How Much Does Valencia Cost? 2026 Budget Guide | Prices & Tips
Valencia offers a compelling middle ground for travelers, balancing the amenities of a major Spanish city with a relaxed coastal atmosphere that is significantly more affordable than Barcelona or Madrid. Daily budgets typically range from $77 / €65 for budget-conscious solo travelers to $847 / €720 for those seeking high-end luxury experiences. Costs are unique here due to the proximity of the ultra-modern City of Arts and Sciences to traditional fishing neighborhoods, allowing for a mix of high-concept dining and rustic beachside eats. While beachfront dining can command a premium, the city's internal infrastructure remains highly accessible. Current data suggests that even mid-range travelers can enjoy a high standard of living for approximately $230–$282 / €195–€240 per day.
Is Valencia expensive to visit?
Valencia is a moderately affordable coastal destination, with typical daily costs ranging from $77–$847 / €65–€720 depending on your choice of accommodation and dining style.
On This Page
Daily Budget
How much to budget per person per day in Valencia
$77
per person /day
$282
per person /day
$847
per person /day
Trip Costs by Duration
Total estimated costs per person, excluding flights
| Trip Costs by Duration | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-Day Trip | $230 | $847 | $2,542 |
| 5-Day Trip | $383 | $1,412 | $4,237 |
| 7-Day Trip | $536 | $1,977 | $5,932 |
per person — Excludes international flights
Budget Buffer
Recommended contingency for unexpected expenses
It is advisable to factor in a 15% buffer to cover the ~$24 / €20 ETIAS travel authorization and the frequent 10% restaurant terrace supplements that are often not included in advertised menu prices.
How Does It Compare?
See how Valencia stacks up against other popular destinations
What Things Cost
Real prices for common tourist expenses in Valencia
Food & Drink (3)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Menu del Día (Mid-range Lunch) Typically includes 3 courses, bread, and a drink (wine or water). | $19 €16 |
| Beachfront Paella (per person) Authentic paella at Malvarrosa Beach. Prices often exclude bread/drinks. | $26 €22 |
| Horchata and Fartons at Santa Catalina A traditional local drink made from tiger nuts (~$6.47 / €5.5 for a set). | $6.47 €5.5 |
Transport (4)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Metrovalencia Single Ticket (1 Zone) Standard single journey for the central city area (Zone A). | $1.77 €1.5 |
| Metrovalencia Airport Ticket (3 Zones) Covers travel from Valencia Airport (VLC) to the city center. | $5.65 €4.8 |
| EMT Valencia Single Bus Ticket Purchasable onboard via contactless payment or mobile app. | $1.77 €1.5 |
| Official Airport Taxi to City Center Includes the $6.36 / €5.4 airport surcharge and a minimum total fare of ~$14 / €12. | $29 €25 |
Accommodation (3)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Dorm bed at Camila Hostel Valencia Boutique hostel opening October 2025. Rates for Feb 2026 are stable around ~$31–$38 / €26–€32. | $31 €26 |
| ESTIMAR Valencia Nightly Rate (Mid-Range) Located in Ciutat Vella with a 9.4 rating. | $200 €170 |
| The Westin Valencia (Luxury Tier) High-end resort with historic gardens and a spa. | $518 €440 |
Activities (3)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| City of Arts and Sciences (Combined Ticket) Full access to all three major buildings in the complex. Valid for 1–3 days. | $50 €42 |
| Valencia Cathedral & Audio Guide Includes access to the museum and the audio guide. Tower access is separate (~$2.94 / €2.5). | $11 €9 |
| Bioparc Valencia Adult Ticket One of the world's best 'immersion' zoos. Buy online to avoid queues. | $32 €27 |
Connectivity (1)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Local SIM (Orange Tu Mundo) Includes roaming within the EU. Passports are required for registration. | $18 €15 |
Food & Dining
What to eat and what it costs
Dining in Valencia revolves around the 'Menu del Día,' which offers a three-course mid-range lunch for approximately $19 / €16. Authentic beachfront paella at Malvarrosa Beach typically costs $26 / €22 per person, though diners should be aware of the common $1.77–$2.35 / €1.5–€2 'cubierto' charge for bread and appetizers. For a traditional snack, a set of horchata and fartons at the historic Santa Catalina costs about $6.47 / €5.5.
