The city of Valencia is increasingly making a name for itself and has nothing to be ashamed of compared to its two competitors. As early as 2023, Valencia was listed among the five most sought-after cities in the world for expatriates. Two years later, Forbes magazine ranked the city among the top five places in the world to spend retirement. This is thanks to its accessible beaches, vibrant cultural life, cost of living, and better purchasing power. Its level of safety is considered higher than that of Madrid and Barcelona, and it has a more efficient healthcare system, as “La Fe Hospital” is recognized as the 6th public hospital with the best reputation in all of Spain.
Valencia now appears as an attractive city, where the quality of life appeals to a growing number of residents and newcomers.
Valencia: A City Where Balance Between Expenses and Well-Being Matters
Cost of Living: A Positive Advantage
Housing and everyday expenses are significantly lower in Valencia than in Madrid and Barcelona. For a three-bedroom family apartment (100 m²), you can find opportunities around €300,000 near the city center. In comparison, the average price per square meter in Madrid and Barcelona ranges from €4,000 to €4,500, while in Valencia it is around €2,200. This also highlights that rental prices are lower compared to Madrid and Barcelona.
Overall, living in Valencia is considered about 20% cheaper than in Madrid or Barcelona, according to AS Actualité.
This advantage is confirmed by Numbeo, which gives Valencia a quality of life score of 169.9, compared to 146.9 for Madrid and only 134.1 for Barcelona. For more information, you can visit their website!
Unique Climate and Natural Spaces
If you’re tired of spending days under gray skies and rain, Valencia is the place for you!
With relatively low rainfall and sunshine almost all year round, Valencia enjoys a Mediterranean climate. But weather isn’t the city’s only asset! Valencia is also known for the Turia Gardens, a former riverbed transformed into a multi-kilometer urban park.
And if you want to enjoy the sun, you can! Valencia’s beach stretches 2.6 km long and 135 meters wide, just 15 minutes by car from the historic center — simply idyllic.
Moreover, the surrounding areas of Valencia feature wild beaches, legendary hiking trails, and authentic local towns, perfect for savoring a plate of tapas.
Modern and Accessible Infrastructure
You won’t need a car to get around Valencia. In 2024, it was named Europe’s Green Capital by the European Commission. Thanks to its metro, tram, bus networks, and bike lanes, the city encourages cycling. The Valenbisi service provides nearly 3,000 bikes for public use. Valencia’s flat terrain is ideal for long bike rides, making it a real pleasure.
The city also offers a wealth of cultural activities: the UNESCO-listed Fallas festival, renowned museums (IVAM, Fine Arts Museum), the City of Arts and Sciences, the Bombas Gens Art Center, international festivals, and major sporting events like the marathon on December 7. While Valencia is not Spain’s capital, it successfully distinguishes itself from other major cities.
A Complete Destination
By 2025, Valencia is no longer just an “alternative” to Barcelona or Madrid. It has become a complete destination, combining sun, quality of life, culture, and affordable prices.
This precise mix is what makes Valencia today one of the best cities to live in Spain.
Valencia strikes a balance, offering sunshine, affordable rents, and a diverse cultural scene, creating an ideal living environment for all its residents.
