Cost of living in Cologne (Germany) is 10% more expensive than in Barcelona, Spain (Spain)
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This comparison has some inconsistent or sparse data. It already provides a reliable comparison but it is not bullet-proof. It is based on 950 prices entered by 141 different people.
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Currency:
| Food | + 3% | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Food in Cologne (Germany) is about the same as in Barcelona, Spain (Spain) | ||||
| Update prices | Update prices | |||
| Cologne | Barcelona, Spain | Diff | ||
| Basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district | €17 | €19 | - 11% | |
| Combo meal in fast food restaurant (big mac meal or similar) | €9 | €11 | - 18% | |
| 500 gr (1 lb.) of boneless chicken breast | €4.54 | €4.03 | + 13% | |
| 1 liter (1 qt.) of whole fat milk | €1.13 | €1.07 | + 6% | |
| 12 eggs, large | €4.15 | €3.10 | + 34% | |
| 1 kg (2 lb.) of tomatoes | €3.86 | €2.00 | + 92% | |
| 500 gr (16 oz.) of local cheese | €6 | €8 | - 25% | |
| 1 kg (2 lb.) of apples | €2.34 | €2.25 | + 4% | |
| 1 kg (2 lb.) of potatoes | €2.13 | €1.49 | + 43% | |
| 0.5 l (16 oz) domestic beer in the supermarket | €1.06 | €1.32 | - 20% | |
| 1 bottle of red table wine, good quality | €7 | €8 | - 11% | |
| 2 liters of coca-cola | €2.10 | €2.05 | + 3% | |
| Bread for 2 people for 1 day | €1.25 | €1.04 | + 20% | |
| Housing | + 8% | |||
| Housing in Cologne (Germany) is 8% more expensive than in Barcelona, Spain (Spain) | ||||
| Update prices | Update prices | |||
| Cologne | Barcelona, Spain | Diff | ||
| Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in expensive area | €1,929 | €1,798 | + 7% | |
| Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in normal area | €1,540 | €1,368 | + 13% | |
| Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 2 people in 85m2 flat | €188 | €141 | + 33% | |
| Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in expensive area | €1,106 | €1,081 | + 2% | |
| Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in normal area | €897 | €932 | - 4% | |
| Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 1 person in 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio | €134 | €91 | + 48% | |
| Internet 8 mbps (1 month) | €27 | €27 | - 0% | |
| 40” flat screen tv | €480 | €313 | + 53% | |
| Microwave 800/900 watt (bosch, panasonic, lg, sharp, or equivalent brands) | €91 | €109 | - 16% | |
| Laundry detergent (3 l. ~ 100 oz.) | €5.59 | €9 | - 38% | |
| Hourly rate for cleaning help | €16 | €13 | + 19% | |
| Clothes | + 17% | |||
| Clothes in Cologne (Germany) is 17% more expensive than in Barcelona, Spain (Spain) | ||||
| Update prices | Update prices | |||
| Cologne | Barcelona, Spain | Diff | ||
| 1 pair of jeans (levis 501 or similar) | €86 | €74 | + 17% | |
| 1 summer dress in a high street store (zara, h&m or similar retailers) | €48 | €39 | + 22% | |
| 1 pair of sport shoes (nike, adidas, or equivalent brands) | €90 | €87 | + 4% | |
| 1 pair of men’s leather business shoes | €115 | €106 | + 8% | |
| Transportation | + 42% | |||
| Transportation in Cologne (Germany) is 42% more expensive than in Barcelona, Spain (Spain) | ||||
| Update prices | Update prices | |||
| Cologne | Barcelona, Spain | Diff | ||
| Volkswagen golf 1.4 tsi 150 cv (or equivalent), with no extras, new | €28,416 | €31,676 | - 10% | |
| 1 liter (1/4 gallon) of gas | €1.85 | €1.74 | + 6% | |
| Monthly ticket public transport | €63 | €32 | + 100% | |
| Taxi trip on a business day, basic tariff, 8 km. (5 miles) | €20 | €15 | + 30% | |
| Personal Care | - 14% | |||
| Personal Care in Cologne (Germany) is 14% cheaper than in Barcelona, Spain (Spain) | ||||
| Update prices | Update prices | |||
| Cologne | Barcelona, Spain | Diff | ||
| Cold medicine for 6 days (tylenol, frenadol, coldrex, or equivalent brands) | €6 | €5.45 | + 15% | |
| 1 box of antibiotics (12 doses) | €10 | €8 | + 20% | |
| Short visit to private doctor (15 minutes) | €46 | €59 | - 22% | |
| 1 box of 32 tampons (tampax, ob, ...) | €3.18 | €5.30 | - 40% | |
| Deodorant, roll-on (50ml ~ 1.5 oz.) | €2.06 | €2.60 | - 21% | |
| Hair shampoo 2-in-1 (400 ml ~ 12 oz.) | €2.09 | €3.38 | - 38% | |
| 4 rolls of toilet paper | €1.66 | €2.12 | - 22% | |
| Tube of toothpaste | €1.43 | €2.34 | - 39% | |
| Standard men's haircut in expat area of the city | €22 | €23 | - 4% | |
| Entertainment | - 16% | |||
| Entertainment in Cologne (Germany) is 16% cheaper than in Barcelona, Spain (Spain) | ||||
| Update prices | Update prices | |||
| Cologne | Barcelona, Spain | Diff | ||
| Basic dinner out for two in neighborhood pub | €36 | €41 | - 12% | |
| 2 tickets to the movies | €20 | €18 | + 13% | |
| 2 tickets to the theater (best available seats) | €195 | €42 | + 367% | |
| Dinner for two at an italian restaurant in the expat area including appetisers, main course, wine and dessert | €69 | €56 | + 24% | |
| 1 cocktail drink in downtown club | €8 | €13 | - 35% | |
| Cappuccino in expat area of the city | €2.89 | €3.78 | - 24% | |
| 1 beer in neighbourhood pub (500ml or 1pt.) | €4.37 | €5.68 | - 23% | |
| Ipad wi-fi 128gb | €498 | €531 | - 6% | |
| 1 min. of prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans) | €0.08 | €0.25 | - 67% | |
| 1 month of gym membership in business district | €33 | €55 | - 40% | |
| 1 package of marlboro cigarettes | €7 | €5.78 | + 18% | |
 |
TOTAL | + 10% | ||
This comparison has some inconsistent or sparse data. It already provides a reliable comparison but it is not bullet-proof. It is based on 950 prices entered by 141 different people.
These prices were last updated on September 13, 2024.
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For example, you would need at least €6,071 in Cologne to maintain the same standard of living that you can have with €5,500 in Barcelona, Spain.
Do you live in Barcelona, Spain? We need your help!
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