Cost of Living in Barcelona, Spain

Are you considering a move to Barcelona, Spain, and wondering about the cost of living? Barcelona is a diverse city with a lot to offer, but like any city, it comes with its own set of expenses. In this page, we'll break down the cost of living in Barcelona and help you understand whether $2709 per month is moderately priced, given the average monthly salary of $2032.25.

Restaurants
Markets
Transportation
Childcare
Clothing
Rent Per Month
Buy Apartment
Salaries
Barcelona, Spain
restaurant

Restaurants

Price

World Range

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant

16.28 $

Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course

62.41 $

McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)

10.85 $

Domestic Beer (1 pint draught)

3.26 $

Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle)

4.34 $

Cappuccino (regular)

2.43 $

Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle)

2.26 $

Water (12 oz small bottle)

1.74 $

store

Markets

Price

World Range

Milk (regular), (1 gallon)

1.17 $

Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb)

1.57 $

Rice (white), (1 lb)

1.47 $

Eggs (regular) (12)

2.88 $

Local Cheese (1 lb)

13.21 $

Chicken Fillets (1 lb)

8.48 $

Beef Round (1 lb) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)

13.96 $

Apples (1 lb)

2.14 $

Banana (1 lb)

1.92 $

Oranges (1 lb)

1.82 $

Tomato (1 lb)

2.52 $

Potato (1 lb)

1.66 $

Onion (1 lb)

1.73 $

Lettuce (1 head)

1.12 $

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

0.84 $

Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)

6.51 $

Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

1.25 $

Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle)

1.68 $

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)

5.54 $

commute

Transportation

Price

World Range

One-way Ticket (Local Transport)

2.61 $

Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

26.92 $

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

3.26 $

Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff)

2.17 $

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

26.32 $

Gasoline (1 gallon)

1.98 $

Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)

27135.72 $

Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)

27471.7 $

mark_as_unread

Utilities (Monthly)

Price

World Range

Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment

174.91 $

1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans)

--

Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)

37.05 $

kitesurfing

Sports And Leisure

Price

World Range

Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult

49.87 $

Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)

22.12 $

Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat

9.77 $

child_friendly

Childcare

Price

World Range

Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child

535.41 $

International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child

11874.82 $

checkroom

Clothing And Shoes

Price

World Range

1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

83.83 $

1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...)

34.58 $

1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)

96.72 $

1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes

113.49 $

night_shelter

Rent Per Month

Price

World Range

Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre

1298.51 $

Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre

1002.34 $

Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre

2220.34 $

Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre

1595.88 $

home

Buy Apartment Price

Price

World Range

Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre

5692.55 $

Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre

3739.01 $

account_balance_wallet

Salaries And Financing

Price

World Range

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

2032.25 $

Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate

2.94 %

Cost of Living in Barcelona, Spain

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the monthly cost of living in Barcelona?

The monthly expenses for living in Barcelona come to a total of approximately $2709. This includes an average monthly rent of around $1298 for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center, along with utilities costing about $193 per month. Additionally, other expenses such as groceries, transportation, dining out, and leisure activities for one person amount to approximately $697 per month.

How affordable is living in Barcelona?

Living in Barcelona appears to be relatively budget-friendly when considering the average monthly income of $2032.25. However, to enjoy a comfortable standard of living in Barcelona, you would likely need an income exceeding $2032.25.

What is the average salary in Barcelona?

In Barcelona, the average monthly post-tax salary hovers around $2032.25, and it isn't tied to any particular skillset or qualification.

What is the average rent in Barcelona?

The typical monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the central area of Barcelona is approximately $1298. If you're open to living in a location outside the city center, you can expect to pay around $1002.34 for such an apartment.

What is the cost of groceries in Barcelona?

The expense for groceries in Barcelona can fluctuate based on personal choices and shopping patterns. Typically, an individual can budget around $516 per month for groceries. Nevertheless, the actual costs may change depending on various factors, including the specific items bought, the choice of stores, and the availability of discounts or special offers.

What is the cost of living in Spain?

