How to Avoid Barcelona's High Cost of Living as an Expat
Barcelona's a dream city for many-sunshine, beaches, tapas, and that cool Mediterranean vibe.
but if you're moving there as an expat, the cost of living can hit hard, especially if you're not prepared.
the good news?
You don't need to blow your budget to enjoy life in this beautiful city.
With a few smart moves and lifestyle tweaks, you can live comfortably and still soak up everything barcelona has to offer.
let's dig into the best ways to keep your wallet happy while living like a local.
Table of Contents
- 1. Choose Budget-Friendly Neighborhoods
- 2. Opt for Shared Accommodation
- 3. Save on Food and Groceries
- 4. Take Advantage of Menú del Día
- 5. Use Public Transport Smartly
- 6. Manage Utilities Wisely
- 7. Enjoy Free and Cheap Entertainment
- 8. Use Low-Fee Money Transfer Tools
- 9. Know the Tax Perks and Rules
- 10. Build a Financial Cushion
- References
- Images Sources
1. Choose Budget-Friendly Neighborhoods
not all parts of barcelona cost the same, and thats great news if you're trying to save.
Living closer to the center-like in eixample or gràcia-might be convenient, but you'll definitely pay for it.
Rent can be way higher, and daily expenses seem to creep up too.
Instead, look just a little further out.
Places like sant andreu or nou barris are more residential and chill, with a slower pace of life.
You'll find locals, families, and way cheaper rent.
horta-Guinardó is another gem.
it's hilly, quiet, and super green.
feels more like a village than a city.
el Clot and sants give you a bit of both-good transport, decent rent, and still that "local" feeling without the tourist buzz.
The key here is balance: dont chase a central zip code just for the name.
you'll still be close enough to everything thanks to the metro.
and the further from La rambla you are, the more authentic your experience will be.
plus, more cash in your pocket.
2. Opt for Shared Accommodation
Renting a full apartment solo in Barcelona?
That's luxury-level stuff these days.
a better bet for your wallet is a shared flat-what locals call a "piso compartido." You rent a room, share common spaces, and usually utilities too.
it's cheaper, and its social.
you'll find tons of options online: Idealista, badi, and even Facebook groups are goldmines.
Some landlords even include wi-fi and bills in the rent, which makes budgeting easier.
You'll also learn Spanish faster (or Catalan!) if you live with locals or other expats from different backgrounds.
If you're only staying for a few months, co-living spaces or hostels with long-term deals might be worth checking.
Always visit in person if you can before committing.
Pictures lie, and scams are sadly common.
3. Save on Food and Groceries
Eating out all the time in Barcelona will drain your bank account fast-no matter how many tapas you get for €3.
cooking at home is way cheaper, and shopping at local markets or budget chains like mercadona, Lidl, or Bonpreu can help big time.
The municipal markets, like mercat de sant antoni or mercat de la concepció, offer fresh produce for less-and you're supporting small vendors too.
try cooking Spanish-style meals at home.
Think tortilla de patatas, lentil stew, or arroz a la cubana-cheap, filling, and delish.
If you're missing your fave international ingredients, check out stores in el Raval or Glòries Mall that cater to different nationalities.
Pro tip: go near closing time at the markets-they often give discounts to get rid of the day's leftovers.
Here's a quick grocery price comparison:
| Item | Local Market price | supermarket price |
|---|---|---|
| eggs (12) | €2.50 | €1.89 |
| Tomatoes (kg) | €1.30 | €1.65 |
| olive oil (L) | €5.00 | €4.25 |
4. Take Advantage of Menú del Día
One of the best budget hacks in spain?
the legendary menú del día.
It's a lunch menu offered by most restaurants on weekdays-starter, main, dessert or coffee, and a drink, all for around €10-15.
You'll get hearty, local food-often better than à la carte-and you'll feel full until dinner (or skip it entirely).
Menú options change daily, so you won't get bored.
Plus, it's a great way to discover new dishes.
look for places away from tourist traps-those tend to overcharge.
Small neighborhood restaurants or bars are your best bet.
some even include wine or beer in the price.
yes, really.
keep an eye out for chalkboard signs outside places.
that's usually where they list the day's offer.
5. Use Public Transport Smartly
Barcelona's transport system is honestly one of the best in europe.
and its not crazy expensive-if you play it smart.
instead of buying single tickets, grab a t-usual monthly pass for unlimited travel.
