A Travel Price Comparison for Spain Barcelona vs. Playa del Ingles for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Barcelona or Playa del Ingles?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Barcelona and Playa del Ingles can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Where Should I go: Barcelona or Playa del Ingles?

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.

Playa del Ingles

Translating to "Englishman's Beach," Playa del Ingles is a sea resort located on the south coast of the Gran Canaria island of Spain's Canary Islands. Since the 1960s it has been built up to accommodate tourists from around the world, especially from Europe. Some of the most popular attractions include an abundance of bars and clubs as well as beachside activities like swimming, surfing, scuba, and snorkeling.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Contiki Tours to Spain, The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain, The Best 3-Day Tours from Madrid, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Madrid.


Which place is cheaper, Playa del Ingles or Barcelona?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Barcelona is €156, while the average daily cost in Playa del Ingles is €180. 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 Barcelona and Playa del Ingles in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Barcelona 96
    Playa del Ingles 93
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Barcelona 192
    Playa del Ingles 186
Compare Hotels in Barcelona and Playa del Ingles

Looking for a hotel in Barcelona or Playa del Ingles? 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.

Hotels in Barcelona


Hotels in Playa del Ingles


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.
    Barcelona 19
    Playa del Ingles 61
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:

  • transfer with wheelchair Accessible from Bcn airport/ port/city: $285
  • Transfers From Cruise Port to Barcelona Airport: $37
  • Transfers From Barcelona Sants Train Station to Hotel bcn: $31
  • Transfers From Barcelona Cruise Port to Barcelona Airport: $40
  • Transfer to Montserrat Monastery from Barcelona: $27
  • Transfer in private vehicle from Barcelona City - Barcelona Airport (BCN): $33
  • Transfer in private vehicle from Barcelona Airport (BCN) - Barcelona City: $33
  • Transfer in private minivan from Barcelona City - Barcelona Airport (BCN): $49
  • Transfer in private minivan from Barcelona Airport (BCN) - Barcelona City: $44
  • Transfer from Barcelona to /Santa Susanna /pienda de ma/ calella: $169
  • Transfer from Barcelona Sants station to cruise port: $31
  • Transfer from Barcelona Airport to Barcelona CITY - ROUND TRIP: $221

Is it cheaper to fly into Barcelona or Playa del Ingles?

Prices for flights to both Playa del Ingles and Barcelona 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 day
    Barcelona 33
    Playa del Ingles 49
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.

  • Barcelona Guided Street Food Tour and Gothic Quarter Visit: $21
  • Flamenco at El Patio Andaluz with Optional Dinner: $27
  • Walking Tour + Flamenco + Tapas Dinner (choose options): $27
  • Hard Rock Cafe Barcelona with Set Lunch or Dinner: $30
  • La Barceloneta: Tapas Food Tour: $37
  • Barcelona La Barceloneta Tapas Food Tour: $38
  • Barcelona Street Food Tour: Local Market & Gothic Quarter with Expert Guide: $43
  • Boqueria Market & Barrio Gotico Street Food Tour: $56
  • Wine Tasting and Tapas 5-Course Pairing Dinner: $59
  • Paella Cooking Experience & Wine: $59
  • Paella Cooking Experience and Wine in Barcelona: $60
  • Barcelona street food tour La Boqueria Market: $63

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Barcelona 33
    Playa del Ingles 33
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 Christmas Walking Tour: $29
  • Cruise into Barcelona? Get the Most out of Your Visit!: $117
  • Dali Museum, Besalu & Girona Tour from Barcelona by Fast Train : $120
  • Girona and Costa Brava with Lunch: VIP Small Group Tour: $16
  • Montserrat Mountains Half - Day Private Tour - From Barcelona : $261
  • Private Mountain Bike Tour in Barcelona: $33
  • Sagrada Familia "Fast Track" Guided Tour in Barcelona: $106
  • Sagrada Familia Bike Tour in Small Group: $86
  • Skip The Line - Early Picasso Museum and Born Neighborhood: $56
  • 'Game Of Thrones' Small Group Tour in Girona with Lunch from Barcelona: $115
  • 2 hour Sailing Experience on J80 Racing Yacht in Barcelona: $64
  • 2 hour Sunrise Sailing Tour in Barcelona: $75

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Barcelona 17
    Playa del Ingles 7.86

Sample the Local Flavors in Barcelona

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Barcelona:

