What is the Cost of Living in Barcelona?
Have you been considering embarking on a new adventure to an unfamiliar destination? Perhaps you have already envisioned packing your suitcase to the brim. If Barcelona is on your radar, conducting some research before diving into the unknown is crucial. The pressing question at hand is: What is the cost of living in Barcelona?
From hefty rent prices and untamed nights out on the town to tapas bills and Spanish lessons, the cost of living here in the Catalan capital can surely add up. Of course, your day-to-day living expenses will vary depending on your personal preferences, lifestyle, and income. Ditch the wavering debate and prepare ahead with the everyday essentials - rent, food, leisure, healthcare, bills, and public transport.
Here’s what we cover in this guide:
Cost of Rent
Cost of Bills & Utilities
Cost of Public Transport
Cost of Healthcare
Cost of Leisure & Entertainment
Cost of Food
FAQs
Here are 6 Things You Need To Know About the Cost of Living in Barcelona.
6. Cost of Rent
When it comes to finding a place to live in Barcelona, there are numerous options available. It's important to consider the range of rental prices to plan a realistic budget.
So, is rent expensive in Barcelona? Housing costs depend highly on the neighbourhood. In general, the average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment costs around €1100 to €1600 per month. These rates can be more expensive if you’re looking for something that’s completely furnished, and of course, if you’ve set your sights on the more luxe end of the scale. The typical studio apartment is around €800 to €1000.
In recent years, both accommodation and rental prices have soared due to the city’s increasing popularity. This has made shared houses the most common and affordable option for many. Standard room rates can be anywhere between €300 to €600.
Local tips: Step outside the centre of the city for cheaper rent. Look into locations such as Sagrada Familia, Poble Nou, Les Corts, and Poble Sec. Choosing wisely when it comes to the wealth of neighbourhoods is something to be taken very seriously, and it’s one of the most important things to know before moving to Barcelona.
From the multicultural melting pot of El Raval, and the maze-like, millennia-old streets of El Born, to the Modernista mansions in L’Eixample and the ritz and glitz of Sant Gervasi, these barrios are tailored to totally distinct tastes. The contrast of quirky neighbourhoods essentially offers you, each to their own, a different slice of how you want to experience this vivacious city.
Get a good idea of what’s on the housing market by checking out Badi, Idealista, Habitaclia and Spotahome. You can additionally ditch the agency fees (if you book with a company or agent) by renting directly from the owner.
5. Cost of Bills and Utilities
In most cases, the cost of utilities is not included in the price. However, there is no need to worry as the cost of unaccounted-for utilities is quite affordable and won't have a significant impact on your finances. Generally, the cost of water, electricity, gas, heating, and Wi-Fi amounts to approximately €110 per month. It is important to note that your utility bills will depend on your usage. If you plan on using a lot of these services, you should expect to pay more.
Cheap phone plans can be found for as little as €10 to €15 through companies such as Simyo, Orange, and Vodafone.
4. Cost of Public Transport
Transportation in Barcelona couldn’t be any easier, with a wealth of quick, affordable, and oh-so-convenient options.
The metro, tram, funicular, FGC (Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat), buses, and bicycle sharing system are not expensive when compared to other major European cities.
Navigate the entire network of options available with this in-depth guide on How to Get Around Barcelona.
Costs for public transport are as follows:
One-way ticket: €2,30
T-casual (10 journeys): €11,35
T-Familiar (8 journeys): €10
T-Usual (1-month ticket): €40
3-month ticket: €140 - €150
Barcelona is a cyclist’s haven with over 200km of dedicated bike lanes, complete with traffic lights, clear signage, and ample bike parking facilities.
Getting around this sunny Spanish city on a bike can also be combined with public transport. Residents can use the city’s bike-sharing service, Smou (formerly known as Bicing).
3. Cost of Healthcare
The healthcare system in Spain is free for residents who are registered. It is widely considered one of the best systems globally, providing universal coverage to eligible people. Here are the details:
Expats in Barcelona can get free healthcare as long as they are:
Under 26 years old and are a student in Spain.
Employed and have a Social Security number.
State pensioners.
Pregnant women.
Children.
