Valencia, 17 September 2026 – Valencia continues to stand out internationally for its ability to combine a high quality of life with competitive living costs. An analysis published by Visual Capitalist places the city among the global destinations offering one of the strongest balances between these two factors, an increasingly relevant consideration for companies and professionals when deciding where to establish themselves.
The study, based on August 2026 data from the Numbeo Quality of Life Index, compares 100 cities worldwide across two dimensions: quality of life and cost of living.
Of the cities analysed, only 18 are positioned in the so-called “best value quadrant”, combining above-median quality of life with below-median costs. Valencia is among them, alongside other European cities such as Split, Porto, Prague, Lisbon, Bratislava, Riga and Varna.
Valencia: 93rd percentile for quality of life
In the comparison published by Visual Capitalist, Valencia ranks in the 93rd percentile for quality of life and the 43rd percentile for cost of living. In other words, the city offers high standards of urban quality without being among the most expensive locations.
The methodology is particularly relevant because, when calculating quality of life, the analysis removes components directly linked to prices in order to avoid counting affordability twice. It therefore focuses on factors such as safety, healthcare, mobility, pollution and climate.
Numbeo’s latest data continues to reflect these strengths. Valencia records high levels of safety and healthcare, a particularly strong climate index and relatively short commuting times.
Quality of life as a factor in business competitiveness
Quality of life is no longer simply a residential consideration. It has become an increasingly relevant factor in business location decisions.
For international companies considering new operations, particularly those that rely heavily on knowledge and talent, factors such as the urban environment, mobility, services, climate and cost of living can influence their ability to attract professionals, build international teams and consolidate projects over the long term.
In this context, Valencia’s positioning reinforces one of the key elements of its value proposition as a business destination. Offering a competitive environment in which to develop a business project while also providing a high quality of life for the people behind it.
This combination is particularly relevant for attracting international projects. In sectors such as technology and innovation, artificial intelligence, semiconductors, sustainable mobility, the blue economy, creative industries and international business services, all of which are priority areas within the city’s investment attraction strategy.
An environment to invest, work and grow
At Invest in Valencia, we support national and international companies considering Valencia as a location for their projects, providing information on the business ecosystem, strategic sectors, talent, operating costs and quality of life, as well as support throughout the establishment process and connections with the local ecosystem.
The recognition highlighted by Visual Capitalist therefore adds another indicator to Valencia’s international positioning. A city where business competitiveness and quality of life can go hand in hand.
Are you considering Valencia for your next business project?
At Invest in Valencia, we can support you before, during and after your establishment in the city.
