Accommodation in Barcelona
There are many short term housing options for expats who first arrive in Barcelona, so it is not necessary to secure long term leases before visiting the city. These can range from flat shares, single rooms in larger houses or vacated student accommodation.
Longer term accommodation expenses are comparable to major cities in other European countries, but are more expensive than in the US. It is helpful, and in many cases necessary, to speak Spanish when searching for accommodation, and when arranging leases with landlords. Many expats favour hiring an estate agent to do the groundwork.
High rise apartments are common, although expats may find them subpar to the quality of housing similarly priced in their country of origin. One bedroom apartment rentals can be found for €700 to €850 a month, but a 55 sq. metre one-bedroom in L’Eixample, a popular city centre neighbourhood, would be more likely to cost around €1050.
Houses are more difficult to find, and can be rented for €1,500 to €3,000 depending on the quality and location in Barcelona. Several months of rent are expected to be paid in advance as a security deposit, as well as the first month's rent and an agent's fee – usually the equivalent of one month of rent.
Barceloneta, the city’s beachfront neighbourhood, and Gracia, a chic, yet unpretentious area with a reputation for sought-after addresses, are popular neighbourhoods among expats, but the rent can be steep. The revived El Raval, formerly the heart of all that was seedy and sexual, and the Poble Sec/Sants-Monjuic areas are cheaper alternatives that can also appeal to foreigners. Some expats, especially with families, move to Barcelona's suburbs, such as Sitges and Llobregat, for cheaper housing and more space.
