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.
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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.
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Gran Canaria Prices
Spain PricesBarcelona Prices
Spain Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayGran Canaria €150Barcelona €179
The average daily cost (per person) in Gran Canaria is €150, while the average daily cost in Barcelona is €179. 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
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personGran Canaria €63Barcelona €92
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomGran Canaria €126Barcelona €184
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
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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 Arinaga to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $32
- Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Las Palmas airport (LPA) to Agüimes: $32
- El Salobre: Horse Riding Adventure with Transfer Options: $43
- Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Golf Maspalomas to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $43
- Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Playa del Águila to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $43
- Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Las Palmas airport (LPA) to Playa del Águila: $43
- Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Valsequillo to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $45
- Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Las Palmas airport (LPA) to Puerto de la Luz: $45
- Gran Canaria Private Transfer from La Milagrosa to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $45
- Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Las Palmas airport (LPA) to La Milagrosa: $45
- Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Puerto de la Luz to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $45
- Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Pasito Blanco to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $46
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Barcelona
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Barcelona are as follows:
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10 Trip Metro Ticket€7.80
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Airport Bus€5.00
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Metro€2.10
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Barcelona
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Barcelona:
- Private VIP Transfer Barcelona - Benidorm: $510
- Transfer by Luxury Van from Barcelona City to Girones City: $300
- Transfer airport Barcelona to Barcelona city centre. (1 to 15 pax): $295
- Montserrat Half Day Private Guided Tour with Transfers: $286
- Transfer from Barcelona City to Girones City by Private Sedan: $275
- Private Arrival Transfer from Barcelona Airport to Sitges: $275
- Private Transfer from Barcelona to Tossa de Mar/ Lloret de Mar: $275
- Private Transfer from Barcelona to Figueres: $269
- Private Transfer from Barcelona Airport to Calella de Palafrugell: $269
- Private Transfer From Barcelona To Tarragona With a 2 Hour Stop: $249
- La Roca Village: private Round-Trip Transfer: $246
- Port Aventura Private Transfer Service: $237
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
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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:
- MHT Comedy Drag Dinner Show & 3-Course Meal: $67
- Nomad Dinner Show at Sala Scala: $71
- Sunset Tour with Champagne & Optional Dinner.: $79
- Food Tour with Distillery Visit & Lunch: $99
- Sala Scala Gran Canaria Dinner Show: $105
- Private Boat Tour with Dinner and Champagne: $410
Typical Food Prices in Barcelona
Some typical examples of dining costs in Barcelona are as follows:
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Hot Cocoa & Churro€4.15
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Sandwich€1.70
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Baguette & Horchata€3.80
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Tapas on the beach€8.28
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Gelatto€2.50
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Barcelona
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Barcelona.
- Top Awarded Flamenco Show Tablao Cordobes with dinner option: $40
- Paella and Sangria Cooking Class in Three Hours: $51
- Barcelona Food Tour: Tapas, Drinks and Delights with a Local: $56
- Barcelona Paella and Sangria Cooking Experience: $56
- Barcelona : Paella Cooking Experience + Boqueria Market Exclusive Tour: $68
- Barcelona Morning Tapas Crawl by Food Tour: $68
- Barcelona Interactive Spanish Cooking Experience: $68
- Evening Cruise with Dinner and Drinks in Barcelona: $74
- Barcelona Culture & Food Tour: Stories, Traditions & Flavors: $79
- Barcelona Rooftop Paella Cooking Class with Sangria & Local Host: $86
- Barcelona Food Tour: Tapas, Paella, Sangria & 8+ Local Tastings: $89
- Rooftop Paella Cooking Class Experience in Barcelona with Sangria: $94
Entertainment
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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.
- Podcast Tour Las Palmas The Vegueta Blueprint: $5.48
- Palmas GC Essential : Self-guided tour created by local Official Guide: $6.01
- Walking tour Vegueta (old town Las Palmas): $8.15
- Walking tour old town Las Palmas Vegueta: $10
- Agüimes: Cocodrilo Park Zoo Entry Ticket: $15
- Holiday World Maspalomas Wooland Ticket: $15
- Angry Birds Activity Park Entry Ticket: $15
- Maspalomas: Bowling Session Entry Ticket at Holiday World: $16
- Las Palmas BEACH SUNSET: City Walking Tour: $16
- Banana World Guided Tour & Tasting: $17
- Latin Solo Dance Experience in Las Palmas: $19
- Energizing Dancehall Dance Experience in Las Palmas: $19
Typical Entertainment Prices in Barcelona
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Barcelona are as follows:
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Picasso Walking Tour and Museum Pass€42
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Souvenir Gaudi Book€8.55
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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:
- 'The Cathedral of the Sea' Walking Book Tour: $228
- "The Shadow of the Wind" Novel Walking Tour: $21
- (ENG) Barcelona Premium Chocolate Tour: $136
- 1 Day Private Sailing Tour from Sitges: $109
- 1 hour Shared Sailing Tour in Barcelona with Open Bar & Snacks: $29
- 2 hour French tour in the historic centre of Barcelona: $27
- 2 hour Sunrise Sailing Tour in Barcelona: $102
- 2,5h Barcelona Gaudí Segway Tour: $63
- 2-Hour Private Photo Walking Tour: $114
- 2-Hour Private Tour of Music in Barcelona: $172
- 2-Hour Small Group Cruise from Barcelona: $63
- 20 min Barceloneta and the Beach Supercar City Tour: $112
Alcohol
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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
- Artisanal Rum Distillery "Peligroso Pérez": $17
- Painting and textures workshop with volcanic wine tasting: $46
- Las Palmas: Gourmet Tapas and Wine Tour in the Old Town: $52
- Gourmet Tapas and Wine Tour in the Old Town of Las Palmas: $54
- Day Tour in North of Gran Canaria with Wine Tasting: $55
- Spanish Tapas and Wine Tasting Tour in Mogan: $68
- Spanish Cured Meats & Wine Tasting Tour in Mogan: $68
- Banana Museum, Rum Distillery & Winery guided tour with tasting: $79
- Gran Canaria flavours with distillery visit and tastings: $79
Sample the Local Flavors in Barcelona
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Barcelona:
- Barcelona Bar Crawl: 3 Hosted Bars + VIP Club Entry: $17
- Barcelona Pub Crawl by KING -The Best Party tour & VIP Club Entry: $17
- Largest Bar Crawl in Barcelona: $17
- Pub Crawl 4 nightclubs + skip-the-line entry: $17
- Barcelona Pub Crawl with Karaoke and Beach bars and VIP Club: $18
- Estrella Damm Old Brewery Barcelona Guided Tour with Beer Tasting: $23
- Bar Crawl at Gaixample: $24
- Magic Montjuïc Tour, Wine Tasting & Best photo spots!: $34
- Winery tour & wine tasting in Penedès region 40min from Barcelona: $37
- Wine Tasting Experience in Barcelona: $40
- Barcelona Wine Tasting Experience in La Licorera Est. 1932: $46
- Barcelona Picasso Museum & Optional El Born Tapas & Wine Tour: $46
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.