How to Rent a Home in Valencia: 2025 Update for Expats
If you’re planning a move to Valencia, finding the right long-term rental is one of the biggest—and most exciting—steps in your relocation journey. Whether you’re a family, a remote worker, or a retiree, understanding the local rental process can make the difference between frustration and a smooth transition. Here’s what you need to know in 2025 about securing your long-term rental in Valencia as an expat.
Long-Term Rentals in Valencia (2025 Update)
Valencia remains one of Spain’s most affordable and livable coastal cities. Despite rising demand from expats and digital nomads, the rental market is still accessible compared to Madrid or Barcelona. According to Idealista (Spain’s leading housing portal), average rent in early 2025 is about €11.80 per square meter per month citywide. Here’s a breakdown by district:
Ciutat Vella (Old Town): €14–€16/m² — historic apartments with charm, limited parking.
Ruzafa (L’Eixample): €13–€15/m² — vibrant, trendy, ideal for social expats and couples.
El Cabanyal / El Canyamelar: €11–€13/m² — near the beach, full of local character.
Benimaclet: €11–€12/m² — walkable, family-friendly, popular with students and young families.
Campanar: €12–€14/m² — modern buildings, easy access to the Turia Park.
Benicalap: €9–€11/m² — affordable with newer builds and large terraces.
Patraix & Jesús: €10–€11/m² — authentic Valencian neighborhoods with strong community feel.
Ciudad de las Artes / Quatre Carreres: €13–€15/m² — bright, modern apartments with pools and gyms.
While prices fluctuate by neighborhood and proximity to metro lines, most long-term rentals in Valencia remain far below U.S. city averages. For example, a modern two-bedroom flat in Benimaclet or Campanar might rent for €1,200–€1,400/month, compared to over $3,000 in a mid-sized U.S. city.
Where to Search
The most reliable platforms for long-term rentals are Idealista and Fotocasa. You can also find listings in Facebook groups such as “Expats in Valencia” or “Valencia Apartment Rentals.” Be cautious, though—never send money without visiting the property or confirming the listing through a reputable agent.
For those who want expert help navigating language barriers, contracts, and trustworthy agents, our Flat & Home-Finding Service provides one-on-one guidance and property search assistance designed for English-speaking expats.
Documents You’ll Need
Spain’s rental process is highly document-driven, especially for long-term rentals (contracts of 12 months or more). Landlords and agencies typically request:
Copy of your passport or NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero)
Proof of income: recent pay slips, employment contract, or proof of pension/remote work income
Bank statements showing solvency
Visa or residency status (especially if you’re new to Spain)
Sometimes a reference letter from a previous landlord or employer
If you’re still finalizing your visa, landlords may ask for a larger upfront payment—such as six months of rent in advance or a guarantor. To prepare for this, review our Visa Guidance page for step-by-step support in aligning your residency paperwork with your housing goals.
Furnished vs. Unfurnished
Most long-term rentals in Valencia are offered furnished, especially in central neighborhoods. Furnished flats often include basic furniture, kitchen appliances, and sometimes even cookware and linens. Unfurnished apartments (sin muebles) may come completely empty—even without light fixtures—so clarify before signing. Some expats prefer semi-furnished homes to bring a few personal touches from abroad without shipping entire containers of furniture.
Understanding the Contract
Spanish rental contracts (contratos de arrendamiento) generally last for one year, automatically renewable up to five years for tenants with legal residency. Key points to check:
Deposit (fianza): Typically one month’s rent, held by the regional government.
Agency fee: Usually one month’s rent, paid by the tenant in private listings.
Utilities: Water, electricity, and internet are often billed separately.
Community fees: If you live in a building with a pool or shared spaces, verify if they’re included.
Before signing, read your contract carefully (or have it translated). Make sure your landlord provides the property’s cédula de habitabilidad (certificate of occupancy) and certificado energético(energy efficiency certificate).
Rental Scams to Avoid
Unfortunately, scams do exist—especially targeting foreigners searching from abroad. Be wary of listings that seem too good to be true (luxury apartments at half the market rate) or landlords who claim to be “out of the country” and request deposits via Western Union or bank transfer before a viewing.Common red flags include:
Unverified listings that copy photos from other ads
Landlords who insist on immediate payment before you’ve seen the property
Communications that avoid video calls or in-person meetings
Excuses involving “Airbnb-style keys” or “trusted couriers” holding deposits
To stay safe, always confirm the property’s existence via Idealista or Fotocasa maps, request a live video tour, and ask for the landlord’s DNI (Spanish ID) or NIE before paying anything. Working with a relocation consultant can help you verify listings and navigate language barriers—especially valuable during your first months in Spain.
Average Rent Prices: Valencia vs. U.S. Cities (2025)
To give you a sense of value, here’s how Valencia’s average two-bedroom rental compares to similar urban areas in the United States. Data is based on Numbeo and Idealista(Q1 2025):
City Average 2BR Rent (Monthly) Notes Valencia 🇪🇸 €1,250 (~$1,225) Modern flat in Benimaclet or Campanar, walkable, close to metro Seattle, WA 🇺🇸 $3,250 High demand, parking extra, smaller square footage Chicago, IL 🇺🇸 $2,900 Good public transport but higher utility costs Miami, FL 🇺🇸 $3,400 High demand, HOA fees often passed to renters Austin, TX 🇺🇸 $2,800 Rising rents, limited walkability, long commutes Boston, MA 🇺🇸 $3,600 High historic rents, limited family-sized ho
Even in Valencia’s most desirable districts like Ruzafa or Ciudad de las Artes, you’ll pay roughly one-third the cost of renting in major U.S. cities—with a higher quality of life, better walkability, and easy access to both beaches and green spaces.
Tips for a Smooth Move-In
Timing matters. Many leases start at the beginning of the month, and good listings go fast. Begin your search 6–8 weeks before your planned move-in date. If you’re relocating from abroad, consider booking a temporary apartment or Airbnb for your first few weeks while attending in-person viewings.
Finally, remember that Spanish bureaucracy moves at its own pace—sometimes slower than what Americans expect. Patience (and a sense of humor) will go a long way. Having a relocation consultant on your side can help streamline the paperwork, negotiations, and timing.
Life After Signing: What Comes Next
Once you’ve signed your lease, you’ll need to register your address at the local ayuntamiento(city hall) for empadronamiento. This step is essential for obtaining your residency card (TIE), enrolling children in school, and signing up for healthcare.For a deeper dive into how housing fits into your full relocation process—from visas to neighborhood selection—explore our Home-Finding Services and Visa Coaching options.
We can help you go from browsing Idealista to unlocking the door to your new home in Valencia.
—Amanda Chigbrow
Founder of LaVidalencia
@LaVidalencia|LaVidalencia.com