Side-by-side numbers for the things that matter most when picking where to retire: monthly cost, healthcare, climate, visa rules, safety, and the strength of the expat community.
| Metric | Madrid | Valencia |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly cost (single) | $2,100 | $2,000 |
| Monthly cost (couple) | $3,200 | $2,800 |
| 2-bedroom rent | $1,100 | $900 |
| Healthcare / month | $260 | $180 |
| Healthcare quality | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Safety | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Expat community | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Overall rating | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Climate | continental | mediterranean |
| Avg temperature | 59°F | 64°F |
| Primary language | Spanish | Spanish |
| English proficiency | moderate | moderate |
| Visa min income | $2,600 | $2,600 |
Madrid offers retirees a rich cultural life with three world-class art museums, beautiful parks, and a legendary food scene. The city's central location makes it ideal for exploring all of Spain, while its excellent metro system keeps you mobile.
Non-Lucrative Visa: €2,400/mo (~$2,600) minimum income required. 1-year visa, renewable. No work permitted. Path to citizenship in 10 years. Golden Visa suspended April 2025.
Valencia offers the best of Spain without Madrid or Barcelona prices: stunning architecture, Mediterranean beaches, world-class cuisine, and excellent public healthcare.
Non-Lucrative Visa: €2,400/mo (~$2,600) minimum income required. 1-year visa, renewable. No work permitted. Path to citizenship in 10 years. Golden Visa suspended April 2025.
Cost is only half the story. Use the International Retirement Tax Estimator to see how Spain and Spain would tax your retirement income.