Barcelona stays among the world’s most affordable major cities despite rising prices

Deutsche Bank Research Institute’s “Mapping the World’s Prices 2026” report examined the cost of everyday goods and services in 69 cities worldwide. The study finds that Barcelona’s overall cost of living remains well below that of the world’s most expensive cities, such as Zurich and Geneva, which top the ranking, followed by Tel Aviv, New York and San Francisco.

Specific price comparisons show a standard restaurant meal for two people costing about €59 in Barcelona versus roughly €127 in the Swiss cities. A McDonald’s menu is €11.70 in Barcelona, compared with €17.90 in Tel Aviv, the priciest city for that product. A cappuccino averages €2.70 locally, while it exceeds €6 in Zurich. Even a bottle of wine is €6.80 in Barcelona, far cheaper than the €19.90 price recorded in Singapore. Tokyo appears on the opposite end of the spectrum, emerging as one of the most affordable developed capitals.

Overall, the report highlights Barcelona’s competitive position for residents, workers and visitors, offering lower expenses across dining, transport, leisure and daily consumption despite a decade‑long rise in prices.