Finding affordable housing near Barcelona has become increasingly difficult. Rental and purchase prices have steadily risen in recent years, prompting many to seek alternatives outside the city. With this in mind, many are asking: which town near Barcelona is the cheapest to buy a house? Discover the town with the lowest prices as of February 2026.
Barcelona's cheapest town
Across the entire province, and according to idealista’s February 2026 price report, the cheapest town in Barcelona to buy a house is Sallent, with an average price of around €991/m² – well below the provincial average of €3,134/m².
Sallent is in the Bages region of Central Catalonia, about 70 kilometres from Barcelona and close to Manresa, the regional capital and service hub. It sits beside the Llobregat River and is surrounded by the natural landscapes typical of the province’s interior.
With a population of around 7,000, Sallent is medium-sized: large enough to offer basic services, but without the overcrowding of bigger cities. Historically, it has had a strong industrial presence, linked to textiles and, in the past, mining.
Living in Sallent
Living in Sallent means enjoying a peaceful environment rich in history and industrial tradition. The town has its own unique identity, known for its mining heritage and its old quarter, with narrow streets and historic buildings such as Santa Maria Church.
Life here is more relaxed than in a big city, with local shops, markets and a friendly atmosphere where it’s easy to get to know your neighbours. At the same time, Sallent is well connected to Manresa and just a short distance from Barcelona.
The cheapest town in the Barcelona Metropolitan Area
While the province spans both inland and coastal areas, the Barcelona Metropolitan Area (AMB) refers to the region surrounding the city, with great connections in terms of transport, services and employment.
The AMB comprises 36 municipalities, where housing prices tend to be higher due to strong demand. Of these, Montcada i Reixac offers the most affordable housing, with an average price of €1,986/m².
Montcada i Reixac lies north of Barcelona, between the Vallès region and the city itself. With a population of over 30,000, it is a medium-sized town with a well-developed network of services and connections to several Rodalies commuter rail stations and bus lines.
Other affordable towns near Barcelona
Although Sallent is the cheapest town in the province, it is not the only affordable option. Other villages and towns also feature among the most budget-friendly in the Barcelona area:
- Manlleu (€1,022/m²): located in the Osona region on the banks of the Ter River, it is known for its industrial tradition and close ties to Vic.
- Sant Llorenç Savall (€1,040/m²): situated in Vallès Occidental, in the heart of the Sant Llorenç del Munt i l’Obac Natural Park.
- Súria (€1,085/m²): in the Bages region, notable for its mining heritage, historic old town and tranquil atmosphere.
- Pont de Vilomara i Rocafort (€1,140/m²): also in Bages, offering a natural setting and proximity to Manresa.
