Hello everyone, I’m Marco, a new member of the forum. This summer I made an important decision to accept an offer from a company in Valencia, officially moving from Barcelona to this beautiful Mediterranean city. It’s been two months now, and I’d like to share my experiences and feelings with you all.
Why I Chose Valencia
Honestly, I was somewhat [hesitant about leaving Barcelona] at first. After all, I had lived there for five years with a stable job and social circle. However, the conditions offered by Valencia were truly attractive. Not only did my salary increase by 20%, but the cost of living is significantly lower. I did the math—with the same budget, I can rent a larger apartment here and be closer to the beach. Most importantly, this position allows me to advance further in my career development.
Here’s a comparison of some data between the two cities:
| Comparison | Barcelona | Valencia |
|---|
| Monthly Rent | 1200€ | 800€ |
| Average Restaurant Price | 15€ | 12€ |
| Distance to Beach | 30 minutes | 15 minutes |
| Average Annual Temperature | 16°C | 18°C |
My Initial Experience in Valencia
The first week felt like a vacation. The pace of this city is much slower than Barcelona, and people are more relaxed and friendly. I live in the Ruzafa district, which has many unique shops and restaurants. The weekend markets are particularly lively. The company is only a 15-minute bike ride from my place, and every day on my way to work I see blue skies and white clouds, which puts me in a great mood.
However, I did encounter some challenges. The accent here is quite different from Barcelona’s, and during the first few days of meetings, I often had trouble understanding. Also, the public transportation here isn’t as developed as in Barcelona, but I bought a bicycle anyway, and now I’m used to cycling everywhere.
Expectations for the Future
I’ve now fully adapted to life here. On weekends, I go running at Malvarrosa Beach or cycle to the City of Arts and Sciences. My colleagues are also very nice, and we’ve already gone out for beers several times after work. I think my decision to move here was the right one. Valencia has given me a fresh start.
If you’re also considering working or living in Valencia, my advice is: don’t hesitate—this city is truly worth it. High quality of life, reasonable costs, pleasant climate, plus great food and beaches. Of course, it’s best to visit first and see if the atmosphere suits you.
Feel free to share in the comments section. If you have any questions about living in Valencia, including insights about Valencia’s transfer market to Barcelona or Neville’s joining Valencia, I’m happy to share more experiences.
