vs
Barcelonais 10% cheaper — BDI "Pricey" (32/10) vs Galway "Pricey" (19/10). Dorms avg $36/night vs $46/night.
Quick Verdict
Best For…
Traveler type
🇪🇸 Barcelona
🇮🇪 Galway
Solo budget traveler
★★★★★
23 hostels, avg 9.5 rating
★★★★★
7 hostels, avg 9.2 rating
Couple on a budget
★★★★★
Private rooms avg $166/night
★★★★★
Private rooms avg $202/night
Digital nomad
★★★★★
Coffee $3.01, dorms avg $36
★★★★★
Coffee $4.54, dorms avg $46
Nightlife seeker
★★★★★
Beer $4.72, 23 hostels
★★★★★
Beer $7.66, 7 hostels
First-time Europer
★★★★★
24 attractions
★★★★★
22 attractions
Cost Comparison
Daily Budget
| Tier | 🇪🇸 Barcelona | 🇮🇪 Galway | You Save / day |
|---|---|---|---|
Shoestring Dorm bed · street food · free activities | $52 cheaper | $57 | $6/day |
Comfortable Mix of dorm & private · restaurants | $81 cheaper | $103 | $22/day |
Flashpacker Private rooms · dining out · some tours | $123 cheaper | $163 | $40/day |
Price Intelligence
Seasonal Price Curve
Everyday Costs
Cost of Living
| Item | 🇪🇸 Barcelona | 🇮🇪 Galway |
|---|---|---|
| 🥙Street food meal Local market, street stall | $18.27 14% less | $21.22 |
| 🍽️Mid-range meal Sit-down restaurant, one person | $35.37 33% less | $53.05 |
| 🍺Beer (local draft) 500ml at a bar | $4.72 38% less | $7.66 |
| ☕Coffee Espresso or flat white | $3.01 34% less | $4.54 |
| 🚇Single metro / bus Standard single ticket | $3.12 | $2.24 28% less |
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Our Verdict + Hostel Quality
🇪🇸▼
Barcelona
Spain
32
BDI: Pricey
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Higher dorm prices (avg $36/night). Strong hostel scene (23 hostels).
Hostel Quality
Avg guest rating8.5
Top-rated hostelOnefam Paralelo (9.9)
Annual dorm avg$36/night
Total hostels23
🇮🇪▼
Galway
Ireland
19
BDI: Pricey
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Higher dorm prices (avg $46/night).
Hostel Quality
Avg guest rating8.5
Top-rated hostelSnoozles Hostel Galway City Centre (9.6)
Annual dorm avg$46/night
Total hostels7
Entry Requirements
Visa & Entry
Passport
🇪🇸 Barcelona
🇮🇪 Galway
🇪🇺 EU / EEA
Visa Free (90d)
Visa Free (90d)
🇺🇸 US
Visa Free (90d)
Visa Free (90d)
🇬🇧 UK
Visa Free (90d)
Visa Free (90d)
🇦🇺 Australia
Visa Free (90d)
Visa Free (90d)
🇨🇦 Canada
Visa Free (90d)
Visa Free (90d)
Flights
Getting There
City to City
Getting Between Barcelona & Galway
Climate
Weather & Best Time to Visit
°C · mm
🇪🇸 Barcelona
16°C
High
/
8°C
Low
🌧 Rainfall: 63mm/month
Best months: Mar, Apr, May, Jun
🇮🇪 Galway
10°C
High
/
4°C
Low
🌧 Rainfall: 74mm/month
Best months: Jun, Jul, Aug
Things To Do
Top Attractions
🇪🇸 Barcelona
1. Barcelona a PrimFree
2. Dama del ParaiguaFree
3. Elogi de l'aiguaFree
4. Font de CanaletesFree
5. Homenatge als castellersFree
🇮🇪 Galway
1. Christopher Columbus MonumentFree
2. Famine Ship MemorialFree
3. Menlo Castle Entrance ArchFree
4. An ChroisFree
5. Claddagh Ring MuseumFree
Common Questions
FAQ
Is Barcelona or Galway cheaper for backpackers?+
How many hostels are in Barcelona vs Galway?+
Do I need a visa for Barcelona or Galway?+
When is the best time to visit Barcelona or Galway?+
What's the cheapest month to visit Barcelona and Galway?+
Keep Exploring
People Also Compared
Ready to book?
Plan a trip to both cities
Full itinerary with real-time flights, hostels & transport — built on our 64k+ price index.
Build Your Itinerary →Free · No account required · Results in under 30 seconds