The Expat Dilemma & How To Solve It
Don’t be that person.
By Isabella — November 7, 2025
We’ve all seen the video, haven’t we?
If you’ve spent any time in Valencia’s expat circles lately, you’ve probably seen the video — a group of tourists on bikes being shouted at and chased out of the city centre by a few young Valencians. So what’s that all about? Let’s unpack it a bit.
As it turns out, the confrontation happened during a protest against a neighbour’s eviction — likely to make way for yet another tourist aparthotel. And right in the middle of it all, about fifty tourists pedalled through the narrow backstreets of El Carmen. Let’s just say… the timing wasn’t ideal.
There’s no denying Valencians are pushing back against mass tourism — and rightfully so! In efforts to avoid Valencia taking the route of Barcelona and becoming a hub of 24/7 tourism, locals (especially young adults) are more passionate than ever about keeping local traditions, language, and neighbourhoods alive. So, how does one enjoy Valencia without accidentally ruining it?
Language, language, language…
I’ve spoken about this in a previous post and attached a list of the best language schools in Valencia (so you have no excuse). Buuut… this one goes even for tourists. Whilst no one expects you to recite the full works of Lorca, being able to order a coffee, ask for a table at a restaurant, and get around on the bus is a basic necessity.
I do admit, on my trip to Croatia I was clinging on to “Hvala” for dear life, so I know it’s not always easy — but learning a couple of words to get around shows willingness, and it goes a long way. Having worked in bars and restaurants around Valencia for many years, I’ve seen it all: the tourist that orders at 100 mph as if they were down at their local bar and is shocked and horrified that we don’t serve tap water; the expat who insists on speaking to me in Spanish (even though I’ve given them a get-out-of-jail-free card five times — I’m English!! It’s ok!!) Sometimes there was that one customer who spoke neither English nor Spanish — we took the order anyway and let fate decide what showed up.
That being said, I will always prefer someone who at least tries! Most of my co-workers spoke little to no English — and why make their job harder? To me, ordering in English without a second thought creates a disconnect between yourself and the city you’re in. Valencia doesn’t have to adapt to you — in fact, it’s precisely the opposite.
Put down that 8€ matcha latte!
It’s no secret that for many visitors, Valencia is vastly cheaper in comparison to their home countries. But don’t fall into the trap of paying the tourist (or expat) tax! Not only do you get ripped off unnecessarily, but businesses realise there’s a market for higher prices and drive them up for everyone. Anyone who has eaten out in the centre of Valencia can tell you how prices have spiked over the last 1–2 years! And although this blog post isn’t likely to change the course of supply and demand, it might help some challenge those unnecessary costs and keep Valencia accessible for everyone.
Of course, there are plenty of fancy restaurants to spend your money on — well-frequented by Valencians and internationals alike — but here’s a quick reference of what basic everyday items should cost so you can keep yourself (and locals) from being overcharged:
| Item | Typical Price (local bar/neighbourhood) |
|---|---|
| Café con leche | €1.30 – €1.80 |
| Small draft beer (“caña”) | €1.60 – €2.20 |
| Glass of house wine | €2.00 – €3.00 |
| Tapas dish (simple) | €3.00 – €5.00 |
| Pizza (basic size, local bar) | €7.00 – €10.00 |
| Sangría (glass) | €4.00 – €6.00 |
| Tostada con tomate + coffee | €2.50 – €3.50 |
| Breakfast set (café + toast + juice) | €3.00 – €5.50 |
All prices are drawn from 2025 Valencia data and represent typical costs in affordable neighbourhood bars and restaurants frequented by residents.
It’s a Small World After All — But Only If You Can Afford It
It’s no wonder Valencia was voted the best city to live in — the weather’s perfect, the beach is right there, and the terraces are always full. Who could possibly want more? Sure, there’s a housing crisis and a shortage of stable jobs, but hey — €2 beers after work make it all worthwhile… right?
This has to be the number-one gripe I hear from Valencians — and from anyone trying to make a living on a Spanish salary.
Let’s get one thing straight: Valencia is an amazing city to live in. Good weather, outdoor activities, and a buzzing social life are conducive to a higher quality of life — but this idea that people are content with generally lower salaries, high cost of living, and lack of independence is, frankly, patronising. Valencia is cheap — in comparison to other places. But Valencia is not cheap for most people living on a basic Valencian wage. So when newcomers gush that “everything’s so cheap here,” it can come across as a little out of touch.
Valencians aren’t any different from you — whether you’re from the U.S., U.K., Germany, or Ireland. Most people want the same things: financial stability, decent job opportunities, and a sense of independence. Sure, a bit of sunshine and a cheap beer might help, but they don’t make up for everything. So next time you’re thinking about telling your Valencian friend “Oh come on, how bad can it be? You’ve got tapas and 300 days of sun!” — visualise me holding a giant neon sign that says: Don’t be that person.
All things considered, most expats simply want what everyone else does — a pleasant place to live, raise a family, or enjoy their retirement. And that’s completely understandable. After all, we all share one thing: a genuine love for Valencia. So channel that love into the community itself. Get to know your neighbours, stay curious about the social and political issues shaping local life, and support efforts that keep Valencia accessible and liveable for everyone.
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