Region · Spain · All places
Orange groves, paella and a long sunny coast, home to Spain's third city and some of its biggest foreign communities.
The Comunitat Valenciana runs down Spain's Mediterranean coast in three provinces: Castellón in the north, València in the middle and Alicante (Alacant) in the south. A narrow fertile plain of orange groves and rice fields lies along the sea, backed by hills and, further inland, dry mountain country.
València is the capital and the third city of Spain, a sunny, flat, bicycle-friendly place with a large beach, a futuristic arts complex and a firm sense of its own traditions. Alicante and Elche anchor the south, and a long string of coastal towns line the shore, some of them very touristic.
It is the most popular region in Spain for foreign residents who are not rich: northern European retirees in the south, remote workers in València and Alicante, and families in the smaller coastal cities. It offers a lot of sunshine, reasonable costs and a relaxed pace, in exchange for modest local wages.
Data as of · the latest figures cover Jun 2026
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What the data says
Comunitat Valenciana is weaker on prosperity and wellbeing. A typical 70 m² rental costs about €443 a month (2024).
Who it suits, 0 to 100
Practical conclusions we draw from Comunitat Valenciana’s figures. They are inferences, not official statistics: each says what it rests on.
Few residents come from English-speaking or northern European countries, so daily life runs in Spanish. Contracts, the town hall and most doctors work in Spanish or Valencian.
Valencian is an official language alongside Spanish. Expect it on signs, at the town hall and in state schools.
People born abroad are in work less often than people born in Spain. Remote income or a job offer makes the move far easier.
Paella at lunchtime, rice dishes, horchata with fartons, and fruit and vegetables from the markets.
Relaxed and sociable, with long lunches and a strong street life.
Terraces and late bars in València, a seafront scene in Alicante, resort nightlife in Benidorm.
València is a city of barrios, Alicante a harbour town, the coast a chain of resorts and retirement towns.
Valencian and Spanish, with Spanish dominant in the south and on the coast.
Fallas in March, Hogueras in Alicante in June, Moors and Christians in the hill towns.
Beaches, cycling lanes in València, sailing, climbing and mountain walks inland.
València is the one most people move to. It combines a medieval centre, a large park along the old river bed, the City of Arts and Sciences, a vast city beach and a dense network of bike lanes. People are friendly and open and fond of a festival. In March, Fallas turns the city into a weeks-long party of giant sculptures, fireworks and music, and in July and August the beaches are full.
Food is the other pillar. Paella was born in the rice fields around the Albufera lagoon and is traditionally cooked over a wood fire at lunchtime, never at night, with chicken, rabbit and beans. Horchata, a sweet drink made of tiger nuts, is served with fartons in summer. Alicante has its rice dishes, Elche its palm groves, and the markets sell some of the best fruit and vegetables in Spain.
Along the coast, character varies. Benidorm is high-rise and very busy. Dénia, Jávea and Altea are popular with foreign residents, and the southern coast around Torrevieja is full of British, Scandinavian and Belgian retirees. Castellón is a quieter port city with a tile industry. Inland, in the mountains around Alcoy and the Maestrat, the villages are quiet and the air is cleaner. Valencian, a form of Catalan, is co-official and is widely used in València and Castellón, while Spanish dominates the south and the coast.
For centuries this was a farming and trading territory, and its irrigation system dates back to the Moors. In the twentieth century tourism arrived, first on the Costa Blanca with Benidorm's high-rise resort model, then in apartments, golf courses and urbanisations built for northern Europeans. Small industrial towns specialised in tiles, shoes, toys and textiles, and the Ford plant at Almussafes and the Port of València anchor cars and logistics.
The result is a mix of many small firms, tourism and services, with moderate pay. Unemployment is 11.6% (2025). The average gross salary is €26,817 a year (2024). Jobs come out weak and prosperity weak against similar regions.
