Recent studies have ranked Valencia as the No. 1 city for expats — and it’s easy to see why.

This Mediterranean city offers sunshine, beautiful beaches, nearby hiking opportunities and a relaxed lifestyle, all at a more affordable cost than cities in Spain like Madrid or Barcelona.

In this post, I’ll share our experience living in Valencia as expats, covering the pros and cons, as well as essential tips for anyone considering a move.

Why Did We Choose Valencia?

Our decision to move to Valencia for was influenced by friends who already lived here and could offer valuable recommendations.

The biggest motivation? The sun and endless outdoor activities!

It was a year of major change for our family — I was pregnant with our third child, and taking maternity leave in Spain felt like the perfect opportunity.

We wanted to enjoy the sunlight, let our kids gain new experiences in an international school, and spend more time outdoors all year round.

Whether you’re considering relocating or just curious about what life in Valencia is really like, this guide will walk you through the pros and cons, along with essential recommendations.

Pros of Living in Valencia as an Expat

1. Sunshine All Year Long (Well, Almost!)

Valencia is known for its warm Mediterranean climate, with mild winters and hot summers. With around 300 days of sunshine per year, the weather is a major advantage. The hottest months are July to September, when temperatures can reach 35 – 40 °C.

During autumn and winter, even if the forecast shows 14 – 16 °C, it often feels warmer, sometimes reaching 20 – 22 °C.

February and March are typically the rainiest months. It’s important to stay updated on weather alerts and safety recommendations issued by AEMET (Agencia Estatal de Meteorología). If heavy rain is forecast, it’s best to stay indoors and be cautious. 

Even if it doesn’t seem like it’s raining much in the city, rainfall in the mountains can be unpredictable. This can increase the risk of rivers overflowing and flooding urban areas.

After the tragic floods in October 2024, people have become very cautious. When it rains heavily, it can sometimes feel like a lockdown, as schools and public spaces are often closed.

2. Fresh Produce & Mediterranean Flavours

If you love the Mediterranean diet, Valencia is paradise.

Local markets and small shops are full of seasonal fruit, vegetables, and berries. Add whole grains, nuts, herbs, olives, and fresh seafood, and you’ve got the perfect Mediterranean plate.

My personal highlight? The mangoes — undoubtedly some of the tastiest in the world!

When you eat out, start with the classics: true Valencian paella, arroz al horno (baked rice), or simply grilled Mediterranean fish. These dishes showcase the city’s rich food heritage. 

Recommendation: Craving poke, Thai, or sushi? Stick to specialist spots — those cuisines are still uncommon here, so the quality can vary.

Even coffee feels like a bargain: a creamy café con leche usually costs just €1.50 – €2, while the same cup might cost €3 – €5 in many other EU cities.

3. Endless Outdoor Activities All Year Long

As a family with kids, access to outdoor activities was one of the most important factors when deciding where to relocate. We chose our new home in a small town just 25 minutes outside Valencia, which gives us a calmer lifestyle with more green space and larger properties.

Being close to nature also means we have easy access to beautiful beaches and mountain hiking trails — all within a 20 – 30-minute drive.

Some of our favourite outdoor activities:

• Swimming in the pool during the warm season (May – September).
• Bike rides close to home or in Valencia through Turia Gardens Park or along the beach promenade in La Cabanyal.
• Weekend hikes in nearby mountains — our top spots include Montanejos spring waters, Ruta de los Pantaneros, and Mirador del Garbí.
• Picnics on the beach or playtime in the many playgrounds around the city.
• Tennis & other sports. Recommendation: Most towns in the Valencia region have their own municipal sports stadiums (polideportivo municipal) – and the best part is, it’s super affordable! We often play tennis, and the kids enjoy basketball and football too.

4. Welcoming Community & Slower lifestyle

One of the best things about expat life in Valencia is the mix of an international community and a relaxed, slow-living culture.

It’s easy to meet others through language exchanges, expat groups, and international events. I didn’t have to look far — just by going to the café next door, I met a waitress who is Latvian and a few Lithuanian families living nearby. Our kids go to an international school, which has also been a great way to build community.

In Spain, people value long lunch breaks, late dinners, and socialising over café or tapas.

Life feels more relaxed here. The sun is out almost every day, and the warm evenings make the days feel longer. You don’t get that feeling of “quick, let’s go out while it’s sunny” like we do in the Baltics.

Spanish people really don’t rush — “tranquilo” (“be calm”) is something I’m still learning. Even when standing in line at a shop, no one hurries you. After recent events like the tragic floods and the blackout, the Spanish really showed how helpful and supportive they are toward others.

Valencia is also ideal for remote workers and freelancers, thanks to its strong Wi-Fi, cosy cafés (check out Ruzafa district), and great co-working spaces (e.g. Wayco Ruzafa or Vortex Coworking).

My recommendation: Join the Valencia Expats & Digital Nomads Facebook group to connect with others. You may also find a WhatsApp group specific to your neighbourhood; simply ask your neighbours if you have any.

Cons of Living in Valencia as an Expat

1. Tough Real-Estate Market & Limited School Availability

In recent years, Spain has become increasingly attractive to expats due to its lower cost of living and global events that have made people rethink where and how they want to live. As a result, the real-estate market has become more competitive, and finding housing can be a real challenge.

It’s not just about liking a flat — you also need to be approved by the property owner and their insurance company.

If your income is not based in Spain, it can be harder to verify, and you may be asked to pay six to twelve months of rent upfront as a guarantee.

Having a strong tenant profile (proof of income, references, and ideally a Spanish bank account) is often necessary, especially in high-demand areas. We found our temporary home on https://www.idealista.com/ (Spain’s largest real-estate platform).

The same applies to international schools. With the growing number of foreign families moving to Valencia, many schools are fully booked well in advance.

It’s important to secure a spot for your child early in the year, especially if you’re relocating over the summer.

My recommendation: Find a reliable local broker to help you navigate the rules and improve your chances — especially if your income is from abroad.

2. Spanish Is Everywhere… and Not Just “Hola”

You’d think that in a big city like Valencia, with so many tourists and a large international community, it would be easy to get by with just English. But nope — in many places like government offices, banks, clinics, and even some local shops — people don’t speak English at all, or only very little.

So if you’re sorting documents, explaining something at the pharmacy, or even just asking for help in a store, basic Spanish really helps.

Google Translate has saved us many times — even at the doctor’s, where they use it too.

Recommendation: Learn a few key phrases to get started — enough to handle simple conversations and avoid feeling stuck. Apps like Duolingo are beginner-friendly and easy to use.

3. Paperwork & Appointments — Patience, Please

Ah yes, the infamous Spanish bureaucracy. Getting our newborn son’s birth certificate took us a few weeks and involved driving to several different offices — all with a baby just a few days old. We were given different instructions at each place (or maybe we just didn’t understand the Spanish correctly).

And yes, most of it still has to be done in person — even in 2025.

There’s not much you can do except treat it as a lesson in slowing down, breathing through the chaos, and ticking off one thing at a time.

Recommendation: Talk to others who’ve been through it — it really helps. Also: always check office hours, never go without an appointment, and bring more documents than you think you’ll need, just in case.

To sum up

Valencia has plenty to offer, but no place is perfect.

It comes down to what you value most—every place gives you some things and leaves others out.

If sun, fresh food, and a relaxed rhythm and great outdoor activities top your list, Valencia could be your spot.

Save the pin to your Pinterest board:

Thinking about moving to Valencia or already planning your expat journey? Drop your questions in the comments or share your experience — I’d love to hear your story!

And don’t forget to save this post or share it with someone thinking about life in Spain.