Expats’ Cost of Living in Barcelona Spain in 2025

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.

On 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.

As for the average utility bills in Barcelona Spain:

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:

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:

Market Expenses

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

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:

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:

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:

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:

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.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. 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.