Lisbon vs. Valencia: The Ultimate Expat Showdown! | Insider Insights & Cost of Living

[@NancyThomas-w8z]

We initially thought Lisbon was the one, but we just got our visas and we fly out of Boston Tuesday, to Valencia!

[@CloserToHappy]

Simply amazing! Will you keep us posted about how it's going?

[@NancyThomas-w8z]

will do! I am very excited but also a bit anxious-it's a big leap for me (husband is from Scotland and we met while working in Bermuda, but Boston will always have my heart--it's where I'm from). But when we visited Valencia (a couple of times at the end of the pandemic) we thought it felt right and that it would be an affordable and lovely place to retire. We also considered Malaga and Granada-we love both, but still Valencia won out--for all of the reasons you mentioned. The visas took a lot longer than we anticipated (!) -mostly waiting for the apostille of the FBI record, but only 3 weeks after submitting our application at the consulate in Boston, we got the visas (the consular staff were wonderful).

[@CloserToHappy]

@@NancyThomas-w8z I’m so excited for you, and more than a little jealous 😊

[@Sagepolice]

This was so nice to watch! I am moving to Valencia in 2 weeks and we are so excited!

[@CloserToHappy]

Ooh, we're jealous, we can't go quite yet but are in heavy preparations. Can't wait to hear about your experience!

[@CloserToHappy]

Sooo how has it been?

[@Sagepolice]

@@CloserToHappy So sweet you asked! It is tough moving country with a young child, new job and new home BUT we wouldn't be anywhere else. Valencia is simply beautiful. Where did you guys end up?

[@abbyc.4215]

I honestly knew Valencia would be your choice when I watched your video on Valencia. The both of you spoke as though you are in complete awe of the city and I couldn't agree more. I studied abroad in Oviedo, Spain and went back during the first year of my master's program except I was just outside of Madrid that time. I am back in the US and am in my 7th year of teaching Spanish here. I think about going back to Spain all day every day and I think I'm just going to do it. I'd love to be able to go back for a month this summer. You two are definitely living the life! 🤍

[@CloserToHappy]

Thank you so much! You should absolutely, definitely go back to Spain. We’ll take Spanish lessons from you!

[@dantehernandez3904]

OMG. This is a what I've been looking for, as these are the two cities that I am researching to retire. Been to Lisbon and will visit Valencia for the first time this coming May. Thank you. 😊

[@CloserToHappy]

Oh, report back to us about what you think!

[@RichD2024]

Having stayed in both places for some time, for me Lisbon doesn't hold a candle to Valencia. Valencia is cleaner, more spacious, just more beautiful in general, the people are warmer, it's more affordable, there's more to see and do. It just doesn't compare IMO.

[@sisoyyoo]

Another benefit for valencia is the connectivity it has with other cities in spain via high speed train or by air and...ferry which you can go to mallorca

[@CloserToHappy]

It’s a huge advantage. One of my Spanish classmates has to go to Madrid every few weeks and it’s only 2 hrs and €9!

[@unconventionalleo]

I hope there's more from Valencia soon!

[@CloserToHappy]

We will have more soon. Will be back in Valencia in a week (not for good, sadly) but to do more scouting and to meet with a tax attorney. We’re in Spain looking at other areas as well.

[@therobertsonadventures]

Great video! We are moving to Valencia in January 🎉 It’s such beautiful city!!!

[@therobertsonadventures]

Looking forward to following along on your journey! We have some incredible people helping us with our move and I’m more than happy to share their info if you are interested 😊

[@CloserToHappy]

Oh, we are definitely interested in connecting with them if you're open to sharing. Thanks so much!

[@robertsonadventures]

@@CloserToHappy I sent a dm on Instagram but not sure if it worked! Happy to share info with you here or on instagram!

[@CloserToHappy]

@@therobertsonadventures hi, thanks. Didn’t get anything on Insta, you can dm me here though

[@robertsonadventures]

@@CloserToHappy okay I was wondering if it didn't get through!! I will reach out through youtube instead :)

[@laurawenrickvinovin]

My husband and I can't wait to move to Valencia !!! thanks

[@CloserToHappy]

Us too!

[@goutfromfriedokra3936]

New to your channel. What I like about your channel is: you 2 seem educated and erudite

[@CloserToHappy]

Oh, thanks so much!

[@GeraldFigal]

Valencia looks fantastic and I’m looking forward to visiting there in March for a conference. However, have you considered the general water issues throughout southern Spain, including in the Valencia region? Climate change leading to extra hot temps and drought in southern Spain is one of my concerns about living there. Coastal Portugal (even the Lisbon area) hasn’t been hit as hard, so I think edge Lisbon on that metric.

[@alexissanchez852]

Great video, thank you so much for your insights and your guidance. Both cities are spectacular but with all due respect to my Portuguese brothers, I think Spain has a special energy difficult to find somewhere else.

[@CloserToHappy]

We love love love Portugal but agree that there is an energy in Spain that is different ❤️

[@jakeblehm8130]

Thanks guys-super helpful! We’re fellow Californians looking to do 3 months in Europe next year. We were in Spain and Portugal in ‘19 just before Covid and Italy last year. We didn’t get to Valencia but it’s on our list. We’ve just about ruled out Portugal as we’ve seen several reports like yours. We think now it’s between Italy and Spain. Have you spent any time in Alicante, Altea, Torrevieja area?

[@CloserToHappy]

Hi! We spent a little bit of time down in Alicante, it was beautiful, but I can say that we didn't spend enough time (just a few days) to really get to know it. 3 months was an ideal amount of time for us to get a real sense of the country, the people, and the neighborhoods we might want to be in. Definitely give Valencia a visit, very easy to live there for us Californians! Can't wait to hear about where you're going to be for your 3 months. We also love Italy (Cliff is Italian) but really want to give Spain a try first.

[@yanassi]

How did you like the outskirts, 30min drive, of valencia for all those other things that makes life convenient or was the inner city far better.

[@CloserToHappy]

It depends what you’re looking for. For us, we don’t really want to drive, and at least initially, prefer to be in the city center (ish) to access restaurants etc. That may change after we’re there for a while. If you prefer quiet than I’d look at the outskirts.

[@marcbalgavy6579]

Curious to follow along and know how the process goes!

[@CloserToHappy]

We'll definitely be sharing as we go along, so much to do to prepare!

[@onisaifurabeaute]

👏👏👏👏👏

[@c.v8849]

Hi, I'm portuguese from Algarve and I live in France since ever. I intent to go back to Portugal for my retirement and buy a house in Spain (I don't know where yet, but I love Andalucia). I love Spain and I understand that it is not easy to choose between Spain and Portugal. Well for me, it is not easy either to choose between my two Countries (Portugal/France) and Spain. I already have a house in Algarve and will probably sell my house in France when retired, as things are getting worst in France, so many violence and I can't stand the grumpy French anymore.

[@CloserToHappy]

Definitely not easy to choose between Spain and Portugal. We love both! But for us, it just seems much easier and more affordable to live in Spain vs. Portugal. The Algarve is so beautiful, I'm curious if you already have a home there why you'd consider Spain?