Which place is cheaper, Barcelona or Gran Canaria?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Gran Canaria or Barcelona?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Gran Canaria or Barcelona? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Gran Canaria or Barcelona?
Gran Canaria
Gran Canaria is one of Spain's Canary Islands, located just off the coast of northwestern Africa. It is the third largest of the islands, and is known for its variety of volcanic beaches. This island is sometimes called a "Miniature Continent" due to the different climates and variety of landscapes found, which allow for a range of activities like hiking, biking, surfing, and scuba diving.
Barcelona
Barcelona is the second largest city in Spain with a population of over 1.5 million people. It's also the capital of Catalonia and is located on the northeastern part of the Mediterranean coast. Barcelona is one of the country's most popular travel destinations because of its rich history, interesting architecture, and vibrant culture. Barcelona hosted the 1992 Summer Olympic games and that had a strong influence over tourism in the area. Many different neighborhoods were renovated and rebuilt. Modern design became the norm in many parts of the city, although there is still an old city feel and many efforts at preservation.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain, The Best Luxury Tours to Spain, The Best Budget Tours to Spain, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Spain.
-
Gran Canaria Prices
Spain PricesBarcelona Prices
Spain Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayGran Canaria €150Barcelona €185
The average daily cost (per person) in Gran Canaria is €150, while the average daily cost in Barcelona is €185. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Gran Canaria and Barcelona in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personGran Canaria €63Barcelona €98
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomGran Canaria €126Barcelona €196
Compare Hotels in Gran Canaria and Barcelona
Looking for a hotel in Gran Canaria or Barcelona? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Barcelona Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Gran Canaria €46Barcelona €19
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Gran Canaria
Also for Gran Canaria, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Agüimes to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $34
- Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Las Palmas airport (LPA) to Ingenio: $37
- Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Ingenio to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $37
- El Salobre: Horse Riding Adventure with Transfer Options: $42
- Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Costa Meloneras to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $46
- Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Bahía Feliz to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $46
- Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Las Palmas airport (LPA) to Arucas: $48
- Grand Island Tour by Bus with Transfers: $52
- Gran Canaria Private Transfer from La Garita to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $66
- Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Las Palmas airport (LPA) to Amadores: $67
- Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Playa del Inglés to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $72
- Gran Canaria Private Transfer from La Milagrosa to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $72
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Barcelona
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Barcelona are as follows:
-
10 Trip Metro Ticket€7.80
-
Airport Bus€5.00
-
Metro€2.10
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Barcelona
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Barcelona:
- Montserrat Half Day Private Guided Tour with Transfers: $298
- Montserrat RoundTrip Transfer with lunch (optional): $297
- Barcelona Airport (BNC) to Palamós - Arrival Private Transfer: $292
- Private Arrival Transfer from Barcelona Airport to Sitges: $286
- Private Transfer from Barcelona city to Girona airport: $269
- Private Transfer From Barcelona To Tarragona With a 2 Hour Stop: $260
- Transfer with wheelchair Accessible from Bcn airport/ port/city: $239
- Private Transfer from Barcelona Airport to Cambrils: $227
- Private Transfer from Barcelona Airport (BCN) to Tarragona Port: $210
- Private Transfer from Barcelona hotels to Tarragona Cruise Port: $210
- Private Transfer from Barcelona Airport to Lloret de Mar: $209
- Private transfer from Airport Barcelona to Santa Susanna: $203
Is it cheaper to fly into Gran Canaria or Barcelona?
Prices for flights to both Barcelona and Gran Canaria change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
-
Food Meals for one dayGran Canaria €59Barcelona €58
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Gran Canaria
For Gran Canaria, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Origen Dinner Show at Sala Scala: $73
- Sunset Tour with Champagne & Optional Dinner.: $81
- Sala Scala Gran Canaria Dinner Show : $111
Typical Food Prices in Barcelona
Some typical examples of dining costs in Barcelona are as follows:
-
Hot Cocoa & Churro€4.15
-
Sandwich€1.70
-
Baguette & Horchata€3.80
-
Tapas on the beach€8.28
-
Gelatto€2.50
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Barcelona
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Barcelona.
