Looking for American Expats in Valencia?

Thinking about moving to Valencia as an American? These pros and cons come from the InterNations Expat Insider 2026 survey, in which thousands of expats around the world share what they like and don't like about life abroad each year. The points below reflect what US American expats in Valencia wrote in their own words, backed up by survey percentages from all expats living there.

• The weather and lifestyle are the big draw. 94% of expats in Valencia rate the climate and weather positively, with a relaxed, outdoor pace and 93% rating the natural environment.

• It's affordable, especially for remote workers. 65% rate the general cost of living positively, and Americans note they can keep a US-based job and still come out ahead.

• The food and culture are a joy. Americans praise the cuisine, warm people, and vibrant urban culture, backed by 79% rating culture and nightlife positively.

• Healthcare and getting around reassure. 85% rate healthcare affordability positively and 93% getting around on foot or by bike, with easy, cheap travel across Europe.

• Bureaucracy and visas are a hurdle. Just 23% of expats in Valencia find it easy to deal with local authorities, and Americans describe a difficult visa process.

• The language matters day to day. Only 36% find it easy to get by without Spanish, and services can be hard to access in English.

• Careers and pay are thin. Only 19% rate the local job market positively and 29% say the move improved their career prospects.

• Some frictions take adjusting. Air quality in the city and a growing wave of newcomers who don't assimilate come up as gripes.

For Americans, Valencia offers sunshine, affordability, healthcare, and a relaxed, walkable life that stretches a remote salary. The trade-offs are the bureaucracy, the visa process, and the need for Spanish. It's a favourite with remote workers and retirees who value lifestyle and value.

Every year, we publish one of the biggest global surveys for expats — Expat Insider — where we ask people living around the world about every aspect of expat life. We’ve rounded up key facts about the typical American expat: what motivated them to move to a new country, what they enjoy about life abroad, as well as what they struggle with the most.

• Browse our network of members to get to know American expats in Valencia and connect with others.
• Take part in our expat forums to get firsthand tips and information from fellow Americans in Valencia.
• Meet other American expats and global minds at 600 monthly official events and share your interests at more than 4,600 monthly activities in Valencia and across the globe.

InterNations provides an easy, casual way to get to know expats from the USA and further afield in your local community. Sound good? Then let us welcome you into our Valencia Community today!

Our community in Valencia is also very active offline. Our InterNations Ambassadors organize regular events and various expat activities, e.g. a dinner in Valencia’s hippest restaurant or an outing with other American expats to explore the amazing beaches of the Costa del Sol and Costa de la Luz. These activities are a casual way to get to know expats from the USA in your local community as well as Americans in Spain nationwide. Interested? Simply become a member and we’ll be happy to welcome you among our Americans living in Valencia!