London vs Barcelona on £80,000: take-home pay, rent and cost of living in 2026
On a gross salary of £80,000 a year, a single employee takes home £4,747 a month in London (71% of gross) and €5,073 a month in Barcelona on the equivalent €95,000 (64%), after income tax and social security contributions.
Barcelona is 41% cheaper than London overall (cost-of-living index 47.8 vs 81.6, New York = 100). A one-bedroom flat in the city centre rents for about €1,490 a month in Barcelona and £2,145 in London, which leaves €3,583 and £2,602 of take-home pay after rent. Keeping the same standard of living and saving 15% of your pay would cost about €2,801 a month in Barcelona: this salary leaves €2,272 a month on top.
By category, groceries cost 15% less in Barcelona than in London, eating out 29% less and rent 47% less.
Moving from abroad? Under the Beckham law, take-home pay in Barcelona would be €5,679 a month (see who qualifies).
| London | Barcelona | |
|---|---|---|
| Gross salary per year | £80,000 | €95,000 |
| Take-home pay per month | £4,747 | €5,073 |
| One-bedroom rent, city centre | £2,145 | €1,490 |
| Left after rent | £2,602 | €3,583 |
| Cost-of-living index (New York = 100) | 81.6 | 47.8 |
How each figure is taxed: United Kingdom tax calculator and Spain tax calculator; prices: cost of living in London and in Barcelona. Single employee without children; rent and price data from Numbeo, refreshed monthly.
Questions about London vs Barcelona
Is Barcelona, Spain more expensive than London, United Kingdom?
Barcelona, Spain is 41% cheaper than London, United Kingdom overall. On a gross salary of £80,000 a year, you take home £4,747 a month in London, United Kingdom and €5,073 a month in Barcelona, Spain after income tax and social contributions.
How much can I save living in Barcelona, Spain vs London, United Kingdom?
Keeping the same standard of living as in London, United Kingdom, you could save about €2,272 a month (€27,263 a year) in Barcelona, Spain on this salary, after rent and living costs.
What taxes will I pay in Spain vs United Kingdom?
On £80,000 gross a year you take home £4,747 a month in United Kingdom and €5,073 a month in Spain. The calculation applies each country's 2026 income tax and social security rules for a single employee.