Reality Check: 8 Myths About Barcelona's Cost of Living Debuked
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As we head into 2025, the cost of living in Barcelona has drastically changed. Many of the articles you’ll find online are outdated, reflecting a city from earlier times. Relying on this old information could set you up for disappointment.
Having lived in Barcelona for over six years, I’ve witnessed firsthand the rising rents, higher food prices, and growing costs across the board. That’s why I’ve written this guide — to give you an updated, realistic view of what life in Barcelona really costs today. Looking back, it shocked me how much things have changed in such little time!
In this article, I’ll debunk common myths and dive into the true expenses of living comfortably in Barcelona in 2025.
Myth #1: Rent in Barcelona Is Cheap
The myth: Many people still think that rent in Barcelona is significantly cheaper than other big European cities.
The reality: While it may not be as expensive as London or Paris, rent in Barcelona has skyrocketed in recent years, particularly in popular neighborhoods like Eixample, Gràcia, and El Born. When I first moved here in 2018, you could easily find a one-bedroom apartment for around €800 - €1,000 in the city center. Fast forward to 2024, and that same apartment can now set you back anywhere from €1,500 to €2,000. Neighborhoods that were once affordable have seen dramatic price increases, fueled by high demand and limited supply.
| Year | Rent (1-bedroom in city center) |
|---|---|
| 2018 | €800 - €1,000 |
| 2024 | €1,500 - €2,000 |
Debunked: If you’re moving to Barcelona, prepare to spend a significant portion of your income on rent, especially if you want to live in trendy or central areas.
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Check Out My Top Tips for Finding an Apartment in BarcelonaMyth #2: Barcelona’s Cost of Living Is a Lot Lower Compared to Other Cities
The myth: Barcelona is one of the cheapest big cities to live in Europe.
The reality: While Barcelona used to be seen as a relatively inexpensive place, it’s now one of the most expensive cities in Spain. Food prices, public transport, and utilities have all gone up significantly. Dining out is also no longer the bargain it once was. For example, a meal that would have cost around €12 six years ago will now likely cost you €20 or more.
Here’s a breakdown of how key costs have changed since I arrived in Barcelona:
| Category | 2018 Price (Monthly) | 2024 Price (Monthly) |
|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-bedroom apartment) | €800 - €1,000 | €1,500 - €2,000 |
| Utilities (Electricity, Water, Gas) | €100 - €120 | €150 - €180 |
| Public Transport (Monthly Card) | €50 | €55 - €60 |
| Groceries (per person) | €250 - €300 | €350 - €400 |
| Dining Out (average meal) | €12 - €15 | €20 - €25 |
Debunked: Barcelona is no longer a “cheap” place to live. While still slightly more affordable than some major European capitals, the gap is narrowing fast.
Myth #3: You Can Live Comfortably in Barcelona on a Small Budget
The myth: You can live well in Barcelona on a modest budget. I will give it to you; this one really depends on your living standards, and should not be taken as gospel. These are average costs.
The reality: To live comfortably in Barcelona in 2025, a single person needs to budget around €2,200 to €2,500 a month. This includes rent, utilities, food, transportation, and some entertainment. If you’re planning to live in a more expensive area, that figure could easily go higher. Here’s a rough monthly breakdown:
Rent: €1,200 - €1,500 (in a mid-range neighborhood)
Utilities: €150
Groceries: €350
Public Transport: €60
Dining Out/Entertainment: €200
Miscellaneous: €100 - €200
Debunked: If you were planning to live well in Barcelona on €1,500 a month, you may need to reconsider or significantly adjust your lifestyle expectations.
Myth #4: Barcelona Is the Best Place to Live in Spain
The myth: Barcelona is hands down the best city to live in Spain.
The reality: Barcelona is an amazing city, personally I am a huge fan that’s why I have been living here for more than 6 years but it’s not the best choice for everyone—especially if you have the option to work remotely. There are other cities in Spain that offer a fantastic quality of life at a fraction of the cost. Cities like Valencia, Seville, and the Canary Islands provide beautiful surroundings, great weather, and much lower living expenses. In these places, you can comfortably live on €1,500 a month or less, and you won’t feel the pinch of high rent or food costs.
Debunked: If you’re a remote worker, consider skipping Barcelona and heading to a cheaper, equally beautiful location. You’ll feel richer and more relaxed without breaking the bank.
Myth #5: There Are Plenty of Job Opportunities in Barcelona
The myth: Barcelona is a hotspot for job opportunities, especially in tech and customer success roles.
The reality: While Barcelona has been a growing hub for tech startups and multinational companies, the job market isn't as fast-moving as it once was. Finding a job can take longer, and certain fields like marketing (the industry where I currently work) have seen slower hiring in recent months. Additionally, salaries in Barcelona are generally lower compared to other major European cities, which can make it challenging to save while also keeping up with the rising cost of living.
I’ve seen friends struggle to find work quickly after losing a job, even if they had experience and strong skills. One friend, who worked in customer success, was recently let go after less than a month at a new job. Because he had left his previous position to relocate, he wasn’t eligible for unemployment benefits and was left covering a €2,000 rent while scrambling to find a new role in a slow market.
