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From the Golden State to the heart of Catalonia: The Californian guide to short-term rentals in Barcelona

By Leslie Irving, California Business Journal

Making a move from California to Barcelona can be daunting, yet super exciting! While the two destinations are very different, they share some similarities too, making it the perfect place to push yourself out of your comfort zone. Whether you are planning to stay for a few months or decide to make it a long-term home, let’s look at some of the main things you should know before moving to Barcelona!

Mediterranean climate

Barcelona’s Mediterranean climate can actually offer a familiar comfort to Californians, who are used to a lot of warmth and sun. Although the Catalan capital does get slightly cooler in the Winter, the city generally has a mild climate and enjoys over 300 days of sunshine every year. Speaking of temperature, winters in Barcelona average at around 10–11°C, summers reach the heat of 26–30°C, while springs and autumns tend to linger around the comfortable temperatures of 18–22°C.

Cost of living

One of the most appealing things about Barcelona for Californians is the local cost of living, which tends to be significantly cheaper in Spain than the US. Rental prices in Barcelona are notably more affordable than Los Angeles or San Francisco, for instance. In fact, rentals are 162.5% lower on average compared to the Golden City. Similarly, the general cost of living is around 75% lower, when accounting for things like grocery costs or eating out spendings.

Cultural adjustments

Now, the cultural differences may the most difficult to adjust to. However, Spaniards are generally incredibly friendly and easy to make friends with, as long as you respect the local way of life.

Barcelona’s fining culture, for example, differs quite a bit from California’s. Although both regions pride themselves on fresh produce and delicious restaurants, the Catalan capital embraces a much more leisurely approach to eating out. Dinners typically don’t start until much later in the evening, so don’t be surprised when you see restaurants full of diners at 9-11pm!

In addition to the slightly unusual eating times, the daily routine in Spain is quite different too. Many local businesses have a midday break called a siesta, which can last between 30 minutes up to 2 hours and happens at lunchtime. Originally, siestas were introduced as a break to avoid the heat and, while not all people still have them, you will still run into some shops or cafés that shut down during these hours.

Finding a short-term rental in Barcelona

There are lots of apartments for rent in Barcelona available for short-term tenants, but it’s all about knowing where to look. Such platforms as Spotahome are dedicated to stays between on and twelve months, offering flexible rentals with certified landlords. Not just that, they provide customer support to the tenants, with a promise to help you find another place if you have any problems, such as last-minute cancellations.

Using a dedicated, trustworthy platform is always recommended as opposed to private dealings with landlords, particularly when it comes to moving from as far as the US.

Popular areas for expats

When looking for a short-term rental in Barcelona, it’s not just about the budget and the apartment itself – the area will be a big consideration too. Of course, knowing where to move in a completely new city can be difficult. Here are some of the most popular areas among expats, depending on your personal preferences.

Eixample: Ideal for those who want to be in a central location with great amenities, like metros, cafés, shops, and gyms;
Gràcia: If you prefer a quieter area that almost has a village feeling within the city, Gràcia is your best bet;
La Barceloneta: For those craving a beach lifestyle, La Barceloneta is within walking distance of the city’s golden coastline and buzzing beach bars;
El Borne: With its trendy, youthful atmosphere, this area is particularly popular among expats who are looking to go out and meet new people;
Poblenou: Featuring the perfect mix of cafés and beaches, Poblenou is a great area for digital nomads working from Barcelona;

Although the overall rental prices are significantly cheaper than in California, some areas are more expensive than others. The more central the neighbourhood is, the steeper its rental prices will be, particularly if you want an apartment close to the beaches. Keep that in mind if the price is a big deal-breaker for you.

Other considerations

Moving countries involves its fair share of considerations, with legal requirements being one of them. To live here for longer than 90 days, you will need to get a visa, which will require certain documentations.

For instance, you may have to provide your income or funds and provide an employment contract, if you are planning to work in Spain. If you are a digital nomad, you will be required to get a dedicated digital nomad visa. It is always recommended to prepare all the necessary documentation well in advance, to avoid any delays.