Practical Tips for Moving to Valencia: What Every Expat Should Know

Valencia is Spain’s hidden gem — a vibrant Mediterranean city that combines history, modernity, and a relaxed lifestyle. Known for its sandy beaches, futuristic City of Arts and Sciences, and the world-famous Fallas festival, Valencia is increasingly popular with international families and remote workers. If you’re moving to Valencia, here are the most practical expat tips to help you settle smoothly.

Bureaucracy: Get the Essentials Right

Like anywhere in Spain, you’ll need to navigate paperwork when relocating to Valencia:

• NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero): Required for renting, working, banking, or utilities.

• Empadronamiento: Register at the local town hall to access healthcare, schools, and local services.

• Social Security & Healthcare: Spain’s public healthcare system is excellent, but many expats choose private coverage for faster appointments.

Tip: Valencia’s town halls are generally less crowded than Barcelona or Madrid, making paperwork appointments easier to book.

Housing: More Affordable Than Barcelona

One of Valencia’s biggest attractions is its affordable housing market compared to other Spanish cities. Rents are lower, and families often get more space for their budget.

Popular neighborhoods in Valencia for expats:

• Ruzafa (Russafa): Trendy, multicultural, packed with cafés and art spaces.

• El Carmen: Historic, lively, great for younger expats.

• Ensanche: Elegant, central, with beautiful architecture.

• Campanar & Benimaclet: Quiet, family-friendly areas with good services.

Valencia’s real estate market moves fast but is less cut-throat than Barcelona’s — giving newcomers more options.

Schools for International Families

International schools in Valencia are expanding as more expats relocate. Options include British, American, French, German, and IB programs.

• Public schools: Free, but mostly Spanish or Valencian language instruction.

• Concertados (semi-private): Lower-cost schools with mixed funding.

• International schools: Ideal for expats seeking continuity with their home curriculum.

  
  

Many expat families in Valencia appreciate smaller class sizes and lower tuition compared to international schools in Barcelona or Madrid.

Language: Spanish and Valencian

Both Spanish and Valencian (a co-official regional language similar to Catalan) are used in daily life.

• Spanish will get you by in most situations.

• Learning a few words of Valencian is a great way to connect with locals, especially in schools and government offices.

Cost of Living: A Major Advantage

Valencia consistently ranks as one of the best places in Spain for quality of life vs. cost.

• Housing: Cheaper than Barcelona and Madrid.

• Transport: A metro, trams, buses, and extensive bike lanes make getting around easy. Monthly passes are affordable.

• Food: Local markets like Mercado Central are full of fresh produce at great prices. Dining out is cheaper than in larger cities.

• Lifestyle: The city is family-friendly, with parks, beaches, and festivals year-round.

  
  

A major advantage of living in Valencia is its location: you’re just a 1.5-hour train ride from Madrid on the high-speed AVE and within easy reach of stunning coastal villages like Jávea (Xàbia), Altea, and Dénia — perfect for weekend getaways.

Build Your Expat Community

Valencia has a growing international community, especially digital nomads and young families.

• Join expat Facebook groups, language exchanges, or coworking spaces.

• The city is also popular with retirees, adding to its diverse expat mix.

• Festivals like Las Fallas and La Tomatina (nearby Buñol) are great cultural entry points.

Safety in Valencia: A Relaxing Change

Compared to Barcelona, Valencia is one of Spain’s safest big cities.

• Violent crime is rare, and petty theft is much less frequent.

• Neighborhoods are generally safe, even at night, though normal precautions apply in crowded areas.

• Families often highlight Valencia’s safety as a key reason for choosing the city.

Tip: Use the same common-sense precautions you would in any city but enjoy Valencia’s calmer and friendlier atmosphere.

Everyday Tips for Life in Valencia

• Shops may close for siesta in the afternoon, especially outside the city center.

• Sundays are quiet—perfect for the beach or a family bike ride through Turia Park.

• Valencia is bike-friendly, with miles of cycle paths connecting the city and beach.

• Get a Spanish SIM card for smoother communication and bureaucracy.

Final Thoughts

With its sunny climate, affordable cost of living, and welcoming atmosphere, Valencia is one of the best Spanish cities for expats. Whether you’re drawn by the Mediterranean lifestyle, top international schools in Valencia, or the relaxed pace of life, this city offers a perfect balance between tradition and modern living. Add to that the ease of weekend escapes to beautiful villages like Jávea and quick train access to Madrid, and Valencia becomes an ideal choice for international families.

At Smooth Move – International Education Consultancy, we specialize in helping international families find the right schools and settle into life in Spain with confidence. If you’re considering a move to Valencia and want expert guidance, don’t hesitate to reach out.