San Francisco vs Barcelona

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Barcelona is roughly 15% more affordable than San Francisco (index 76 vs 89, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Barcelona
More affordable overall
15% cheaper than San Francisco · Cost index: 76 vs 89

Head-to-Head Stats

89Cost Index76
8,160Median Income /mo2,500
45Safety Index73
37Income Tax %20
150Internet (Mbps)95
450Coworking /mo250

Price Breakdown

San FranciscoCategoryBarcelona
$3,024/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
58% ← cheaper
$1,260/month
$5.11/liter
Meal for One
76% ← cheaper
$1.25/liter
$25/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
38% ← cheaper
$15.5/meal
$98/month
Monthly Transit Pass
45% ← cheaper
$54/month
$389/month
Utilities (Monthly)
64% ← cheaper
$140/month
$150/visit
Doctor Visit
40% ← cheaper
$90/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

San Francisco

Internet150 Mbps
Coworking$450/mo
Café WiFiexcellent
Englishhigh
Communitylarge
Walkability87/100

Barcelona

Internet95 Mbps
Coworking$250/mo
Café WiFiexcellent
Englishhigh
Communitylarge
Walkability78/100

Frequently Asked Questions

Is San Francisco cheaper than Barcelona?

Barcelona is cheaper than San Francisco. Barcelona has a cost of living index of 76/100 compared to 89/100 for San Francisco, making it roughly 15% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Barcelona than San Francisco?

Barcelona is approximately 15% cheaper than San Francisco based on cost index scores (76 vs 89, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in San Francisco could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $2,562/month in Barcelona.

What is the rent comparison between San Francisco and Barcelona?

In San Francisco, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $3,024/month. In Barcelona, the equivalent is around $1,260/month.

Which city is better for digital nomads — San Francisco or Barcelona?

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. San Francisco offers 150 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$450/month. Barcelona offers 95 Mbps and coworking at ~$250/month. Barcelona has a cost advantage of 15%.

What is the average income in San Francisco vs Barcelona?

The median net monthly salary in San Francisco is approximately $8,160 USD, compared to $2,500 USD in Barcelona.

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