Do you plan to travel, study, or even move out and stay in Barcelona? Although Barcelona is the second most expensive city in Spain, following Madrid, its living costs are generally considered less expensive than those of the other big cities in Europe. Of course, it also depends on your lifestyle and preferences.
Despite that, in this article we have made the ultimate guide for you about the cost of living in Barcelona. So make sure you keep reading this article to be well-prepared before you travel or decide to stay there for a long time.
Barcelona Living Expenses: Comparison with Other Countries
Before diving into the cost of living in Barcelona, let’s explore the concept of cost of living and why it matters. Broadly, the cost of living refers to the expenses required for daily essentials, overall affordability, and the ways in which price changes affect individuals and families across the country.
Knowing the cost of living in each country is essential, as it influences your budget, personal spending, and even your decision to travel or relocate. On average, the annual cost to live in Barcelona ranges from €13,000 to €15,000. For a single person, this is equivalent to between €1,083.30 and €1,250 per month, which includes house rent, for a comfortable lifestyle. However, for an extended family of four, Barcelona living expenses may rise by an additional €1,510 per month, or €2,760 total, excluding rent. Keep reading this article for more details on the cost to live in Barcelona!
The cost of living in Barcelona Spain, is generally lower than in other countries. See some comparison we have collected as follows.
- France: Price of living in Barcelona is approximately 12.4% lower than in France.
- United Kingdom: Barcelona is around 31.1% cheaper compared to the UK, highlighting a notable difference in low prices.
- Netherlands (e.g., Amsterdam): Living costs in Barcelona are approximately 32.6% lower than in prevalent Dutch cities.
- United States: Barcelona’s cost of living is around 39.0% lower than in the United States, resulting in significant savings.
- Australia: Recognized for the high price of living, Australia living expense is approximately 42.1% more expensive compared to Barcelona.
Cost of Living in Barcelona: Comprehensive Breakdown
We have collected everything you need to know about living expenses in Barcelona through the table as follows.
| Item | EUR |
|---|---|
| House expenses | €620-€2,066 |
| Transportation | €1.51-€50 for Public Transport |
| Food | €0.83-€17.17 |
| Healthcare | Free for Public Healthcare €46.21 and €92.41 per month for Private Health Insurance €18.48 to €36.97 per month for Procedural process of Private Health Insurance |
| Education | €1,400-€11,900 for Undergraduate Courses (EU and non-EU students) €1,400-€11,900 for Postgraduate Courses (EU and non-EU students) |
| Entertainment | €0-€80 |
House Expenses
In the city of Barcelona, the house rent price can fluctuate depending on tons of variables. Take a look on the table below to help gather the information you need about average rent of Barcelona housing.
| Type of Accomodation | Price per Month (EUR) |
|---|---|
| Apartment | €1,600 |
| One-bedroom apartment the city center | €900-1300 |
| One-bedroom apartment outside the city center | €945 |
| Two-bedroom apartment | €1,100-€1,600 |
| Three-bedroom apartment in the city center | €2,066 |
| Three bedroom apartment outside the city center | €1,475 |
| Private room | €620 |
| Shared flat | €350-€650 |
| Housing for family of 4 | €1805 |
Barcelona average rent is largely determined by where you decide to stay. Prices can vary greatly between the city center and areas outside of it. For example, renting a one-bedroom apartment in the heart of the city costs around €1,253 per month, whereas renting an identical place outside the city center costs about €945.
Using an agency is a popular way for locating accommodation in Barcelona. If you go this way, expect to pay extra agency fees, which are typically comparable to 1-2 months’ rent. While this is commonly the more expensive option, it is also one of the most secure ways to find housing in the city.
If you’re looking for affordable rental options, visit uhomes.com to find better deals on. uhomes.com offers over 2 million listings in 500+ cities (including Barcelona), with 100% verified properties. You can also get personalized, one-on-one assistance to help you find the ideal place, whether for short-term or long-term stays. Try it now!
