Choosing between Valencia and Alicante can be challenging as both cities have their unique charm and offer a high quality of life. Here’s a comprehensive comparison to help you decide which city might be better for your travel and living needs.
Read here Alicante Vs Malaga and Valencia Vs Barcelona
BOOK YOUR TRAVEL INSURANCE
Two of our favorite travel insurance: Heymondo Vs Safetwing cheapest travel Insurance. You can get for $135 USD your HeymondoTravel Insurance with Heymondo discount code valid for 90 days. Read our full comparison of Genki vs Safetywing Travel Insurance Review and the comparison Heymondo vs Genki
Valencia Vs Alicante Which One Is Better
Valencia
Valencia, Spain’s third-largest city, is known for its vibrant culture, futuristic architecture, beautiful beaches, and rich history. It offers a perfect blend of traditional Spanish charm and modern amenities.
Travel Highlights
City of Arts and Sciences:
A futuristic complex featuring a planetarium, oceanarium, and an interactive science museum.
Turia Gardens:
A beautiful park created in the riverbed of the diverted Turia River, perfect for walking, cycling, and picnics.
Valencia Cathedral:
Home to what is claimed to be the Holy Grail.
Las Fallas Festival:
A famous festival in March with fireworks, parades, and the burning of giant sculptures.
Beaches:
Playa de la Malvarrosa and Playa de las Arenas are popular urban beaches.
Living Highlights
Cost of Living:
Generally lower than Madrid and Barcelona, with affordable housing options, especially in the outer districts.
Climate:
Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters, perfect for year-round outdoor activities.
Education:
Home to prestigious universities such as the University of Valencia.
Transport:
Excellent public transportation system, including metro, trams, and buses.
Read here How to get from Valencia Airport to city center
Cuisine:
Birthplace of paella, with numerous restaurants offering this iconic dish and other Spanish delicacies.
Pros:
Vibrant cultural scene and festivals.
Beautiful blend of historic and modern architecture.
Extensive green spaces and beaches.
Lower cost of living compared to other major Spanish cities.
Cons:
Summers can be very hot.
Can be crowded during peak tourist seasons.
Alicante
Alicante is a beautiful coastal city known for its stunning beaches, historical sites, and lively atmosphere. It’s a popular destination for both tourists and expatriates.
Travel Highlights
Castle of Santa Barbara:
A historic fortress offering panoramic views of the city and the Mediterranean Sea.
Explanada de España:
A beautiful promenade lined with palm trees and mosaic tiles.
Postiguet Beach:
A central urban beach ideal for sunbathing and swimming.
Tabarca Island:
A small, charming island perfect for a day trip with clear waters and excellent seafood.
Alicante Old Town:
Known as El Barrio, it’s famous for its narrow streets, nightlife, and historic buildings.
Living Highlights
Cost of Living:
Generally lower than Valencia, especially in terms of housing and dining out.
Climate:
Warm Mediterranean climate with more than 300 days of sunshine annually.
Expat Community:
Large expat community, particularly from the UK and Northern Europe.
Transport:
Good public transportation, though not as extensive as Valencia’s. Excellent connections to other parts of Spain and Europe via Alicante Airport.
Read here How to get from Alicante Airport to city center
Outdoor Activities:
Proximity to mountains and sea makes it ideal for hiking, sailing, and other outdoor pursuits.
Pros:
Stunning beaches and coastal views.
Lower cost of living, especially in housing.
Sunny weather almost year-round.
Vibrant nightlife and social scene.
Cons:
Smaller city with fewer cultural and educational institutions compared to Valencia.
Public transportation is not as comprehensive.
Conclusion: Which One is Better?
For Travel:
Valencia is better if you’re interested in a mix of modern attractions, rich history, and cultural festivals. Its larger size means more diverse activities and sights.
Alicante is ideal if you’re looking for beautiful beaches, a laid-back atmosphere, and a more intimate travel experience with historical charm.
For Living:
Valencia offers a vibrant city life with more job opportunities, educational institutions, and cultural activities. It’s suitable for those who want the conveniences of a larger city.
Alicante is perfect for those seeking a slower pace of life, lower cost of living, and plenty of sunshine. It’s particularly attractive for retirees and expatriates looking for a beachside community.
When deciding between Valencia and Alicante for travel or living, understanding the cost differences is crucial. Here’s a comprehensive comparison to help you determine which city is cheaper in terms of travel and living expenses.
Travel Costs
Valencia
Accommodation:
Budget Hotels/Hostels: €30-€60 per night
Mid-range Hotels: €70-€150 per night
Luxury Hotels: €200+ per night
Food and Dining:
Budget Meal: €10-€15
Mid-range Restaurant: €20-€40 per person
High-end Restaurant: €50+ per person
Transportation:
Public Transport (Bus/Metro): €1.50-€2.00 per ride
Daily Travel Card: €4-€8
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff): €3.50 + €1.20 per km
Attractions:
Museums/Monuments: €5-€15
City of Arts and Sciences: €30 (combined ticket)
Miscellaneous:
Coffee: €1.50-€2.50
Beer: €3-€5
Bottle of Water: €1-€2
Alicante
Accommodation:
Budget Hotels/Hostels: €20-€50 per night
Mid-range Hotels: €60-€120 per night
Luxury Hotels: €150+ per night
Food and Dining:
Budget Meal: €8-€12
Mid-range Restaurant: €15-€30 per person
High-end Restaurant: €40+ per person
Transportation:
Public Transport (Bus/Tram): €1.45 per ride
Daily Travel Card: €4-€6
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff): €3.00 + €1.05 per km
Attractions:
Museums/Monuments: €3-€10
Castle of Santa Barbara: Free
Miscellaneous:
Coffee: €1.00-€2.00
Beer: €2-€4
Bottle of Water: €0.80-€1.50
Living Costs
Valencia
Housing:
Rent (1-bedroom apartment in city center): €700-€1,000 per month
Rent (1-bedroom apartment outside city center): €500-€750 per month
Utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage): €100-€150 per month
Groceries:
Monthly groceries for one person: €200-€300
Transportation:
Monthly Public Transport Pass: €50-€70
Gasoline (1 liter): €1.40-€1.60
Dining Out:
Inexpensive Restaurant: €10-€15 per person
Three-course Meal for 2 at Mid-range Restaurant: €40-€60
Entertainment:
Gym Membership: €30-€50 per month
Cinema Ticket: €8-€10
Alicante
Housing:
Rent (1-bedroom apartment in city center): €500-€800 per month
Rent (1-bedroom apartment outside city center): €400-€600 per month
Utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage): €90-€130 per month
Groceries:
Monthly groceries for one person: €150-€250
Transportation:
Monthly Public Transport Pass: €35-€50
Gasoline (1 liter): €1.40-€1.60
Dining Out:
Inexpensive Restaurant: €8-€12 per person
Three-course Meal for 2 at Mid-range Restaurant: €30-€50
Entertainment:
Gym Membership: €25-€40 per month
Cinema Ticket: €7-€9
Conclusion: Which One Is Cheaper And Better?
For Travel
Alicante tends to be cheaper for travel. Accommodation, dining, and local attractions are generally more affordable than in Valencia. Alicante’s beautiful beaches and free attractions like the Castle of Santa Barbara also contribute to its cost-effectiveness.
For Living
Alicante is also generally cheaper for living. Rent, utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are lower compared to Valencia. This makes Alicante a more budget-friendly option for long-term living.
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.