The Verdict
Living in Barcelona is 2% more expensive than Birmingham.
If you move from Barcelona to Birmingham, you will pay less for housing and more for daily groceries. To maintain the same standard of life as a £40,000 salary in Barcelona, you would need to earn about £38,889 in Birmingham.
of 6 categories
categories
of 6 categories
Category Breakdown
Compare costs across 6 key categories
City Profiles
What makes each city unique
Why people love Barcelona:
Why people love Birmingham:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on London baseline prices
| Expense | Barcelona | Birmingham | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city centre) | £1,300 | £1,000 | £-300 |
| Monthly groceries | £263 | £329 | +£66 |
| Dining out (10 meals) | £170 | £195 | +£25 |
| Public transport pass | £125 | £131 | +£6 |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | £153 | £158 | +£5 |
| Total Monthly | £2,010 | £1,814 | £-196 |
* Estimates based on London = 100 index. Actual costs vary by lifestyle and location within city.
Who Should Choose Which City?
Recommendations based on your priorities
- Prioritize safety (score: 77/100)
- Have children (lower childcare costs)
- Work in tech or startups
- Want lower overall living costs (2% cheaper)
- Are looking for more affordable housing
- Want higher earning potential (£2,400/mo avg)
Quality of Life & Safety
Beyond just costs - what matters for daily life
Quality of Life Score
Quality of Life Score
Safety Score
Safety Score
Salary Equivalence
How much you'd need in Birmingham to match a Barcelona salary
| Salary in Barcelona | Equivalent in Birmingham | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| £30,000 | £29,167 | £833 less |
| £40,000 | £38,889 | £1,111 less |
| £50,000 | £48,611 | £1,389 less |
| £60,000 | £58,333 | £1,667 less |
| £80,000 | £77,778 | £2,222 less |
| £100,000 | £97,222 | £2,778 less |
Barcelona vs Birmingham: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 2%. Birmingham is the more affordable option.
Rent: Barcelona has a rent index of 65, while Birmingham has 50.
Average Salaries: Barcelona: £1,892/month vs Birmingham: £2,400/month (both in GBP).
Out of 6 categories, Barcelona wins 4, while Birmingham wins 2.
Compare more cities or calculate your UK take-home pay.