Is Valencia expensive? What things really cost in 2026
Short answer
Valencia is good value for a major Spanish city, generally cheaper than Barcelona or Madrid for hotels and food, with a mid-range day at about €163 per person. Rooms during Las Fallas and summer weekends are the main expense; paella, tapas, transport and the Turia gardens are inexpensive or free.
Daily budget: backpacker, mid-range, luxury
| Budget | Mid-range | Comfort | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bed (per person, sharing) | €35 | €75 | €180 |
| Food & drink | €25 | €45 | €90 |
| Sights & tickets | €10 | €35 | €70 |
| Local transport | €4 | €8 | €25 |
| Per person, per day | €74 | €163 | €365 |
Approximate 2026 prices, two people sharing a room. From our Valencia day-cost table.
What things cost
| Item | Typical price* |
|---|---|
| Coffee in a café | about €1.50–2 |
| Horchata with fartons | about €3–5 |
| Esmorzaret (mid-morning sandwich, drink and coffee) | about €6–10 |
| Paella valenciana per person (2-person minimum) | about €15–22 |
| Caña (small beer) | about €2–3 |
| Metro/tram single ticket | about €1.50 |
| Oceanogràfic ticket | about €35–40 |
| Albufera boat ride | about €5–8 |
| Mid-range double room, Ciutat Vella | about €110–200 |
* Approximate prices, October 2026. They change with season and exchange rates.
Where the money goes
Accommodation is the largest share: a double in the old town costs about €110–200, much more during Las Fallas (15–19 March), when prices can double or triple. Eating out is affordable, with paella at €15–22 per person and tapas from a few euros, though seafront rice restaurants charge more. The City of Arts and Sciences is the main ticketed attraction (the Oceanogràfic about €35–40). The beach, the Turia gardens and the old town are free, and the flat city is easy by bike or on foot.
When it is cheaper
November to February (outside Christmas) is cheapest, often 20–35% below summer, with mild days of 16–21°C. Prices peak during Las Fallas and in July and August.
How to spend less
- Eat paella at lunchtime from the menú del día, often €12–18 with a drink.
- Rent a Valenbisi or rental bike for the Turia gardens and the beach.
- Admire the City of Arts and Sciences from outside for free and buy combined tickets only if you will visit several venues.
- Take Metrovalencia from the airport (about 25 minutes) instead of a taxi.
- Stay in Ruzafa or near Joaquín Sorolla station for cheaper rooms.
- Book well ahead, or avoid, Las Fallas week if budget matters.
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Common questions
How much does a day in Valencia cost?
About €74 per person on a budget, €163 mid-range and €365 for comfort, sharing a double.
Is Valencia cheaper than Barcelona?
Yes, generally, especially for hotels and food.
How much is paella in Valencia?
About €15–22 per person in a proper rice restaurant, usually with a two-person minimum.