The Verdict
Living in Barcelona is 28% cheaper than London.
If you move from Barcelona to London, you will pay more 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 £55,556 in London.
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 London:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on London baseline prices
| Expense | Barcelona | London | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city centre) | £1,300 | £2,000 | +£700 |
| Monthly groceries | £263 | £350 | +£87 |
| Dining out (10 meals) | £170 | £250 | +£80 |
| Public transport pass | £125 | £160 | +£35 |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | £153 | £180 | +£27 |
| Total Monthly | £2,010 | £2,940 | +£930 |
* 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
- Want lower overall living costs (28% cheaper)
- Are looking for more affordable housing
- Have children (lower childcare costs)
- Work in tech or startups
- Prioritize safety (score: 82/100)
- Want higher earning potential (£3,800/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 London to match a Barcelona salary
| Salary in Barcelona | Equivalent in London | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| £30,000 | £41,667 | £11,667 more |
| £40,000 | £55,556 | £15,556 more |
| £50,000 | £69,444 | £19,444 more |
| £60,000 | £83,333 | £23,333 more |
| £80,000 | £111,111 | £31,111 more |
| £100,000 | £138,889 | £38,889 more |
Barcelona vs London: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 28%. Barcelona is the more affordable option.
Rent: Barcelona has a rent index of 65, while London has 100.
Average Salaries: Barcelona: £1,892/month vs London: £3,800/month (both in GBP).
Out of 6 categories, Barcelona wins 6, while London wins 0.
Compare more cities or calculate your UK take-home pay.