As of now, its around €20-30, depending on the zones.
you can use the same pass for metro, buses, trams, and even the local trains in the metro area.
super handy.
bikes are also popular here.
The Bicing system is a cheap annual subscription and great for short trips.
don't bother with taxis unless you really need to.
They add up fast, and public transport usually gets you there just as quick.
Google Maps and the TMB app help a ton with planning your route.
Oh, and keep an eye on strikes.
they happen now and then, and you dont wanna be caught off guard.
6. Manage Utilities Wisely
utility bills can be sneaky high in barcelona, especially in summer (a/C!) or winter (heaters and gas).
Be smart with your energy use: turn stuff off when you're not using it, and dont leave chargers plugged in 24/7.
If you're renting, ask what's included.
Sometime water or community fees are part of the rent.
A lot of old apartments dont have great insulation, which means you'll use more heating or cooling-factor that into your monthly budget.
try air-drying clothes instead of using a dryer.
most locals do it the old-fashioned way-on balconies or drying racks.
Electricity rates vary during the day.
try to run appliances (like washing machines) in the off-peak hours if you can.
here's a basic breakdown of monthly utility costs:
| utility | avg. Cost (1 bed apt) | notes |
|---|---|---|
| electricity | €50-80 | higher in summer |
| Water | €25-35 | Every 2 months |
| Gas | €20-40 | more in winter |
7. Enjoy Free and Cheap Entertainment
living on a budget doesn't mean being bored.
barcelona's got loads of free or cheap things to do.
Many museums have free entry on certain days (like the first Sunday of the month or every Sunday after 3 PM).
parks like parc de la ciutadella or Montjuïc are free to wander, picnic, or catch sunset views.
you'll find free concerts, festivals, and cultural events all year long-especially in summer.
keep an eye on local listings or Time Out Barcelona.
Cinema more your thing?
Many theaters do discounted days, usually Wednesdays.
Walking tours can be fun-and lots of companies offer free tours (just tip the guide).
and don't forget the beach.
it's always free, and if you go early or off-season, it's peaceful too.
8. Use Low-Fee Money Transfer Tools
Moving money between countries can eat up a chunk of your cash-so its worth using tools that dont overcharge.
Skip traditional banks for transfers.
they charge high fees and give poor exchange rates.
apps like wise (TransferWise), revolut, and N26 offer low fees and good exchange rates.
you can open digital bank accounts in minutes, and most have free ATM withdrawals up to a limit.
Some also let you hold balances in different currencies, which helps if you're managing income from abroad.
Always check fees before sending money, especially large amounts.
A 2% fee might not sound like much until you're sending €2,000.
and avoid using credit cards abroad unless they're travel-friendly-foreign transaction fees add up fast.
9. Know the Tax Perks and Rules
taxes might not be fun, but knowing how they work can save you a lot of money.
If you're working in spain as an expat, check if you qualify for the beckham law.
it gives a tax break for a few years if you move for work.
The local tax office (agència Tributària) isnt exactly user-friendly, so you might wanna hire a tax advisor-just for the first year.
remember, if you live in spain more than 183 days per year, you're a tax resident-even if you're working for a foreign company.
declare your foreign assets if they're over a certain threshold.
not doing so can lead to fines.
if you're freelancing or running a business, get familiar with Spain's autónomo system.
It's not as scary as it sounds, but its costs.
And always file on time.
the spanish bureaucracy isnt forgiving about deadlines.
10. Build a Financial Cushion
last but not least, make sure you've got a buffer before you move.
Barcelona isnt cheap upfront-deposits, first rent, admin fees, nIE, insurance…it adds up quickly.
Having 3-6 months of expenses saved will give you peace of mind if things dont go to plan right away.
Job hunting, finding the right flat, or dealing with red tape can take longer than expected.
You dont wanna be stressing about money when you're trying to settle in and enjoy a new country.
If you're freelancing or remote working, make sure your income is steady-or at least that you've got backup.
and always have an emergency fund for unexpected stuff like doctor visits, surprise fees, or flights home.
living in barcelona doesnt have to mean draining your bank account every month.
with a bit of planning and a flexible mindset, you can live well, eat great food, enjoy the culture, and still keep your budget in check.
whether its sharing a flat, hopping on the metro, or cooking your own tortilla at home, the savings add up.
so dont stress-embrace the local way, live smart, and enjoy everything this amazing city has to offer without going broke.
Sources and References
Images Sources and Attributions
All images used within this page have been sourced from Wikimedia Commons. They are used here strictly for informational and illustrative purposes.
