If you are a digital nomad, Spain is calling your name. According to Forbes, the coastal city of Valencia has been selected as the top destination for remote workers looking to soak up some Mediterranean sun in 2024. With its mouthwatering paella, futuristic architecture, and lively festivals, this vibrant metropolis of the Mediterranean cost is tempting nomads from around the globe to set up their laptops along the golden beaches of the Balearic Sea. As one of five Spanish cities to rank highly on Forbes’ list, Valencia offers digital nomads the perfect blend of culture, cuisine, and coworking spaces to keep you plugged in while you unplug from the daily grind. Ready to trade your makeshift home office for a seaside workation? Valencia is the best city to live in for remote workers and here is why:
Valencia Ranks High on Forbes’ List of Best Cities for Digital Nomads
Valencia, Spain’s coastal paradise, landed the number two spot on Forbes’ list of top destinations for digital nomads in 2024. With its Mediterranean climate, stunning architecture, vibrant culture, and low cost of living, it’s no wonder Valencia is attracting remote workers from around the globe. And not just that: the top 3 are all Spanish cities. You
The World’s 20 Best Cities to Live, According to Forbes:
- Málaga
- Alicante
- Valencia
- Ras Al Khaimah
- Abu Dhabi, UAE
- Madrid, Spain
- Mexico City, Mexico
- Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Bangkok, Thailand
- Muscat, Oman
- Dubai, UAE
- Lisbon, Portugal
- Barcelona, Spain
- Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Nairobi, Kenya
- Zurich, Switzerland
- Athens, Greece
- Stockholm, Sweden
- Luxembourg City, Luxembourg
- The Hague, the Netherlands
Valencia: A Historic Yet Modern City
Valencia is one of the biggest cities in Spain, but is not as crowded as Madrid or Barcelona. Valencia seamlessly blends the historical and the contemporary. Wander the cobblestone streets of the old town, lined with gothic buildings and baroque churches, then head to the City of Arts and Sciences, a massive futuristic complex housing an opera house, museum, and Europe’s biggest oceanographic aquarium.
Affordable, Outdoor Lifestyle
Valencia’s outdoor lifestyle and affordable living costs were major factors in its high ranking. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment averages around $1000 per month and coliving spaces around 1200€ per month. Fresh produce, wine, and seafood are all very budget-friendly. Valencians love spending time outside, whether at the beach, cycling, or simply enjoying a coffee at an open-air cafe. The city has over 18 miles of bike lanes and a public bike-sharing system, making it easy to get around.
Growing Tech Hub
Valencia has a burgeoning tech scene, with over 1,000 startups and lots of coworking spaces. Major companies like Google, Hewlett-Packard, and IBM have offices here, and the local government actively supports innovation and entrepreneurship. For digital nomads, fast Wi-Fi, networking events, and a community of location-independent workers make Valencia an ideal place to be productive while enjoying a perfect work-life balance.
With its vibrant culture, natural beauty, and thriving digital nomad community, Valencia has secured its place as a top destination for remote workers seeking an affordable and inspiring place to live and work. The city hits the sweet spot between fast-paced and slow, historic and modern, relaxation and productivity. No wonder Forbes ranked it so highly for digital nomads. Valencia is paradise found.
Why Spain Is Becoming a Top Destination for Remote Workers
Spain has always been an appealing place to visit, with its Mediterranean coastline, vibrant culture, historic architecture, and relaxed lifestyle. But now the country is attracting a new type of visitor: digital nomads and remote workers.
According to Forbes, Spain had five cities in the top 20 best places to live and work in 2023, including Valencia at number two. With its low cost of living, great weather, and strong infrastructure, Valencia checks all the boxes for remote workers and freelancers looking for an inspiring place to set up shop.
Valencia has a bustling startup scene and co-working spaces throughout the city. Rent prices in Valencia are up to 50% lower than in other major European cities. You’ll have access to high-speed internet and 5G connectivity, so you can work efficiently from your laptop at a cafe, coworking space or rented apartment.
The Mediterranean climate means plenty of sunshine and mild temperatures year-round. When you’re off the clock, you can enjoy Valencia’s beaches, parks, museums, and a lively food scene. The city is also well-connected, with an international airport and high-speed rail links across Spain and Europe.
For digital nomads, the ability to work remotely while immersed in a culturally vibrant city like Valencia is appealing. As remote work becomes more widespread, destinations that offer an excellent quality of life at an affordable cost will likely see an influx of long-term visitors. Valencia checks all the boxes, with its Mediterranean lifestyle, thriving startup scene, and lower cost of living.
Valencia’s Appeal for Digital Nomads
Valencia offers an appealing blend of culture, coastline, and community for location-independent workers. This charming Mediterranean city provides an affordable cost of living, vibrant social life, and over 300 days of sunshine per year.
Low Cost of Living
The cost of living in Valencia is 30-40% lower than other major European cities. Your money will stretch further here for housing, healthcare, and day-to-day expenses. You can rent a one-bedroom apartment for around €800-100 per month or a coliving space for €1000-1500 and enjoy a meal out for under €10.
