Cost of living
Valencia is a relatively affordable city to live in, especially in comparison to other popular cities in Europe like Barcelona or Madrid. A study by Numbeo found that the cost of living in Valencia is 30% lower than in New York City and 15% lower than in London.
Here is a breakdown of some of the typical monthly expenses for a single person living in Valencia:
- Rent: €600-800
- Utilities: €100-150
- Food: €200-300
- Transportation: €50-100
- Entertainment: €100-200
Climate
Valencia has a Mediterranean climate, with mild winters and warm summers. The average temperature in January is 13°C (55°F) and the average temperature in July is 27°C (81°F). The city enjoys more than 300 days of sunshine per year, making it a great place to live for those who enjoy spending time outdoors.
Healthcare
Spain has a universal healthcare system, which means that all residents have access to affordable and high-quality healthcare. US citizens living in Spain are also eligible for this system.
Spain has a universal healthcare system, which means that all residents have access to affordable and high-quality healthcare. This is in contrast to the United States, which has a mixed healthcare system that relies on private health insurance and government programs like Medicare and Medicaid.
Some of the advantages of Spain’s healthcare system include:
- Affordability: Spain’s healthcare system is funded by taxes, which means that residents do not have to pay out-of-pocket costs for most medical services. In contrast, many Americans have high-deductible health insurance plans, which means that they have to pay a significant amount of money out of pocket before their insurance will cover their medical expenses.
- Accessibility: Spain’s healthcare system is accessible to all residents, regardless of their income or employment status. In contrast, millions of Americans are uninsured or underinsured, which means that they do not have access to affordable healthcare.
- Quality: Spain’s healthcare system is ranked among the best in the world by the World Health Organization. The country has a high life expectancy and a low infant mortality rate.
Here are some specific examples of how Spain’s healthcare system compares to the US healthcare system:
- Cost: In 2021, the average American spent $12,530 per year on healthcare. In contrast, the average Spaniard spent €1,215 per year on healthcare.
- Access: In 2021, 9% of Americans were uninsured. In contrast, less than 1% of Spaniards were uninsured.
- Quality: In 2021, the United States ranked 37th out of 195 countries in the World Health Organization’s ranking of healthcare systems. Spain ranked 7th.
Overall, Spain’s healthcare system offers a number of advantages over the US healthcare system. It is more affordable, accessible, and of higher quality.
Culture
Valencia is a city with a rich culture and history. The city is home to many museums, galleries, and theaters, as well as a variety of festivals and events throughout the year.
Some of the most popular cultural attractions in Valencia include:
- The City of Arts and Sciences: A complex of museums, theaters, and an aquarium
- The Valencia Cathedral: A UNESCO World Heritage Site
- The Mercado Central: A large indoor market with a wide variety of fresh produce, seafood, and meats
- The Fallas Festival: A week-long festival in March with fireworks, parades, and the burning of giant fallas sculptures
Community
Valencia is a welcoming city with a large expatriate community. There are many social clubs and groups for expatriates, making it easy to meet new people and make friends.
Access
Valencia is well-connected to the rest of Europe and the United States. The Valencia Airport offers direct flights to many major cities in Europe and the United States. The city is also well-connected by train and bus to other parts of Spain.
Additional benefits for US citizens
- Tax treaty: Spain has a bilateral tax treaty with the United States, which means that US citizens retiring in Spain may be able to avoid double taxation on their income.
- Residency: US citizens retiring in Spain are eligible for Spanish residency, which gives them the right to live and work in Spain.
- Citizenship: US citizens retiring in Spain can also apply for Spanish citizenship after five years of residency.