  • Barcelona Pub Crawl by King - Bar & Nightclub Hopping Tour: $14
  • Barcelona Pub Crawl by KING - Nightlife Party Experience: $16
  • Estrella Damm Brewery Guided Tour with Tasting: $16
  • Barcelona Bar Crawl: 4+ Venues, Free shots, Free Club Entry: $19
  • Estrella Damm Old Brewery Tour with Tasting: $21
  • Nightlife Tour - Barcelona Bar Crawl with Flamingos: $23
  • Barcelona Bar Crawl: $26
  • Barcelona Weekend Pub Crawl with 1.5 hour open bar@Hostel: $27
  • Catalan Nightlife Pub Crawl Tour & VIP Club Entry: $29
  • Barcelona Wine Tasting: Catalan and Spanish Wines: $32
  • Wine Tasting in Barcelona "Voyage en Catalogne" (in French): $33
  • Guided City Pub Crawl with 4 Drinks: $42


When comparing the travel costs between Barcelona and Playa del Ingles, we can see that Playa del Ingles is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Barcelona Expensive? and Is Playa del Ingles Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Barcelona or Playa del Ingles?

Barcelona has a larger population, and is about 90 times larger than the population of Playa del Ingles. When comparing the sizes of Barcelona and Playa del Ingles, 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 Barcelona or Playa del Ingles?

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 Barcelona or Playa del Ingles in the Summer?

Both Playa del Ingles and Barcelona during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Barcelona for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Barcelona is around the same temperature as Playa del Ingles in the summer. The daily temperature in Barcelona averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Playa del Ingles fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

In Playa del Ingles, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Barcelona. In the summer, Barcelona often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Playa del Ingles. Barcelona gets 308 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Playa del Ingles receives 293 hours of full sun.

Barcelona usually gets more rain in July than Playa del Ingles. Barcelona gets 22 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Playa del Ingles receives 0 mm (0 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Barcelona 23°C (73°F) 
    Playa del Ingles 22°C (72°F)

Should I visit Barcelona or Playa del Ingles in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Barcelona and Playa del Ingles. 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 the autumn, Barcelona is cooler than Playa del Ingles. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Barcelona in October average around 17°C (63°F), and Playa del Ingles averages at about 23°C (73°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Playa del Ingles this time of the year. Barcelona usually receives less sunshine than Playa del Ingles during autumn. Barcelona gets 181 hours of sunny skies, while Playa del Ingles receives 213 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Barcelona usually receives more rain than Playa del Ingles. Barcelona gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Playa del Ingles receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Barcelona 17°C (63°F) 
    Playa del Ingles 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Barcelona or Playa del Ingles in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Barcelona as well as Playa del Ingles. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Barcelona this time of year.

In January, Barcelona is generally much colder than Playa del Ingles. Daily temperatures in Barcelona average around 9°C (48°F), and Playa del Ingles fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In the winter, Barcelona often gets less sunshine than Playa del Ingles. Barcelona gets 146 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Playa del Ingles receives 187 hours of full sun.

Barcelona usually gets more rain in January than Playa del Ingles. Barcelona gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Playa del Ingles receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Barcelona 9°C (48°F) 
    Playa del Ingles 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Barcelona or Playa del Ingles in the Spring?

Both Playa del Ingles and Barcelona are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Barcelona for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

Barcelona is cooler than Playa del Ingles in the spring. The daily temperature in Barcelona averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Playa del Ingles fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

It's quite sunny in Playa del Ingles. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Barcelona. Barcelona usually receives less sunshine than Playa del Ingles during spring. Barcelona gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while Playa del Ingles receives 225 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Barcelona usually receives more rain than Playa del Ingles. Barcelona gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Playa del Ingles receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Barcelona 13°C (55°F) 
    Playa del Ingles 19°C (66°F)

Typical Weather for Playa del Ingles and Barcelona

Barcelona Playa del Ingles
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 9°C (48°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 17°C (63°F) 17 mm (0.7 in)
Feb 10°C (50°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 17°C (63°F) 22 mm (0.9 in)
Mar 11°C (52°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 18°C (64°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Apr 13°C (55°F) 51 mm (2 in) 19°C (66°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)
May 16°C (61°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 20°C (68°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Jun 20°C (67°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 21°C (70°F) 0 mm (0 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 22 mm (0.9 in) 22°C (72°F) 0 mm (0 in)
Aug 23°C (74°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 24°C (75°F) 0 mm (0 in)
Sep 21°C (70°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 24°C (75°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Oct 17°C (63°F) 94 mm (3.7 in) 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Nov 13°C (55°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 21°C (70°F) 21 mm (0.8 in)
Dec 10°C (49°F) 50 mm (2 in) 19°C (66°F) 21 mm (0.8 in)