If you are planning to relocate to Spain, the cost of living in Barcelona might be an important consideration. As the second most populous city in the country, Barcelona has higher living expenses compared to Spain's coastal towns. With that in mind, living expenses in Barcelona​ remain lower than those in many other comparable European cities.

Park Güell, BarcelonaOn this page, we take a deep dive into Barcelona’s cost of living in 2025. The content covers every aspect of monthly payments like rent, transportation, food, public services, and leisure. The content focuses on Barcelona only. Explore our related content to learn about the average cost of living in Spain.

How Much Do You Need to Live in Barcelona?

According to Numbeo, the average cost of living in Barcelona is €2,894.3 for a family of four and €817.9 for a single person. Below, you can find a detailed breakdown of Barcelona living expenses​:

Housing Expenses

Barcelona housing expenses depend on factors like neighborhood, home completion date, and additional amenities. Central areas like Eixample typically have higher housing prices. The average rent prices in Barcelona are outlined in the following table.

Type of Unit

Rent per Month

1-Bedroom Apartment (Central Location)€1,350.97
1-Bedroom Apartment (Outlying Area)€1,091.81
3-Bedroom Apartment (Central Location)€2,346.18
3-Bedroom Apartment (Outlying Area)€1,773.69
Shared Flat€350 - €650

As for the average utility bills in Barcelona Spain:

Utility Type

Monthly Fee

Electricity, Heating, Water, Gas…€156.27
Mobile Phone Plan€19.47
Internet Plan€32.27

You should also consider hidden rental costs in Barcelona. These include security deposit, agent fees, and utility connection fees. An important decision is choosing between renting and buying a property. Generally, renting can be more expensive than buying in the long run. Moreover, homeowners can earn rental income and benefit from the property's value appreciation. The average home price in Barcelona Spain is €2.768 per sqm as of July 2025. View our listings to see all properties for sale in Barcelona.

Transportation Expenses

The public transportation in Barcelona is affordable and accessible. The wide network includes metro, bus, and bike-sharing options with varying tariffs. Average public transportation costs in Barcelona:

Type

Price

One-Way Ticket€2.50
Monthly Pass€25.00
Bicing (Annual Pass)€50
Taxi Start + 1km€3.88 + €2.12
Gasoline (1L)€1.58

Food Expenses

The cost of a meal in Barcelona depends on the type of restaurant. Here’s what you can expect to pay at mid-range places:

Restaurant Item

Price
3-Course Meal for 2 People€60.00
Combo Meals€12.00 - €15.00
Water€1,70
Other Beverages€2.40 - €4.00

Market Expenses

You can find everyday essentials like milk, bread, vegetables, and meat at affordable prices in local supermarkets and bazaar places. An overview:

Supermarket Item

Price

Milk (1L)€1.07
White Bread (500g)€1.65
Rice (1kg)€1.55
Eggs (12pc)€2.88
Cheese (1kg)€16.32
Chicken (1kg)€7.73
Red Meat (1kg)€15.28
Fruit and Vegetables (1kg)€1.80 - €2.40

Healthcare Expenses

Public healthcare in Spain is funded by taxes and is free for all residents. Below is a breakdown of the private healthcare costs in Barcelona:

Service

Fee

Private Health Insurance (Monthly)€50.00 - €200.00
Prescription Co-Payments10% to 60%
Consultation€50.00 - €200.00
Dental Check-Up€50.00
Complex Medical Procedures€500.00+

Education Expenses

Public schools in Barcelona are free for all children, including expats. However, higher education comes with tuition fees. Similarly, many expat families choose international schools that follow British, American, or Russian curricula. In such cases, education costs in Barcelona are as follows:

Private Education

Fee

Preschool (Monthly)€620.59
Private & International Schools (Annual)€13,225.71
Higher Education (Annual)€1,300-€11,900

Entertainment, Leisure, and Sports

Barcelona features a wide range of activities including gyms, cinemas, museums, and sports facilities at relatively affordable prices. Here are the entertainment and leisure costs Barcelona:

Activity

Price

Fitness Club (Monthly Fee)€20 - €80
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour)€18.19
Cinema Ticket€6.50 - €11.00
Museum Entry€12 or less

Average Income in Spain

Working as a foreigner in Barcelona is a good experience, thanks to 30 days of annual leave, 14 public holidays, a siesta (long lunch breaks), and a workweek of 35 to 40 hours.

