βοΈ City comparison
Barcelona vs Las Palmas
Two cities in Spain, compared on what matters when you move from the US: cost, weather, safety, internet and how easy it is to stay.
The short version
- Las Palmas is 31% cheaper: $1,818 vs $2,618 a month all-in for one person.
- Rent is lower in Las Palmas: $1,023 vs $1,678 for a 1-bedroom in the centre.
- Las Palmas has more pleasant weather: 8 pleasant months a year vs 7.
- Las Palmas is warmer: highs average 4Β°F more across the year (coldest-month high 69Β°F vs 58Β°F in Barcelona; hottest 81Β°F vs 85Β°F).
- Residents rate Las Palmas safer: a safety index of 72 vs 48 out of 100 (Numbeo survey).
- Same country, same visa and tax rules: the Digital Nomad Visa (Startup Act) covers both.
Side by side
| Measure | πͺπΈ Barcelona | πͺπΈ Las Palmas |
|---|---|---|
| β Fit score (default weights) | 64 | 79 |
| π° All-in / month | $2,618 | $1,818 |
| π 1BR rent, centre | $1,678 | $1,023 |
| π Living costs, no rent | $940 | $795 |
| βοΈ Pleasant months | 7 | 8 |
| π‘οΈ Highs, coldestβhottest month | 58β85Β°F | 69β81Β°F |
| π‘οΈ Safety | 48/100 (residents) | 72/100 (residents) |
| πΆ Internet, median download | 357 Mbps | 320 Mbps |
| π¬οΈ Air, PM2.5 per year | 9.2 Β΅g/mΒ³ | 6.4 Β΅g/mΒ³ |
| π£οΈ English | Moderate (EF) | Moderate (EF) |
| π₯ Healthcare access (WHO) | Very high | Very high |
| π© Women's safety & rights | Very high | Very high |
| π³οΈβπ LGBTQ+ equality | Very high | Very high |
| βοΈ Flight to the US (est.) | ~8h to New York | ~7h to New York |
| π US work-hour overlap | 1 h | 2 h |
| ποΈ Visa-free stay (US passport) | 90 days | 90 days |
| π Nomad visa | Digital Nomad Visa (Startup Act) | Digital Nomad Visa (Startup Act) |
| π§Ύ Tax if resident | π΄ Heavy Β· Worldwide income, top 47% | π΄ Heavy Β· Worldwide income, top 47% |
Best months to be there
πͺπΈ Barcelona
4 best months
πͺπΈ Las Palmas
9 best months
Colour is each month's typical temperature; ticked months are the most comfortable. Full detail: Barcelona climate Β· Las Palmas climate.
Data last updated Β· Source: Numbeo cost data, measured climate history, Ookla, UNODC/Numbeo safety and curated visa research
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