Debunked: The job market in Barcelona isn't booming for everyone, and salaries may not keep up with the rising cost of living. If you can work remotely, you might find more financial freedom by living in a cheaper city.
Questions to Ask Yourself About Work in Barcelona
- 🔹 Do I have job security or a remote work option?
- 🔹 If I lose my job, do I have enough savings to cover several months of expenses?
- 🔹 Am I prepared for the competitive and sometimes slow job market?
- 🔹 Could I live somewhere else in Spain that offers a lower cost of living while still working remotely?
Myth #6: Eating Out Frequently is Not That Expensive
The myth: Living like a local means enjoying Barcelona’s amazing food scene by dining out regularly without breaking the bank.
The reality: Barcelona has an incredible food scene, from traditional Catalan dishes to international cuisine. But eating out frequently can quickly add up. What used to be affordable, everyday meals have become more expensive in recent years. Six years ago, you could easily get a nice meal for around €12 to €15, but now that same meal could cost €20 to €25, depending on where you go.
While there are still places offering affordable options, if you want to truly live like a local, you’ll probably need to cook more meals at home to stick to your budget. Grocery prices have also increased, but cooking at home is still much more affordable than eating out several times a week.
🚨 Recommendation: Don’t fall into the trap of ordering from Glovo several times a week—it’s a food delivery service that brings meals, groceries, and more to your door—but it can quickly eat up (no pun intended) your budget!
Dining Out Price Comparison:
| Year | Dining Out (Average Meal) |
|---|---|
| 2018 | €12 - €15 |
| 2024 | €20 - €25 |
Myth #7: You Don’t Need a Financial Cushion When Moving to Barcelona
The myth: Moving to Barcelona is so easy that you don’t need a significant financial safety net.
The reality: This myth can be one of the costliest mistakes for new arrivals. With rising living expenses, competitive job markets, and a slower hiring process, it’s crucial to have a financial cushion when moving to Barcelona. I’ve seen many people underestimate how long it can take to secure a job or even find a long-term rental. If you don’t have a safety net, a few months of unemployment or unexpected expenses can quickly drain your savings.
A good rule of thumb is to have at least three to six months’ worth of living expenses saved up before making the move. This will give you time to adjust, settle in, and find stable work without the added stress of financial pressure.
Financial Cushion Advice:
Minimum savings recommendation: 3-6 months of expenses
Estimated monthly expenses: €2,200 - €2,500 for a single person
Debunked: Moving to Barcelona without a financial cushion is risky, especially given the rising costs and slower job market. Make sure you have enough savings to cover several months of expenses before you make the leap.
Myth #8: Barcelona Is Perfect for Everyone
The myth: Barcelona offers something for everyone, and anyone moving here will find it to be their ideal city.
The reality: Barcelona is a fantastic city with a lot to offer, but it’s not the perfect fit for everyone. The rising cost of living, slower job market, and high competition for housing can make life stressful, especially for newcomers who may not be fully prepared for these realities. If you’re looking for a slower-paced, more affordable lifestyle, there are other parts of Spain—like Valencia, Seville, or even the Canary Islands—that might suit your needs better.
For those who need to be in Barcelona for work or other reasons, it’s important to go in with realistic expectations and a clear understanding of what life here is really like in 2025.
Debunked: Barcelona may not be the best fit for everyone. If you're looking for a more affordable and relaxed lifestyle, there are other cities in Spain that could be a better option.
Is Barcelona Still Worth It?
Based on my experience, Barcelona is still worth it—but only if you come with your eyes wide open. It remains a vibrant, culturally rich city with plenty to offer. However, it's no longer the affordable paradise it once was. Whether you're moving for work or lifestyle, it’s crucial to have a realistic understanding of the rising costs and the more competitive job market.
If you're able to work remotely, I’d even recommend considering other, more affordable cities in Spain, such as Valencia, Seville, or the Canary Islands, which offer a similarly high quality of life at a much lower cost.
To learn more about what living and working in Spain really looks like, check out more of my articles where I share firsthand insights from over six years of living here.
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📜 Living in Spain Planning Guide 📜
Before Moving to Spain
🔍 Research the visa process, residence permits, and other essential documentation early on.
💡 Did you know it’s mandatory to have official documents translated by a sworn translator? Consider hiring a translation service like Translyt for handling any official documents.
💡 Important: If you're moving from a non-European country, private health insurance is required for your visa application.
🧑⚕️ Finalize your local health insurance plan with Innoinsure for comprehensive coverage, or opt for the digital insurance services of Feather or ASSSA.
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🐕 If your pets have joined you, use Petplan for their health insurance and well-being.
Once in Spain
🏠 Use platforms like Spotahome get 15% off with code: CTSPAIN15 or Flatio to find your new home in Spain. They offer verified listings and short- to long-term rental options.
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💸 Money Transfers: Set up a reliable currency exchange and transfer service like XE Money Transfer to avoid high banking fees when transferring funds internationally.
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💡 Can you live and work in Spain without speaking Spanish?
The answer is YES! But learning Spanish will make your life so much easier. Start learning Spanish using Preply’s language tutor to learn the basics, and expect to see massive improvements within the first few months.
