Cost of Living in Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona is a city in Spain, where a single person can expect to spend about $2,217 per month including rent, food, and local transport. A one-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $1,664 per month, or $1,275 outside the centre. Internet is fast at around 263 Mbps median download speed, and Spain offers a digital nomad visa. On safety, Barcelona scores 72/100 — generally safe for residents and visitors. Expect summer highs near 85°F and winter highs around 56°F, with roughly 266 sunny days a year.
How Barcelona Ranks Among 340 Cities
Of the 340 cities Voyica tracks, Barcelona ranks in the top 2% for walkability, but costs more than 72% of them.
| Metric | Barcelona | World rank | Rank in Europe |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly cost | $2,217 | #248 of 340 | #69 of 91 |
| Safety | 72/100 | #121 of 340 | #69 of 91 |
| Healthcare | 77/100 | #109 of 340 | #27 of 91 |
| Internet speed | 263 Mbps | #79 of 340 | #14 of 91 |
| Walkability | 88/100 | #5 of 340 | #4 of 91 |
| Public transit | 82/100 | #17 of 340 | #9 of 91 |
| Food scene | 90/100 | #30 of 340 | #11 of 91 |
| Air quality | 81/100 | #178 of 340 | #72 of 91 |
Rank 1 = most affordable, safest, and so on. Computed across every city in Voyica's dataset (June 2026 snapshot); ties share a rank.
Cheaper Alternatives to Barcelona
Cities with a similar mix of safety, food, culture, walkability and climate that cost at least 15% less per month than Barcelona.
- Valencia, Spain — $1,849/mo, 17% cheaper, safety 78/100
- Athens, Greece — $1,489/mo, 33% cheaper, safety 66/100 · Compare with Barcelona
- Malaga, Spain — $1,840/mo, 17% cheaper, safety 78/100
- Porto, Portugal — $1,789/mo, 19% cheaper, safety 87/100
Everyday Prices in Barcelona, Compared
| Item | Barcelona | Against other cities |
|---|---|---|
| 1BR rent, city centre | $1,664/mo | Pricier than 75% |
| 1BR rent, outside centre | $1,275/mo | Pricier than 75% |
| Utilities | $189/mo | Pricier than 59% |
| Home internet | $39/mo | Pricier than 54% |
| Transit pass | $27/mo | Cheaper than 75% |
| Gym membership | $57/mo | Pricier than 68% |
| Cheap restaurant meal | $18.26 | Pricier than 71% |
| Cappuccino | $3 | Cheaper than 50% |
| Local beer at a bar | $4.71 | Pricier than 50% |
Compared with every other city in Voyica's price data that reports the same item.
Lifestyle & Quality of Life in Barcelona
Neighborhoods in Barcelona
El Born · Gràcia · Eixample · Barceloneta · Poble Sec
Barcelona FAQ
How much does it cost to live in Barcelona?
A single person should budget around $2,217 per month in Barcelona, covering rent, groceries, transport, and basic lifestyle costs. A family of four typically needs about $3,386 per month excluding rent.
How much is rent in Barcelona?
A one-bedroom apartment in central Barcelona averages $1,664 per month, dropping to about $1,275 outside the centre. A three-bedroom in the centre runs about $2,529.
Is Barcelona safe?
Barcelona scores 72/100 on safety, which is generally safe. Tourist safety is rated 62/100.
How fast is the internet in Barcelona?
Median download speeds in Barcelona are around 263 Mbps — fast for remote work and video calls. There are roughly 72 coworking spaces in the city.
Does Spain offer a digital nomad visa?
Yes — Spain offers a digital nomad visa. US passport holders can typically stay 90 days visa-free before applying.
What is the weather like in Barcelona?
Barcelona sees summer highs around 85°F and winter highs near 56°F, with about 266 mostly sunny days a year and at least 1 mm of rain on about 50 days.
Barcelona in our travel guides
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- Best Spring Break Destinations 2026: Top 10 Cities Ranked by Beaches, Nightlife & Budget
- Best LGBTQ+ Friendly Cities to Visit in 2026: Top 10 Safe & Welcoming Destinations
- Best Cities for Healthcare Abroad in 2026: Top 10 Destinations Ranked by Hospital Quality
- The Safest Countries to Travel to in 2026: Ranked by Real Safety Data
Visa Requirements for Spain
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