INCREASING COST OF LIVING IN CATALONIA

Rising Prices In Catalonia: Why is Everything Getting So Damned Expensive?

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Have you noticed that almost everything seems to cost more lately? A damn lot more! From your weekly groceries to your electricity bill, prices are slowly climbing again in Catalonia. According to the National Institute of Statistics, inflation here rose by 0.2 percentage points in September, reaching 2.6% compared to the same month last year.

That may sound small, but it’s the fourth month in a row that prices have gone up. Catalonia is still doing slightly better than the Spanish national average, which is now 3%, the highest rate so far this year. So, while life here is not as expensive as in some other parts of Spain, most families like ours, will be feeling the pressure.

What’s Driving Prices Up?

The biggest increases have come from housing, water, electricity, and other fuels, which together rose by 5.2%. These are basic needs, so when they become more expensive, everyone feels it ,what we call a knock-on effect.

Prices for alcoholic drinks and tobacco went up by 4.1%, and food and non-alcoholic beverages by 2.5%. Even education has become more costly, rising to 3.7% compared to last year.

Only some areas have slowed down. Restaurants and hotels, for example, have moderated their prices, dropping slightly to a 3% increase — still higher than many would like, but better than in early summer.

How Does Catalonia Compare to the Rest of Spain and Europe?

Across Spain, the pattern is similar. Prices are rising because of energy costs, transportation, and the higher price of imported goods. Clothing and footwear also became more expensive — around 2.5% — mainly because autumn fashion season has just begun.

But Spain is not alone. Across Europe, inflation remains one of the continent’s biggest economic challenges. Many countries, especially in northern and central Europe, still report inflation rates between 3% and 4%. Countries like Germany and France have also seen food and housing costs rise, although energy subsidies there sometimes soften the impact.

So, even if things feel tough here in Catalonia, the situation is part of a much wider European trend.

Why Is Inflation Rising Again?

There are several reasons. Energy prices have gone up again after a short period of stability. Global trade disruptions and extreme weather have also made food production more expensive. When transportation and packaging cost more, those costs are passed on to the consumer  and that’s us!

I have spoken to many Catalans and they  say they’re concerned about how long this will last or where it's going. Some believe the government should control energy prices more strictly. Others think people need better wages to keep up with the cost of living. Fat chance of that THAT happening anytime soon!

So, What Can We Do?

While individuals can’t control global prices, small changes help:

• Save electricity and water at home. Turn off lights and take shorter showers

• Plan weekly meals and reduce food waste. Use everything , don't bin food unnecesarrily

• Buy local products , they often cost less and support Catalan producers. Buying from your local fruit and vegetable markets helps them too.

•  You compare prices online and in other stores before shopping.