Austin vs Barcelona

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Barcelona is roughly 26% more affordable than Austin (index 41 vs 55, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Barcelona
More affordable overall
26% cheaper than Austin · Cost index: 41 vs 55

Life Power at $3,000/mo

The same salary ranks differently depending on where you live — from Beggar to King.

Head-to-Head Stats

55Cost Index41✓
4,375✓Median Income /mo2,385
45Safety Index76✓
0✓Income Tax %25
184✓Internet (Mbps)171
350Coworking /mo150✓

Price Breakdown

AustinCategoryBarcelona
$2,814/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
40% ← cheaper
$1,680/month
$1.1/liter
Meal for One
28% cheaper →
$1.53/liter
$18/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
33% ← cheaper
$12/meal
$41.25/month
Monthly Transit Pass
39% ← cheaper
$25/month
$172.6/month
Utilities (Monthly)
17% cheaper →
$209/month
$120/visit
Doctor Visit
50% ← cheaper
$60/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

Austin

Internet184 Mbps
Coworking$350/mo
Café WiFiexcellent
Englishhigh
Communitylarge
Walkability68/100

Barcelona

Internet171 Mbps
Coworking$150/mo
Café WiFigood
Englishmoderate
Communitylarge
Walkability74/100

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Austin cheaper than Barcelona?

Barcelona is cheaper than Austin. Barcelona has a cost of living index of 41/100 compared to 55/100 for Austin (New York = 100), making it roughly 26% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Barcelona than Austin?

Barcelona is approximately 26% cheaper than Austin based on cost index scores (41 vs 55, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in Austin could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $2,235/month in Barcelona.

What is the rent comparison between Austin and Barcelona?

In Austin, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $2,814/month. In Barcelona, the equivalent is around $1,680/month.

Which city is better for digital nomads — Austin or Barcelona?

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. Austin offers 184 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$350/month. Barcelona offers 171 Mbps and coworking at ~$150/month. Barcelona has a cost advantage of 26%.

What is the average income in Austin vs Barcelona?

The median net monthly salary in Austin is approximately $4,375 USD, compared to $2,385 USD in Barcelona.

Compare Austin with…

Popular head-to-heads — see exactly where Austin wins or loses.

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