⚖️ City comparison
Austin vs Barcelona
Thinking of leaving Austin for Barcelona? Here is how life in Barcelona, Spain compares with Austin on cost, weather, safety, internet, and what it takes to stay.
The short version
- Barcelona is 20% cheaper: $2,618 vs $3,260 a month all-in for one person.
- Rent is lower in Barcelona: $1,678 vs $2,118 for a 1-bedroom in the centre.
- Barcelona has more pleasant weather: 7 pleasant months a year vs 6.
- Austin is warmer: highs average 11°F more across the year (coldest-month high 59°F vs 58°F in Barcelona; hottest 99°F vs 85°F).
- Residents rate Austin safer: a safety index of 56 vs 48 out of 100 (Numbeo survey).
- To live in Barcelona you'd need a visa: Spain offers the Digital Nomad Visa (Startup Act) ($3,274/mo), and 90 days visa-free to look around first.
Side by side
| Measure | 🇺🇸 Austin | 🇪🇸 Barcelona |
|---|---|---|
| ⭐ Fit score (default weights) | 61 | 64 |
| 💰 All-in / month | $3,260 | $2,618 |
| 🏠 1BR rent, centre | $2,118 | $1,678 |
| 🛒 Living costs, no rent | $1,142 | $940 |
| ☀️ Pleasant months | 6 | 7 |
| 🌡️ Highs, coldest–hottest month | 59–99°F | 58–85°F |
| 🛡️ Safety | 56/100 (residents) | 48/100 (residents) |
| 📶 Internet, median download | 416 Mbps | 357 Mbps |
| 🌬️ Air, PM2.5 per year | 6.9 µg/m³ | 9.2 µg/m³ |
| 🗣️ English | Official language | Moderate (EF) |
| 🏥 Healthcare access (WHO) | Very high | Very high |
| 👩 Women's safety & rights | High | Very high |
| 🏳️🌈 LGBTQ+ equality | High | Very high |
| ✈️ Flight to the US (est.) | In the US | ~8h to New York |
| 🕘 US work-hour overlap | 8 h | 1 h |
| 🗓️ Visa-free stay (US passport) | You live here | 90 days |
| 🛂 Nomad visa | Not needed | Digital Nomad Visa (Startup Act) |
| 🧾 Tax if resident | US tax as now | 🔴 Heavy · Worldwide income, top 47% |
Best months to be there
🇺🇸 Austin
4 best months
🇪🇸 Barcelona
4 best months
Colour is each month's typical temperature; ticked months are the most comfortable. Full detail: Austin climate · Barcelona climate.
Data last updated · Source: Numbeo cost data, measured climate history, Ookla, UNODC/Numbeo safety and curated visa research
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