Houston vs Barcelona

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

32✓Cost Index41
3,850✓Median Income /mo2,385
42Safety Index76✓
0✓Income Tax %25
315✓Internet (Mbps)171
274Coworking /mo150✓

Price Breakdown

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

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

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 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 Houston and Barcelona?

In Houston, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $1,225/month. In Barcelona, the equivalent is around $1,680/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 171 Mbps and coworking at ~$150/month. Houston has a cost advantage of 21%.

What is the average income in Houston vs Barcelona?

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