Cost of living in Valencia: a guide for exchange students
Valencia, the third largest city in Spain, enchants with its futuristic architecture, stunning beaches and rich culture. For exchange students, understanding the local cost of living is essential. We will explore the various aspects of living in Valencia, from food to job opportunities for students, according to Numbeo.
Gastronomy and restaurants
Valencian cuisine is world famous, especially for its paella. Eating out in Valencia offers varied and tasty experiences:
- Meal at a budget restaurant: average of 13.25€
- Dinner for two in a medium-sized restaurant: about 50€
- McMenu at McDonald's: 10,50€
For beer lovers, a 0.5-liter domestic beer or an imported 0.33-liter beer costs around 3€. A cappuccino at a local cafe costs around 2€.
Market and food
Shopping at the local market is a great way to save money and try fresh produce:
- 1 liter of milk: 1,04€
- Fresh bread (500 g): 1,03€
- 1 kg of rice: 1,41€
- 1 dozen eggs: 2,58€
- 1 kg of chicken breast: 7.24€
- 1 kg of red meat: 12.12€
Fruits and vegetables are affordable: 1 kg of apples costs €2.18, 1 kg of bananas €1.62 and 1 kg of tomatoes €2.14.
Transportation
The public transport system in Valencia is efficient and relatively accessible:
- Single ticket: 1,50€
- Monthly pass: 30€
- Start of the taxi ride: 2.25€
- Gasoline (1 liter): 1,58€
Many students choose bicycles or electric scooters to save on transportation.
Townhouse
The cost of housing varies significantly depending on the location:
- 1-bedroom apartment in the center: 1,062.65€/month
- One-bedroom apartment outside the center: 802.62€/month
- 3-bedroom apartment in the center: 1,658.30€/month
- 3 bedroom apartment outside the center: 1,141.20€/month
Many exchange students choose to share apartments to reduce costs.
Utilities and services
The monthly expenses for basic services for an 85m² apartment are around 136.50€, including electricity, heating, water and garbage collection.
High-speed Internet (60 Mbps or more) costs an average of €28.10 per month, while a cell phone plan with calls and more than 10 GB of data costs around €15.61 per month.
Leisure and education
Valencia offers several accessible leisure and education options for students:
- Monthly gym fee: 35.33€
- Cinema ticket: 8€
- Tennis court rental (1 hour on the weekend): 11.22€
Many universities offer free or discounted activities for students.
Wages for exchange students
International students in Valencia have the opportunity Study and Work in Spain, which can help cover part of the living costs:
- Students from outside the European Union can work up to 20 hours a week during term time.
- During official holidays, you are allowed to work full time.
- The minimum wage in Spain is around 1,080€ per month for full-time work.
- Typical part-time jobs for students (such as a waiter, private teacher, or store assistant) generally pay between 8€ and 12€ per hour.
It is important to remember that a student visa must be the main reason for staying in Spain, and work must be secondary to studies.
Be Easy
Living and studying in Valencia is a unique experience that combines quality of life, rich culture, and educational opportunities. A Be Easy Exchange is here to make that journey easier and more accessible. We offer personalized guidance on study programs, housing, and work regulations for international students. Count on us to fulfill your dream of studying in Valencia!
