Living and working in Valencia: How Esther found her home in Spain
Leandra
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6 minutes reading time
Moving abroad often starts with a feeling that life somewhere else might suit you better. For Esther, that feeling eventually led her to Valencia, Spain. Today she is living and working in Valencia as an international and enjoying the relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle the city is known for. What started as a decision to leave the Netherlands became a completely new chapter of her life. In this experience blog, Esther shares why she left the Netherlands, what it felt like to arrive in Valencia in Spain, and what daily life looks like when you start a life in Valencia.
Why I decided to leave the Netherlands
Valencia is one of the most popular cities in Spain for internationals who want to live and work abroad. With sunny weather, beaches and a relaxed lifestyle, many people choose to move to Valencia or start working abroad in Spain as their next step abroad. For me, leaving the Netherlands wasn’t a sudden decision. It was something I had been feeling for a long time. I realised that the lifestyle in the Netherlands didn’t really match who I am or how I want to live my life. Everything felt structured and rushed, while I was looking for something calmer and more connected to how I feel.
“The way of life in the Netherlands didn’t match who I am or how I want to live.”
At a certain point I realised I didn’t want to keep adapting to something that didn’t feel right anymore. I wanted to find a place where I could truly feel at home.
The moment I arrived in Valencia, Spain
I still remember the first time I drove into Valencia. The sun was shining, people were sitting on terraces and the streets felt lively but relaxed at the same time. It immediately felt different from what I was used to.
“The first day I drove into Valencia was the day I completely fell in love with the city.”
Valencia is the third-largest city in Spain, but what struck me most was the atmosphere. People were walking through the streets, meeting friends on plazas and enjoying the warm evenings outside. Neighbourhoods like Ruzafa are full of small cafés and restaurants, while the historic centre El Carmen has narrow streets, colourful buildings and local bars. It didn’t take long before I could imagine building a life here.
Finding a job and starting to work abroad in Spain
When I decided that I really wanted to move abroad, the next step was figuring out how to actually make it happen. I started looking for opportunities online and quickly realised there were more options than I expected, but also that it could feel a bit overwhelming to organise everything on my own. That’s when I came across Yobbers. The vacancies were clearly explained and focused on jobs for Dutch-speakers, which made it much easier to understand what to expect. After applying, the process felt simple and structured. Everything was explained step by step, from the application to what would happen after arriving in Spain.
Moving to another country can feel like a big step, but having that guidance made the whole process much more manageable. It allowed me to focus on what really mattered: starting my new life in Valencia.
Adjusting to life in Valencia as an international
Adapting to life in Spain felt very natural to me. One of the first things I noticed is how open and friendly people are. It’s normal to talk with the barista at your local café or chat with someone sitting next to you on a terrace. I’m also learning Spanish step by step. Even simple things like ordering food, asking for directions or talking to neighbours help me practise every day.
“The culture here fits my lifestyle perfectly.”
My daily life while living and working in Valencia
My days in Valencia usually start with a calm morning routine before work. Most office jobs in Spain begin around 9 or 10 in the morning and often include a longer lunch break. After starting my workday, I follow my usual routines during breaks and take time to eat properly. When my workday finishes, I often go for a long walk of at least three kilometres. Sometimes I walk through Turia Park, the large green park that runs through the entire city. The park stretches for about nine kilometres and you see people running, cycling or doing yoga there. Other days I walk towards Playa de la Malvarrosa, one of the most well-known beaches in Valencia, to watch the sunset. These small routines give me something I missed before: balance.
Cost of living in Valencia
When I first moved here, I noticed that daily life in Valencia is often more affordable than in many Northern European cities. For example, a coffee at a local café usually costs around €1.50 to €2.50. Groceries at markets like Mercado Central are also quite affordable, especially fresh fruit, vegetables and herbs.
Rent depends on where you live in the city. Many internationals rent a room in a shared apartment for around €400 to €650 per month, while a one-bedroom apartment often costs between €850 and €1,100. Public transport in Valencia is also easy to use. I sometimes take the EMT Valencia buses or the Metrovalencia, and a monthly transport pass usually costs around €40.
What I enjoy most about life in Valencia
One of the things I love most about living in Valencia is how easy it is to enjoy your free time. Some days I explore neighbourhoods like Ruzafa, where you find bakeries, local markets and small cafés where people sit for hours talking. Other days I spend time near the beach or walk through the old streets of El Carmen. I also enjoy visiting tea shops and herb markets, which are part of my personal routine. What I appreciate most is that life here feels slower. There is space to walk, sit outside and enjoy the day instead of constantly rushing from one thing to the next.
The biggest cultural difference between Spain and the Netherlands
One of the biggest differences I noticed between life in Spain and the Netherlands is how people interact with each other. In Spain people often seem more open and social. It’s common to greet neighbours, talk to shop owners or start a conversation with someone sitting next to you. Daily life also happens more outside. In the evenings many people walk through the city, sit on terraces or meet friends in parks. That atmosphere fits my personality much better.
What living abroad in Spain has taught me
Living abroad helped me understand something important about myself.
“Stay true to yourself.”
For me, moving to Valencia in Spain wasn’t just about changing countries. It was about creating a life that supports my routines, my wellbeing and the way I want to live. Now I feel like I can live in a way that brings more calm and balance into my everyday life.
My advice if you want to work abroad
If you’re thinking about working abroad, my advice is to make sure it’s something you really want. Moving to another country means adapting to a different culture, language and way of life. Being open to those differences makes the experience much easier. Learning the language also helps a lot. Even basic Spanish makes everyday things like ordering food, meeting people or asking for directions much easier.
Could living and working in Valencia be your next step?
For me, Valencia turned out to be exactly the place I was looking for. Many internationals discover that life in Valencia offers a balance between career opportunities, sunshine and a relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle.
If you’re curious about starting your own adventure abroad, explore the available jobs in Valencia and see what your life in Spain could look like. 🌞