How much does it cost to live in Barcelona?


Looking to settle in Barcelona? The best way to set a realistic budget plan for your stay is to get a feel for the costs in Barcelona. 

To live comfortably in Barcelona, expect to spend an estimated $1,900 per month as a single person. A family of four should have roughly around $3,600 to spend per month to live a good life in Barcelona. 

Barcelona is the second most expensive city in Spain, after Madrid. On average, the cost of living in Spain is 123% cheaper than in the USA and 114% cheaper than in the UK.

The salaries in Barcelona range from $1,100 to $24,200. With an average monthly salary of $5,500, one can live comfortably in Barcelona.

How expensive is accommodation in Barcelona?

Renting costs in Barcelona start at $500 per month for a single room, to $1570 for an 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished apartment in an expensive area.

The further you are from the center of Barcelona, the cheaper the rent. The monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in the suburbs is around $1000. 

If you are able to purchase property in Barcelona, you should know that the average price per square meter for housing in the district of Sarrià-Sant Gervasi is around $5,241 or $2,387 in the Nou Barris district. These districts are among the ten main districts in Barcelona. 

How expensive is food in Barcelona?

Food in Barcelona is relatively cheap even if you dine out regularly. A basic lunch in the business district costs around $17, while a Big Mac in a fast food restaurant is $9. The average cost of a meal is $7.00 to $20.00. 

Supermarket prices in Barcelona are fairly reasonable, which is why it’s best to cook at home if you are budget conscious. A kilogram (2 lb.) of potatoes is only $1.34, while a kilogram (2 lb.) of apples is around $1.50. 

Beer prices are around $1.50, and a medium price on a bottle of wine is $5. 

Coffee costs as little as $1.40 for espresso, meaning you can indulge in coffee and still be able to save some. 

How expensive is transportation in Barcelona?

Public transport in Barcelona is very convenient and affordable. You can get around Barcelona by using the bus, the Metro, or the tram, all organized in one transport system called the “Autoritat del Transport Metropolita”, or the ATM. 

A monthly ticket will set you back $40, while a single-trip ticket costs only $2.20.

If you need to grab a taxi, you should know that taxi start (normal tariff) costs an average of $3.00. Every additional kilometer is priced at $1.10.

Rent-a-car might be convenient for short-term travelers. Renting a car in Barcelona costs anywhere from $6 and over per day.  A liter (¼ gallon) of petrol in Barcelona is $1.80.

If you are looking to buy a car while in Barcelona, expect to pay at least $25,000 for a Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline or an equivalent new car.