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Paris vs Barcelona

Barcelona runs about 6% cheaper than Paris for this household, a difference of 161 USD a month.

Boulevard Périphérique vu depuis le boulevard d'Auteuil, Paris.
Paris
$2,676/month · France
Chabe01 · CC BY-SA 4.0
Barcelona
Barcelona
$2,515/month · Spain
dronepicr · CC BY 2.0
Paris monthly
$2,676
Index 42 (NYC = 100)
Barcelona monthly
$2,515
Index 39 (NYC = 100)
Difference
-6%
Barcelona relative to Paris
Rent gap
$0
Barcelona costs more for a central 1-bed
By category

Where the gap actually is

ParisBarcelona
  • Housing
    Housing: Paris $1,550, Barcelona $1,550. Cheaper in Paris.
  • Food
    Food: Paris $594, Barcelona $531. Cheaper in Barcelona.
  • Transport
    Transport: Paris $125, Barcelona $67. Cheaper in Barcelona.
  • Utilities
    Utilities: Paris $181, Barcelona $136. Cheaper in Barcelona.
  • Healthcare
    Healthcare: Paris $19, Barcelona $35. Cheaper in Paris.
  • Lifestyle
    Lifestyle: Paris $124, Barcelona $125. Cheaper in Paris.
  • Other
    Other: Paris $83, 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

MetricParisBarcelona
Cost
Total monthly cost2,676 USD2,515 USD✓
Cost index (New York = 100)4239✓
Housing1,550 USD1,550 USD
Utilities181 USD136 USD✓
Food594 USD531 USD✓
Transport125 USD67 USD✓
Healthcare19 USD✓35 USD
Lifestyle124 USD✓125 USD
Income & tax
Take-home on 100,000 USD/yr4,582 USD5,316 USD✓
Effective tax + social rate45.0%36.2%✓
Left over each month1,906 USD2,801 USD✓
Average local net salary3,100 USD✓1,900 USD
Housing
1-bed rent, city centre1,550 USD1,550 USD
3-bed rent, city centre3,400 USD2,800 USD✓
Buy price per m², centre13,500 USD7,200 USD✓
Quality of life
Safety60/10062/100✓
Healthcare90/100✓84/100
Air quality58/10062/100✓
Public transport94/100✓90/100
Walkability92/10092/100
English proficiency58/10066/100✓
Nightlife92/10096/100✓
Family friendliness76/10078/100✓
Median broadband240 Mbps✓215 Mbps
Climate
Average temperature13°C✓17°C
Summer high26°C✓29°C
Winter low3°C7°C✓
Sunshine hours per year1,660 h2,520 h✓
Annual rainfall640 mm600 mm✓
Practicalities
Remote-work visaYesYes
Beach access120 min10 min✓
CurrencyEUREUR
Time zoneEurope/ParisEurope/Madrid

Barcelona runs about 6% cheaper than Paris for this household, a difference of 161 USD a month.

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Cost of living in ParisCost of living in BarcelonaConvert a salary between themFlip the comparison
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FAQ

Frequently asked

Is Paris or Barcelona cheaper?

Barcelona runs about 6% cheaper than Paris for this household, a difference of 161 USD a month.

What salary do you need in Barcelona compared with Paris?

On a $100,000 gross salary you would take home $4,582 a month in Paris and $5,316 in Barcelona, before local costs. Use the salary converter for an exact equivalent.

Which has better quality of life, Paris or Barcelona?

Paris scores 60/100 on safety and 90/100 on healthcare; Barcelona scores 62 and 84. Paris averages 13°C against 17°C in Barcelona.