Barcelona is a magnet for students, both from within Spain and across the globe. With renowned universities and a lively cultural scene, it remains an attractive destination for those looking to study abroad. Students from over 200 countries flock to Barcelona's universities and colleges. This influx reflects the city's cosmopolitan atmosphere, made even better by its sunny weather and proximity to sandy beaches.
Despite its reputation as an expensive city, students can still find ways to live affordably while enjoying Barcelona’s cutting-edge art, design, and countless cultural activities. Studying in Barcelona is a popular choice with international students who want to experience Spanish culture alongside learning something new.
Is it expensive to live in Barcelona as a student?
The living cost in Barcelona for students can vary widely depending on lifestyle choices and accommodation preferences. While the city has garnered a reputation for becoming increasingly expensive, it is still possible to live on a budget with some careful planning.
On average, a graduate student needs around €800-900 per month to cover all essential expenses, including rent, food, transportation, and other necessities. You'll find cheap rooms for rent in Barcelona from €250, which is a cheaper option than student residences or halls. Taking advantage of student discounts on public transport, sports complexes, and bars can help you save money. Plus, dining at budget-friendly eateries and being savvy with what's on for free means you can enjoy living in Barcelona without splashing out.
Affordable ways to get around Barcelona
Navigating Barcelona is a breeze, thanks to its efficient public transport system, encompassing buses, trams, and the metro. For students under the age of 30, the T-jove card is a fantastic option, providing unlimited journeys across the integrated transport system for 90 days at €44.
Cycling is another excellent way to explore the city, with over 240 kilometres of cycle lanes. The AMBici service offers 100% electric bikes, covering 15 municipalities in Barcelona's metropolitan area. The city also boasts the Bicing service, perfect for residents, with annual costs starting from €35, or €53 for combined bike services.
Where do students live in Barcelona?
Barcelona's diverse neighbourhoods have something for every student. Gracia is known for its bohemian vibe, while L'Antiga Esquerra de l'Eixample offers a more upscale feel. El Poblenou and La Maternitat i Sant Ramon are other popular student areas, but there are many student areas in Barcelona to choose from. The cheapest areas to rent in Barcelona as of March 2025 were Nou Barris, Horta Guinardó and Sant Andreu.
Accommodation varies, with room rentals starting at around €300 a month in shared apartments. This option of cheap student accommodation works for some, however, others may prefer renting studio apartments for more privacy, which can cost anything upwards of €700 a month.
You can rent a room in a flat from your home country without needing to visit in person, using idealista's online booking service. This saves time and money, giving you the chance to get stuck straight into your studies when you arrive. You can also opt for online booking with insurance, which simplifies the rental process by requiring no deposit and covering unexpected issues like damage to your belongings and lost keys.
Laptop-friendly cafés
Finding a cosy spot to study is easy in Barcelona. Little Fern, a New Zealand-inspired brunch bar, and Federal Café, with its three locations and rooftop terrace, are popular choices. Pause Coffee Bar offers family-owned charm, while Morrow Coffee serves delicious iced lattes and sandwiches. Note that some establishments may restrict laptop use during peak times to maintain the café's social atmosphere, so it's wise to check policies beforehand.
Nightlife in Barcelona
Barcelona's nightlife is legendary, with Wednesday being the main student night. Razzmatazz is a well-known club, famous across Europe. The Garage Club offers an underground electronic music experience, while Moog provides a smaller, more intimate setting. For a touch of glamour, Opium's prime location is perfect for a night out.
Live music venues also abound, including Harlem Jazz Club, Big Bang Bar with its eclectic beer selection and open-mic nights, and the sophisticated Velvet Room BCN, a jazz and piano champagne bar.
Living on a budget in Barcelona
For students looking to economise, Barcelona offers plenty of budget-friendly options. The Carnet Jove youth card is a must, granting over 8000 reductions on various services related to culture, leisure, and dining across Catalunya.
Eating out cheaply
Barcelona's culinary scene is both diverse and affordable, with students often going out for tapas to save money. Bendito Pecado offers affordable baked goods and arepas, while Bo de B serves tasty sandwiches by the seafront at a decent price. Tacos Tacos features promotions on specific days, and buffet restaurants like Toyodo and EL PI (Hanasaki) provide great value for money.
Cheap and free things to do in Barcelona
Barcelona's budget-friendly activities ensure an exciting student life without breaking the bank.
Apply for a free library card online for access to a wealth of resources, including workshops, language learning, and discounts on cultural activities. The Articket offers savings of over 45% on museum admissions, and some museums, like the Picasso Museum and Palau Guell, are free on the first Sunday of each month. Always free are institutions like El Born Cultural and Memorial Centre and Palau Robert.
Living like a local in Barcelona
To fully embrace Barcelona's local culture, students can join free language exchange meetups, which take place almost every day. The city also offers numerous Catalan and Spanish language courses.
Engage in local traditions and festivals such as La Mercè, Saint George's Day (Sant Jordi), and the calçotada, where locals celebrate by grilling leek-like vegetables. Connecting with both local and international students will enrich your experience in this dynamic city.
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