Moving to Barcelona
Last updated on Apr 21, 2023
Summary: Expats move to Barcelona, Spain for its vibrant culture, stunning architecture, and Mediterranean climate. The city is known for its lively nightlife, delicious cuisine, and world-class art and music scenes. Barcelona is also a great place to live for its excellent public transportation system, affordable cost of living, and abundance of job opportunities. With its beautiful beaches, stunning mountain views, and rich history, Barcelona is an ideal destination for expats looking for a new home.
What do I need to know before moving to Barcelona?
When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Barcelona, they said:
"Before moving to Barcelona, expats should familiarize themselves with the local language, Catalan. Although Spanish is widely spoken, Catalan is the official language of the region and is used in many everyday situations. Expats should also be aware of the cost of living in Barcelona, which is higher than in many other parts of Spain. Additionally, expats should research the city's public transportation system, which is an efficient and affordable way to get around. Finally, expats should be aware of the cultural norms in Barcelona, which are quite different from those in other parts of the world," said one expat in Barcelona.
"If they are coming from a prosperous Western European city or the States, I would say they should expect a much lower level of quality in customer services and professionalism in the working environment. Barcelona is great if you can party and sunbathe all the time and not worry about work and earning a good salary. Choosing a neighbourhood depends on the kind of lifestyle you want to live - Barcelona is one of the most densly populated cities in Europe so negative side is noise, pollution and small living spaces. Plus side is you can walk everywhere and always plenty of places to go out and eat and shop. Suburbs are quieter but more expensive, the wealthier Catalans choose to live in the hills looking down on the city (and the smog)," remarked one expat who made the move to Barcelona.
How do I find a place to live in Barcelona?
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About the Author
Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.
Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.
Other Questions:
- What should I pack when moving to Barcelona?
- Where should I setup a bank account in Barcelona?
- Will I be able to find a job in Barcelona?
- What is life like as an expat in your area?
- What do expats in Barcelona appreciate most about the local culture?
- What do expats find most challenging?
- Is there a lot of crime in Barcelona?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Barcelona accepting of differences?
- What are the schools in Barcelona like?
- How are healthcare services in Barcelona?
- What are medical services in Barcelona like?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Barcelona?
- What are emergency services like in Barcelona?
- Will I need to travel to see a specialist?
- Are common prescription medications available in Barcelona?
- How are local medical facilities in Barcelona?
- As a foreigner living in Barcelona, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?
- What have your experiences during the pandemic with the local healthcare system been like?