Cheap Eats
Where locals eat — real places, real prices
La Pilareta
$9.42–$18 / €8–€15El Carmen · Local chain
Must try the clochinas (local mussels) during the season (May–August).
Central Bar by Ricard Camarena
$14–$24 / €12–€20Mercado Central · Street food area
Arrive before 11:30 or be prepared to wait; they don't take reservations.
Boatella Tapas
$12–$21 / €10–€18Mercado Central · Local chain
Sit at the bar for the fastest service and the best views of the market facade.
Taverna La Pasquala
$8.24–$14 / €7–€12Poblats Marítims · Local chain
The ultimate spot for the 'Almorzaret' (Valencian mid-morning snack).
Al Pomodoro
$13–$20 / €11–€17Ciutat Vella · Local chain
Excellent value thin-crust pizza in a trendy setting near the Cathedral.
Getting Around
Transport costs and the smartest ways to move
Navigating the city is most cost-effective via Metrovalencia, where a single zone ticket costs $1.77 / €1.5 and an airport transfer is $5.65 / €4.8. While official airport taxis to the center are fixed at a minimum of $29 / €25, the city's flat terrain makes the Valenbisi bike-share system a popular alternative for a weekly fee of $16 / €13 plus a $3.53 / €3 activation charge. Buses also accept contactless payments for a flat $1.77 / €1.5 fare.
Accommodation Overview
Accommodation options span from boutique hostels like Camila Hostel Valencia at $31 / €26 per night to mid-range stays in Ciutat Vella such as ESTIMAR Valencia for $200 / €170. For a luxury resort experience, The Westin Valencia offers high-end amenities and spa facilities for around $518 / €440 per night. The sweet spot for value is often found in the Russafa or El Carmen neighborhoods, where boutique hotels offer character at competitive rates.
Accommodation Budget in Valencia
Budget
Hostels, budget hotels, shared facilities
Mid-Range
3-star hotels, boutique stays, great locations
Luxury
5-star hotels, suites, premium amenities
💡 Prices vary by season. Book 2-3 months ahead for best rates.
Money-Saving Tips
Insider tricks to stretch your budget further
- 1 Look for the 'Menu del Día' at lunch, particularly in the Russafa district, to get a full three-course meal for around $19 / €16.
- 2 Avoid the 10% terrace supplement by choosing to eat inside the dining room rather than at an outdoor table.
- 3 Use the Valenbisi bike-share system for the week; it costs $16 / €13 plus a $3.53 / €3 card fee, which is cheaper than multiple $1.77 / €1.5 metro tickets.
- 4 Visit the Lonja de la Seda and other municipal museums on Sundays when entry is traditionally free for all visitors.
- 5 Decline the bread and 'picos' brought to the table if they are not explicitly wanted to save the $1.77–$2.35 / €1.5–€2 'cubierto' charge.
- 6 Purchase a combined ticket for the City of Arts and Sciences for $50 / €42 to save on individual entrance fees for the Oceanogràfic and Science Museum.
- 7 Fill water bottles at the many public 'fuentes' (fountains) found throughout the Turia Gardens to save on bottled water costs.
- 8 Eat tapas at the Mercado Central bars like Central Bar by Ricard Camarena for high-quality food at a fraction of a formal restaurant price.
- 9 Buy a 10-ride 'Bono' card for public transport to lower the cost per journey below the standard $1.77 / €1.5 single fare.
- 10 Explore the Cabanyal neighborhood for more authentic, lower-priced seafood than the primary tourist strip on Malvarrosa Beach.
Seasonal Pricing
When prices rise and fall throughout the year
Mar, Jul, Aug
+35-60%
Nov, Jan, Feb
-25-40%
May, Jun, Sep, Oct
March is the most expensive time due to Las Fallas; book 6+ months in advance. May and June offer 22–26°C (72–79°F) weather with much lower rates than mid-summer.
