Cost of Living in Barcelona

Last updated: Barcelona, Apr 2024

For a monthly net income of €1,500, our calculator estimates that the cost of living in Barcelona for a single individual is around €1,064 per month for accommodation and basic expenses.

Living in the city centre, as opposed to the suburbs, can significantly impact your budget. For a more personalised estimate, please check the Advanced Options Advanced Options to select your preferred location and accommodation type.

Our calculator recommends renting a room in a shared apartment: €650

It is generally advised to keep accommodation costs to around a third of your monthly gross income (before tax). However, with rental prices in Barcelona rising over 12% in the past 12 months, following this guideline may be unrealistic.

To keep things practical and hopefully allow for some savings, our calculator's suggestions are limited to shared rooms and 1-bedroom apartments. However, you can select your preferred accommodation type in the Advanced Options Advanced Options section and check how it affects your budget.

The table below outlines average rental rates for apartments in Barcelona, comparing city centre areas (notably, the Eixample district) with those in the outer neighbourhoods (for instance, the Nou Barris district).

Average monthly utility bill for one person renting a room in a shared apartment: €95

In Spain, rental agreements typically do not include utilities. When renting a room in a shared apartment, utility costs may be included, but it's important to confirm exactly which expenses are covered.

Our calculator includes the typical costs for standard utilities (electricity, gas, water), Internet and a phone plan. It also factors in the suggested accommodation type for your budget and whether you are living alone or not.

Average monthly grocery bill for one person: €290

Compared to rent, groceries in Barcelona are relatively affordable, with a wide variety of options to choose from. The average adult spends around €290 monthly on groceries, while the cost for couples living together rises to approximately €471 per month.

It's important to note that these figures can vary widely. The total amount you spend will depend on factors like how often you cook at home, the types of groceries you buy, and your spending habits on daily essentials like toiletries and household items.

Below, you'll find a list of some common grocery items along with the typical prices you can expect to see in Barcelona supermarkets like Mercadona.

Monthly Barcelona public transport cost for one person: €29

Getting around Barcelona is surprisingly straightforward, thanks to an expansive network of buses, metros, taxis, bike rentals, and electric scooters. Since public transport is efficient and very affordable, it is uncommon for residents to own a car.

When projecting your monthly expenses, our Barcelona cost of living calculator factors in the price of a monthly pass (T-usual travel card) for 2 zones, which covers most of the city.

Budget left after basic expenses: €436

Whether you're a foodie, a culture enthusiast, or looking for eclectic nightlife, Barcelona offers a rich variety of experiences that cater to all tastes and preferences.

How much you spend on dining out, leisure, and entertainment varies based on personal preferences. Therefore, our calculator does not factor in these expenses when projecting the cost of living in Barcelona.

The table below will give you an idea of what average prices to expect in this beautiful Spanish city.