The cost of living in Barcelona is something of a sore point,
with local minimum wage being far lower than the cost of an apartment
within the city centre. Frequent protests from young citizens about the
cost of living and the unwillingness for banks to lend to youngsters
mean that mortgages are often inherited from parents, or will be
inherited from children-to-be. Utility bills in Spain saw a massive
increase in 2008, and the current financial downturn means that it’s
tough for foreigners to come and make a start without having a very
decent job lined up and nearly impossible for those outside of the
European Union.
Spanish cuisine is enjoying a re-birth, and
Barcelona has its share of Michelin restaurants as well as more
accessible and hearty places. The nearby El Bulli Restaurant, close to
Roses in northern Catalunya - the kitchen of Ferran Adria, voted the
best restaurant in the world for an unprecedented 4 years running – has
also spawned various spin offs, making dining in Barcelona a treat for
the senses.
Barcelona has a high population of immigrants,
adding enormous diversity to everyday life, and enriching the culture.
This is reflected in many ways throughout the city with the most
diverse restaurant scenes and working conditions, to many local and
International celebrations staged on an almost weekly basis. Barcelona
is buzzing. Come and check it out for yourself.