Costs are lower than in Madrid, Barcelona and the Balearic Islands, but they are rising, because foreign buyers and remote workers have pushed up prices in València and on the coast. A typical 70 m² flat rents for about €443 a month (2024). Buying costs €1,935 per square metre (Q2 2026). Rents rose by 5.0% in the last year of record (2024).
Crime is a mixed picture. Most of the region is calm, but the coast has a lot of burglary and petty theft, partly because it has many holiday homes and tourists. Burglary is 269 per 100k people (2024). Homicide is 1.07 per 100k people (2024). The region comes out below average on safety.
The region was hit hard by flooding in October 2024, when an extreme storm sent flash floods through towns south and west of València and caused many deaths and major damage. Recovery has been long, and heavy autumn rain on dry ravines is now part of public debate.
Figures for Comunitat Valenciana. Each shows the period it covers.
Each card uses Comunitat Valenciana data only and compares it with other regions. Open “Why this score?” to see the measures behind it.
Housing is around the middle: in the bottom quarter of Spanish regions.
Rent per m²: 6.32 €/m² a month — better than 66% of Spanish regions
Average: 47 out of 100, where 50 is typical for the comparison group. These are the measures behind it.
| Measure | Value | Compared with peers |
|---|---|---|
| Households spending >40% of income on housingComunitat Valenciana · 2025 | 8.50% | better than 52% of European metro regions |
| Rent per m²Comunitat Valenciana · 2024 | 6.32 €/m² a month | better than 66% of Spanish regions |
| Rents, change in a yearComunitat Valenciana · 2024 | 5.00% | better than 3% of Spanish regions |
| Buying price per m²Comunitat Valenciana · 2026-Q2 | 1,935 €/m² | better than 55% of Spanish regions |
| House prices, change in a yearComunitat Valenciana · 2026-Q2 | 13.0% | better than 50% of Spanish regions |
Healthcare is around the middle: behind most European metro regions.
Life expectancy: 83.5 years — better than 69% of European metro regions
Average: 44 out of 100, where 50 is typical for the comparison group. These are the measures behind it.
| Measure | Value | Compared with peers |
|---|---|---|
| Wait for a specialist appointmentComunitat Valenciana · 2025-H2 | 95.0 days | better than 50% of Spanish regions |
| Wait for surgeryComunitat Valenciana · 2025-H2 | 88.0 days | better than 68% of Spanish regions |
| DoctorsComunitat Valenciana · 2024 | 438 per 100k people | better than 20% of European metro regions |
| Life expectancyComunitat Valenciana · 2024 | 83.5 years | better than 69% of European metro regions |
| Infant mortalityComunitat Valenciana · 2024 | 3.40 per 1,000 births | better than 39% of European metro regions |
Safety is below average: in the bottom quarter of European metro regions.
Recorded crime: 54.0 per 1,000 people — worse than 79% of Spanish regions
Below average: 36 out of 100, where 50 is typical for the comparison group. These are the measures behind it.
| Measure | Value | Compared with peers |
|---|---|---|
| HomicidesComunitat Valenciana · 2024 | 1.07 per 100k people | better than 25% of European metro regions |
| Recorded crimeComunitat Valenciana · 2025 | 54.0 per 1,000 people | better than 21% of Spanish regions |
| RobberiesComunitat Valenciana · 2024 | 117 per 100k people | better than 23% of European metro regions |
| BurglariesComunitat Valenciana · 2024 | 269 per 100k people | better than 25% of European metro regions |
| Road deathsComunitat Valenciana · 2024 | 3.00 per 100k people | better than 35% of European metro regions |
| Assault rateComunitat Valenciana · 2024 | 280 per 100k people | better than 58% of European metro regions |
| TheftsComunitat Valenciana · 2024 | 424 per 100k people | better than 92% of European metro regions |
| Vehicle theftsComunitat Valenciana · 2024 | 37.0 per 100k people | better than 73% of European metro regions |
Jobs is weak: in the bottom 10% of European metro regions.
