Catalonia is a cultural destination known for its beauty, culture, food, and exciting activities. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation.
How much does it cost to travel to Catalonia?
A typical traveler spends $131,720 (€112,278) per day on a trip to Catalonia. This is the average daily price for a vacation in Catalonia based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $85,650 (€73,008) on meals
- $15,300 (€13,042) on local transportation
- $38,016 (€32,405) on hotels
A one-week trip to Catalonia for two people costs, on average, $1,844,081 (€1,571,892). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
-
One Week
Per person
$922,040
€785,946
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$1,844,081
€1,571,892
-
One Month
Per person
$3,951,602
€3,368,340
-
One Week
For a couple
$1,844,081
€1,571,892
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$3,688,162
€3,143,784
-
One Month
For a couple
$7,903,204
€6,736,680
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Catalonia cost?
A one week trip to Catalonia usually costs around $922,040 (€785,946) for one person and $1,844,081 (€1,571,892) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Catalonia on average costs around $1,844,081 (€1,571,892) for one person and $3,688,162 (€3,143,784) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Catalonia will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Catalonia on average costs around $3,951,602 (€3,368,340) for one person and $7,903,204 (€6,736,680) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Catalonia expensive to visit?
In Catalonia, budget travelers spend $31,159 (€26,560) per day on average, mid-range travelers spend $131,720 (€112,278) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $637,360 (€543,285) per day. These costs are calculated from the reported expenses of previous travelers to Catalonia.
Catalonia is a smaller destination that attracts travelers with diverse styles, spending habits, and budgetary preferences. Accommodation options range from budget-friendly hostels to mid-range hotels to high-end luxury properties.
If you're not cautious, Catalonia can become costly, but you can save with strategies like looking for discounts and coupons.
Within Europe, which is known to be an expensive region, Catalonia is a very affordable destination compared to other places. It is in the top 10% of cities in Europe for its travel costs. Very few cities in the region are as affordable as Catalonia.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Catalonia Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Catalonia?
The average Catalonia trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Catalonia travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Catalonia cost?
Catalonia on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$4,388
(€3,740)
|
$19,008
(€16,203)
|
$93,559
(€79,750)
|
|
Local Transportation1
|
$3,015
(€2,570)
|
$15,300
(€13,042)
|
$82,847
(€70,619)
|
|
Food2
|
$20,097
(€17,131)
|
$85,650
(€73,008)
|
$416,830
(€355,305)
|
|
Entertainment1
|
$9,208
(€7,849)
|
$38,052
(€32,435)
|
$181,111
(€154,379)
|
|
Alcohol2
|
$3,491-10,472
(€2,975-8,926)
|
$14,463-43,388
(€12,328-36,984)
|
$68,971-206,913
(€58,791-176,373)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
Setting realistic expectations for your travel budget is important. Many people think they can visit Catalonia on a tight budget, but most travelers aren't comfortable with a low "shoestring" budget. Think about what you enjoy during your vacations and how you typically travel. Do you prefer resorts, vacation rentals, or hostels? Do you want to visit museums, sights, and participate in activities? Is dining out a priority? These factors will shape both your budget and your itinerary.
The Truth on Budget Travel
While you might think you're a budget traveler, without giving up many of your usual comforts, you'll likely need to spend more than the $31,159 per day that backpackers often spend.
Backpackers often work within this tight budget by staying in hostel dorms, eating fast food or street food, using public transit, and mainly visiting free attractions.
Do You Identify as an Average Traveler?
If you're a couple or a family on a fun getaway, you might want to choose a mid-range hotel, enjoy meals at well-liked restaurants, and visit the key museums and attractions that come with entry fees. It's common for visitors to Catalonia to seek out the major attractions, museums, and significant landmarks. Most activities are not free, after all. Therefore, it's realistic to plan on a daily budget of about $131,720 per person, per day.
Want to Escape the Daily Grind in Style?
For a trip that encompasses every convenience with outstanding service, get ready for a daily cost nearing $637,360. To experience nicer hotels, enjoy award-winning cuisine, indulge in extravagant outings, and use taxis or private drivers for your journeys in the destination, be prepared for premium pricing. Also, higher-end tours are common with luxury travelers, such as Barcelona Private transfer from Airport to Hotel / Cruise - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Catalonia
In Catalonia, hotel prices can be quite surprising. Higher-end hotels offer more amenities and luxury, but come at a higher price tag, especially during the peak season. Off-season prices average around $, but in peak season, they can average around $. Prices generally range from $ to $, and hostels remain the cheaper option. Booking early or traveling during the low season can save you money, and you might find special deals along the way.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Catalonia for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $38,016 (€32,405). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $19,008 (€16,203) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Catalonia? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
Choosing to travel outside of and in the low or shoulder season will give you lower hotel prices and less tourist congestion.
Transportation Budget in Catalonia
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $15,300 (€13,042) per person, per day, on local transportation in Catalonia. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Catalonia is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$15,300
€13,042
As far as finding you way around Catalonia, there are six different airports within this region. Therefore, it should be easy and reasonably cheap to fly between the different airports. Besides flying, the best form of transportation is by railway. The high speed rail (AVE) now runs between Madrid, Lleida, Tarragona and Barcelona. There are also a variety of other railways that travel all throughout Spain in addition to AVE. Finally Catalonia has a very effective public transportation system including the metro, buses and trams.
Be sure your hotel has hassle-free parking if you're planning to drive.
