Guide to Working in Valencia

Looking for a new job and a new challenge? The port city of Valencia is situated on the South-eastern coast of Spain, Europe, and offers a unique opportunity to change your working environment and lifestyle.

Here is everything you need to know to work in Valencia.

1. Cost of Living

In the cost of living index, Valencia ranks 231st out of 447 cities in the world, making it cheaper than most parts of Spain including Mallorca, Barcelona and Madrid. The cost of living in Valencia is 36.65% lower than in London, UK.

Food in Valencia costs around 20% less than the bigger Spanish cities. Average rent and utilities costs include:

· Monthly costs for one individual – 569.01€ excluding rent

· Monthly costs for a family of four – 2,000.98€ excluding rent

· 1-Bedroom apartment in the city centre – 682.59€

· 1-Bedroom apartment outside of the city centre – 465.22€

· 3-Bedroom apartment in the city centre – 1,060.00€

· 3-Bedroom apartment outside of the city centre – 699.31€

Entertainment, travel and lifestyle costs include:

· Meal for one person in a mid-range restaurant – 8-12€

· Cinema tickets (each) – 8.00€

· Monthly gym/fitness club membership (individual) – 30.77€

· Monthly transport pass – 35-45€

· Individual local transport ticket (one journey) – 1.50€

· Annual international primary school costs for 1 child – 7,580.00€

The average adult living in Valencia would expect to allocate their monthly salary in the following way:

· Food & other shopping – 28.7%

· Rent – 27.5%

· Restaurants & other entertainment – 14%

· Transport – 13%

· Utilities – 7.7%

· Sports & leisure – 5.5%

· Clothing 3.3%

2. Job Opportunities

Recent years has seen Spain’s Marine industry boom, and the decade ahead is set for unprecedented growth in business and career opportunities.

Valencia's America's Cup Port – where one of VHR’s 9 global offices is based – has a long history and fascinating place in Marine history. The city is attracting new business development with a focus on innovation and technology, with investment from Mercadona CEO Juan Roigis to drive the start-up initiative, the ‘Marina de Empresas’, to support sustainable business and build an innovation hub. Valencia Shipyard, the builders of TP52 yachts King Marine, Future Fibres Rigging Systems and America’s Cup Team Victory Challenge, are leading the investment of refitting and repairing racing yachts for key events in the industry calendar.

The Marina de Valencia has grown to encompass new buildings with impressive architectural design, offering 436 moorings at the Marina Sur and 172 moorings for 92 Superyachts at the Marina Norte.

The continued focus on investment and innovation marks the Spanish Marine industry as a key sector for those looking to upskill and develop their careers.

3. Lifestyle

The Costa Del Sol has a more relaxed lifestyle than many other European and global locations. The hot Mediterranean climate and mostly sunny weather inform a slower pace, where residents and visitors spend as much time outdoors as possible and socialising is very popular. Golf and sailing are popular sports, and the country offers a wealth of outdoor activities for people of all ages and levels of experience.

The region is very welcoming to newcomers, with most of the population speaking languages as well as Spanish (including English) and schools with teaching in different languages for children and families from other countries.

4. Transport

All major cities and towns across the country offer excellent bus services in all major cities and towns in Spain and comprehensive long-distance 'coach' (autocar) services between major cities. Buses are the cheapest and most common form of public transport in Spain and most coastal towns and villages are accessible by bus.

Underground railway systems (metros) provide transport in large Spanish cities including Madrid, Barcelona, Malaga, Seville, Bilbao and Valencia, and tickets and passes enable travel on all modes of public transport including metro, bus and train services.

5. Culture

Living in Southern Spain means an abundance of opportunities to explore the region’s rich history, variety of cultures and beautiful landscapes.

The South-eastern region of Andalucia/Andalusia has a wealth of culture. Whilst national sport bullfighting might not be for everyone, traditional flamenco dancing is popular and music festivals are huge celebrations. Andalucia has historically been known as an agricultural region, however its growing community makes for a diverse population with plenty to do and see, and plenty of people to meet.

Spanish cuisine is full of hearty dishes like ratatouille and bean stews, as well as cured meats, cheeses and croquettes. Valencia is particularly enjoyable for those who are interested in food: the city is the home of traditional dish paella and is well known for its Valencian horchata – a plant-based milk drink – as well as indulgent hot chocolate with churros.

6. Things to Do

Activities and entertainment available in Spain:

· Park Güell – North of Gràcia, the UNESCO-listed Güell is where renowned architect Antoni Gaudí displayed his skills in creating luscious landscape gardens

· La Sagrada Familia – Antoni Gaudí's famous unfinished church was started in the 1880s and offers views of the entire city

· Museo del Prado – One of the world's best art galleries, this tourist favourite holds more than 7,000 paintings

· Alhambra in Granada – Built in 889AD, the historic palace and fortress reveals the country’s Moorish history with Arabic inscriptions and beautiful tile mosaics

· Caminito del Rey in Malaga – Popular with hikers around the globe, this picturesque path stretches through rivers and reservoirs, valleys and mountains to see extraordinary natural beauty that can only be reached on foot.

Activities and entertainment available in Valencia:

· Art – Valencia is famous for art and science. Its Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias is home to a variety of modern sculptures and expansive gardens, and it hosts special events, free exhibitions and an IMAX cinema throughout the year

· Museums – Visitors can discover ancient Roman ruins in the Almoina Museum

· Beaches – The coastal city boasts a wealth of both urban and untouched beaches just a few minutes’ journey from the city centre, where residents and tourists can while away sunny afternoons

· Albufera Park – This wetlands reserve contains a lake and walking trails to explore nature and discover water birds, animals and plants.

Looking for a new challenge? Have a look at all our technical and engineering jobs around the world.

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