Houston vs Barcelona

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Houston is roughly 15% more affordable than Barcelona (index 32 vs 38, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Houston
More affordable overall
15% cheaper than Barcelona · Cost index: 32 vs 38

Life Power at $3,000/mo

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

Head-to-Head Stats

32Cost Index38
3,850Median Income /mo2,300
42Safety Index78
0Income Tax %37
315Internet (Mbps)165
274Coworking /mo250

Price Breakdown

HoustonCategoryBarcelona
$1,225/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
13% cheaper →
$1,400/month
$1.15/liter
Meal for One
17% cheaper →
$1.39/liter
$14/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
7% ← cheaper
$13/meal
$70/month
Monthly Transit Pass
17% ← cheaper
$58/month
$180/month
Utilities (Monthly)
33% ← cheaper
$120/month
$120/visit
Doctor Visit
50% ← cheaper
$60/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

Houston

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

Barcelona

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Houston cheaper than Barcelona?

Houston is cheaper than Barcelona. Houston has a cost of living index of 32/100 compared to 38/100 for Barcelona (New York = 100), making it roughly 15% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Houston than Barcelona?

Houston is approximately 15% cheaper than Barcelona based on cost index scores (32 vs 38, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in Barcelona could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $2,559/month in Houston.

What is the rent comparison between Houston and Barcelona?

In Houston, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $1,225/month. In Barcelona, the equivalent is around $1,400/month.

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

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. Houston offers 315 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$274/month. Barcelona offers 165 Mbps and coworking at ~$250/month. Houston has a cost advantage of 15%.

What is the average income in Houston vs Barcelona?

The median net monthly salary in Houston is approximately $3,850 USD, compared to $2,300 USD in Barcelona.

Compare Houston with…

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

Cities that cost about the same as Houston

Same spending tier, different part of the world — the head-to-heads people actually weigh when relocating.

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