Cost of Living Comparisons 2025

Valencia, Spain, is often considered an attractive retirement destination due to its relatively affordable cost of living compared to other major European cities. Below is a comparison of Valencia’s expenses—including rent, groceries, utilities, and real estate—with those of Lisbon, Portugal; Nice, France; Málaga, Spain; and Alicante, Spain.

Valencia vs. Lisbon, Portugal:

• Overall Cost of Living: Valencia is approximately 16.8% less expensive than Lisbon when considering both living expenses and rent.  • Rent Prices: Rent in Valencia is about 30.6% lower than in Lisbon. 

• Groceries: Grocery prices in Valencia are roughly 6.1% lower than in Lisbon. 

• Purchasing Power: Local purchasing power in Valencia is significantly higher, about 81.5% more than in Lisbon. 

Valencia vs. Nice, France:

While specific city-to-city comparisons between Valencia and Nice are limited, general data indicates that France’s average cost of living is about 10% higher than Spain’s. 

• Real Estate: Property prices in French cities like Nice tend to be higher than in Spanish cities such as Valencia.

• Groceries and Utilities: These expenses are generally more expensive in France compared to Spain.

Valencia vs. Málaga and Alicante, Spain:

Within Spain, cities like Málaga and Alicante are also popular retirement destinations. 

• Overall Cost of Living: Valencia’s cost of living is comparable to that of Málaga and Alicante, with slight variations depending on specific expenses.

• Rent and Real Estate: Property and rental prices in Valencia may be slightly higher than in Alicante but are often similar to those in Málaga.

• Groceries and Utilities: These costs are relatively consistent across these Spanish cities, with minor regional differences.

In summary, Valencia offers a cost-effective lifestyle compared to many other European retirement destinations, particularly when compared to cities in Portugal and France. Within Spain, while there are some variations in expenses among cities like Málaga and Alicante, Valencia remains a competitive option for retirees seeking affordability without compromising on amenities and quality of life.