Barcelona has the status of one of the most desirable cities in Europe for expats to live in, but like any other city, living here has its pros and cons. Find out what are the pros and cons of moving to Barcelona

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Barcelona boldly carries the status of one of the most desirable cities in Spain for expats to move to. Foreigners are attracted here by the rich culture, fantastic architecture, plenty of entertainment, numerous bars, restaurants, museums and a fabulous coastline.

In addition, Barcelona is the second largest city in Spain, it is also the capital of Catalonia, which has about 1.6 million inhabitants.

What are the pros and cons of living in Barcelona? If you're thinking of moving to Barcelona, ​​read on to get an idea of ​​the pros and cons of living in this vibrant city.

Pros of living in Barcelona

1. Good climate and weather

Barcelona is known for its mild climate and warm weather throughout the year. There is a lot of sunlight in the city. The temperature ranges from 15°C to 26°C almost all year round. The coldest months are January and February, but even in the winter months the temperature drops to only 10°C. The winter months can be cloudy, but the weather is rarely cold enough to be uncomfortable.

2. Good location

Barcelona is also a great city to live in thanks to its beautiful neighborhoods and location. The city is located on the Spanish coast and offers stunning views and easy access to the Mediterranean Sea and the surrounding mountain ranges.

Barcelona is quite walkable. From the Gothic Quarter to Gràcia, from El Born to Sant Martí, anywhere in the city is easily accessible. If walking isn't your thing, you can just as easily hop on a bike or train to get to your destination.

Tarragona, Madrid and Valencia are also nearby. The favorable geographical location allows expats who settle here to explore the entire country.

3. Affordable cost of living

Spain is much more affordable than the US and most Western European countries. From rent and utilities to food and restaurants.

On average, renting an apartment in Barcelona can cost between €800 and €1,500 per month. Eating out can also be more affordable than what you're used to. Read more about prices in Spain here.

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4. A large number of beaches

You may be traveling to Barcelona for work, but the fact that it is one of the few major cities in the world that is built right next to a beautiful sandy beach is a definite plus. It also has hot summers and cloudless days, making Barcelona a great place to relax when you're not in the office. There are also many beach towns near Barcelona: Costa Brava, Cadaques, Costa Blanca, Costa Dorada, Costa de Sol, Sitges, Valencia and Cadiz.

Barcelona's beaches are great for sailing and windsurfing, as well as other fun water sports.

5. Busy nightlife

Barcelona is one of the best cities in the world for nightlife. From rooftop lounges with epic views to salsa clubs for dancing, whatever your preferences, Barcelona has something for everyone. Some of the best places for nightlife in Barcelona are Port Olimpic, the Gothic Quarter, El Raval and the beach.

6. Delicious cuisine

Barcelona has countless bars where you can taste delicious Spanish tapas. Also, on every street corner you will find a nice little bar where you can eat deliciously. Popular tapas dishes include bravas potatoes, croquettes, steak tartare and octopus, to name just a few. Along the coast you can find local shops serving giant bowls of paella. Many expats also note the delicious Spanish wine.

7. Multicultural environment

Barcelona is a city that is known all over the world and it is super international. More than 300,000 foreigners live in Barcelona. That is why you can be sure that you are not the only expat in Barcelona. This will allow you to easily meet new people and quickly establish a social life.

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8. Fantastic architecture

Barcelona has successfully combined old and new in a way that makes this city simply incredibly beautiful. There are buildings in the Baroque style, and an entire Gothic quarter, and, of course, the incredible works of the modernist Antonio Gaudi. It is a must see when you come here.

9. Excellent public transport system

Barcelona and Spain are known for their good public transport system, which makes getting around easy and affordable. The city is served by a network of buses and regional trains (also known as commuter trains). High-speed trains connect Barcelona with other cities in the country. Ticket prices are affordable.

10. English-speaking environment

Most people speak English in Barcelona. No need to learn English before arriving is a plus for living in Barcelona versus Madrid. Almost all restaurants in Barcelona offer menus in Spanish or English. However, if you are here for a long time, spoken Spanish will be a plus.

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Cons of living in Barcelona

1. A large number of tourists

One of the main disadvantages of living in Barcelona is the tourist season, which lasts here from June to August or September. At this time, the city can be crowded with visitors from all over the world. This makes restaurant reservations difficult, crowded beaches and queues at bars and nightclubs on the streets.

2. It is difficult to rent housing

Finding an apartment in Barcelona can be a difficult process for both locals and foreigners. The city is known for its competitive market, which can make it difficult to find an apartment that meets your needs. In addition, many leases require a two-month deposit plus 10% of the annual rent at the time of signing the lease through the agency. It is also very difficult to find an apartment without an agency.

3. Complex bureaucracy

Obtaining visas and documents necessary for living in Barcelona is a complex process that involves familiarization with numerous laws, rules and regulations. In addition, due to the high demand for visas and meetings with the Spanish authorities, the wait for an appointment with a specialist can be quite long.

4. Barcelona is a small city

Barcelona is a small city, and depending on your preferences, this can be both a plus and a minus. On the one hand, its compact size makes it easy to get around, but there are fewer places to work and places to go compared to big cities like Madrid or Paris.

5. Low wages

Salaries here are much lower than in the whole of Spain. This of course depends on your field of study and work experience. Recently, technology companies have been moving their offices to Barcelona. Surprisingly, this causes a slight increase in the average salary.

Before moving to Barcelona, ​​it is important to research your profession and see what jobs are available and what the average salary is.

Read here about work in Spain for foreigners, what positions expats work in, conditions and requirements.

Life in Barcelona, ​​like most cities in the world, has its advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, be sure to study each item before planning to move here.

We will remind you! Spain is a fantastic Mediterranean country that attracts not only tourists but also thousands of expats. Living here is the dream of many people in the world. Is it expensive to live in Spain? We have already told what the prices for housing, food, entertainment and much more will be in Spain in 2024.

Igor Usyk - Head of Migration department at VisitWorld

To ensure a safe move to a new country, I advise you to consult a specialist. My colleagues, qualified specialists with a legal education, will help you avoid unpleasant situations during migration.