The uncertainty of the global economic context has not put the brakes on the positive evolution of economic activity in Barcelona, which accelerated in the last quarter of 2024. The city closed the year with 3.8% growth in GDP over 2023: a slightly higher increase than Catalonia as a whole (+3.6%), Spain (+3.2%) and the European Union (+1%), mainly driven by the reactivation of the service sector.

This is detailed in the Barcelona Economic Situation 2025 report, drafted by the Analysis Department in Barcelona City Council’s Municipal Data Office. This body works to offer useful, reliable, data to ensure evidence-based public management oriented towards tackling the challenges of the future better, in line with the Barcelona Impulsa plan, which is the road map for economic promotion in the city until 2035.

A labour market in good shape

The smooth running of Barcelona’s economy is mainly reflected in labour market figures. At the close of the first quarter of 2025, recorded unemployment is down by 2.5% compared to March last year, with 1,600 fewer people unemployed.

In parallel, Social Security affiliation has reached a historic high for March, with 1,241,853 people in employment (0.7% higher than the previous month). Employment in the city is therefore maintaining a steady rhythm, with almost 22,900 more jobs than in March 2024.

Especially noteworthy is the contribution made by people of foreign nationalities. They represent 17.3% of affiliations in March, which is a year-on-year increase of 4.8%.

This positive dynamic fosters growth in Disposable Household Income (DHI), which increased by 9% in 2024. This percentage marks a continuation of the positive dynamic seen the previous year, when DHI increased by 10.7%.

More hotel guests, but fewer overnight stays

The tourism sector – a key area for Barcelona’s economy – is progressing positively, but in moderation. During March, Barcelona hosted over 700,000 people in its hotels, which constitutes a 1.6% increase over March last year. This is a significant figure, given that the Holy Week holidays were in March last year.

In total, 1.9 million tourists stayed in the city’s hotels in the first quarter of 2025, which is 3% more than in 2024, though overnight stays (nights per stay) fell by 3.3%.

One noteworthy trend is the significant increase in Japanese (+27%) and Chinese (+8%) tourists. French travellers continue to be the main visitors out of all nationalities and have even increased in number (+2.3%). They are followed by Italian, North American and British tourists.

Housing shows first signs of change

Though housing continues to be one of city residents’ main concerns, the latest data show positive indications within a complex context.

During the last quarter of 2024, the price of new-build property picked up by 6%, though it is much lower than values from a year ago (-16.7% year on year). This decrease can be explained by the slight reduction in the average floor area of the apartments sold. In terms of old-build properties, of which there is more supply, prices have stabilised, with an average of 380,500 euros and slightly larger floor areas.

As for rental, the regulations applied in Barcelona are starting to have an effect: the average rent has fallen by 5.1% compared to last year, and is now 1,117 euros. All of this points to a time of adjustment and moderation, which opens the door to a more accessible, balanced market for city residents.

The data confirm that Barcelona is moving in the right direction and consolidating its resilient, dynamic economy. This is precisely the goal of the Barcelona Impulsa plan, which is the strategic framework for guiding and promoting growth until 2035, with a view to building a Barcelona that is ready to overcome challenges and make the most of opportunities.