Rent in Barcelona vs Madrid
Barcelona · Catalunya — Madrid · Comunidad de Madrid · INE data 2026
Renting in Barcelona is 12% cheaper than in Madrid. The difference is €122/month — a saving of €1,464 per year.
€884/month in Barcelona vs €1006/month in Madrid. National average: €648/month.
Context
Madrid and Barcelona concentrate the highest rental demand in Spain and are the benchmark comparison for those considering a job relocation. Madrid tends to offer more square metres for the same price, while Barcelona faces additional pressure in areas linked to the tech sector and tourism.
Estimated rent
Barcelona
884€/month
Madrid
1006€/month
Annual change
Barcelona
+3.1%
Madrid
+2.7%
INE index (base 2015=100)
Barcelona
120.6
Madrid
118.3
vs national average
Barcelona
+236€
Madrid
+358€
Population
Barcelona
1,731,649
Madrid
3,506,730
Per capita income
Barcelona
19,527€
Madrid
19,632€
Rent-to-income ratio
Barcelona
54.3%
Madrid
61.5%
Where is it better to rent?
In terms of rent, Barcelona is the more affordable option at €884/month, 12% less than Madrid (€1006/month). Living in Barcelona saves €1,464 per year compared to Madrid.
Barcelona
Barcelona · Catalunya
884€/month
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Madrid
Madrid · Comunidad de Madrid
1006€/month
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Cost of living guides
More comparisons with Barcelona
Official source
Instituto Nacional de Estadística
Organismo estadístico oficial del Estado español
www.ine.es View source →