{"id":2058,"date":"2025-11-07T09:38:50","date_gmt":"2025-11-07T08:38:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.steppingstonerentals.com\/blog\/?p=2058"},"modified":"2025-11-07T09:38:50","modified_gmt":"2025-11-07T08:38:50","slug":"the-expat-dilemma-and-how-to-solve-it","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.steppingstonerentals.com\/blog\/the-expat-dilemma-and-how-to-solve-it\/","title":{"rendered":"The Expat Dilemma and How to Solve It"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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The Expat Dilemma & How To Solve It<\/h1>\n\n

Don’t be that person.<\/p>\n

By Isabella \u2014 November 7, 2025<\/p>\n\n

\n\n
\n \"Gallery\n
City Views<\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n\n

We\u2019ve all seen the video, haven\u2019t we?<\/p>\n\n

If you\u2019ve spent any time in Valencia\u2019s expat circles lately, you\u2019ve probably seen the video \u2014 a group of tourists on bikes being shouted at and chased out of the city centre by a few young Valencians. So what\u2019s that all about? Let\u2019s unpack it a bit.<\/p>\n\n

As it turns out, the confrontation happened during a protest against a neighbour\u2019s eviction \u2014 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\u2019s just say\u2026 the timing wasn\u2019t ideal.<\/p>\n\n

There\u2019s no denying Valencians are pushing back against mass tourism \u2014 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?<\/p>\n\n

Language, language, language\u2026<\/h2>\n\n

I\u2019ve spoken about this in a previous post and attached a list of the best language schools in Valencia (so you have no excuse). Buuut\u2026 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.<\/p>\n\n

I do admit, on my trip to Croatia I was clinging on to \u201cHvala\u201d for dear life, so I know it\u2019s not always easy \u2014 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\u2019ve 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\u2019t serve tap water; the expat who insists on speaking to me in Spanish (even though I\u2019ve given them a get-out-of-jail-free card five times \u2014 I\u2019m English!! It\u2019s ok!!) Sometimes there was that one customer who spoke neither English nor Spanish \u2014 we took the order anyway and let fate decide what showed up.<\/p>\n\n

That being said, I will always prefer someone who at least tries! Most of my co-workers spoke little to no English \u2014 and why make their job harder? To me, ordering in English without a second thought creates a disconnect between yourself and the city you\u2019re in. Valencia doesn\u2019t have to adapt to you \u2014 in fact, it\u2019s precisely the opposite.<\/p>\n\n

Put down that 8\u20ac matcha latte!<\/h2>\n
\n \"Coffee\n
Bar near to Mercado Central.<\/figcaption>\n<\/figure>\n\n

It\u2019s no secret that for many visitors, Valencia is vastly cheaper in comparison to their home countries. But don\u2019t fall into the trap of paying the tourist (or expat) tax! Not only do you get ripped off unnecessarily, but businesses realise there\u2019s 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\u20132 years! And although this blog post isn\u2019t likely to change the course of supply and demand, it might help some challenge those unnecessary costs and keep Valencia accessible for everyone.<\/p>\n\n

Of course, there are plenty of fancy restaurants to spend your money on \u2014 well-frequented by Valencians and internationals alike \u2014 but here\u2019s a quick reference of what basic everyday items should cost so you can keep yourself (and locals) from being overcharged:<\/p>\n\n \n \n \n \n
Item<\/th>\n Typical Price (local bar\/neighbourhood)<\/th>\n <\/tr>\n <\/thead>\n
Caf\u00e9 con leche<\/td>\u20ac1.30 \u2013 \u20ac1.80<\/td><\/tr>\n
Small draft beer (\u201cca\u00f1a\u201d)<\/td>\u20ac1.60 \u2013 \u20ac2.20<\/td><\/tr>\n
Glass of house wine<\/td>\u20ac2.00 \u2013 \u20ac3.00<\/td><\/tr>\n
Tapas dish (simple)<\/td>\u20ac3.00 \u2013 \u20ac5.00<\/td><\/tr>\n
Pizza (basic size, local bar)<\/td>\u20ac7.00 \u2013 \u20ac10.00<\/td><\/tr>\n
Sangr\u00eda (glass)<\/td>\u20ac4.00 \u2013 \u20ac6.00<\/td><\/tr>\n
Tostada con tomate + coffee<\/td>\u20ac2.50 \u2013 \u20ac3.50<\/td><\/tr>\n
Breakfast set (caf\u00e9 + toast + juice)<\/td>\u20ac3.00 \u2013 \u20ac5.50<\/td><\/tr>\n <\/tbody>\n <\/table>\n\n

All prices are drawn from 2025 Valencia data and represent typical costs in affordable neighbourhood bars and restaurants frequented by residents.<\/em><\/p>\n\n

It\u2019s a Small World After All \u2014 But Only If You Can Afford It<\/h2>\n\n

It\u2019s no wonder Valencia was voted the best city to live in \u2014 the weather\u2019s perfect, the beach is right there, and the terraces are always full. Who could possibly want more? Sure, there\u2019s a housing crisis and a shortage of stable jobs, but hey \u2014 \u20ac2 beers after work make it all worthwhile\u2026 right?<\/p>\n\n

This has to be the number-one gripe I hear from Valencians \u2014 and from anyone trying to make a living on a Spanish salary.<\/p>\n\n

Let\u2019s 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 \u2014 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 \u2014 in comparison to other places. But Valencia is not cheap for most people living on a basic Valencian wage. So when newcomers gush that \u201ceverything\u2019s so cheap here,\u201d it can come across as a little out of touch.<\/p>\n\n

Valencians aren\u2019t any different from you \u2014 whether you\u2019re 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\u2019t make up for everything. So next time you\u2019re thinking about telling your Valencian friend \u201cOh come on, how bad can it be? You\u2019ve got tapas and 300 days of sun!\u201d \u2014 visualise me holding a giant neon sign that says: Don\u2019t be that person.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

All things considered, most expats simply want what everyone else does \u2014 a pleasant place to live, raise a family, or enjoy their retirement. And that\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n

\n\n

For any inquiries, please contact:<\/p>\n

\n contact@steppingstonerentals.com<\/a>
\n steppingstonerentals.com<\/a>\n <\/p>\n\n<\/article>\n\n\n

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<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The Expat Dilemma & How To Solve It Don’t be that person. By Isabella \u2014 November 7, 2025 City Views We\u2019ve all seen the video, haven\u2019t we? If you\u2019ve spent any time in Valencia\u2019s expat circles lately, you\u2019ve probably seen the video \u2014 a group of tourists on bikes being shouted at and chased out […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2056,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"disabled","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"set","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[13],"tags":[25,28,29,11,9],"class_list":["post-2058","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-valencia-rentals","tag-digital-nomads-in-valencia","tag-expats","tag-mass-tourism","tag-medium-term-rentals-in-valencia","tag-stepping-stone-rentals"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.steppingstonerentals.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2058","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.steppingstonerentals.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.steppingstonerentals.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.steppingstonerentals.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.steppingstonerentals.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2058"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/www.steppingstonerentals.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2058\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2064,"href":"https:\/\/www.steppingstonerentals.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2058\/revisions\/2064"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.steppingstonerentals.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2056"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.steppingstonerentals.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2058"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.steppingstonerentals.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2058"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.steppingstonerentals.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2058"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}