In 2025, Spain’s net minimum wage (SMI) is €1,184 per month, paid over 14 installments (with two extra payments in July and December). This adds up to €16,576 per year. This amount remains 20% below the EU average. However, purchasing power balances this out.

The table below features the average salary in Barcelona in 2025 across various professions:

Profession

Salary Range

Surgeons/Doctors€5,680-€19,600
Judges/Lawyers€3,580-€14,200
Bank Managers€3,060-€10,600
University Professors€2,660-€9,200
Marketing Directors€1,990-€6,890

A Comparison with Other Expat Destinations

Barcelona, located on the northeastern coast of Spain, is a popular destination for expat families and tourists. The table below highlights Barcelona's cost of living compared to other European cities like London and Madrid. If you are curious about other aspects of living here, visit our Barcelona city guide.

CityCost of Living vs. Barcelona (Excl. Rent)Cost of Living vs. Barcelona (Incl. Rent)Local Purchasing Power vs. Barcelona
İstanbul-28.7%-33.8%-36.0%
Dubai+2.7%+20.6%+50.0%
Vienna+22.8%+8.3%+44.1%
Brussels+24.4%+11.1%+42.0%
Stockholm+25.9%+14.3%+40.0%
Lisbon-8.6%-4.1%-31.5%
Amsterdam+33.8%+40.9%+47.7%
London-3.9%-4.2%+31.1%
New York+70.3%+100.3%+18.2%

Note: Positive values indicate the city is more expensive than Barcelona; negative values indicate it is cheaper.

Frequently Asked Questions

cost of transportation in Barcelona, SpainQ. Is Barcelona expensive?
A.
No, Barcelona is not considered an expensive city compared to similar destinations worldwide. However, the cost of living is higher than in smaller Spanish towns like Altea, Calpe, or Villajoyosa. Note that the highest cost is the rent. If you are a homeowner, you can have much more comfort.

Q. Which are the most affordable neighborhoods in Barcelona?
A.
Nou Barris, Sant Andreu, Sants-Montjuïc, Horta-Guinardó, and Sant Martí are some of the cheapest areas to rent in Barcelona. On the other hand, Sarrià-Sant Gervasi, Eixample, and Gràcia are the most expensive districts in Barcelona.

Q. What is the average student cost of living in Barcelona?
A.
A single person needs around €817.9 for a comfortable life in Barcelona. However, this amount can be higher or lower depending on your housing choice and lifestyle. In general:

  • A shared student apartment: €400 - €600
  • Lunch at the university campus: €5 - €7
  • Breakfast (at a cafe): €3.50

Q. How expensive is food in Barcelona?
A.
Food is affordable in Barcelona. Grocery shopping for two people (including meat, cheese, various fruits and vegetables, alcohol, eggs, and milk) costs around €70. Two people’s three-course meal at a restaurant typically costs about €60. A combo meal costs €12.00 - €15.00.

Q. Are healthcare services expensive in Barcelona?
A.
No. In fact, public healthcare is free for all residents. You can get free check-ups, treatments, and vaccinations in public hospitals. If you prefer private healthcare, you can get insurance for €50.00 - €200.00, depending on the coverage.

Q. Can I live in Barcelona on a budget?
A.
Yes. Barcelona offers several ways to keep your budget under control. First, check if you qualify for any special discounts. For example, senior citizens and students can get a discount on public transportation. You can explore the free museums, cultural sites, and similar attractions. You can prefer local shops, cafes, and restaurants to avoid overpricing.