Have an EHIC (European Healthcare Insurance Card)
You can register for Spain’s public healthcare by obtaining a Spanish social security number. Once registered, you can apply for a health card (tarjeta sanitaria individual or TSI).
Many expats prefer to have private health insurance. The monthly cost of private insurance can range from €50 to €200, depending on your chosen plan. Spain’s most prominent private health insurance companies are Allianz Care, APRIL International, Cigna Global and Globality Health.
2. Cost of Leisure & Entertainment
Moving away from the business aspect, it’s undeniable that Barcelona is bursting with many bars, nightclubs, festivals, restaurants, gyms, and events. Tapas-fuelled evenings, thrift shopping, speciality coffee stops, and mouth-watering craft beers can add up quickly.
Fortunately, enjoying leisure and entertainment in Barcelona doesn’t always have to be expensive. The city offers a variety of options, from tapas bistros to bars with alcoholic beverages and traditional Catalan restaurants that cater to both foodies and those interested in gastronomy.
Finding affordable dining options is accessible in the area, as many restaurants offer lunch-time specials (Menu del día) for approximately €12 to €15. For a standard three-course meal at a mid-range restaurant, the cost is typically €25 per person. There are many options to dabble between, and it all essentially comes down to how you want to indulge. Check out this guide to the Best Places to Eat in Barcelona.
Public gyms will set you back anywhere between €30 to €90 per month. Pricing varies greatly depending on your preferences and the amenities available.
The standard cinema ticket is usually around €7 to €11, but there are particular days when you can score cheaper offers.
Festivals and theatre tickets are around the €40 to €50 mark, but if you’re seeing bigger productions or want to go hard at a 3-day techno festival, you should expect to pay a lot more than that.
Clubbing in Barcelona can be one of the most expensive activities. But in saying that, there are a few ways to get around it. Buying club tickets online and in advance not only allows you to save money on entry, but you’re guaranteed to get in. Standard entry fees are around 20€ and generally include a drink too.
1. Cost of Food
Experiencing Barcelona’s authentic culture would be incomplete without indulging in its exquisite culinary scene. The city’s gastronomy is dominated by fresh Mediterranean flavours, with typical dishes prepared in olive oil, fresh vegetables, and fish.
Did you know Tempranillo, a famous wine grape, originates from Spain? Spain is also known as Europe’s ‘fruit and vegetable garden’, which helps keep food prices affordable. On average, grocery shopping in Spain costs around €150 to €200 per person per month, which is quite reasonable.
Standard items in the grocery store include:
1.5L water bottle: €0.70
1 bottle of wine: €5
Bottle of local beer: €1
1L bottle of milk: €0.90
Baguette: €0.80
500g of pasta: €1.30
1kg of rice: €1.15
250g of local cheese: €2.50
1kg of oranges: €1.50
500g of lemons: €1.70
250g packet of mixed lettuce: €1.50
1kg of tomatoes: €2
FAQS
Is 1000 euros enough for a month in Barcelona?
You can live in a shared apartment for less than €1000 per month. This includes groceries, rent, public transport tickets and eating out at least twice. This varies, given the area you live in. For example, El Raval is more affordable, whereas Sant Gervasi is more luxurious.
How much do I need per month to live in Barcelona?
To live comfortably in Barcelona, earning at least €1300 to €1400 monthly is best. This includes rent, transportation, healthcare, groceries and some leisure activities.
What is the highest-paying job in Barcelona?
In Catalonia’s capital city, the best-paying jobs are surgeons, radiologists, judges, chief executive officers and chief financial officers.
If you’ve ever dabbled in moving to Spain’s northeastern gem, save yourself unwanted hassles and avoid first-time mistakes with this Guide to Living in Barcelona. If you want to know what working in Barcelona is like, don’t miss this post here.
It's worth mentioning that Barcelona is comparatively affordable when compared to other European cities. The local food and wine are reasonably priced, and you won't have to break the bank to enjoy the delicacies. Additionally, the healthcare facilities and public transportation systems are dependable and commendable, which makes it an ideal place to settle down. The most significant expense of living in Barcelona is, by far, the rent prices. But with that aside, it all comes down to your salary, lifestyle, and spending habits.
Are you planning on moving to Barcelona soon?