Barcelona: what to see and whether to move there

What the city lives on and who it suits

Barcelona is the capital of Catalonia and Spain's second city, with about 1.7 million people in the city and more than 5 million in the metropolitan area. The economy rests on tourism, the port, industry, design, healthcare, universities and the tech sector: startups and offices of international companies work in the Poblenou district. The sea, the mountains, Gaudí's architecture and a mild climate make it one of the most desirable places to live in Europe.

Barcelona suits remote workers and tech professionals, families who value the climate and international schools, and those who want to live by the sea in a big European city. It suits less those looking for affordable rent and quiet: there are tourists all year.

Districts

• Eixample - square blocks with modernist buildings, shops and the metro, the city centre and the most popular choice.
• Gràcia - a former village with small squares, cafés and a local feel, loved by young families and creatives.
• Sant Gervasi and Sarrià - calm affluent districts on the slopes, international schools, closer to the mountains.
• Poblenou - a former industrial district by the sea, the tech quarter, lofts and beaches.
• Les Corts - a quiet residential district by the university campus and the stadium.
• Gothic Quarter, El Born, Barceloneta - atmospheric but noisy and touristy, better for visitors than for families.

All 73 neighbourhoods of Barcelona can be compared on rent, noise, green space, schools and transport in our Barcelona neighbourhood finder: pick a goal and they are ranked by how well they match.

Housing and prices

In September 2026 the average rent is about 20 euros per square metre a month. A 60-square-metre flat costs about 1,200 euros, roughly $1,352, and noticeably more in central districts and by the sea. Catalonia caps rent increases in stressed areas, and the city plans not to renew tourist rental licences by November 2028 to return flats to the long-term market. A monthly zone 1 pass with the state discount costs 22.80 euros, about $26.

Taxes

Income tax combines a state part and a regional part, and in Catalonia the top combined rate is 50%, one of the highest in Spain. Investment income is taxed at 19% to 30%, corporate tax is 25% and VAT 21%. New residents who move for work can choose a special regime with 24% tax on income up to 600,000 euros a year. More on the page about taxes in Spain.

Practicalities

• Language. The official languages are Catalan and Spanish. Catalan is widely used in schools and government offices, while English is common in the centre and in business.
• Documents. A foreigner identity number is needed for a lease, a bank account and work, and appointments to get it in Barcelona can be hard to find.
• Transport. Metro, buses, trams and commuter trains. El Prat Airport is 15 kilometres from the centre.
• Safety. Serious crime against foreigners is rare, but pickpocketing in tourist areas and the metro is the city's main problem.
• Climate. Mediterranean: warm summers around 28-30 degrees and mild winters around 10-15.

Moving and legal status

European Union citizens register their residence. Others can use the digital nomad visa with income from $3,200 (2,849 euros) a month and a 3-year residence permit, the non-lucrative residence permit with sufficient means, work, study and family. Spain's golden visa closed on 3 April 2025. Permanent residence comes after 5 years and citizenship after 10, or 2 years for citizens of Latin American countries. More on the pages about the Spanish digital nomad visa and the closure of the golden visa.

Family and schools

State schools are free and teach mainly in Catalan. Barcelona has British, American, French and German schools, considerably cheaper than in London or New York. Catalan public healthcare is strong, and many families also buy inexpensive private insurance for faster access to specialists.

Is Barcelona worth considering for life

Pros: the sea and mountains, climate, architecture, strong healthcare and international schools, a tech sector and a digital nomad visa with 24% tax. Cons: expensive and scarce rentals, tourists, pickpocketing, Catalan in schools and offices and high tax on large incomes. Barcelona is an excellent choice for remote work and family life by the sea on an above-average income. Write in the chat and we will choose a visa for your income.