Transportation Expenses
Fortunately, Barcelona provides high-quality public transportation. It has a very efficient and accessible public transportation system. There are several types of tickets available, the most popular being single tickets, 10-ride tickets (T-casual), and monthly passes (T-usual). The modes of transportation vary, including metros, taxis, trains, buses, and trams. The following table shows the transportation expenses.
| Means of transport | Price (EUR) |
|---|---|
| T-casual for single zone (single ticket) | €2.50 |
| T-usual for single zone (monthly ticket) | €20 |
| Bicing (annual pass) | €50 |
| Standard taxi fare (base rate) | €2.55-€3 |
| Taxi fare per km | €1.51 |
| Diesel (1L) | €1.51 |
| Gasoline (1L) | €1.70 |
| Petrol (1L) | €1.26 |
Food Expenses
When determining the expense of living in Barcelona, food costs are an important consideration. Groceries are part of the daily cost and can vary depending on personal dietary preferences and shopping habits.
| Items | Price (EUR) |
|---|---|
| Milk (1L) | €1.07 |
| Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g) | €1.73 |
| Chicken Filets (1kg) | €8.49 |
| Beef Round (1kg) | €17.17 |
| Apples (1kg) | €2.16 |
| Banana (1kg) | €1.85 |
| Tomato (1kg) | €2.30 |
| Potato (1kg) | €1.69 |
| Onion (1kg) | €1.68 |
| Lettuce (1 head) | €1.16 |
| Water (1.5-liter bottle) | €0.83 |
| Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) | €6.97 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5-litre bottle) | €1.23 |
Education Tuition Expenses
If you’re an international student in Barcelona, tuition fees will play a major role in determining your overall living expenses. Below is an overview of typical tuition ranges for both undergraduate and postgraduate studies at some of Barcelona’s top universities, such as Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, Universitat Pompeu Fabra.
| Universities | Undergrad Course (EU and non-EU students) | Postgrad Course (EU and non-EU students) |
|---|---|---|
| Ramon Llull University | €4,200 – €4,500 | €1,700, €6,600 |
| Universitat de Barcelona | €1,300, €6,800 | €2,200, €8,000 |
| Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya | €1,400, €2,100 | €2,100, €6,600 |
| Universitat Pompeu Fabra | €8,000, €11,900 | €8,000, €11,900 |
Entertainment and Leisure Expenses
Barcelona offers a wide range of entertainment, from cinema outings and gym activities to lively nightclubs and cultural museum visits, ensuring there’s always something to enjoy. Here’s a quick look at some popular activities and their average costs.
| Items | Price (EUR) |
|---|---|
| Cinema ticket | €6.50-€11 |
| Monthly gym pass | €20-€80 |
| Club entry | €15-€20 |
| Museum entry | €12 or less |
| City walking tour | €0 (donation are very welcomed) |
Healthcare Expenses
Healthcare in Barcelona offers both public and private choices with costs varying depending on coverage. Citizens with a valid permit can access public healthcare for free. Private health insurance can range between €46.21 and €92.41 per month, and personal expenses are minimal, with most procedures costing €18.48 to €36.97.
What Are the Most Budget-Friendly Areas in Barcelona?
Examining the cost of life in Barcelona is a wise decision before settling down permanently. It’s important to note the most affordable areas in Barcelona, especially if you’re planning to move on a modest or limited budget. Check out our list below for budget-friendly options.
- Nou Barris: This district is popular among budget-conscious buyers, offering 60 m² apartments for approximately €165,000.
- Horta-Guinardó: This area offers a mix of urban and suburban feelings, with 70 m² flats over sale at around €189,000.
- Sant Andreu: A budget-friendly option with a strong community feel, Sant Andreu offers 60 m² apartments for around €60,000.
- Sant Martí: Close to the city center, Sant Martí offers real estate options starting around €160,000.
- Sants-Montjuïc: With diverse neighborhoods, properties start at €85,000.
What Are the Most Expensive Areas in Barcelona?
Comparing Barcelona cost of living to other states and countries is useless if you have no idea where areas are the most expensive places in Barcelona itself. Here we have put it all together on the list of the most expensive areas in Barcelona so you may reconsider if you want to live in one of these areas in Barcelona.
- Sarrià-Sant Gervasi: This district is recognized for its extravagant houses and high-end lifestyle, offering properties of 72 m² for about €430,000.
- Eixample: Located in the center and in great demand, Eixample is known for its ideal location and distinctive architecture, with properties priced at up to €900,000.
- Les Corts: This area is known for its exclusive residential spaces and proximity to business centers, with 60 m² properties starting at €410,000.
- Gracia: Gràcia, a vibrant and popular neighborhood with an intense feeling of community, is one of the most expensive areas, with apartments priced as high as €498,000.
- Ciutat Vella: As Barcelona’s historic center, Ciutat Vella offers old-world charm with a high price tag, with flats ranging from €485,000.
What is the Highest-Paying Job in Barcelona?
Here we have listed the top-paying job (per month) along with its salary to support your cost of living in Barcelona.
