Community Events
#14
of 124 cities
16 events on luma
Current value
#79 of 124
Europe
Barcelona
Spain
Salary & Cost of Living
How do salaries and expenses in Barcelona compare to San Francisco?
Purchasing Power Comparison
An engineer in Barcelona is 52% worse off vs in San Francisco
This shows how far a software engineer's salary goes in Barcelona compared to San Francisco, taking into account both salary differences and cost of living.
Net Salary
$45,028
-$127K (-74%) vs San Francisco
Tax Rate: 35%
Community Insights
NewBarcelona 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
Rankings
Top 11%
Comfortable Weather
#15
of 124 cities
85/100 weather score
Current value
Cost of Living
#54
of 124 cities
49/100
Current value (lower is better)
Housing Affordability
How affordable is housing for a software engineer in Barcelona compared to San Francisco?
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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