Cost of Living: Florence vs Valencia (2026)

Italy vs Spain — relocation comparison

TL;DRFlorence and Valencia are surprisingly similar on the numbers. Both are solid options for settling down — the spreadsheet won't save you from this one.
68
Livability Score
🇮🇹 Florence
Italy
Full profile
71
Livability Score
🇪🇸 Valencia
Spain
Full profile
Too close to call — 71 vs 68. Valencia has a slight edge, but Florence might suit you better depending on your priorities.
💰
Cost of Living
Florence
$114/mo cheaper on rent alone
🗳️
Democracy
Valencia
8.1/10 EIU index
Florence
Metric
Valencia
$1316/mo
🏠
Rent (1BR centre)
$1429/mo
$712/mo
🛒
Living costs (no rent)
$554/mo
$7,759
🧳
Cost to land
$6,867
0.5 / 100k
🔒
Homicides
0.7 / 100k
42 / 100
🚨
Crime perception
lower is better
35 / 100
30°C
☀️
Summer high
29°C
3°C
❄️
Winter low
7°C
46 Mbps
Internet speed
99 Mbps
7.7 / 10
🗳️
Democracy
8.1 / 10
High (62/100)
🗣️
English ease
High (62/100)
$62k
💼
GDP per capita
$58k
1.0%
📈
Inflation
2.8%
68 / 100
🏅
Livability Score
71 / 100
89/100 — Mostly stable
Grid reliability
70/100 — Mostly stable
87/100
🗽
Freedom House
90/100
5 years
📋
Time to PR
5 years

For the Kids

Schools, pediatric care, and whether your children can actually enroll

477
PISA
country avg
477
1
Intl schools
15
Yes (Italian)
Public school
Yes (Spanish)
Free pediatric care for all resident children under 14
Pediatric care
Pediatric coverage included in public system
4–12 weeks public
Specialist wait
4–12 weeks
$789/mo
Childcare
full-day
$623/mo

Sources: OECD PISA 2022 · Wikipedia · Numbeo · official health systems

Settler Essentials

stable
Democracy trend
stable
fashion-leathertourismfood-winefintech
Industries
tourism-techagritechautomotivedesign
nascent
Startup ecosystem
active
89/100
Grid reliability
70/100
5 yrs
Time to PR
5 yrs
Easy
EU visa
Easy
Complex
RU visa
Complex
Easy
UA visa
Moderate
Your partner can also work
Spouse works
Your partner can also work

Sources: EIU · Freedom House · Startup Genome · IEA · official immigration portals

The Short Version

  • Rent is 8% cheaper in Florence ($1316/mo vs $1429/mo for a 1BR city centre).
  • Summers are slightly warmer in Florence (30°C vs 29°C).

Florence vs Valencia — Common Questions

Is Florence cheaper than Valencia?

Florence is cheaper. A 1-bedroom apartment in city centre costs around $1316/month in Florence vs $1429/month in the other city (Numbeo data).

Which is safer, Florence or Valencia?

Florence is statistically safer based on UNODC homicide data. Florence has a rate of 0.55 per 100,000 and Valencia has 0.68 per 100,000.

Should I move to Florence or Valencia?

Too close to call — 71 vs 68. Valencia has a slight edge, but Florence might suit you better depending on your priorities. See the full comparison above for rent, safety, internet speed, climate, and democracy scores to decide which city fits your priorities.

Is it easier to get residency in Florence or Valencia?

Florence: Italy Digital Nomad Visa (moderate requirements, 1 year (renewable)). Valencia: Spain Digital Nomad Visa (moderate requirements, 1 year (renewable to 5)). See each city's profile page for full requirements.

Don't agree? Take the quiz and see what fits you.

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