The unique cultural identity, delicious cuisine and beautiful beaches of Catalonia have for a long time made remote worker life in Barcelona an incredibly attractive prospect. In recent years, the city has seen an influx of remote workers who want to stay in the city for longer and use it as a base for the professional lives. The reasons Barcelona is so popular among for remote workers are numerous - countless cafes, a global vibe, excellent connectivity and affordability are just as few. Yet it is really a mix of all of these, compounded by Catalonia’s strong cultural identity, which make remote worker life in Barcelona such an attractive prospect.
As is the case in many cities across Spain, the remote worker life in Barcelona can be very affordable in comparison with most other major European cities. You can rent a beautiful, central and well-furnished apartment in the heart of one of Barcelona’s best neighborhoods for less than 900EUR per month, and there’s also a huge number of studio flats available across town for prices that lower still. Food here can also be inexpensive, particularly if you buy from the many local markets offering fresh produce on a daily basis. The excellent transportation system will save you money on taxis, and the many coworking spaces across Barcelona are engaged in tough competition in terms of rates for new members. While Barcelona is certainly not the cheapest city in Europe, prices here are much more affordable than in London, Paris or Rome.
Another huge reason the remote worker life in Barcelona is so attractive has to do with the international and global outlook of the city. Despite its strong cultural identity, Barcelona is progressive and looks to the world and Europe as it develops into one of the region's most vibrant economic ecosystems. Recent years have seen digital jobs on the rise here, and the increasing number of remote workers descending on the city has made it an idea place to network and expand your business. Geographically, the city is also perfectly located - in the heart of Europe, connected with the rest of the continent by rail and the world by air.
The positive work/life balance available to remote workers in Barcelona is also a huge reason why so many have chosen this Spanish city as a long-term destination. Things in Catalonia move slowly, and this is a huge relief to the many remote workers looking to avoid the pressures and deadlines of the office cubicle. In Barcelona people love to take a break and sip on coffee, or have a merienda right after a well-deserved afternoon siesta. With perfect weather year-round, beach trips are regular and filled with great seafood. If you like to party, Barcelona also has a lot to offer - from the hipster cocktails bars of El Raval to the exclusive nightclubs of Zona Alta, there is something for everyone here. Yes, people work hard in Barcelona, but expect life here to be filled with many rewards and entertainment once you close your laptop!
Finally, it has to be said that the remote worker life in Barcelona will be filled with some of Europe’s best cultural and artistic expressions. The strong Catalonian identity here defines the city in many ways, and the region’s desire for independence is palpable in the daring designs of its new businesses as well as the optimism and progressivism of their owners. The architecture around Barcelona is just as eclectic as its history - Roman and medieval streets lead to modern buildings and some of Gaudi’s most emblematic works. If you’re looking for a city that lives and breathes its culture, Barcelona may well be the place for you.
For more information about living in Barcelona as a remote worker, check out our complete Barcelona guide.