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Economy

Barcelona monthly expenses: what to expect in 2017?

Written by Chloe Harwood

Whether you’re thinking of relocating to Barcelona or you’re already a current resident, it’s important to keep up to date with the changes in monthly living expenses, to avoid any nasty surprises at the end of the month.

ShBarcelona is here to help and created a cost living calculator, you can calculate your own monthly cost living in Barcelona by clicking directly on this link. In addition to calculate your monthly budget, you can check the average prices listing of daily products like food, clothing, museums, utilities, housing by district, etc.

Related article: Which are the most expensive neighborhoods in Barcelona

Electricity and gas

Photo via Pixabay

80-120€ (electricity and gas combined)

Gas bills fell by 3% from 1 January 2016, mainly due to drop in gas prices on international markets but rates vary depending on the provider used, and if you have a combined gas/electricity plan. There are government-fixed (tarifa regulada) prices per month, excluding VAT.

Basic gas usage guide:
Low use (cooking/hot water) – 2.44€
Medium use
(cooking/heating/hot water) – 5.46€
High use (cooking/central heating/hot water) – 42.31€

Electricity:
100 kWh of electricity, inclusive IVA (Tax) service charges and meter rental = 28.50€

Previously, Fecsa Endesa (electricity provider) and Gas Natural (gas provider) were the two most popular providers for people living in Spain – but with the deregulation of the market in 2003, more options and different billing providers have emerged, offering more competitive utility rates and the freedom to choose between an annual fixed tariffs (tarifa regulada) or opt for the free-market (tarifa libre) packages with variable rates.

If you’re already living in Spain and your utility bill is higher than you think it should be, it is worth having a look at the alternate options available to you. For example, some companies offer combined gas and electricity deals, and some landlords offer the option of an all-inclusive rent which ensures the monthly tariff is fixed each month regardless of the utility costs.

Water

Lowering or increasing the water bill is a decision made by the local companies (Aiguas de Barcelona, for example). Thus, the Catalan capital saw a reduction of 0.7% on the bill concerning the monthly water charges, while the Spanish capital has seen its rates freeze for this new year.

Related article: What is the cost of living in Barcelona for a student?

Internet

Photo via Pexels

Internet fusion with TV and mobile:

Fiber optic Internet 100Mb + TV sport included + mobile number – 70-110€

30Mb Fiber Optic  – from 40€

Mobile phone  – from 15€

Tip: For people who text a lot and use 4G,  Yoigo, Tuenti and Pepe Phone offer a pre-paid option with Internet (2Gb) inclusive, costing roughly 8€ per month +VAT.

Looking for an apartment in the city? ShBarcelona is the answer.

About the author

Chloe Harwood

Chloe is an English graduate from London currently teaching English in Barcelona. She is a lover of travel, books, sunshine and travel.

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