- Hard Rock Cafe Barcelona with Set Lunch or Dinner: $34
- Barcelona Morning Walking and Food Tour with Local Flavors: $35
- Barcelona Guided Street Food Tour and Gothic Quarter Visit: $42
- Tasty Barcelona Street Food Tour With Local Market Visit : $54
- Barcelona Food Tour: Market & Gothic Quarter with Expert Guide: $54
- Tablao Flamenco Cordobes on Rambla Barcelona with Dinner Option: $57
- Barcelona Morning Tapas Crawl by Food Tour: $70
- Wine Tasting and 5 Course Tapas Pairing Dinner: $70
- Barcelona Interactive Spanish Cooking Experience: $78
- Seafood Paella and Mediterranean Tapas Cooking Class: $81
- Barcelona Food Tour: Tapas, Drinks and Delights with a Local: $85
- Barcelona : Paella Cooking Experience + Boqueria Market Exclusive Tour: $94
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Gran Canaria €20Barcelona €33
Tours and Activities in Gran Canaria
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Gran Canaria.
- Walking tour Vegueta (old town Las Palmas): $8.22
- Las Palmas Interactive City Tour: $8.42
- Agüimes: Cocodrilo Park Zoo Entry Ticket: $12
- Holiday World Maspalomas Wooland Ticket: $15
- Angry Birds Activity Park Entry Ticket: $15
- Holiday World Maspalomas Wooland Ticket: $16
- Maspalomas: Bowling Session Entry Ticket at Holiday World: $16
- Banana World Guided Tour & Tasting: $18
- Guided tour of the Banana World : $18
- Canarian Wine Experience at Bodega los Lirios: $19
- UD Las Palmas Gran Canaria Stadium Guided Tour: $20
- Puerto de Mogan: Friday Market Experience: $26
Typical Entertainment Prices in Barcelona
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Barcelona are as follows:
-
Picasso Walking Tour and Museum Pass€42
-
Souvenir Gaudi Book€8.55
-
Admission to Museo Picasso€6.00
Tours and Activities in Barcelona
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Barcelona are as follows:
- Barcelona Arrival Cruise Port to Sants Station Private: $45
- Barcelona Christmas Walking Tour: $32
- Coffee and Art Tour walking Gothic Quarter, Official Guide: $89
- Costa Brava Coves Towns and Winery Private Tour: $197
- Day Sailing Experience, Barcelona(9 Persons): $89
- Highlights & Hidden Spots of Barcelona Bike Tour w/ Local Guide: $43
- Montserrat Guided Tour from Barcelona + Basilica Access : $94
- Montserrat Monastery Classic One Day Tour from Barcelona: $84
- Private Mountain Bike Tour in Barcelona: $57
- Wine & Scent Experience in Barcelona: $60
- Big Fun Museum Ticket: $30
- 1 Hour Barcelona Sailing Tour Experience with Drinks: $35
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayGran Canaria €7.14Barcelona €17
Sample the Local Flavors in Gran Canaria
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Gran Canaria:
- Guided Tour at Ron Arehucas Distillery: $13
- Guided Tour at Ron Arehucas Distillery: $13
- Las Palmas: Gourmet Tapas and Wine Tour in the Old Town: $47
- Gourmet Tapas and Wine Tour in the Old Town of Las Palmas: $48
- Painting and textures workshop with volcanic wine tasting: $48
- Spanish Cured Meats & Wine Tasting Tour in Mogan: $58
- Spanish Tapas and Wine Tasting Tour in Mogan: $65
Sample the Local Flavors in Barcelona
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Barcelona:
- Barcelona Bar Crawl Old Town Treasure Tramp Adventure: $15
- Barcelona Pub Crawl by KING -The Best Party tour & VIP Club Entry: $18
- Largest Pub Crawl in Barcelona: $18
- Largest Bar Crawl in Barcelona: $18
- Estrella Damm Brewery in El Prat de Llobregat tour with Tasting: $18
- Pub Crawl in Barcelona: $18
- Barcelona Halloween Bar Crawl: $18
- Pub Crawl Barcelona by EVOLVE The BEST night experience: $24
- Wine tasting next to the Sagrada Familia: $30
- Go out like a local, pub Crawl / Tour in Raval - Barcelona: $32
- Magic Montjuïc Tour with Wine Tasting : $33
- Barcelona Markets Tour With Optional Food & Wine Tasting Upgrade: $35
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Gran Canaria and Barcelona, we can see that Barcelona is more expensive. And not only is Gran Canaria much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Gran Canaria would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Gran Canaria and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Barcelona would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Barcelona than you might in Gran Canaria.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Gran Canaria Expensive? and Is Barcelona Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Gran Canaria or Barcelona?
