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Barcelona
#79 of 124
Europe

Barcelona

Spain

Salary & Cost of Living

View purchasing power ranking

How do salaries and expenses in Barcelona compare to Sao Paulo?

Purchasing Power Comparison

An engineer in Barcelona is 17% better off vs in Sao Paulo

This shows how far a software engineer's salary goes in Barcelona compared to Sao Paulo, taking into account both salary differences and cost of living.

Median Salary
$69,274
+$36K (+108%) vs Sao Paulo
Based on 671 data points from levels.fyi
Net Salary
$45,028
+$23K (+102%) vs Sao Paulo
Tax Rate: 35%

Community Insights

New

Barcelona offers a world-class lifestyle that many software engineers find irresistible, blending professional opportunities with sun, sea, and culture. However, the gloss is fading for some due to a severe housing crisis and salaries that haven't kept pace with the rising cost of living. While the Beckham Law makes it financially attractive for high earners, those on average local contracts may find their purchasing power surprisingly low (Rank #81). The city is best enjoyed by those who can decouple their income from the local economy or secure a top-tier role.

Resident Sentiment

The sentiment is mixed but generally leans towards lifestyle satisfaction tempered by economic frustration. Transplants often express deep love for the life in Barcelona—the food, the weather, the vibe—but frequently advise newcomers to bring a remote job or secure a high salary before arriving. There is a growing sense of fatigue regarding the rental market and petty crime, with some long-term residents considering leaving as the city becomes less affordable.

The Good

Living Environment

Weather•Safety•Pollution•Events

A quick look at climate, safety, pollution, and tech community compared to Sao Paulo.

Rankings

Comfortable Weather

Top 12%

#15

of 124 cities

85/100 weather score

Current value

Community Events

Middle of the pack

#48

of 124 cities

5 events on luma

Current value

Cost of Living

Middle of the pack

#53

of 124 cities

49/100

Current value (lower is better)

Housing Affordability

View affordability ranking

How affordable is housing for a software engineer in Barcelona compared to Sao Paulo?

Avg. Property Price
$5,890 / m²
145% more expensive than Sao Paulo
View detailed property prices on Numbeo

Salary Converter

Enter your annual gross salary (before taxes) to see what you would need to earn in Barcelona to maintain the same standard of living.

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Do you have kids?

Cost of Living
73% more expensive than Sao Paulo
View detailed cost breakdown on Numbeo

Top Paying Companies in Barcelona

Microsoft logo
Microsoft
Glovo logo
Glovo
TravelPerk logo
TravelPerk
  • High quality of life: Residents consistently praise the combination of sun, beach, and outdoor activities available year-round.
  • Walkability and Public Transport: The city is described as very walkable with an extensive and reliable public transportation network.
  • Beckham Law Tax Benefit: High-earning expats often cite the Beckham Law (flat 24% tax rate) as a significant financial incentive for moving.
  • International Tech Scene: A growing hub for startups and international companies (e.g., Glovo, N26), offering an English-speaking work environment.
  • Social and Cultural Vibrancy: The city is famous for its nightlife, food scene, and diverse international community, making it easy to meet people.

    • The Bad

    • Housing Crisis: Rents have skyrocketed recently, with residents describing the market as extremely competitive and expensive relative to local salaries.
    • Low Local Salaries: Compared to Northern Europe or the US, local tech salaries are lower, often making it hard to save money if not on a foreign contract.
    • Petty Crime: Pickpocketing and theft are frequently mentioned as a major annoyance, with many feeling unsafe with valuables in central areas.
    • Bureaucracy: Getting necessary documents like the NIE is described as a "nightmare" with appointments being notoriously difficult to secure.
    • Noise and Over-tourism: The city is often described as loud and crowded, particularly in central neighborhoods due to the heavy influx of tourists.

    The Verdict

    You'll love it if...

    Remote workers or senior engineers with foreign salaries who can leverage the Beckham Law will thrive here. It is also ideal for social butterflies who value weather and nightlife over maximizing savings rate, and for those seeking a dynamic, international startup environment.

    Skip it if...

    Junior developers relying on average local wages will likely struggle with rent (affordability is #80). People who value peace, quiet, and order might find the noise and petty crime (Safety Index 48/100) stressful. Similarly, those expecting Northern European efficiency in bureaucracy will be frustrated.

    Updated 11/29/2025

    Weather8.5/10+8% vs Sao Paulo
    Safety48+60%
    Pollution63-21%
    Events50%
    8.5/10TechCities weather score vs 7.9/10 in Sao Paulo

    0–10 composite (higher is better) combining temperature comfort, sunshine hours, rainy-day count, and humid days. See methodology for weighting and data sources.

    Weather snapshot

    Average High
    20°C(vs 25°C in Sao Paulo)
    Average Low
    12°C(vs 17°C in Sao Paulo)
    Sunshine Hours
    2,591h/yr+698h/yr(+37%)
    Hottest Month High
    28°C(same as Sao Paulo)
    Coldest Month Low
    5°C(vs 13°C in Sao Paulo)
    Rainy Days
    53/yr-94/yr(-64%)

    Community & Quality

    Barcelona community pulse

    Barcelona has 5 Luma events listed.

    Similar event volume to Sao Paulo.

    Net Income

    Middle of the pack

    #76

    of 124 cities

    $45,028/yr

    Current value

    Purchasing Power

    Middle of the pack

    #79

    of 124 cities

    Home Affordability

    Middle of the pack

    #82

    of 124 cities

    ≈10.5 yrs to buy 80m²

    Current value

    Safety Index

    Bottom 32%

    #85

    of 124 cities

    47.9/100

    Current value

    Tax Rate

    Bottom 32%

    #86

    of 124 cities

    35%

    Current value (lower is better)

    Pollution Score

    Bottom 28%

    #90

    of 124 cities

    63/100

    Current value (lower is better)

    SWE Affordability
    10.5 years
    1.8 years longer than Sao Paulo
    Muggy Days
    51/yr-30/yr(-37%)
    Cloud Cover
    37%(vs 50% in Sao Paulo)