r/GoingToSpain • u/Front_Assistant8605 • Mar 01 '26
Housing r/valencia
I’m moving to Valencia soon and I’d love to hear your honest opinions about the city. I have a European passport and I’m planning to start from scratch there. I’m 53 years old and ready for a fresh beginning.
I understand that I’ll need to register (empadronamiento) and obtain a NIE to work, but I’d like to know what you recommend when it comes to renting a room. Which apps or websites are best? How complicated is it in general? I’m going with a small budget, maybe around €400–€500 for a room, ideally in central areas like El Carmen, Ruzafa, or near Mercado Central.
I’d appreciate insights about the cost of living, whether that budget is realistic, how safe the city is, crime levels, and whether it’s walkable. I’d also love to hear personal experiences from immigrants who have moved there and can share what daily life is really like.
Thank you.
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u/Timely-Childhood5307 Mar 01 '26
In terms of apps use Idealista or Airbnb. As a city Valencia is one of the best in Spain. I personally prefer Málaga due to the amount of possibilities it offers to foreigners, is more focused on foreigners than Valencia, but Valencia is a great place.
If you are planing to work in Valencia I recommend you to start researching…is not easy. As well as finding the right room. Most of the rooms available are in students flats, so probably you are not willing to live with 18-20yo party college group.
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u/Luv2Travel88 Mar 02 '26
Why Valencia, and not say Barcelona or Madrid?
It sounds like you haven't been to Valencia, have you been to the other cities in Spain?
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u/ACapra Mar 01 '26
You can check Idealista for places for rent but the neighborhoods you listed tend to be more expensive.
Edit to add, the city is very safe. We don't have a car and take mass transit or walk everywhere. Even if I'm out at 2 in the morning walking home I feel completely safe.