Lively Social Scene
Valencia’s old town is pulsing with life, full of cafes, bars, and nightclubs open late into the evening. The city comes alive after dark, with locals and visitors flocking to the streets to eat, drink, and socialize. As a digital nomad, making social connections and avoiding isolation is important. In Valencia, it will be easy to build a strong network and community.
Access to Nature
Valencia is one of the best cities to live in Spain. While Valencia offers urban amenities, the city maintains strong connections to nature. Miles of coastline, a massive park, and the Turia riverbed gardens provide opportunities to get outside. You can go sunbathing on the beach, cycling through the park, or jogging along the river trail. For digital nomads who spend long hours in front of a screen, access to green space and outdoor recreation is essential for their well-being.
Overall, Valencia should rank high on any digital nomad’s list of ideal locations. Affordability, social vitality, pleasant weather, and natural surroundings create an environment conducive to a balanced lifestyle. No wonder Forbes recognized Valencia as a top spot for remote workers in 2024. The city seems custom-built for the needs of the digital nomad. If you’re looking for your next place to land, put Valencia at the top of your list.
Valencia’s Lifestyle Perks: Food, Culture, Beach Life
Valencia is a vibrant coastal city in eastern Spain, known for being an important center for arts and culture. Beyond the stunning architecture and history, Valencia’s Mediterranean lifestyle is what really draws digital nomads and expats to the city.
Delicious Mediterranean Cuisine
Valencia’s culinary scene will delight any foodie. Paella originated in Valencia, and you’ll find authentic paella Valenciana of rice, saffron, and seafood or meat. You can also enjoy fresh seafood like red mullet, anchovies, and octopus. For dessert, don’t miss the turrón, an almond nougat that’s popular during Christmas. Valencia’s horchata, a sweet drink made of tiger nuts, provides refreshing relief from the summer heat. With open-air cafés lining the streets, al fresco dining is a way of life.
Vibrant Culture
Valencia has a thriving cultural scene. Visit the City of Arts and Sciences, with an opera house, science museum, and Europe’s largest aquarium. Check out a show at the Palau de les Arts Reina Sofia, Valencia’s stunning opera house. During Las Fallas in March, you can see colorful papier-mâché sculptures and fireworks. Valencia also hosts one of Europe’s biggest gay pride festivals.
Beach Life
With miles of coastline and over 300 days of sunshine per year, beach life is an essential part of Valencia’s appeal. Head to La Malvarrosa Beach, Valencia’s most popular beach in the center of the city. Or escape to more natural beaches like El Saler, with sand dunes and pine forests. Kite surfing, sailing and other watersports will keep you entertained when you want an active day at the beach.
The Mediterranean climate, cuisine, and culture of Valencia create an ideal lifestyle for digital nomads and expats. If you’re looking for a cosmopolitan beach city to call home, Valencia should be at the top of your list. Its blend of city life and natural scenery provides the perfect work-life balance.
Affordable Cost of Living in Valencia
Valencia is an exceptionally affordable city, especially compared to other major European cities. According to Forbes, Valencia ranks among the top 10 most budget-friendly cities in Western Europe. This is fantastic news if you’re looking to stretch your budget as a digital nomad.
Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center averages around €800-1000 per month. Head into the suburbs and you can find rentals for even less. Utilities like electricity, gas, and water will cost an additional $200 to $300 per month for an apartment.
Dining out is very affordable in Valencia. You can get a meal at a mid-range restaurant for around €10 to €15. A coffee will cost €2 to €3. A loaf of bread is €1 to €2. Groceries are also budget-friendly. You can cook at home for €200 to €300 per month.
Public transit in Valencia, including buses, trams, and bike-sharing, is very affordable. A single bus or tram ride is €1.50. Unlimited monthly passes are €30. Valencia also has an excellent network of bike lanes, and the city’s bike-share program charges only €13 for an annual pass.
Healthcare in Valencia is universal and inexpensive. A visit to a general practitioner costs around €40 to €60. Private health insurance for expats starts at around €50 to €100 per month. Prescription drugs and over-the-counter medications are also very affordable.
Valencia’s combination of Mediterranean climate, historic architecture, vibrant culture, natural beauty, and extremely low cost of living makes it an ideal base for digital nomads and expats looking to live an affordable yet high quality of life. The city offers a perfect blend of amenities and activities to keep you socially connected and inspired. Best of all, Valencia’s budget-friendly prices mean you can enjoy all the city has to offer without breaking the bank.
Spain’s Visa Options for Digital Nomads
Spain has become an increasingly popular destination for digital nomads and remote workers in recent years. If you want to work remotely from Valencia for an extended time, you’ll need the proper visa. Spain offers several options for digital nomads and freelancers.
The most popular choice is the Non-Lucrative Residence Visa. This allows you to stay in Spain for up to 1 year without a work permit. To qualify, you’ll need to prove you have a steady income from outside Spain and private health insurance. This visa does not allow you to work for a Spanish company, but you are free to do remote work for companies outside Spain. After 1 year, you can renew this visa annually.