The cost of living in Spain can vary significantly depending on the particular city you have in mind. Using a nationwide average might not provide accurate information. To get a more precise understanding, it's crucial to examine the cost of living in various cities throughout Spain.

Barcelona, Spain

How Safe Is Barcelona, Spain for Travel?
Warnings & Dangers in Barcelona, Spain

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW

There are no threats of natural disasters, apart from an occasional avalanche which can only be a threat when skiing in the Pyrenees.

OVERALL RISK: LOW

Barcelona is very safe to visit. Apart from the pickpockets, which are common in this city, tourists should encounter no other problems. Use your common sense and your trip should go smoothly.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM

Transportation in Barcelona is very safe and reliable, even though taxi drivers might try to overcharge their services or demand a tip. Also, be careful on public transport, as it's the place where pickpockets operate.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH

Barcelona is filled with tourists, and naturally, it attracts a bunch of pickpockets so watch out in crowded places such as bus and train stations. Be careful when carrying your valuables and never leave them out of your sight.

MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM

Do not fear mugging or kidnapping in Barcelona, since it isn't too common here. Still, do not accept any unsolicited help or drinks from anyone you don't know (even though drink spiking is also not an issue in this country).

TERRORISM RISK: HIGH

There have been recent terrorist attacks in Barcelona, so it is highly recommended that you pay close attention to your surroundings and avoid crowded areas altogether. Always be informed about the recent events in this city.

SCAMS RISK: HIGH

There are a couple of ways to get scammed here. Be wary of "trileros" and their "shell game" where you might get ripped off or stolen from. Always check the bill twice in restaurants and bars since the staff may try to overcharge you or charge for something you did not order.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

Women traveling alone should have no problems in Barcelona. You should use your common sense, and be careful at night, avoid desert and poorly lit streets, and finding yourself alone with strange people in abandoned areas. Apart from that, you should have no safety problems in Barcelona.

Useful Information & Tips
credit_card

Visas

Most countries do not need a visa to enter Barcelona for any stays shorter than 90 days. Any longer than that, you will have to obtain a visa. Also, make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months after your planned date of return. However, if you are not sure about your visa status, visit www.doyouneedvisa.com which will let you know whether or not you need a visa based on your nationality and the country you want to visit.

currency_exchange

Currency

Euro is the official currency in Barcelona. ATMs are widely available throughout the country, and credit cards accepted in most establishments such as hotels and restaurants. Allow yourself a budget of around 150e per day, including accommodation.

cloudy_snowing

Weather

When in Barcelona, tourists can expect a Mediterranean climate, with hot, sunny and dry summers and mild, rainy winters. The coldest month is January with an average temperature of 9 °C and the hottest is of August with an average temperature of 24.5 °C.

flight_takeoff

Airports

Barcelona–El Prat Airport, commonly referred to as El Prat Airport, is an international airport located 12 km southwest of the center of Barcelona. It is situated in the municipalities of El Prat de Llobregat, Viladecans, and Sant Boi.

health_and_safety

Travel Insurance

Just like anywhere else, we recommend getting travel insurance when traveling to Barcelona, since it covers not only medical problems but also theft and loss of valuables.

Barcelona, Spain

What about weather in Barcelona, Spain ?
Average Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
High 56°F 57°F 60°F 64°F 70°F 76°F 82°F 82°F 78°F 71°F 62°F 57°F
Temp 47°F 49°F 53°F 56°F 62°F 70°F 75°F 76°F 71°F 63°F 54°F 48°F
Low 41°F 42°F 45°F 49°F 56°F 63°F 68°F 68°F 63°F 56°F 48°F 42°F
Average Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
High 13°C 13°C 15°C 17°C 21°C 24°C 27°C 27°C 25°C 21°C 16°C 13°C
Temp 8°C 9°C 11°C 13°C 16°C 21°C 23°C 24°C 21°C 17°C 12°C 8°C
Low 5°C 5°C 7°C 9°C 13°C 17°C 20°C 20°C 17°C 13°C 8°C 5°C

Comparison Cost of living in other cities in Spain with Barcelona

Comparison Cost of living in other cities

Cost of living in countries