Living in Barcelona as Digital Nomad - What you need to know

Thanks to the digital technology available today, many people are working out of the office. Some work from home, and other more adventurous people are digital nomads. A digital nomad is a person who uses technology to perform their jobs while living a nomadic lifestyle. If this sounds like a great way to live, there are a few things you should know.

Why Is Barcelona Great For Digital Nomads?

Barcelona is more than a great vacation destination. It is also a great place for digital nomads. The sun shines year-round, and the beaches are gorgeous. You can also enjoy Barcelona’s rich culture and delicious food. If you choose to become a digital nomad in Barcelona, you aren’t alone. There is a large digital nomad community in Barcelona because it is such a beautiful place. If you are going to enjoy being a digital nomad in Barcelona and want to be successful, there are things you should know before making the trip.

The Cost Of Living In Barcelona

Before you start planning a move to Barcelona, you should know the Barcelona cost of living. Living in Barcelona, Spain, is relatively inexpensive when comparing the cost of living to other European destinations. Understanding the average cost of necessities will help you determine if being a digital nomad in Barcelona is feasible.

• Monthly rent for a studio apartment in the city’s center: $1'100 per month
• Monthly rent for a room or a house share: $600 per month
• Monthly utilities (gas, electricity, etc.): $200 per month
• Monthly metro pass: $55
• One-way metro ticket: $3
• The average cost of lunch: $15 to $20

Getting Around In Barcelona

You will need to get around the city to run errands, to your workspace, and for entertainment. If you don’t have enough money in your budget to buy a car, there are few relatively inexpensive ways to get around the city.

• Metro System (TMB): The subway system is one of the most popular ways to get around Barcelona. There are 12 metro lines that cover the whole city, and you can purchase a monthly pass, known as a T-usual, that allows you to ride the subway as much as you want for the entire month.
• Taxis: Because of regional regulations, you cannot call an Uber or a Lyft in Barcelona. Taxis are available, and you can get a taxi quickly by downloading the MyTaxi app.
• Bus: Many people rely on the city bus to get around the city.
• Tram: Barcelona has a tram that covers certain sections of the city.
• On foot: Most of Barcelona’s cities are self-contained; therefore, you can move to a part of the city where everything is within walking distance.

Where To Live In Barcelona

Barcelona is a huge city, and choosing where to live can be overwhelming. Fortunately, there are a few neighborhoods that are better than others for digital nomads.

• Gracia: Gracia was once its own village and is now part of Barcelona. There are plenty of outdoor areas to spend time away from the crowded tourist areas. There are also plenty of great restaurants and bars in the area. After a night out, you can walk home
• Poblenou: Over the last few years, Poblenou has transformed into an up-and-coming, start-up district. It is also home to many digital nomads because there are so many workspaces available. Many old warehouses have been transformed to co-work spaces and offices. There are also plenty of coffee shops, restaurants, bars, and galleries in the area. You can find everything you need in Poblemou.
• Eixample: This is a trendy neighborhood and is also known as Barcelona’s 5th Avenue. There are plenty of places to work, restaurants, bars, bakeries, and shops. Eixample is also home to Passeig de Gracia, which contains designer outlets.

The neighborhood you choose is based on how far you want to commute to your workspace and the things you like to do when you aren’t working. It is best to tour the best neighborhoods in the city to determine which one will be the best fit.

Best Co-Working Spaces In Barcelona

Barcelona is home to over 100 co-working spaces, and some are better than others.

• Betahaus: This space is located in Gracia and is one of the largest co-working spaces in the city. It is a six-story building, complete with a cafe and five terraces.
• MOB Bailen: This co-work space is located in Eixample and has everything you need, including mail services, printing, and a conference room for rent. They are open Monday through Friday from 9 am to 8 pm, which works with just about anyone’s schedule.
• La Vaca Co-Working: This space is located in El-Poble-Sec. It is located in a former dairy shop, which is why it is also known as The Cow. The building is open Monday through Friday from 9 am to 10 pm. The amenities include tea and coffee machines, a full kitchen, printing, bike storage, and a conference room.

If you aren’t sure where you want to work in Barcelona, you can sign up with Get Croissant services. This is a paid membership program that allows you to set the number of hours you want to work at any of their partnering co-work spaces. This will give you a chance to try out various spaces so you can find the one that is best for you.

You might also want to read our post about the top 10 free or cheap co-working spaces and cafes in Barcelona. The space you choose to work in will have a lot to do with your professional happiness in Barcelona; therefore, choosing the right one is essential.

Best Coffee Shops For Work

If you don’t like the idea of spending your days in co-work spaces or offices, Barcelona is home to a few great coffee shops that offer free and reliable Wi-Fi connections. A few of the best include:

• Federal Cafe Gotico
• Sandwichez
• Sopa
• Coco Coffice

There are plenty of other coffee shops to work from, but these four are the most popular among digital nomads in Barcelona.

Additional Living Tips

There are a few other things you should know about Barcelona before planning to relocate there.

• Finding a place to stay: Due to the large number of tourists that visit Barcelona and the number of expats moving there, finding a place to stay can be difficult. If you are looking for a long-term place to stay, it is best to start looking when you get there. You can also use Anyplace to find a place ahead of time, so you are ready when you arrive.
• Dining hours: People in Barcelona dine out later than you may be used to. Any restaurants don’t open until 8 pm, and people start arriving as late as 10 pm.
• Your Safety: Barcelona is a popular tourist destination; therefore, you need to be careful and aware of your surroundings. Pickpocketing is common in tourist areas of the city, and you should always be aware. Try to keep your purse or wallet close to your body and out of sight if possible.
• The language: English is widely spoken in Barcelona; however, if you want to connect better with the locals, learning to speak Spanish or Catalan will help.
• Wi-Fi and Cellphones: Most restaurants, bars, and coffee shops offer free Wi-Fi that is fast and reliable. The same is true in most co-work spaces. Using a cellphone is pretty simple. You will need to buy a SIM card, and most plans cost around $20, and plans contain talk, text, and data.

Get Involved With the Digital Nomad Community

Getting to know people when you first arrive in Barcelona can be difficult. Barcelona has been named one of the top 10 digital nomad destinations in the world; therefore, there is a large online digital nomad community. Getting to know people will keep you from being lonely, and you can use the community as a resource to help find places to work and live and get the help you need when moving to a new place.

Pipewing is a larger community that can help you connect with professionals from all over. You might also want to attend digital nomad networking events that are often held around the city. You can download the Meetup app to find out where and when these networking events will be held. This will give you a chance to meet other digital nomads face-to-face for professional advice and friendship.

Digital nomad groups and community events can help you meet like-minded individuals in a city where you may feel alone. Being a digital nomad is a great way to live in places you never dreamed possible while working in the same office every day. If you think that this is the lifestyle for you, you need to be prepared. It takes more than packing a bag and moving. If you don’t know the best places to live and work, this adventure can be more than you bargained for.

There is a lot to know about living in Barcelona as a digital nomad that has to be learned as you go; however, the tips listed above will help you understand enough about living in Barcelona so you can get started the right way.