! Spanish News Today – Pros and cons of living in Barcelona

By Jan B. Myers Last updated Aug 24, 2022

What are the best and worst aspects of living in Barcelona as an expat?

Barcelona is probably one of the best places in Spain to live for expats. The steady flow of international workers who have already settled in the city speaks to its appeal. Besides good food and great scenery, it’s also a promising place to do business, especially if you’re a freelancer.

Here is a brief overview of the pros and cons of living in the city to help you make your final decision.

Advantages

Architecture

Barcelona is a cultural hub for some of the finest architectural feats in the world. It is one of the biggest tourist attractions the city has to offer. Whether or not you’re an expert on the subject, these impressive buildings lend a unique vibe to the city. The Gothic Quarter, in particular, is full of unique sights.

Other than that the town has a great layout and it is a joy to explore the area. There are many trees, squares and pedestrian areas.

Cost of life

Even though Barcelona is one of the most expensive cities in Spain, it is relatively cheap compared to other major European cities. Rental prices for apartments have fluctuated a lot in recent years. In order to stop any further increases in rent prices, the city has proposed a rent cap.

Living in Barcelona can be very affordable. One-bedroom apartments are available for less than 800 euros per month and two-bedroom apartments for less than 1200 euros. It is also important to consider the neighborhood when determining the price. Find an apartment in Barcelona is generally cheaper the farther you are from the city center but still close to public transport.

Community

If you’re moving to Barcelona as part of your dreams of becoming a freelancer, then this might be the best decision you’ve ever made! This city has many digital nomads. To accommodate the influx of expatriate freelancers, Barcelona has also set up coworking spaces and is known for its good internet speed.

Apart from these accommodations, the city also prides itself on good weather and a lower cost of living than other cities in the world.

Outside

Are you the nature type? Then you will love staying in this city. It has the best of both worlds: beaches and mountains for people with an active lifestyle. This means that all year round you have the opportunity to spend time outdoors. During the hot summer months, you can schedule a kayaking session or go sailing with your friends. In winter, you can bundle up and change your view by going on a hike.

Beyond seasonal activities, you also have plenty of options for weekend excursions. There are plenty of bike paths and casual hikes around the metro area that are easily accessible. Everything here points to one conclusion: you will never be bored in Barcelona!

Cleanliness

With all the tourists coming in and out of town, it is natural to be concerned about how the local government is tackling hygiene and sanitation. However, it’s clear that Barcelona are well cared for. Many people think it’s much cleaner than Madrid.

The inconvenients

Advantages and disadvantages of living in Barcelona

Rental rates

Earlier in the article, we highlighted how Barcelona offers plenty of outdoor activities as it is opposite the beach and surrounded by mountains. However, these geographical limitations are also a drawback in other ways. As the city grows to accommodate more people, it struggles to find enough space for expansion.

This reality, combined with an increased number of individuals being born or migrating to the city, means rental prices are rising at an unprecedented rate.

The job market

Spain as a whole is struggling with a shortage of jobs and lower wage rates than the rest of Europe. Unless you already had a job in the country before moving, you may find it difficult to secure your livelihood.

This is why most expats who have chosen to settle long-term in Barcelona are remote freelancers. They don’t need to depend so much on Spanish wage rates or the local economy to secure their income.

A lot of tourists

Of course, there’s a certain pride in knowing that you live in a city incredibly famous for its culture and architecture. However, the crowds of tourists that flood the area can become overwhelming, especially during peak seasons.

While they may focus on certain spots, you might struggle with the initial culture shock of seeing so many vacationers and selfie sticks in the area. The presence of so many international tourists can also make it difficult to fully immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the city.

Sunday Blues

What is your idea of a relaxing weekend? If you were planning on going to the mall or shopping, then Barcelona might not be the best place for you. Indeed, most shops and supermarkets are closed on Sundays. The only ones open are essential services like pharmacies and convenience stores, especially in the most touristy areas.

If you come from a bustling city with plenty of amenities available to serve you around the clock, this can be a big culture shock. However, it is also an opportunity to spend your Sundays in a different way with your family and friends. Be sure to finish all your shopping in advance and stock up on essentials before that day arrives.