In Barcelona one earns, on average, 2,228 euros gross per month, according to the latest available data from the Tax Agency published in 2022. Or what is the same: 26,736 euros per year in 12 payments.
From this reference, which is two years behind the price index and inflation, you have to deduct expenses and other costs of living in the Catalan capital to have an estimate of how much it costs, really, to live in Barcelona.
According to the latest data published by Bankinter, and in line with portals such as Numbeo, which also track prices through anonymous contributions, it takes between 1,335 euros and 2,950 euros to live in Barcelona, depending on the area where you live and the services you use.
For example, at the close of 2024, a one-bedroom apartment is in a price range of between 750 euros (periphery) and 1,400 euros (city center). The rental market is one of the main concerns of the people of Barcelona, which led in 2024 to establish a maximum price limit and a system of penalties for non-compliance.
A price to which must be added, at least 130 euros per month for utilities such as electricity, water, gas and Internet. In other words, becoming independent in Barcelona costs, at least, one 900 euros per month.
In 2024, 65% of Barcelona residents spent more than 30% of their salary on rent and only 3 neighborhoods in the city offered rents for less than 1,000 euros per month.
To this bill must be added food expenses, which start at around 250 euros and can increase to 600 if meals out in restaurants and breakfasts in cafeterias are included.
The Numbeo portal breaks down the shopping list of Barcelona residents with data from January 2025: from a brick of milk for just over 1 euro to 16 euros for a kilo of beef or 1.20 euros for a half-liter can of beer in a supermarket.
The list of expenses continues with items such as transport, which at the beginning of 2025 has seen an increase in both metro and bus fares, with the repeal of the decree law on transport subsidies and the 3% update of fares announced by the ATM at the beginning of the year.
Closing the list are expenses such as gym, between 30 and 60 euros per month, leisure and culture with movie tickets at 8 and 12 euros, or clothing and personal care, which can amount to an expense of 150 euros per month.
In light of these data, the cost of living in Barcelona shows an upward trend, and average salaries may not cover all needs easily. How much does it cost you to live in Barcelona, is it sustainable or are you looking for alternatives?