Barcelona vs. London
Barcelona and London may well both be in Europe, but they are hugely different in many different ways; including weather, culture, scenery and the cost of living. Both are wonderful cities – full of historic buildings and a stormy past, to say the least.
So let’s put the two cities head to head, in our Barcelona versus London competition.
The Weather
Looking at the weather season by season, Barcelona certainly takes the top spot for those who love the sun. In the summer months of June, July and August, the average temperature is about 25 degrees C.
But there are many times that the thermometer can head over the 30 degree mark, as heat waves are common in this part of Spain. The heat is quite dry, and there is little rain.
London, on the other hand, has unpredictable summer weather. With an average daily maximum of 22 degrees, it’s rather much lower than it’s Spanish sister, but there are often times when the temperature rises and can hit 30 degrees or more. Thunderstorms are also common during these months.
Autumn sees Barcelona’s temperatures start to fall, and by November the city temperature generally hovers at around 12 degrees C – although it can fall much lower during the hours of darkness.
Rain is more common during autumn, and fog is likely as it comes in from the sea. Autumn is a wonderful time in London, although it can be cold. Temperatures tend to remain in the high teens, although on occasion a cold snap can bring these lower.
Winter is a little colder than Autumn in Barcelona, with highs of around 11 degrees C and lows of 4 degrees. There is rain, but on average, only about 7 days per month. In London, winter can be very cold and damp. Temperatures can drop below freezing, or there can be continuously grey and rainy days. But when the sun comes out on a brisk frosty morning, there aren’t many places in the world where it’s better to be…
Spring is when the mercury gradually begins to rise – at the beginning of the season Barcelona sees average daily temperatures of around 12 degrees C, but these soon rise to a comfortable 17-18 degrees, although the nights can still be chilly.
Spring in London can be difficult to determine if you go by weather alone. Snow has been known during these months, but so has glorious sunshine. Keep your umbrella handy, and your t-shirts as well!
The History
London has a long and somewhat tempestuous history – and this is readily available to see in all the wonderfully old landmarks that surround you. The Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey – all within easy walking distance of the centre of the city and open to the public to visit and learn about.
But Barcelona is no slouch in the history stakes. The capital city of Catalonia was originally known as Barcino. The 17th century saw Barcelona banned from trading with the American colonies and the region of Catalonia went to war with Spain.
More recently, the 20th century saw political repression thanks to the dictatorship of Franco, and it was only in the following years that Catalonia recovered from this, and Barcelona went on to become one of the most important cities in the whole of Spain. There are many historical buildings in the city, the most famous of which is probably Gaudi’s Sagrada Famalia.
The Cost of Living
According to daily updated crowd sourcing websites, Expatistan and Numbeo, Barcelona is 51% cheaper to live in than London. But let’s take a look at that in a little more detail.
Average Disposable Salaries
In London, the average net take home pay is around £2,000 per month. In Barcelona, it’s nearly 44% less than that, at around £1,115 per month. This obviously has to be taken into account when looking at the actual cost of living.
Housing
Barcelona wins here, with the cost of comparable 1 and 3 bedroom apartments both in the city centre and outside coming in at between 67%-75% less than in London.
And if you look at the price to purchase property, you’ll pay between 80%-85% less in the Spanish city than the UK capital.
Utilities
In most cases, once again it’s cheaper in Barcelona. Your basics, such as electricity, water and heating will set you back around 33% less in Spain. But when it comes to home Internet, broadband in London costs around 15% less.
There are many providers to choose from in London, such as Sky, BT, Virgin and Talk Talk. In addition, if you also take a TV package from the same provider, they give a discount for the whole bundle.
Food
Your grocery shop will, in most cases, cost less in Barcelona, although there are a few exceptions. Milk, bread, rice, eggs and most fruit and vegetables are cheaper – by between 18%-50% depending on the product. But strangely, cheese is almost 20% cheaper in London, and bananas (of all things) about 10% less.
But if you want to eat out, Barcelona wins hands down. Meals are around 45% less in the city, and when it comes to your daily cappuccino or latte, it’ll cost you over 50% less in Spain.
Transport
Barcelona also trumps here as well, with a monthly public transport cost of around £36. In London, a comparable pass to use the London Buses and The Tube will set you back £130.
Taxis in Barcelona are also cheaper, costing between 45%-64% less than in London. Petrol (gas) also costs less, by around 22%.
Entertainment
Your monthly gym membership is around 31% cheaper in Barcelona. But you can find cheap memberships in London too. If you’re lucky enough to work for a larger company, ask if they have any deals with local gyms for corporate membership.
If not, check out one of the increasing number of low cost gyms that are springing up all over London, such as Simply Gym and The Gym Group.
Going to the cinema is also cheaper in Barcelona, by around 53%.
In Conclusion
There is an awful lot going for both cities. Yes, London is far more expensive to live, but the average wage is also a lot higher. London has a much lower unemployment rate (approx. 8% in London against approx. 21.7% in Barcelona). The weather is better for sun worshipers in Spain, and both cities have a huge amount of history and culture.
In fact, coming up with any decision about which city is better is very difficult because both places have so much going for them. So we’re going to sit on the fence here, because to make a choice is really one that can only be made on a personal level.