Cost of living in Barcelona, Spain vs the USA

Thinking of making the giant leap to live life in beautiful Barcelona? Lots of people are. But for many, finances are a big factor. As one of the best TEFL schools in Spain, we’re used to lots of enquiries from people asking how to move to Barcelona. And one of the most common questions we get concerns the cost of living.

So, we decided to put the research in on your behalf! Here’s our breakdown of the price of day to day living, comparing Barcelona with cities in the USA.     

Housing costs

Property prices are rising throughout Spain and the USA. But how do purchasing and rental prices compare between Barcelona, one of Spain’s major cities, and big cities throughout the USA?

Buying property in Barcelona vs the USA

The property market in the USA and Barcelona is vastly different. Here’s how the two match up.

Source: http://www.numbeo.com/

Renting property in Barcelona vs the USA

Let’s compare the prices for renting various types of apartments in the USA with Barcelona.

Source: http://www.numbeo.com/

Household utilities 

Household utility bills play a big part in the overall cost of living. There’s no doubt that Spain is cheaper than the US when it comes to daily expenses. Let’s take a closer look at the difference between Barcelona and three key American cities.

Source: http://www.numbeo.com/

Healthcare

The healthcare system in Barcelona, and Spain at large, is based on principles of free access. This means that all citizens are entitled to free healthcare, both emergency and ongoing. You also have the option of private healthcare, which many American expats in Barcelona decide to take up.

That said, the public healthcare system in Barcelona is excellent. In fact, the healthcare system in Spain is ranked 26th in the world.

Experts estimate that the US spends twice as much on healthcare per person compared to similarly wealthy countries.

Higher education

According to a study by the bank N26, the cost of one year at university in Spain is €4,882. The equivalent cost in the US is €27,091. That’s more than five times as much!

What about comparing TEFL prices between Barcelona and the US? In the States, a TEFL course can cost up to €2,500 or more. At TEFL Iberia, our intensive four-week TEFL course costs €1,800. Those who sign up early benefit from an even cheaper price of €1,650. 

Transportation

The cost of public transportation is significantly cheaper in Barcelona than in the US. Barcelona is blessed with an affordable, public-funded system of buses, metros and trams. Public transportation in Barcelona is also very reliable. 

In the US, where cars are heavily relied on, public transportation tends to be a lot higher. Let’s compare the two in more detail:

Source: http://www.numbeo.com/

Groceries, restaurants & bars

Barcelona is renowned for its excellent cuisine. You’ll enjoy a wide range of restaurants, from Michelin-starred sensations to local tapas bars and humble traditional eateries. The produce is fresh, plentiful and delicious and there are bars to meet and socialise on pretty much every street corner. 

Here’s a breakdown of the cost of food, groceries and dining out between Barcelona and three major cities in the US.

Source: http://www.numbeo.com

Are you thinking of making the move to Barcelona? Teaching TEFL is the best way to do it! Get in touch with us at TEFL Iberia to find out more.