What it costs to live in…Barcelona
Date: 03/19/2007In this occasional column, we report on the costs incurred to you, should you make the move to Europe. This week, we visit Barcelona, Spain, for the low down on some general items you’ll be paying for.
The cost of living in Barcelona is on a par with Madrid and higher than in rural villages or other coastal towns. As Barcelona consolidates its position as a major economic power, strategically close to the French border, the cost of real estate is as high as in the capital.
Rental of a modestly furnished, 1,000-square-foot apartment in a central area such as Ramblas or Gracia, will cost about 1,300 euros per month. For a similar size home, with a view of the Mediterranean, in the prestigious Diagonal Mar quarter of the city, expect to pay between 2,000 and 3,000 euros per month. In contrast, the same view can cost from 400 to 650 euros per month in many coastal towns of the Costa Blanca, Costa de Azahares, or Costa del Sol.
The nationwide Mercadona or Dani chains are the cheapest supermarkets (compared to Carrefour and Hipercor), and the outdoor fresh produce local markets are even cheaper for food. In general, local produce in season will cost less than imported goods; seafood is cheaper on the coast than inland; and beef and pork are 20% more expensive than in inland villages. The following are examples of prices in a medium-range supermarket in Barcelona:
A loaf of sliced white bread 2.05 euro
A dozen eggs 0.95 euro
1 liter milk 0.80 euro
Pack of butter (250g) 1.10 euro
Fresh chicken per kilo 2.60 euro
Tomatoes in summer 0.80 euro
Bottle of local white wine 3 euro
Other monthly costs for running an apartment for two people:
Gas for heating and a stove 40 euro
Electricity 40 euro (rising by 30% in summer for air conditioning)
Monthly telephone rental fee 25 euro + cost of calls
1 liter unleaded gas super 97 0.99 euro (diesel is 0.88)
Movie ticket 6 euro
Lunch for two with wine 15 euro
Coffee with milk 1 euro
Car insurance (small family vehicle) 15 euro (147 euro for a top-range Mercedes or BMW 7)
Car insurance in Spain is the least expensive of the European Union. Insurance is based on age, driving record, and—most important—where you live: Barcelona, Madrid, and the larger cities are on average 10% to 18% more expensive per year than the rest of the country.
Prices given are those recorded as of January 1, 2007. $1.31 equals 1 euro
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