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Pros and cons of living in Barcelona
What are the best and worst parts about life in Barcelona as an expat?
Barcelona is probably one of the best places in Spain to live for expats. The steady stream of international workers who have already set up shop in the city is a testimony to its allure. Aside from the good food and great landscape, it’s also a promising place to conduct business, especially if you are a freelancer.
Here is a quick glimpse of the pros and cons of living in the city to help you make your final decision.
Pros
Architecture
Barcelona is a cultural hub for some of the most stunning architectural feats in the world. It is one of the biggest tourist attractions that the city can offer. Regardless of whether or not you are an expert on the subject, these impressive buildings provide a unique ambiance to the city. The Gothic quarter, in particular, has plenty of unique sights.
Outside of that, the city has a great layout and it is a joy to explore the area. There are plenty of trees, squares, and pedestrian areas.
Cost of Living
Even though Barcelona is one of the most expensive cities in Spain, it is relatively cheap when compared to other major European cities. Rental prices for apartments have fluctuated significantly in recent years. In order to stop any further increases in rent prices, the city proposed a rent cap.
Living in Barcelona can be very affordable. One-bedroom apartments can be found for less than 800 euros per month, and two-bedroom apartments for less than 1200 euros. It is also important to consider the neighborhood when determining the price. Finding an apartment in Barcelona is cheaper generally the farther you are from the city center but always close to public transportation.
Community
If you are moving to Barcelona as part of your dreams to become an independent freelancer, then this may be the best decision you have ever made! This city has plenty of digital nomads. To accommodate the influx of expatriate freelancers, Barcelona has also set up coworking spaces and is known for its good internet speed.
Aside from these accommodations, the city also prides itself on good weather and a lower cost of living than other world cities.
Outdoors
Are you the outdoorsy type? Then you will love staying in this city. It’s got the best of both worlds: beaches and mountains for people with an active lifestyle. This means that all year round, you have the opportunity to spend time outside. During the hot summer months, you can schedule a kayaking session or go sailing with your friends. In the winter, you can bundle up and switch up your view by going on hikes.
Beyond the seasonal activities, you have plenty of options for weekend excursions as well. There are plenty of casual biking and hiking routes around the metropolitan area that is easily accessible. Everything here points to one conclusion: you won’t ever be bored in Barcelona!
Cleanliness
With all the tourists entering and leaving the city, it is natural to be concerned about how the local government is tackling hygiene and sanitation. However, it is clear that Barcelona is well cared for. Many people believe that it’s a lot cleaner than Madrid.
Cons
Rental Prices
Earlier in the article, we highlighted how Barcelona offers plenty of outdoor activities because it is in front of the beach and surrounded by mountains. However, these geographical limitations are also a disadvantage in another way. As the city grows to accommodate more people, it struggles to find enough space for expansion.
This reality, combined with an increased number of individuals being born or migrating into the city, means that the prices of rentals are increasing at an unprecedented rate.
Job Market
Spain, as a whole, struggles with a shortage of jobs and lower salary rates than the rest of Europe. Unless you already have a job in the country before you make your move, you may have difficulties securing your livelihood.
This is why most of the expats who have chosen to settle in Barcelona long-term are remote freelancers. They do not need to depend on the Spanish salary rates or the local economy as much to secure their income.
Plenty of Tourists
Of course, there is a certain pride in knowing you live in a city that’s incredibly famous for its culture and architecture. However, the throng of tourists that flood the area can become overwhelming, especially during peak seasons.
While they may be focused on certain locations, you might struggle with the initial cultural shock of seeing so many vacationers and selfie sticks in the area. The presence of so many international tourists may also make it difficult to fully immerse yourself in the city’s atmosphere.
Sunday Blues
What’s your idea of a relaxing weekend? If you were planning to hit the mall or go shopping, then Barcelona might not be the best place for you. This is because most of the shops and supermarkets are closed on Sundays. The only ones that are open are essential services like pharmacies and convenience stores, particularly in the more touristy areas.
If you are coming from a busy city with plenty of amenities available to serve you around the clock, this may come as a big culture shock. However, it also presents an opportunity to spend your Sundays in a different way with your family and friends. Make sure you finish all your grocery shopping beforehand and stock up on essentials before this day rolls around.
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