Cost of Living in Barcelona

Tech and creative hub by the beach; offers a fantastic lifestyle, though demand has pushed up rental prices recently.
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£1,959

Average cost per month

1

Distribution of Expenses

Property
68%
Groceries
13%
Eating Out
8%
Transportation
1%
Utilities
7%
Leisure
3%
Property
68%
Groceries
13%
Eating Out
8%
Transportation
1%
Utilities
7%
Leisure
3%

Late night tapas & Gaudi tours

Coastal plain backed by hills

Tourism/Tech; high density energy

Cost of living breakdown for Barcelona

Living costs in Barcelona can vary. You can expect to spend around £1,959 per month for 1 person as of 2026, on common living costs such as housing, food, and transport.

Housing

£1,240Average rent per month in Barcelona
£5,280Price per m² (city centre)
£3,561Price per m² (outside centre)
Housing

Standard of Living

Cost of living index43
Quality of life index70
Safety index54
Standard of Living

Food & Drink

Barcelona average costs for food and drink.

£245Monthly groceries/person
£139Dining out average cost/person
£2Regular coffee
Food & Drink

Salary & Services

Barcelona average salaries and services.

£1,761Average Monthly Net Salary in Barcelona
£19Transport
Healthcare76
Salary & Services

Average living costs in Barcelona

ItemAverage pricePrice range
1 Bedroom Apartment in City CentreRent Per Month£1,240.32£949.75 - £1,554.13
1 Bedroom Apartment Outside of CentreRent Per Month£943.40£772.54 - £1,208.77
3 Bedroom Apartment in City CentreRent Per Month£1,905.37£1,338.27 - £2,590.21
3 Bedroom Apartment Outside of CentreRent Per Month£1,434.90£1,079.26 - £1,942.66

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Frequently asked questions

The cost of living in Barcelona depends on your lifestyle. On average, a single person needs £718 per month without rent, while a family of four requires £2,519. Renting a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre costs an additional £1,240 on average.

Public transport prices vary, but generally, a one-way ticket for local transport in Barcelona costs £2. If you are commuting regularly, a monthly pass is typically priced at £19.

The average monthly net salary (after tax) in Barcelona is currently £1,761.

Dining costs depend on your choices. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant in Barcelona costs approximately £14, while a three-course meal for two people at a mid-range restaurant costs around £52.

The estimated monthly cost of living in Barcelona for a single person is £718, excluding rent.

For a family of four living in Barcelona, the estimated monthly costs are £2,519, not including rent.

Rent prices in Barcelona depend on the area. The average monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre is £1,240, compared to £943 outside the centre. For a 3-bedroom apartment, the average is £1,905 in the centre and £1,435 in suburban areas.

Basic utilities in Barcelona (including electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage for an 85m² apartment) cost an average of £140 per month. Internet access typically adds another £29.