Barcelona has a larger population, and is about 88% larger than the population of Gran Canaria. When comparing the sizes of Gran Canaria and Barcelona, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.
When is the best time to visit Gran Canaria or Barcelona?
Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Gran Canaria or Barcelona in the Summer?
Both Barcelona and Gran Canaria during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Barcelona for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In the summer, Gran Canaria is around the same temperature as Barcelona. Typically, the summer temperatures in Gran Canaria in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Barcelona averages at about 23°C (73°F).
In Barcelona, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Gran Canaria. In the summer, Gran Canaria often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Barcelona. Gran Canaria gets 293 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Barcelona receives 308 hours of full sun.
Gran Canaria usually gets less rain in July than Barcelona. Gran Canaria gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 22 mm (0.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyGran Canaria 23°C (73°F)Barcelona 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Gran Canaria or Barcelona in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Gran Canaria and Barcelona. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Barcelona because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Gran Canaria is generally a little warmer than Barcelona. Daily temperatures in Gran Canaria average around 23°C (73°F), and Barcelona fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).
In Gran Canaria, it's very sunny this time of the year. Gran Canaria usually receives more sunshine than Barcelona during autumn. Gran Canaria gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Barcelona receives 181 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Gran Canaria usually receives less rain than Barcelona. Gran Canaria gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberGran Canaria 23°C (73°F)Barcelona 17°C (63°F)
Should I visit Gran Canaria or Barcelona in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Gran Canaria as well as Barcelona. Additionally, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Barcelona this time of year.
Gran Canaria is much warmer than Barcelona in the winter. The daily temperature in Gran Canaria averages around 18°C (64°F) in January, and Barcelona fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).
In the winter, Gran Canaria often gets more sunshine than Barcelona. Gran Canaria gets 187 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Barcelona receives 146 hours of full sun.
Gran Canaria usually gets less rain in January than Barcelona. Gran Canaria gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryGran Canaria 18°C (64°F)Barcelona 9°C (48°F)
Should I visit Gran Canaria or Barcelona in the Spring?
Both Barcelona and Gran Canaria are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Barcelona for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Gran Canaria is a little warmer than Barcelona. Typically, the spring temperatures in Gran Canaria in April average around 19°C (66°F), and Barcelona averages at about 13°C (55°F).
It's quite sunny in Barcelona. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Gran Canaria. Gran Canaria usually receives more sunshine than Barcelona during spring. Gran Canaria gets 225 hours of sunny skies, while Barcelona receives 204 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Gran Canaria usually receives less rain than Barcelona. Gran Canaria gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilGran Canaria 19°C (66°F)Barcelona 13°C (55°F)
Typical Weather for Barcelona and Gran Canaria
| Gran Canaria | Barcelona | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 18°C (64°F) | 25 mm (1 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 18°C (64°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) |
| Mar | 19°C (66°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Apr | 19°C (66°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| May | 20°C (68°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| Jun | 22°C (72°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Oct | 23°C (73°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Nov | 21°C (70°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| Dec | 19°C (66°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.