Why live in Girona and work in Barcelona?

This text was written by someone who has lived in Girona and worked in Barcelona for more than 20 years — and he did it when there was no AVE yet. So we speak from personal experience.

1. Is there specific data that shows the difference in costs between Girona and Barcelona?

Yes, and they are clear. In July 2025 we analyzed real homes in Girona and Barcelona ( 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom apartments), located within a 1000 meter radius of the main stations:

• Girona Station : one of the most valued areas (Eixample North – La Devesa).

• Sants Station (Barcelona) : well-connected area but with average quality within the city.

Rental

Annual savings on rent : €7,033

Purchase with a 30-year mortgage

Monthly mortgage savings : up to €931/month
*Real example: Subsidized Fixed Mortgage at 2.45% TIN (Banco Santander) – July 2025

Data obtained from real estate portals. It has not been verified whether they comply with the Rental Law, but it is assumed that most advertisers already take this into account.

2. Is it viable to live in Girona and work in Barcelona every day?

Yes. With the AVE or AVANT train you can reach Barcelona in less than 40 minutes . Many professionals do it every day to live in a better environment without giving up their work.

Furthermore, it is important to keep in mind that many journeys within the city of Barcelona itself—especially by metro—can take more than 30 minutes, and if you live in the metropolitan area and travel by local train, the journey time is often even longer and less reliable.

3. How much does it cost to travel by AVE or AVANT?

There is no traditional monthly pass, but there are multi-trip tickets with discounts:

• Plus 10 Card (AVANT) : 10 trips for €35 (€3.50 per trip).

• Plus Card 30/50 : 30 or 50 trips to be made in 2 months (similar cost).

Actual monthly cost for 40 trips (round trip 20 days):
€3.50 x 40 = €140/month

Punctuality : the AVE/AVANT service is not always reliable. Delays, cancellations and occasional incidents are common.

4. Many commuters end up finding work in Girona: what does it entail?

Many professionals who start working in Barcelona and living in Girona end up finding work in Girona itself . The reasons are clear:

• Saving time and quality of life.

• Local companies that value profiles with experience in Barcelona.

Salaries can be 10–20% lower for the same position, but this is often offset by savings and a more balanced life.

5. What if I only go to Barcelona a few days a week or I work remotely?

Then living in Girona clearly pays off . With fiber optics, coworking spaces and a quiet environment, it is an ideal option for professionals with hybrid or 100% remote working hours.

6. Are there good schools and services in Girona?

Yes, Girona has an excellent educational offer:

Outstanding charter schools (Girona)

• The Room Girona

• Marist College Girona

• FEDAC Girona

• Girona

• Beautiful place in the Pla

Approximate cost : €3,000–5,000/year

International school (Girona)

• Saint George's School (British curriculum, English-Catalan)
  Cost : €9,910–11,431/year

University of Girona (UdG)

• University of Girona: public, with degrees in law, business, engineering, health, education and humanities.

• Modern and well-connected campuses.

Comparison with

🎓 Unlike Barcelona, Girona offers a closer relationship between students and teachers, a quieter environment, and more affordable prices in private and international schools.

7. What lifestyle can I have living in Girona?

Girona also stands out for its leisure and cultural offerings . Barcelona is often spoken of as a center of activities, but Girona is no exception:

• Municipal Theater, Auditorium and festivals such as Temps de Flors , Strenes or the Black Music Festival .

• Museums such as the History Museum, the Cinema Museum or the Art Museum.

• High-level gastronomic offer, with internationally renowned restaurants and local cuisine.

• Cinemas, public libraries and a very active associative and cultural life.

In addition, having everything nearby makes it easier to access these services without the need for long journeys.

A more balanced, healthy and close to nature lifestyle:

• Tranquility and security.

• Less noise, less traffic.

• Air quality and local food.

• Costa Brava and Pyrenees nearby.

8. What are the advantages of living in Girona?

• More affordable housing.

• More space for less money.

• Higher quality of life.

• Quality education and public services.

• Perfect combination between active city and healthy environment.

9. Living in Girona and working in Barcelona: conclusion

It is viable, especially if:

• You work remotely, either fully or partially.

• You want to improve your environment and well-being.

• Save on housing and gain quality of life.

• You don't depend on absolute punctuality every day.

🚀 Girona can be a better base to live, regardless of where you work.