Some of the standard transportation options and hotel transfers include:
- Barcelona Airport Departure Transfers for $32 details
- Barcelona Airport Private Arrival Transfers for $27 details
- Barcelona Cruise port to barcelona city private transfer for $33 details
How much does it cost to go to Catalonia? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Catalonia will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Catalonia
Cuisine often serves as a primary motivation for travel, so make sure to indulge in the local dishes.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Catalonia can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Catalonia is $85,650 (€73,008) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$85,650
€73,008
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Catalonia is around $85650 (€73008) per person, with previous travelers spending from $20097 to $416830. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Catalonia are as follows:
- Breakfast: $8565 to $25695
- Lunch: $12848 to $34260
- Dinner: $25695 to $59955
- Coffee: $6852
- Fast Food or Street Food: $12848
What to eat in Catalonia? The cuisine found in this region is typically Mediterranean. It mostly consists of fresh vegetables, wheat products, cheese, poultry, lamb, a variety of fish and a heavy use of pork. It is common that much of Catalonia’s food includes both sweet and savory flavors, along with pork based stews and sauces.
Many accommodations feature breakfast in their rates, while some may charge additional fees for it. The cost and quality can vary significantly from one hotel to another. Knowing this information ahead of time helps you decide if you need to spend extra money. A tasty hotel buffet could be worth the expense, or a nearby bakery or cafe might offer a more affordable choice.
Take a water bottle with you to save on drinks. It's also an environmentally friendly option.
When planning a tour, don't forget to look into which meals are covered. You may be responsible for some of your own food, which could impact your budget significantly.
Taking a food tour or cooking class is a great way to experience the culture in Catalonia. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:
- Premium Spanish Cooking Class in Designer Loft: Paella & Tapas for $147 details
- Premium Tapas and Paella Cooking Class in Barcelona for $179 details
- Market Tour & Paella or Fideua Cooking in Nicole's Barcelona Home for $179 details
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Catalonia
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Catalonia typically cost an average of $38,052 (€32,435) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$38,052
€32,435
There are many popular attractions in Catalonia that you can visit during your stay in Spain. If you are looking for beaches, one of the most popular ones is Costa Dorada, in the province of Tarragona. Another popular event in Tarragona is the annual human tower competition, where teams of over 100 people work together to make the largest human tower. If you are interested in historic architecture, you should meander on over to Girona, where you can tour the Jewish Quarter. Or if you enjoy mountainous regions, you should visit Lleida. One of the major attractions there is the old cathedral from the 12-15th century. Finally, if you are into city life, shopping, and incredible restaurants, Barcelona is for you! Not to mention its abundance of modernist architecture, specifically works by the famous Antoni Gaudi.
Whether you’re a city explorer or nature lover, Catalonia provides an abundance of activities for all interests. Hike or bike through the Montseny Natural Park or the wild trails of the Pyrenees, with opportunities for skiing and snowboarding in winter. Bask on the golden beaches of the Costa Dorada or Costa Brava, where swimming, kayaking, and affordable boat rides await. Walk the medieval streets of Besalú or Peratallada, or participate in a free walking tour in Barcelona or Girona for a deep dive into history. Wine lovers can enjoy budget-friendly tastings in the Penedès region, known for its sparkling Cava. Foodies may want to hit open-air markets or try Catalan cooking classes. The Castellers (human towers) performances and local festivals provide unique windows into Catalan traditions. Day trips are easy to organize to Montserrat, Sitges, or natural hotspots like Aiguestortes National Park.
A nice way to explore destinations in Catalonia is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Montserrat Private Tour from Barcelona with Pick-up for $185 details
- The Ultimate Old Town Tour in Barcelona for $90 details
- Costa Brava Tour with Kayak & Lagoon Snorkeling for $86 details
Nightlife Budget in Catalonia
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $28,925 (€24,656) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Catalonia per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$28,925
€24,656
While nightlife is a key part of many trips, scaling back on drinks can help free up some extra cash in your budget.
Nightlife activities and tasting tours are popular in Catalonia. A few favorites from other travelers include:
- Vineyard walk and wine tasting in l’Empordà for $31 details
- Go out like a local, pub Crawl / Tour in Raval - Barcelona for $32 details
- Horseback Ride and Wine Tasting Adventure for $107 details
Travel cost data last updated: Aug 14, 2025
Traveling in Catalonia
Girona, Catalonia, Spain
Catalonia is a famous autonomous community in Spain. It is situated in the northeastern part of the country and consists of four provinces. The provinces consist of Barcelona, Girona, Lleida and Tarragona. Barcelona is not only the capital of Catalonia, but is also the biggest city in the region. Because Barcelona is such a large city and Catalonia’s long history of international trade, the area is a very popular tourist destination. Another reason for Catalonia’s success is its temperate climate. Two other reasons that make Catalonia different from other areas in Spain are, people speak Catalan, Spanish and Aranese, and its climate has both beaches and mountain ranges.
Catalonia, a vibrant region in northeastern Spain, dazzles travelers with its rich history, distinctive language and culture, and stunning landscapes. Stretching from rugged Pyrenean mountains to sunny Mediterranean beaches, Catalonia offers a diverse travel experience that suits every budget. Barcelona, its famed capital, draws millions with its architectural wonders, buzzing markets, and energetic street life, but the region’s charm extends far beyond the city. Medieval villages, Roman ruins, and modernist masterpieces sprinkle the landscape alongside vineyard-clad hills and wild coastlines. Catalonia’s strong regional identity reveals itself in everything from its festive traditions to its renowned cuisine. Whether you're seeking urban excitement, quiet mountain villages, or laid-back seaside towns, Catalonia is a rewarding destination for budget-conscious travelers eager to explore Spain’s creative and independent spirit.
Related
Looking for a party in
Barcelona or
Madrid?
Traveling alone to
Granada or
Seville?
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
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.