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Cost of Living: Graz vs Valencia (2026)

Austria vs Spain — relocation comparison

TL;DRGraz is 46% cheaper on rent ($772/mo vs $1429/mo). Valencia has milder winters (7°C vs -3°C lows). Both countries will let you complain about the government in public — and mean it.
77
Livability Score
🇦🇹 Graz
Austria
Full profile
71
Livability Score
🇪🇸 Valencia
Spain
Full profile
Graz edges ahead 77 to 71. Valencia isn't far behind — it depends what matters to you.
Graz
Valencia
$772/mo
Rent
$1429/mo
8.3/10
Democracy
8.1/10
0.9/100k
Safety
0.7/100k
74/100
English
38/100
Time to PR
5 yr
💰
Cost of Living
Graz
$658/mo cheaper on rent alone
☀️
Weather
25°C vs 29°C summers
🗣️
English
Graz
higher proficiency score
Graz
Metric
Valencia
$772/mo
🏠
Rent (1BR centre)
$1429/mo
$909/mo
🛒
Living costs (no rent)
$554/mo
🧳
Cost to land
$6,867
0.9 / 100k
🔒
Homicides
0.7 / 100k
🚨
Crime perception
lower is better
35 / 100
25°C
☀️
Summer high
29°C
-3°C
❄️
Winter low
7°C
Internet speed
99 Mbps
15.1 μg/m³
🌬️
Air quality (PM2.5)
8.2 μg/m³
8.3 / 10
🗳️
Democracy
8.1 / 10
74/100
🗣️
Street English
38/100
$74k
💼
GDP per capita
$58k
2.9% · Boringly steady
📈
Inflation
2.8% · Boringly steady
77 / 100
🏅
Livability Score
71 / 100
Grid reliability
70/100 — Mostly stable
🗽
Freedom House
90/100
📋
Time to PR
5 years

Settler Essentials

Democracy trend
stable
Industries
tourism-techagritechautomotivedesign
Startup ecosystem
active
Grid reliability
70/100
Time to PR
5 yrs
EU visa
Easy
RU visa
Complex
UA visa
Moderate
Retiree visa
2,400/mo
Tax breaks
Beckham Law (Régimen Especial)

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

The Short Version

  • Rent is 46% cheaper in Graz ($772/mo vs $1429/mo for a 1BR city centre).
  • Summers are slightly warmer in Valencia (29°C vs 25°C).
  • Street-level English is easier in Graz (74/100 vs 38/100).

Graz vs Valencia — Common Questions

Is Graz cheaper than Valencia?

Graz is cheaper. A 1-bedroom apartment in city centre costs around $772/month in Graz vs $1429/month in the other city (Numbeo data).

Which is safer, Graz or Valencia?

Valencia is statistically safer based on UNODC homicide data. Graz has a rate of 0.88 per 100,000 and Valencia has 0.68 per 100,000.

Should I move to Graz or Valencia?

Graz edges ahead 77 to 71. Valencia isn't far behind — it depends what matters to you. 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 Graz or Valencia?

Graz: no specific remote work visa. Valencia: Spain Digital Nomad Visa (moderate requirements, 1 year (renewable to 5)). See each city's profile page for full requirements.

Which has better weather, Graz or Valencia?

Valencia is warmer in summer (29°C vs 25°C). Graz has milder summers, which suits those who prefer cooler weather. Climate preference is personal — use the weather section above to compare seasons.

Can I live in Graz or Valencia without speaking the local language?

Graz is easier for street-level English (74/100) than Valencia (38/100). That's the score that matters for doctors, landlords, and bureaucracy. Office English can still run higher than street English in both cities.

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

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