🌍 Overview
As a digital nomad, I’ve had the pleasure of calling Valencia, Spain home for several months, and I can confidently say it’s one of the most vibrant and welcoming cities I’ve ever lived in. With its stunning beaches, rich cultural heritage, and thriving food scene, Valencia is a paradise for remote workers. The city has a unique vibe that’s both laid-back and energetic, making it easy to find a balance between work and play. Valencia digital nomads will love the city’s warm climate, beautiful parks, and stunning architecture, which provides the perfect backdrop for a productive and inspiring work-life balance.
Valencia for remote workers is an attractive option due to its relatively low cost of living, excellent internet connectivity, and a growing community of like-minded individuals. The city is also well-connected to the rest of Europe, with a convenient airport and a comprehensive public transportation system. Whether you’re looking to immerse yourself in Spanish culture, enjoy the city’s famous paella, or simply soak up the sun on the beach, Valencia has something for everyone.
🏘️ Best Neighborhoods for Digital Nomads
When it comes to choosing a neighborhood to live in Valencia, there are several options that are particularly popular among digital nomads. Here are three of my favorites:
- El Carmen: This historic neighborhood is located in the heart of the city and is known for its narrow streets, charming plazas, and vibrant nightlife. El Carmen is home to many bars, restaurants, and cafes, making it the perfect place to meet new people and experience the local culture. Rent prices in El Carmen are around €800-€1,200 per month (approximately $900-$1,370 USD) for a one-bedroom apartment.
- Rascanya: This up-and-coming neighborhood is located just outside the city center and is quickly becoming a hub for digital nomads and startups. Rascanya is known for its trendy bars, restaurants, and coworking spaces, and is within walking distance to the beautiful Turia Gardens. Rent prices in Rascanya are around €600-€1,000 per month (approximately $670-$1,120 USD) for a one-bedroom apartment.
- Poblados Marítimos: This coastal neighborhood is located just outside the city center and is perfect for those who want to be close to the beach. Poblados Marítimos is known for its stunning views, beautiful promenade, and lively nightlife. Rent prices in Poblados Marítimos are around €800-€1,200 per month (approximately $900-$1,370 USD) for a one-bedroom apartment.
Cost of Living Breakdown
The cost of living in Valencia is relatively low compared to other major cities in Europe. Here’s a breakdown of some typical expenses:
- Rent: €600-€1,200 per month (approximately $670-$1,370 USD) for a one-bedroom apartment
- Food: €10-€20 per meal (approximately $11-$22 USD) for a mid-range restaurant, €5-€10 per meal (approximately $5.50-$11 USD) for a street food or market stall
- Transportation: €1.50 per ride (approximately $1.70 USD) for public transportation, €20-€30 per month (approximately $22-$33 USD) for a monthly public transportation pass
- Coworking: €150-€300 per month (approximately $170-$330 USD) for a desk in a coworking space
Overall, the cost of living in Valencia is around €1,500-€2,500 per month (approximately $1,670-$2,800 USD) for a single person, depending on their lifestyle and preferences.
Internet & Coworking
Valencia has excellent internet connectivity, with speeds of up to 47 Mbps. There are many coworking spaces and cafes throughout the city that offer reliable and fast internet, including:
- Coworking Valencia: a modern coworking space located in the heart of the city, with prices starting at €150 per month (approximately $170 USD)
- La Oficina: a trendy coworking space located in the Rascanya neighborhood, with prices starting at €200 per month (approximately $220 USD)
- Federal Café: a popular cafe located in the El Carmen neighborhood, with fast and reliable internet and a cozy atmosphere
Valencia has a growing community of digital nomads, with many meetups and events taking place throughout the city. Some popular groups and events include:
- Valencia Digital Nomads: a Facebook group with over 1,000 members, where digital nomads can connect, share tips and advice, and attend meetups and events
- Nomad List Valencia: a meetup group that organizes regular events and gatherings for digital nomads
- Startup Valencia: a community of startups and entrepreneurs that often hosts events and meetups
Culture & Lifestyle
Valencia is a city that’s deeply rooted in Spanish culture and tradition. From the stunning architecture to the delicious food, there’s always something to explore and discover. Some of my favorite local customs and traditions include:
- La Tomatina: a famous festival that takes place in August, where participants throw tomatoes at each other
- Las Fallas: a festival that takes place in March, where giant puppets and sculptures are burned in the streets
- Paella: a traditional Valencian dish made with rice, vegetables, and seafood, which is often served at social gatherings and events
The food scene in Valencia is also amazing, with many restaurants and cafes serving traditional Spanish cuisine. Some of my favorite dishes include:
- Paella valenciana: a traditional paella dish made with chicken, rabbit, and vegetables
- Fideuà: a seafood paella dish made with noodles instead of rice
- Horchata: a traditional Valencian drink made with tigernuts and milk
As a digital nomad, you’ll need to obtain a visa to live and work in Valencia. The most common type of visa for digital nomads is the Non-Lucrative Visa, which allows you to live in Spain for up to one year without working for a Spanish company. To apply for this visa, you’ll need to meet certain requirements, including:
- Having a minimum income of €2,334 per month (approximately $2,600 USD)
- Having health insurance that covers you in Spain
- Having a clean police record
You can apply for the Non-Lucrative Visa at the Spanish embassy or consulate in your home country.
💡 Practical Tips
Here are some practical tips for digital nomads living in Valencia:
- SIM cards: you can purchase a SIM card at most phone stores or supermarkets, with prices starting at €10-€20 per month (approximately $11-$22 USD)
- Transportation: the public transportation system in Valencia is comprehensive and convenient, with prices starting at €1.50 per ride (approximately $1.70 USD)
- Safety: Valencia is generally a safe city, but as with any city, it’s always a good idea to take precautions and be aware of your surroundings
- Weather: Valencia has a Mediterranean climate, with warm summers and mild winters. The best time to visit is in the spring and autumn, when the weather is mild and pleasant.