Jobs in high-tech sectors: 3.30% of jobs — worse than 96% of European metro regions
Weak: 24 out of 100, where 50 is typical for the comparison group. These are the measures behind it.
| Measure | Value | Compared with peers |
|---|---|---|
| Median gross salaryComunitat Valenciana · 2024 | 22,652 € a year per worker | better than 44% of Spanish regions |
| UnemploymentComunitat Valenciana · 2025 | 11.6% | better than 10% of European metro regions |
| Employment rate (20–64)Comunitat Valenciana · 2025 | 70.8% | better than 13% of European metro regions |
| Long-term unemploymentComunitat Valenciana · 2025 | 3.50% of the workforce | better than 14% of European metro regions |
| Youth unemployment (15–24)Comunitat Valenciana · 2025 | 30.5% | better than 10% of European metro regions |
| Labour-force participationComunitat Valenciana · 2025 | 74.1% | better than 25% of European metro regions |
| Youth not in employment/education/trainingComunitat Valenciana · 2025 | 12.1% | better than 25% of European metro regions |
| Jobs in high-tech sectorsComunitat Valenciana · 2025 | 3.30% of jobs | better than 4% of European metro regions |
Wellbeing is weak: in the bottom 10% of European metro regions.
At risk of poverty: 26.0% — worse than 93% of European metro regions
Weak: 18 out of 100, where 50 is typical for the comparison group. These are the measures behind it.
| Measure | Value | Compared with peers |
|---|---|---|
| At risk of povertyComunitat Valenciana · 2025 | 26.0% | better than 7% of European metro regions |
| Material deprivationComunitat Valenciana · 2025 | 6.90% | better than 29% of European metro regions |
Prosperity is weak: in the bottom 10% of European metro regions.
Household income per person: 17,700 PPS per person — worse than 90% of European metro regions
Weak: 10 out of 100, where 50 is typical for the comparison group. These are the measures behind it.
| Measure | Value | Compared with peers |
|---|---|---|
| Household income per personComunitat Valenciana · 2023 | 17,700 PPS per person | better than 10% of European metro regions |
| Economic output per personComunitat Valenciana · 2024 | 30,800 PPS per person | better than 10% of European metro regions |
What we cannot score for Comunitat Valenciana yet
The coast has a mild Mediterranean climate, with warm sunny winters and hot humid summers. In València, July and August are hot and sticky at night, while Alicante is drier and sunnier. Rain is rare but can be violent in autumn, when cold air meets the warm sea.
It is a year-round region and a good escape from northern winters. The best months are April to June and September to November. In summer the beach is the place to be, and air conditioning is essential. Inland villages are cooler at night and colder in winter than the coast.
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73/100 · above average · 7th of 34 European metro regions
11.6% in 2025
4.8% in Sep 2026
3.3% in 2024
30,800 PPS in 2024
13.0% in Q2 2026
€6.3 per m² a month in 2024
€1,935 per m² in Q2 2026
83.5 years in 2024
70.8% in 2025
Facts about the people who live in Comunitat Valenciana. Shown as context only: none of this changes a score.
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Fit from the data, 0 to 100, against other Spanish regions. Open a group to see the figures behind it.
Fallas, a strong food culture, modern architecture in València and a calendar full of fiestas. The big museums are fewer than in Madrid or Barcelona.
Nothing stands out.
Not measured yet: Commute by public transport, Lifestyle, Median age, Transport, Walk most.
València and Alicante have large universities and a big Erasmus community, with sun and cheap nights out. Rooms are getting dearer.
Better in the region for students: Alicante (56)
Not measured yet: Commute by public transport, Cost of Living, Cycle most, Education, Lifestyle, Median age, Price level vs EU average, Transport, Walk most.
Seafront property and private healthcare at fair prices, but not the luxury scene of Marbella or Mallorca. Prime homes are good value rather than glamorous.
Nothing stands out.
Better in the region for high earners and investors: San Vicente del Raspeig (58), Torrent (57), Paterna (54)
Not measured yet: Average dwelling size, Distance to the main airport, Education, Environment, Income tax and social security, average earner, Total tax on labour, average earner.