If you want to stay longer than a year, consider the Self-Employed Work Visa. This is for freelancers and entrepreneurs who want to work in Spain long-term. You’ll need to provide a business plan outlining your remote work or freelance activity. It allows you to stay in Spain for up to 2 years, with renewals allowed. You’ll still need private health insurance and to prove you can support yourself financially.
For those who want to start a business in Spain, the Entrepreneur Visa leads to permanent residency. You’ll need an innovative business plan, financial backing, and private health insurance. Once approved, you can stay in Spain for up to 2 years. After that time, if your business is successful, you may be eligible for permanent residency.
Finding Remote Jobs and Housing in Valencia
Job Opportunities
As a digital nomad in Valencia, you’ll find plenty of remote job opportunities. Valencia has become a hub for startups in recent years, especially in the tech sector. Many companies are open to hiring remote workers, especially those with skills like software engineering, web development, digital marketing, and translation. You can search sites like Remote.com, We Work Remotely, and Remote Ok for opportunities. Some local companies that frequently hire remote workers include Typeform, Cabify, and Holaluz.
Don’t speak Spanish? Not a problem. Many companies conduct business in English, and as an international hub, Valencia attracts expats from all over. Brush up on your Spanish, but rest assured you can get by speaking English.
Do you want to know how digital nomads make money? Check out the best 10 websites to find remote jobs!
Housing Options
As for housing, you have several options. Rent an apartment or flat in the city center, close to amenities. A one-bedroom apartment will cost around €800-€1000 per month. The only thing to consider is that these prices are standard for long-term rental contracts (5 years) and for residents of Spain. You can also rent a room in a shared flat for around €400-€600 per month. You can find many options in Facebook groups for digital nomads living in Valencia. This allows you to save money and connect with other digital nomads.
If you want more flexibility, consider a short-term rental or coliving space. Valencia has many coliving spaces for digital nomads and remote workers. These cohousing spaces give you the flexibility you need, where you will have your own private room, common areas, and coworking space in addition to being the best way to make friends and have an active community from day one.
You can also look at sites like Idealista, Fotocasa and Spotahome to find rental listings from private landlords and real estate companies. Be prepared to sign at least a twelve-month lease, as the rental market moves quickly. With some searching, you’re sure to find the perfect place to call home during your time in Valencia.
FAQs: Everything You Need to Know Before Moving to Valencia as a Digital Nomad
As a digital nomad looking to set up shop in Valencia, you probably have some questions about what life will be like in this Mediterranean paradise. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions to help you prepare for your Spanish adventure.
- Where should I live?
Valencia has charming neighborhoods throughout the city, but as a remote worker you’ll want to consider a few factors. Look for an apartment or studio near the city center with good Wi-Fi connectivity. The trendy Russafa district is popular with young professionals and creatives. It has a hipster vibe with lots of coworking spaces, cafes, and nightlife options. The beachfront neighborhood of Cabanyal is also enticing, with seaside apartments and a more relaxed ambiance. Any apartment next to Turia Park is going to be very well located and you can always go for a nice walk in your work breaks. If you are looking to be surrounded by nature, we recommend you stay at La Huerta or Patacona beach, just a few minutes from the city center and a very calm and relaxed area.
- How much will it cost?
Valencia is one of the most affordable cities in Western Europe. You can rent a one-bedroom apartment for around €800-1000 per month. Groceries, dining out, and transportation are also budget-friendly. Count on paying €10-15 for a meal, €1-2 for a bus or metro ride. Valencia uses the Euro, so budget around €2,000-2,500 per month to live comfortably as a digital nomad.
- Is it easy to get around?
Valencia has an excellent public transit system, including buses, trams, and a metro that make it easy to navigate the city without a car. A single ticket costs €1.50, or you can buy a rechargeable transit pass. The city center is also very walkable, with most points of interest less than a 30-minute stroll apart. For longer trips, Valencia has bike sharing, scooters, and of course, taxis and ridesharing.
- What’s the weather like?
Valencia has a Mediterranean climate with mild, rainy winters and long, hot summers. From April to October, daytime highs are usually in the 70s and 80s Fahrenheit. This is the peak season for tourism, so also the most expensive time to visit. The winter months from November to February see more rain and cooler temperatures in the 50s, so pack a jacket. Spring and fall can also be pleasant, with temperatures in the 60s.
Valencia checks all the boxes for an ideal digital nomad destination. Affordable, walkable, great weather, fast Wi-Fi, and a fun, youthful vibe. You’ll love calling this charming city home! Let me know if you have any other questions. Buena suerte!
So what’s the takeaway here? If you’re a digital nomad looking for an awesome city to set up shop in 2024, put Valencia at the top of your list. With its vibrant culture, thriving startup scene, and super fast internet speeds, this Spanish gem has everything you need to live and work remotely in style. And hey, you’ll get to soak up the sun on the Mediterranean coast during your lunch break – doesn’t get much better than that! Wherever you ultimately decide to go, one thing’s clear: Spain is poised to be the number one destination for location-independent workers. But you heard it here first, folks. Valencia for the win!
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