a move abroad, Valencia offers a compelling blend of culture, convenience, and cost savings, making it one of the top choices in Europe for expat living today.