1. Surgeons/Doctors - Salary Range: €5,680-€19,600
Because of the importance of their work, surgeons are at the top of the list of highest-paying careers. A surgeon’s profession is high risk and necessitates extensive expertise as well as a long learning curve; the ingredients for a high-paying career.
2. Judges - Salary Range: €4,100-€14,200
Judges earn a high salary due to the extensive responsibilities that come with their job. Deciding people’s fates is a difficult task, and the high pay is entirely justified.
3. Lawyer - Salary Range: €3,580-€12,400
The main reason lawyers earn high salaries is that they are perceived to be valuable by their clients. A competent lawyer can save or earn you a lot of money or even spare you the death penalty.
4. Bank managers - Salary Range: €3,060-€10,600
Managing hundreds of millions of dollars in funds and investments, along with the risks involved, makes bank management a very important job that deserves a high salary.
5. Chief Executive Officers - Salary Range: €3,010-€10,400
CEOs are in charge of the overall success or failure of their organizations. Their high pay reflects the magnitude of their impact and the risks involved.
6. Chief Financial Officers - Salary Range: €2,850-€9,840
Any job that involves managing money is automatically eligible for high pay. CFOs control budgets, spending, costs, and revenue, all of which have a direct impact on the organization’s operations.
7. Orthodontists - Salary Range: €2,790-€9,640
Orthodontists work in an industry where individuals are willing to pay a premium for a service, making them one of the highest-paid jobs.
8. College Professors - Salary Range: €2,660-€9,200
College professors are among the highest-paid and most prestigious careers. Becoming a professor is difficult and requires persistence, which contributes to their high pay.
9. Pilots - Salary Range: €2,330-€8,060
Probably the only job on the list that requires some level of excitement; pilots go through rigorous training programs and are in charge of the safety of lots of people every day.
10. Marketing directors - Salary Range: €1,990-€6,890
Marketing directors are responsible for increasing the earnings of their organizations. They are in charge of generating business and are well compensated for their efforts.
Tips for Saving Money in Barcelona
Now that you know exactly how much it costs to live in Barcelona, we recognize that spending less can still be difficult. To help, we’ve compiled a list of suggested tips for saving money while residing in Barcelona.
- Use student discounts
Carry your student ID and receive the best student discounts at galleries, museums, and attractions. It’s a simple means to reduce your living expenses in Barcelona.
- Visit free attractions
Explore free areas such as the Gothic Quarter and Park Güell. Many cultural attractions in Barcelona are free of charge.
- Feast on tapas
Tapas are small, affordable shareable dishes that offer a variety of flavors. To save money, order tapas instead of full meals.
- Try the menu del Día
The “menu del día” provides a set lunch with several dishes at an affordable price. It’s an excellent way to sample local cuisine without spending too much money.
- Live in shared housing
Sharing a space can make housing in Barcelona cheaper. Staying on the outskirts and splitting rent allows you to save for future investments.
- Shop local to save money
Shop at local markets like La Boqueria and Mercat de Sant Antoni instead of expensive chain stores. Shopping nearby can help you keep your costs low.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the cost of living in Barcelona depends on your lifestyle, location, and housing preferences. Rent is typically the largest expense, especially in central areas, but overall, Barcelona is more affordable than many other major European cities.
For those looking to save on rent, uhomes.com is a great platform. It offers over 2 million listings in more than 500 cities, including Barcelona, with verified properties and personalized assistance to help you find the perfect rental within your budget.
FAQs about Cost of Living Barcelona
No, Barcelona is more affordable to live in than many other cities in Europe. For you to live comfortably in Barcelona, you need to earn between €1300 and €1400 per month. This amount addresses rent, transportation, groceries, healthcare, and some recreational activities.
You can live on around €1,000 per month if you share an apartment. This budget would cover groceries, rent, public transport, and dining out a couple of times a week. However, costs can vary depending on the neighborhood.
For a single person, €2000+ per month can be considered a good salary for a relatively comfortable life since the cost of living can be somewhat €1735 with rent. If you need to support your family of 3, €4,000 per month ensures a happy life.
The average rent in Barcelona is around €1,200. It varies according to the location, type, and size of the rented property. For example, the rent of a 1B apartment ranges from €900 to €1,200 per month if you choose to live in Barcelona city center. It can be accessed at €700–€900 per month in the suburban areas. Rental costs in Barcelona are normally higher than the average level in Spain because of the population and rental demand.
Yes, the cost of living in Barcelona is much cheaper than in the US. It is at least 46% lower than the States.
