Sant Cugat del Vallès: The Peaceful Base Just Outside Barcelona
Thinking about relocating to Barcelona for work? The job you're applying for is based in Barcelona, but more specifically in Sant Cugat del Vallès. Not sure about this town because you’ve never heard of it?
That’s exactly why Blu gathered a few key facts to help you decide.
The Collserola mountain range separates Sant Cugat from central Barcelona but the commute is simple, whether by train or car.
So… why not give this green oasis just 20 minutes from Plaça Catalunya a closer look?
Getting Around: Trains, Buses, and Bikes
Sant Cugat is one of the best-connected towns near Barcelona:
7 FGC train stations, with lines S1 and S2 reaching Plaça Catalunya in 20 minutes
Trains every 5 to 10 minutes during peak hours
Covered by Zone 1 fares, the same as Barcelona public transport
4 intercity bus lines and several local busesto get around easily
Over 30 km of bike lanes and a walkable town center make it perfect for car-free living
💡Live in Barcelona, work in Sant Cugat?Absolutely possible many professionals commute in the opposite direction too.
Sant Cugat offers space, calm, and modern homes, but it comes with a price tag slightly higher than the regional average.
1-bedroom apartment:€900 – €1,350 per month (Higher for new builds or properties close to train stations)
3-bedroom family home or apartment:€1,600 – €2,500 per month Often featuring terraces, green surroundings, or private outdoor space.
While it is not a budget option, Sant Cugat remains one of the safest and most pleasant towns in Catalonia, making it particularly attractive for long-term living.
Shops, Markets & Everyday Life
Sant Cugat has everything you need for a comfortable and enjoyable lifestyle:
Shopping:
Sant Cugat Centre Comercial (mall)
Supermarkets, pharmacies, and organic stores
IKEA, Decathlon, and Media Markt nearby
Markets:
Mercat Vell and Mercat de Torreblanca for fresh produce
Mercantic: iconic vintage & antiques market with food trucks and live music
Culture, Events & Community Life
Despite its calm atmosphere, Sant Cugat has a lively cultural scene:
El Monestir de Sant Cugat: beautiful Romanesque monastery, now a cultural space
Mercantic: weekend vintage market and local creative hub
Festa Major (June): town festival with live music, parades, and traditional Catalan “castellers” (human towers)
Local concerts, food events, and outdoor cinema during the summer
Easy access to Barcelona’s top festivals likeLa Mercè, Primavera Sound, orManifesta 15
Why Choose Sant Cugat?
Perfect for those looking for peace, space, and safety
International environment, good schools, and green surroundings
Great for remote work, or if you work for companies in tech, pharma, education, or customer service
Barcelona remains 100% accessible, no compromise on career opportunities
👉 Whether you live in Sant Cugat and work in the city, or the other way around, you’re covered.
Before you dive into city life, consider this: just 20 minutes away lies Sant Cugat del Vallès, a calm, green, and family-friendly town that offers a perfect balance between work and well-being. Whether you’re coming solo or with your family, this could be the ideal place to build your new life in Spain.