Warm winters, a mature foreign community, health centres used to foreign patients and low costs make the south one of the main retirement areas in Europe. Summers are hot and humid, and some resorts are empty in winter.
Better in the region for retirees: San Vicente del Raspeig (60), Vila-real (60), Castellón de la Plana (58)
Not measured yet: Climate, Cost of Living, Days above 35 °C, Environment, Frost days, Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), Pleasant days (18–28 °C, dry).
Cheaper than the big cities and the islands, particularly in towns away from the beach. Jobs are the main limit.
Better in the region for budget-conscious movers: Vila-real (62), Alcoy (61), Castellón de la Plana (60)
Not measured yet: Cost of Living, Price level vs EU average.
A growing start-up scene in València, low costs and a strong port and logistics industry. Capital is thinner than in Madrid or Barcelona.
Nothing stands out.
Better in the region for founders and self-employed: Paterna (64), Valencia (59), Alicante (54)
Not measured yet: Connectivity, Digital, Distance to the main airport, Regulatory quality.
A mild climate, beaches and a family-friendly lifestyle, with international schools around València and Alicante. Salaries are modest and rents have been rising.
Better in the region for families with children: Alcoy (57), Castellón de la Plana (56), Elda (54)
Not measured yet: 15-year-olds' maths (PISA), Average commute (one way), Average dwelling size, Childcare availability, Education, Environment, Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), Pre-primary participation.
València has a decent job market in logistics, services, tech and design, but pay is lower than in Madrid or Barcelona. Outside the capital the field of employers narrows.
Better in the region for young professionals: Benidorm (51), Castellón de la Plana (50), Gandia (48)
Not measured yet: Commute by public transport, Lifestyle, Median age, Transport.
València is one of the favourite cities in Europe for remote workers, with fast connections, sea, cycling and an active international community. Rents have risen as the crowd has grown.
Not measured yet: Climate, Connectivity, Cost of Living, Digital, Distance to the main airport, Fixed broadband penetration, Homes with fibre to the door, Lifestyle, Pleasant days (18–28 °C, dry).
Beach, sailing, cycling, climbing and mountain walks are all within an hour. Heat limits activity in July and August.
Nothing stands out.
Nothing stands out.
Not measured yet: Climate, Days above 35 °C, Environment, Fine-particle pollution (PM2.5), Frost days, Lifestyle, Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), Pleasant days (18–28 °C, dry), Rainy days (≥1 mm), Strong-wind days.
Taxes, residency and the wider economy are set nationally, so they are the same in Comunitat Valenciana as anywhere in Spain.
Click a column to sort. Columns with too little data are left out.
| Place | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paterna | 60 | €463 | n/a | n/a | 119 | n/a |
| Torrent | 56 | €440 | n/a | n/a | 119 | n/a |
| Valencia | 54 | €573 | 10.9% | 75.3 per 1,000 people | 119 | 83.3 years |
| Castellón de la Plana | 53 | €380 | 13.8% | 41.5 per 1,000 people | 131 | 83.2 years |
| San Vicente del Raspeig | 53 | €451 | n/a | n/a | 127 | n/a |
| Vila-real | 53 | €341 | n/a | n/a | 131 | n/a |
| Alcoy | 51 | €315 | 14.8% | 37.8 per 1,000 people | 127 | 82.8 years |
| Elche | 51 | €381 | 14.8% | 40.2 per 1,000 people | 161 | 83.4 years |
| Benidorm | 50 | €591 | 7.9% | 78.9 per 1,000 people | 155 | 83.5 years |
| Alicante | 49 | €497 | 14.8% | 67.9 per 1,000 people | 127 | 83.4 years |
| Elda | 49 | €315 | 18.1% | 42.5 per 1,000 people | 127 | 83.2 years |
| Sagunto | 48 | €418 | 12.2% | 47.9 per 1,000 people | 148 | 82.3 years |
Guide written 2026-10-22. Figures are refreshed as new official data is published; the period beside each number says what it covers. “Our read” cards are our inferences from those figures. How we score
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