Barcelona is officially the 75th most expensive city in the world according to the ranking of the consultancy firm Mercer which analyzes the cost of living in 225 locations around the world. Not only is it in the top 100 most expensive cities, but it also climbed 3 points compared to last year’s ranking.
Unsurprisingly, it is inflation with “a notable increase year-on-year” in the price of food and basic goods that is making Barcelona more expensive. For example, in the case of sugar, the price increased by 79% followed by butter at 45% and oil 36%. The only good news for the city is that the price of fuel has fallen by 7%.
Even if the study does not take it into account, it is relevant to point out that prices in the tourism sector have also exploded in Barcelona. During the first quarter of 2023, hotel rates were between 15 and 20% higher than those of 2019 and 2018.
At Easter, they even exploded, with an increase of 43% for three-stars, granting Barcelona the title of European champion in price increases. In 2019, renting a room in a hotel cost around €140. In 2022, it was €152, or 8% more than before the pandemic.
Paris more expensive than Barcelona, but Madrid more advantageous
To return to Mercer’s ranking, Paris is in 35th place. The most expensive city in the world is Hong Kong. In Europe, the top spot goes to Copenhagen which is in 9th position.
Finally, Madrid is more advantageous than Barcelona. The Spanish capital is displayed in 83rd place.
