Is Poble Sec Expensive?

Barcelona, Spain

-8% vs Barcelona avg

Living in Poble Sec, Barcelona

Poble Sec is a relatively affordable area in Barcelona, with a cost of living index of 38.7 — that is -8% compared to the Barcelona average. At #14 of 23, it is below the city average in cost. Estimated rent for a one-bedroom apartment here is around €936/month, compared to a range of €733 in Nou Barris to €1,323 in Pedralbes.

Monthly Budget Breakdown

For a typical resident of Poble Sec, housing takes up roughly 41% of monthly expenses. Food and groceries account for about 15%, while transportation costs around 8%. To live comfortably here — meaning rent stays at or below 30% of gross income — you would need an annual salary of approximately €37,443 before tax.

Typical Salaries in Poble Sec

Salaries in Poble Sec reflect the local cost of living. Based on the neighborhood COLI of 38.7:

After tax and deductions of 28.9% in Spain, take-home pay for someone earning €37,443 would be roughly €26,622/year. Use the salary converter to calculate an exact figure for your situation, including expat-specific tax adjustments.

Key Stats

38.7
COLI Index
0.92x
vs City Avg
€936
Est. 1BR Rent
#14
of 23 Areas
28.9%
Total Deductions

Tax & Deductions in Poble Sec

Estimated annual deductions on a €24,610 salary in Poble Sec, Barcelona (local employee).

Income Tax
23%
Social Security
6.3%
Total Deductions: 28.9%
Est. Take-Home: €17,499/yr

Rates shown are for a local employee. Use the salary converter for expat calculations.

Salary Equivalents

What a $75,000 USD salary in Poble Sec would need to be elsewhere:

City Currency Equivalent
New York USD $29,025
London GBP £24,978
Dubai AED AED 145,235

Other Neighborhoods in Barcelona

Neighborhood COLI Multiplier vs Avg
Pedralbes 54.7 1.30x +30%
Sarrià-Sant Gervasi 52.6 1.25x +25%
Born / El Born 50.5 1.20x +20%
Gothic Quarter 49.7 1.18x +18%
Eixample 48.4 1.15x +15%

View all 23 neighborhoods in Barcelona →

Convert Your Salary

See exactly what you need to earn in Poble Sec, Barcelona to maintain your lifestyle.

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Similar Neighborhoods Worldwide

Neighborhoods with a similar cost of living to Poble Sec:

Moncloa, Madrid Donaustadt (22nd), Vienna Balboa, Panama City Vista Hermosa, Panama City Belleville (20th), Paris Bela Vista, São Paulo

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Poble Sec expensive in Barcelona?

Poble Sec is one of the more affordable neighborhoods in Barcelona. It costs about -8% less than the city average, ranking #14 out of 23 neighborhoods.

How does Poble Sec compare to the Barcelona average?

The cost of living in Poble Sec is below the Barcelona average. With a multiplier of 0.92x, everyday expenses including rent, food, and transportation are -8% compared to the city baseline.

Data Sources: Cost of living indices based on crowd-sourced price data and official statistics. Tax calculations follow 2026 rates. Sources include Instituto Nacional de Estadística (INE) · OECD Better Life Index. Figures are estimates and may vary based on individual circumstances.