Barcelona vs Houston

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Houston is roughly 21% more affordable than Barcelona (index 32 vs 41, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Houston
More affordable overall
21% cheaper than Barcelona · Cost index: 32 vs 41

Life Power at $3,000/mo

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

Head-to-Head Stats

41Cost Index32✓
2,385Median Income /mo3,850✓
76✓Safety Index42
25Income Tax %0✓
171Internet (Mbps)315✓
150✓Coworking /mo274

Price Breakdown

BarcelonaCategoryHouston
$1,680/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
27% ← cheaper
$1,225/month
$1.53/liter
Meal for One
25% ← cheaper
$1.15/liter
$12/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
14% cheaper →
$14/meal
$25/month
Monthly Transit Pass
64% cheaper →
$70/month
$209/month
Utilities (Monthly)
14% ← cheaper
$180/month
$60/visit
Doctor Visit
50% cheaper →
$120/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

Barcelona

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

Houston

Internet315 Mbps
Coworking$274/mo
Café WiFigood
Englishhigh
Communitysmall
Walkability42/100

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Barcelona cheaper than Houston?

Houston is cheaper than Barcelona. Houston has a cost of living index of 32/100 compared to 41/100 for Barcelona (New York = 100), making it roughly 21% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Houston than Barcelona?

Houston is approximately 21% cheaper than Barcelona based on cost index scores (32 vs 41, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in Barcelona could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $2,384/month in Houston.

What is the rent comparison between Barcelona and Houston?

In Barcelona, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $1,680/month. In Houston, the equivalent is around $1,225/month.

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

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. Barcelona offers 171 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$150/month. Houston offers 315 Mbps and coworking at ~$274/month. Houston has a cost advantage of 21%.

What is the average income in Barcelona vs Houston?

The median net monthly salary in Barcelona is approximately $2,385 USD, compared to $3,850 USD in Houston.

Compare Barcelona with…

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

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