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London vs Barcelona

Barcelona runs about 38% cheaper than London for this household, a difference of 1,535 USD a month.

Palace of Westminster, Big Ben, and Westminster Bridge as seen from the south bank of the River Thames.
London
$4,050/month · United Kingdom
Terry Ott from Washington, DC Metro Area, United States of America · CC BY 2.0
Barcelona
Barcelona
$2,515/month · Spain
dronepicr · CC BY 2.0
London monthly
$4,050
Index 63 (NYC = 100)
Barcelona monthly
$2,515
Index 39 (NYC = 100)
Difference
-38%
Barcelona relative to London
Rent gap
$1,050
London costs more for a central 1-bed
By category

Where the gap actually is

LondonBarcelona
  • Housing
    Housing: London $2,600, Barcelona $1,550. Cheaper in Barcelona.
  • Food
    Food: London $617, Barcelona $531. Cheaper in Barcelona.
  • Transport
    Transport: London $282, Barcelona $67. Cheaper in Barcelona.
  • Utilities
    Utilities: London $267, Barcelona $136. Cheaper in Barcelona.
  • Healthcare
    Healthcare: London $8.03, Barcelona $35. Cheaper in London.
  • Lifestyle
    Lifestyle: London $169, Barcelona $125. Cheaper in Barcelona.
  • Other
    Other: London $107, Barcelona $72. Cheaper in Barcelona.
Each row is one category priced in both cities for the same household. The bar is the gap; exact figures are in the table below.
Interactive — adjust the household

Full comparison

MetricLondonBarcelona
Cost
Total monthly cost4,050 USD2,515 USD✓
Cost index (New York = 100)6339✓
Housing2,600 USD1,550 USD✓
Utilities267 USD136 USD✓
Food617 USD531 USD✓
Transport282 USD67 USD✓
Healthcare8 USD✓35 USD
Lifestyle169 USD125 USD✓
Income & tax
Take-home on 100,000 USD/yr5,953 USD✓5,316 USD
Effective tax + social rate28.6%✓36.2%
Left over each month1,902 USD2,801 USD✓
Average local net salary3,600 USD✓1,900 USD
Housing
1-bed rent, city centre2,600 USD1,550 USD✓
3-bed rent, city centre5,200 USD2,800 USD✓
Buy price per m², centre15,000 USD7,200 USD✓
Quality of life
Safety66/100✓62/100
Healthcare84/10084/100
Air quality60/10062/100✓
Public transport92/100✓90/100
Walkability90/10092/100✓
English proficiency100/100✓66/100
Nightlife94/10096/100✓
Family friendliness72/10078/100✓
Median broadband90 Mbps215 Mbps✓
Climate
Average temperature12°C✓17°C
Summer high23°C✓29°C
Winter low3°C7°C✓
Sunshine hours per year1,480 h2,520 h✓
Annual rainfall600 mm600 mm
Practicalities
Remote-work visaNoYes✓
Beach access90 min10 min✓
CurrencyGBPEUR
Time zoneEurope/LondonEurope/Madrid

Barcelona runs about 38% cheaper than London for this household, a difference of 1,535 USD a month.

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Go deeper

Cost of living in LondonCost of living in BarcelonaConvert a salary between themFlip the comparison
London vs DublinLondon vs ZurichLondon vs Amsterdam
FAQ

Frequently asked

Is London or Barcelona cheaper?

Barcelona runs about 38% cheaper than London for this household, a difference of 1,535 USD a month.

What salary do you need in Barcelona compared with London?

On a $100,000 gross salary you would take home $5,953 a month in London and $5,316 in Barcelona, before local costs. Use the salary converter for an exact equivalent.

Which has better quality of life, London or Barcelona?

London scores 66/100 on safety and 84/100 on healthcare; Barcelona scores 62 and 84. London averages 12°C against 17°C in Barcelona.