Austin vs Barcelona

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Barcelona is roughly 31% more affordable than Austin (index 38 vs 55, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Barcelona
More affordable overall
31% cheaper than Austin · Cost index: 38 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 Index38
5,438Median Income /mo2,300
68Safety Index78
12Income Tax %37
184Internet (Mbps)165
350Coworking /mo250

Price Breakdown

AustinCategoryBarcelona
$1,800/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
22% ← cheaper
$1,400/month
$1.35/liter
Meal for One
3% cheaper →
$1.39/liter
$18/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
28% ← cheaper
$13/meal
$33.25/month
Monthly Transit Pass
43% cheaper →
$58/month
$165/month
Utilities (Monthly)
27% ← cheaper
$120/month
$110/visit
Doctor Visit
45% ← cheaper
$60/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

Austin

Internet184 Mbps
Coworking$350/mo
Café WiFigood
Englishhigh
Communitylarge
Walkability65/100

Barcelona

Internet165 Mbps
Coworking$250/mo
Café WiFiexcellent
Englishhigh
Communitylarge
Walkability78/100

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Austin cheaper than Barcelona?

Barcelona is cheaper than Austin. Barcelona has a cost of living index of 38/100 compared to 55/100 for Austin (New York = 100), making it roughly 31% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Barcelona than Austin?

Barcelona is approximately 31% cheaper than Austin based on cost index scores (38 vs 55, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in Austin could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $2,082/month in Barcelona.

What is the rent comparison between Austin and Barcelona?

In Austin, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $1,800/month. In Barcelona, the equivalent is around $1,400/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 165 Mbps and coworking at ~$250/month. Barcelona has a cost advantage of 31%.

What is the average income in Austin vs Barcelona?

The median net monthly salary in Austin is approximately $5,438 USD, compared to $2,300 USD in Barcelona.

Compare Austin with…

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

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