Tired of the grey Parisian skies and dreaming of sunshine nearly all year long?
Moving to Valencia means choosing a Mediterranean lifestyle that blends the modern with the traditional. As Spain’s third-largest city, Valencia continues to attract a growing number of foreigners thanks to its sunshine, affordable cost of living, safety, and perfect balance between urban energy and quality of life.
Between the sea and the Turia Park lies a city with both a relaxed and vibrant atmosphere. With mouth-watering local food, central beaches, historic architecture, and a lively nightlife, Valencia truly has it all.
However, settling here isn’t something you improvise — housing, neighborhood choice, paperwork, taxes, job opportunities, and integration all matter.
Here’s your complete newcomer’s guide to Valencia, designed to help you make a smooth transition.
Moving to Valencia means choosing a sunny, dynamic city full of opportunities for a new life.
Choosing the Right Neighborhood for Your Lifestyle
Ruzafa: The Creative Spirit
Once a working-class area, Ruzafa has become the bohemian heart of Valencia. It attracts young professionals, artists, and expats. With tapas bars, local markets, and art galleries, the neighborhood feels like a Mediterranean version of Paris’ Marais.
Rents remain reasonable, though demand keeps increasing. It’s the perfect choice for those seeking an active urban lifestyle with a creative edge.
El Cabanyal: Authentic Maritime Soul
Close to the sea, El Cabanyal will charm you with its colorful streets and historic fisherman’s houses. Currently undergoing a revival, it appeals to families, couples, and students alike.
Between the Cabanyal Market, beachfront restaurants, and traditional facades, it’s ideal for those who want to live with their feet in the sand.
Ciutat Vella & Ensanche: Elegance and Centrality
Ciutat Vella, the historic center, offers a truly Valencian atmosphere — cobbled streets, monuments, and proximity to shops and city services.
Ensanche is known for its elegant modernist buildings and wide avenues — perfect for families looking for a chic, central, and well-connected area.
Benimaclet & Quatre Carreres: Modern and Accessible
Benimaclet, a student-friendly multicultural neighborhood, maintains a village feel with affordable prices.
In Quatre Carreres, modern urban projects are booming, especially around the City of Arts and Sciences — ideal for those seeking space, comfort, and contemporary housing.
Finding and Renting an Apartment in Valencia
Rental Prices and Market Overview
Valencia’s rental market remains relatively affordable:
1-bedroom apartment: €650–€900 depending on area
2–3-bedroom apartment: €900–€1,400
Ruzafa and Ensanche are pricier due to higher demand, while Benimaclet offers more budget-friendly options with good prospects.
Documents Required to Rent
Agencies usually ask for:
Passport or NIE (foreigner identification number)
Work contract or proof of income
1–2 months’ deposit
Agency fees (usually one month’s rent)
BuenApart tip: Open a Spanish bank account and apply for your NIE before you arrive — you’ll need it for all administrative and rental procedures.
Buying Property: A Profitable Alternative
Many foreigners choose to buy quickly. With average prices around €2,000/m² — far below Madrid or Barcelona — and rental yields often exceeding 5% gross, property investment is a smart long-term option that also secures your housing.
Administrative Procedures and Employment
Obtaining the NIE and Registration
The NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) is essential for renting, buying, opening a bank account, or working.
It’s issued by the Spanish national police or consulate by appointment. Once settled, you must also register with the local Town Hall — a vital step to prove residence and access local services.
Working in Valencia
Valencia attracts numerous tech companies, startups, and international service centers. Key hiring sectors include:
Technology and design
Real estate and tourism
Education and language services
Hospitality and catering
Cost of Living and Everyday Life
Average Monthly Budget
A couple can live comfortably in Valencia on €1,800–€2,200/month, with rent as the main expense but everything else quite affordable:
Groceries: €250/person
Public transport: €40/month (metro/bus pass)
Bike rental: €30/year (Valenbisi)
Leisure and dining: €100–€150/month
Health and Safety
Spain’s public healthcare system is excellent. With your tarjeta sanitaria, you can access public medical services.
Valencia is also one of the safest large cities in Europe, with a very low crime rate compared to other major capitals.
Santé et sécurité
Le système public de santé est très bon ! Vous pouvez avoir votre tarjeta sanitaria pour accéder à la santé publique en Espagne. Valence est aussi une ville très sûre avec un faible taux de criminalité par rapport aux grandes capitales européennes.
Integrating into Valencian Life
Language and Culture
While many locals speak English or French, learning Spanish is key to integration — and Valencians truly appreciate the effort.
Friendly and sociable, they’ll often invite you to share their gastronomy and traditions: paella, horchata, tapas, and local wines are central to social life here.
Social Life and Leisure
It’s nearly impossible to get bored in Valencia. You’ll enjoy its beaches, lively terraces, the famous Fallas festival, and endless walks through the Turia Park — a green oasis running through the city.
Conclusion
Moving to Valencia means choosing a better lifestyle: a Mediterranean rhythm, a dynamic economy, human-scale real estate, and a genuine sense of community.
Whether you come for a few months or a lifetime project, Valencia offers all the keys to a successful relocation.
At BuenApart, we support you through every step — from property search to contract signing, all the way to your integration on site.
Living in Valencia is not only possible — it’s easier than you think.