What’s it really like to trade the grey skies of Manchester for the vibrant streets of Barcelona – on a student budget? I’m here to tell you all the insider secrets you need to know about the cost of living as well as some must-see places to visit in this unique city.
Rent prices
After living both in Manchester for 3 years for university and now in Barcelona for a 190-hour TEFL and 6-month language course, there’s a lot to compare. Rent-wise, I’ve lived both in the expensive city centre of Manchester and the likewise expensive beach-side of Barcelona, yet despite both places being high-demand and pricey, my Barcelona flat totals cheaper after conversions.
I shared a flat in Manchester with one other girl, and our rent was £1,300 total – £650 each, not including bills, so with bills on top, I averaged at about £710/month (€857.44). In comparison, our rent total in BCN is €1,350, bills not included, and generally come to about €80, so individually we pay €715. That makes BCN €142.44 (£117.95) cheaper than MAN.
Food costs
You save on food shopping and eating out also. I’ve been lucky enough in both cities to always live nearby a Lidl which is a supermarket I cannot recommend enough for people looking to save some extra cash. My weekly English Lidl shop totalled to around £35/week (€42.27) and my Spanish one is more around €30/week.
That sums up to a €12.27/week difference which adds up in the long-run. Eating out wasn’t something I did much in MAN as places can be pricey – even a Nando’s averages around £20 per meal nowadays. In BCN however, most places will have a ‘menú del día’, which I’d liken to the British idea of a meal deal but within a restaurant.
For €16 you generally receive 2-3 filling courses with drinks included. Or if you’re looking for something more light, a good tapas bar will cost you around €8-10 for a couple small plates and a drink. Stay away from the ones in touristy areas, though as they can rip you off. Look for where the locals go: if it’s full of Spanish and Catalan people, you’ve probably found a good spot.
Travel costs
For travel, in Manchester I’d always bought the yearly term-time bus pass which cost almost £400 last year (€483.07) whilst in Barcelona you’re best off getting the T-mobilitat card which will cost around €40 every 3 months, giving you full access to the metro and most bus services all on the same card. That would work out about €120 for the term here, a huge price difference of €363.07.
Events
Whilst Barcelona is known for being one of the most expensive cities in Spain, if you’re coming from a big city like Manchester or London, the prices will seem a huge discount! But the best of Barcelona isn’t just about the cost; it’s also about the rich experiences awaiting you!
I cannot recommend enough to follow the calendar of festivals that go on in this city as there’s always something to do and you can risk missing out if you’re not up-to-date. I remember when I first moved here, it was around the time of the festival of La Mercè, and it was only by chance that I lived near enough to the beach to hear the fireworks display that was happening there.
Unprepared, I ran in my sandals to catch the end of it. It was a beautiful display that I could’ve easily missed out on – since then, I’ve done my best to keep up with any festivities that might be going on.
Places to Visit
You cannot miss out on the great opportunities to visit the many UNESCO World Heritage Sites here. The most famous Sagrada Familia offers a free international mass every Sunday at 9 am, which you need to get tickets in advance for, if you’re looking to see the inside without paying the average €26. More works of Gaudí are available around the city – Casa Batlló, which has an annual free lightshow that shouldn’t be missed, Park Güell, Casa Milá…
My personal favourite (non-Gaudí) site, Palau de la Música Catalana, is a beautiful theatre you can either tour during the daytime or attend a concert/show within on the evening which I’d recommend. For any historians, the Castle of Montjuïc is a great historical fortress offering panoramic views of the city and the sea, which is free to visit on Sundays after 3 pm and every first Sunday of the month. The Barcelona Cathedral is also a wonderful site to visit, which has open doors for prayer and worship, times for which you can find on their website, so you can also admire the building from inside whilst attending service.
Barcelona’s location allows for incredible day trips and excursions. Tibidabo, a mountain overlooking the city, features an amusement park and a stunning church, perfect for a fun day out. Montserrat, with its unique rock formations and monastery, offers breathtaking hiking trails and a peaceful retreat. Additionally, the Costa Brava coastline is only a short trip away, boasting stunning beaches and charming villages, ideal for a weekend getaway.
Nightlife – Clubs & Bars
Moving onto nightlife, Barcelona certainly has something for everyone. For those interested in big club nights out, Razzmatazz and Bling Bling are popular amongst the locals here. They are huge venues with many rooms for those who want to dance to different music styles throughout the night, there tends to be a lot of techno, pop, and reggaeton in these venues.
Jamboree is a popular place in Plaça Reial, just off of Las Ramblas, for people who enjoy more of an R&B, hip-hop, and afrobeats scene. If you don’t know much Spanish but are still looking to make friends on a night out, the strip of clubs along the Barceloneta beach have a lot of music in English of all different styles and most people there are also international so no Spanish required – Shoko is my favourite here, a huge club that mirrors Miami vibes and music styles. Keep your eye out for famous performers that they sometimes host here!
If clubbing isn’t your cup of tea, there are plenty of bars, particularly rooftop bars that I’d encourage anyone to visit. If you’re looking to get exclusive views of the Barcelona city whilst sipping on sangria, I’d recommend any of the following: Hotel Majestic, in Passeig de Gracia – particularly during Christmas time when the adorn the streets with Christmas lights; Ohla Hotel and Hotel Colón which are both close to the Cathedral in Barri Gòtic; and Azúl in Barceloneta to get a great view of the ocean, as well as Hotel W’s rooftop bar, though this at times can be exclusive and always pricey.
A Final Word
Overall, my move from Manchester to Barcelona has been a thrilling adventure filled with new experiences and opportunities for growth. While the cost of living is a vital factor to consider, the richness of culture, history, and excitement in Barcelona makes it a worthwhile investment. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or just looking for a change, this city has so much to offer.
I hope this blog inspires you to consider Barcelona as your next destination or helps you with your journey. From exploring its breathtaking sites to immersing yourself in its vibrant culture, Barcelona is sure to capture your heart, just as it has mine.
Happy exploring!
Written by Hannah Welsh.
Final Note: The prices mentioned in this article are based on data from the first semester of 2025. If you’re reading this at a later date, please check for updated pricing, as costs may have changed over time.
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