Utilities & Internet
in Valencia
Electricity, water, gas, gigabit fibre, and mobile plans - everything you need to get connected in your new home. Expect to pay EUR 120-200/month total for all utilities in a typical apartment.
1 Gbps
Fibre Available
25 €/mo
Cheapest Fibre
10 €/mo
50GB Mobile
Setting up your utilities
Each utility explained: providers, costs, setup process, and the tips that save expats time and money.
Electricity (Luz)
EUR 50-90/month (1-2 bed apartment)
Providers
Iberdrola, Endesa, Naturgy, or smaller providers such as Holaluz and Octopus Energy
How to Set Up
You need your NIE, rental contract, and the previous tenant's CUPS code, the 20-digit supply point number shown on the meter or an old bill. Call your chosen provider or sign up online. Activation usually takes 3-7 business days.
Expat Tips
- Ask your landlord for the CUPS code before signing the lease.
- Spanish electricity has two pricing models: PVPC (regulated, variable) and mercado libre (fixed rate). PVPC is often cheaper but changes hourly.
- Run dishwashers and washing machines between midnight and 8am for the cheapest PVPC rates.
- Most apartments have 3.3kW or 4.6kW of contracted power. If your breaker trips often, you may need an upgrade that usually costs EUR 50-100.
Water (Agua)
EUR 15-30/month
Providers
Emivasa, managed by Global Omnium
How to Set Up
Water contracts are often transferred with the apartment, and some landlords keep the supply in their own name. If you need a new account, visit the Emivasa office with your NIE, rental contract, and empadronamiento certificate.
Expat Tips
- Valencia tap water is safe to drink but has a strong mineral taste, so many expats use a Brita filter or buy garrafas (8L bottles) at the supermarket.
- Water bills arrive every 2 months rather than monthly.
- Hot water usually comes from an electric boiler (termo) or a gas caldera, so check which system your apartment has.
Gas (Gas Natural)
EUR 15-40/month (higher in winter with gas heating)
Providers
Naturgy, Iberdrola, Endesa
How to Set Up
Not every Valencia apartment has gas, and many use electric heating plus an electric boiler. If yours has gas, call the provider with your CUPS code. A technician may need to inspect the installation before activation.
Expat Tips
- Many modern apartments are all-electric, so no gas contract is needed.
- Gas boilers (calderas) provide instant hot water and are often more efficient than electric termos.
- Gas safety inspections are required every 5 years, and your provider will notify you.
- If you smell gas, call 900 750 750, the Naturgy emergency line, immediately.
Internet (Fibra Optica)
EUR 25-50/month for 300-1000 Mbps fibre
Providers
Movistar, Orange, Vodafone, MasMovil, Digi, Pepephone
How to Set Up
Valencia has excellent fibre coverage, and most city apartments can get 300-1000 Mbps. Sign up online or in-store with your NIE and Spanish bank account. Installation usually takes 3-10 days, and a technician will come to install the router.
Expat Tips
- Digi is usually the cheapest option: 300 Mbps for €25/month or 1 Gbps for €35/month.
- Movistar has the strongest coverage and reliability, but usually costs more at around EUR 40-55/month.
- Most providers require a 12-month commitment, while Pepephone and Digi offer no-commitment plans.
- If you work remotely, keep a 4G or 5G backup on your phone in case installation takes longer than expected.
- Run a speed test at fast.com once installed. Fibre in Valencia usually delivers the advertised speeds.
Mobile Phone (Movil)
EUR 8-25/month
Providers
Movistar, Orange, Vodafone, MasMovil, Digi, Lycamobile
How to Set Up
You can get a prepaid SIM on day one with just your passport at a phone shop or supermarket. For a contract, which usually offers better value, you need your NIE and a Spanish bank account. Porting your old number usually takes 1-2 business days.
Expat Tips
- Digi offers one of the best-value plans: €10/month for 50GB plus unlimited calls.
- Keep your home-country number on an eSIM for 2FA and bank verification.
- Lycamobile prepaid is often the cheapest option for international calls back home.
- Most providers offer discounted fibre plus mobile bundles.
- Spain follows standard EU roaming rules, so your Spanish SIM works across the EU at no extra cost.
First week checklist
Get connected as fast as possible with this day-by-day plan.
Get a prepaid SIM card with your passport.
Set up a VPN if you need access to home-country streaming or work tools.
Check which utility contracts are already active in the apartment.
Ask the landlord for the electricity and gas CUPS codes.
Order your fibre internet installation.
Buy a Brita filter or a few water garrafas.
Transfer or open the electricity contract.
Switch to a mobile contract once you have your NIE and Spanish bank account.
Total monthly utility costs
What to budget for a typical 1-2 bedroom apartment in Valencia.
Budget (1-bed, careful usage)
EUR 110-150/mo
Electricity EUR 40-60 + Water EUR 15-20 + Internet EUR 25-30 + Mobile EUR 10 + Gas EUR 15-30
Average (2-bed, normal usage)
EUR 150-200/mo
Electricity EUR 60-80 + Water EUR 20-25 + Internet EUR 35-40 + Mobile EUR 15 + Gas EUR 20-40
Comfortable (AC in summer, heating in winter)
EUR 200-280/mo
Electricity EUR 80-120 + Water EUR 25-30 + Internet EUR 40-50 + Mobile EUR 20 + Gas EUR 30-50
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I set up utilities without an NIE?
It is difficult. Most utility companies require an NIE, or at minimum a passport number, plus a Spanish bank account for direct debit. Some landlords keep utilities in their own name and include them in the rent, which is common in short-term rentals. For your own contract, you typically need an NIE, rental contract, Spanish bank account, and the property's CUPS code.
How fast is internet in Valencia?
Very fast. Most of Valencia has fibre-to-the-home coverage with symmetrical speeds of 300-1000 Mbps. That is faster than what many people get in the US, UK, or Australia. Latency to European servers is usually around 10-30ms, which makes Valencia excellent for remote work.
What voltage does Spain use?
Spain uses 230V at 50Hz with Type F (Schuko) plugs, the standard two-round-pin European format. If you are coming from the US, UK, or Australia, you will need plug adapters. Most modern electronics like laptops and phone chargers handle 110-240V automatically, but check older devices before plugging them in.
Do I need to pay a deposit for utilities?
Electricity and gas contracts usually do not require a deposit because they run on direct debit. Internet providers may charge a router deposit of around EUR 50-100, refunded when you return the equipment. Water may require a small deposit depending on the municipality. The main upfront cost is usually the internet installation visit, though many providers waive it with a 12-month commitment.
Can I keep my home-country phone number?
Yes. The easiest option is to keep your old number on an eSIM or a cheap prepaid plan so you can still receive 2FA codes and bank calls. Then use a Spanish SIM as your main daily number. Most modern phones support dual SIM or eSIM plus physical SIM.