Where to live in Barcelona: neighbourhoods and nearby towns

Key rules

• Rents: Barcelona rents are among the highest in Spain, so towns nearby can cost less.
• Families: Sarrià-Sant Gervasi, Sant Cugat, Esplugues and Sant Just Desvern have international schools.
• Noise: Born, Gothic and Barceloneta are lively and noisy.
• Rent controls: Rent controls apply only in designated high-pressure areas of Catalonia.

The short answer

Choose by lifestyle and budget. Eixample, Gràcia and Poblenou are the usual first picks for professionals and remote workers. Sarrià-Sant Gervasi and Sant Cugat suit families who want international schools. Sant Martí, Sant Andreu and towns like L'Hospitalet or Badalona cost less.

Barcelona districts

Eixample (Dreta, Esquerra, Sant Antoni) is central and well served by transport. Rents are high. It suits professionals and families.

Gràcia is bohemian and village-like. It is popular with young people and creatives.

Sarrià-Sant Gervasi (Sant Gervasi, Sarrià, Pedralbes) is upscale and quiet. It has international schools and high prices. It suits families.

Poblenou is modern and next to the beach, with tech and design firms. Expats and remote workers like it.

Born, Gothic and Barceloneta are in the old city and by the sea. They are touristy, lively and noisy, so think about sleep before you sign.

Poble-sec and Sants are more local in feel and mid-priced.

Les Corts is residential, with offices and families.

Sant Martí and Sant Andreu are cheaper and more family-oriented. Start here if lower rent matters most.

Towns around Barcelona

Sant Cugat del Vallès is affluent and green, with international schools and an FGC train link. It suits families.

Esplugues and Sant Just Desvern sit close to the city, with international schools and mid-to-high prices.

Castelldefels and Gavà are coastal, with beaches and Rodalies trains. They attract a mix of families and remote workers.

Sitges is a seaside town with a cosmopolitan, international community and a train to Barcelona. Prices are higher.

Badalona and Montgat are cheaper seaside areas north of the city.

El Masnou and Premià de Mar are coastal Maresme towns on the R1 line.

Terrassa and Sabadell are larger, cheaper industrial cities with FGC and Rodalies links.

L'Hospitalet is dense, cheap and right next to the city.

Cost and rent rules

Barcelona rents are among the highest in Spain. Rent controls apply in Catalonia in designated high-pressure areas, so ask the landlord or agent whether the home you are viewing falls in one.

Before you decide

Test the commute at your real travel hours, and compare current listings for the specific street or town. The FAQ below answers common questions on cheaper areas and schools.

Frequently asked questions

Where can I live in Barcelona if I want lower rent?

Sant Martí and Sant Andreu are cheaper and more family-oriented than the central districts. Poble-sec and Sants are more local and mid-priced, which makes them a middle option. Barcelona rents are among the highest in Spain, so also look at the cheaper towns next to the city.

Do rent controls apply in Barcelona neighbourhoods?

Yes, rent controls apply in Catalonia, but only in areas designated as high-pressure. Ask the agent or landlord whether the street you like is in one of those areas before you sign.

Which towns near Barcelona are cheaper than the city?

Badalona, Montgat, L'Hospitalet, Terrassa and Sabadell are cheaper options. L'Hospitalet is dense and right next to the city, while Terrassa and Sabadell are larger industrial cities with FGC and Rodalies train links. Sitges, Sant Cugat and Esplugues are priced higher.

Which towns near Barcelona have international schools?

Sant Cugat del Vallès, Esplugues and Sant Just Desvern have international schools. Sant Cugat is affluent and green with an FGC train link, while the other two are close to the city at mid-to-high prices.