Events to Watch
- ● Las Fallas (March 15–19): +150% hotels
- ● MotoGP Grand Prix (November): +40% hotels
Free Things to Do
The best experiences that cost absolutely nothing
- 1 Walk through the 9km-long Jardín del Turia, a massive urban park built in a diverted riverbed.
- 2 Sunbathe or swim at Malvarrosa Beach, which offers wide sandy shores and free public access.
- 3 Admire the futuristic exterior architecture of the City of Arts and Sciences and walk through the L'Umbracle garden.
- 4 Explore the Mercado Central, one of Europe's largest fresh food markets, to see the stunning modernist architecture (free entry).
- 5 View the vibrant street art and murals throughout the El Carmen neighborhood in the Old Town.
- 6 Visit the Museo de Bellas Artes (Museum of Fine Arts), which is free every day and houses works by Goya and Velázquez.
- 7 Walk around the Port of Valencia and the historic America's Cup buildings near the Marina.
- 8 Enter the Lonja de la Seda (Silk Exchange) on Sundays or public holidays when the usual entry fee is waived.
- 9 Wander through the historic Plaza de la Virgen and Plaza de la Reina to see the exterior of the Cathedral and the Basílica.
- 10 Explore the colorful tiles and traditional architecture of the Cabanyal, the old fisherman's quarter.
- 11 Visit the Portal de Valldigna, a 15th-century archway located in the heart of the Old Town.
- 12 Check out the 'Miguelete' bell tower from the Plaza de la Reina; while climbing costs money, the area often hosts free traditional dances or festivals.
Worth the Splurge
Premium experiences that justify the price tag
Ricard Camarena Restaurant Tasting Menu
A 2-Michelin-starred experience focused on local garden produce. ~$247 / €210 excluding wine pairing.
Private Albufera Sunset Boat & Paella
Experience the lagoon's tranquility with a private boat and traditional paella in a rustic 'Barraca'.
Hot Air Balloon Flight (Sierra Calderona)
Stunning views of the orange groves and mountains just north of the city.
Popular Activities
Top-rated tours and experiences in Valencia
Day Trip Costs
Popular day trips from Valencia and what they cost
Albufera Natural Park
$3.53 / €3 by bus
$5.89 / €5
$29 / €25
Xàtiva (Castle and Old Town)
$10 / €8.7 by train
$7.06 / €6
$53 / €45
Payment & Money
How to pay and what to know about money
Euro (EUR)
1 € ≈ 1.18 $
Yes
Excellent; accepted in most tapas bars and the Mercado Central.
Leave the small change or ~$1.18–$2.35 / €1–€2 for a lunch; ~5–10% for exceptional dinner service.
Avoid 'Euronet' ATMs due to high hidden fees. Use bank-affiliated ATMs like CaixaBank or BBVA; fees are ~$1.77–$2.94 / €1.5–€2.5 for non-residents.
Connectivity
eSIM: $14–$21 for 10GB (opens in new tab)
Local SIM: $18 / €15 at the airport or official stores for 10-20GB.
WiFi: Excellent in the city center, plazas, and all hotels/cafes.
The 'Orange Tu Mundo' local SIM from a city store offers the best value for high data users.
Why you can trust this guide
35+ countries • 8 years analyzing travel data
Independent developer and travel data analyst based in Prague. 35+ countries visited across Europe and Asia, 8+ years analyzing flight routes, accommodation prices, and seasonal weather patterns.
- All neighborhoods verified by walking them
- Curated locations based on walkability & safety
- Real-time availability via live partner maps
- Prices based on Booking.com & Numbeo averages
Methodology: This guide combines on-the-ground neighborhood research, current hotel pricing data, and real traveler feedback to provide honest, actionable accommodation recommendations for Valencia.
Updated: February 16, 2026
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Where to Stay
Best neighborhoods and hotel recommendations
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Complete Cost Guide
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