Here's everything that will go up in price in 2026

Barcelona / MadridAlthough the situation is not the same as in 2022 or 2023, during the height of the inflationary crisis, the cost of living remains high, especially due to the prices of some basic necessities, such as housing, currently one of the biggest problems in Spain and Catalonia. In fact, 2025 is closing with warning signs regarding the cost of real estate, whether for rent or purchase, but also regarding the cost of other goods such as food. What can we expect from prices in 2026?

Food

In 2025, food prices have once again become sensitive to increasingly adverse weather, as well as tariffs and viruses affecting the agricultural sector: avian flu, nodular dermatosis, and African swine fever. Although prices had stabilized throughout the year, they rebounded by 2.5% in November compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the National Statistics Institute (INE). The increase compared to October was 0.5%.

There is no clear forecast on what might happen to grocery prices in 2026. However, it has been observed that 2025 ended with an "acceleration" in the cost of going to the supermarket, as indicated by the Bank of Spain in its December macroeconomic projections. In fact, the supervisory body has revised its average inflation forecast for 2026 upwards (to 2.1%). The institution highlights "significant increases" in the price of beef, eggs, and nuts. Coffee and chocolate have also seen price increases. Conversely, the prices of vegetables and olive oil have fallen. The research department of Funcas warned that the recent evolution of food prices is "worrying," especially because "they show no signs of moderation."

Housing: rentals and mortgages

The consensus is that housing prices will continue to rise in 2026. In fact, there are no regulatory changes on the table that indicate otherwise – in this case, the application of stressed zones is maintained in Catalonia.

Regarding the INE's reference index for updating rents—which replaced the CPI since the state housing law came into effect—it increased by 2.9% in November (the latest available data), and is expected to continue rising in line with inflation. Furthermore, 632,369 contracts, according to data from the Ministry of Social Rights and Consumer Affairs, expire this year, meaning rents can be freely increased to current market prices—provided they are not located in a high-demand area. The problem is that current prices are higher than those set five years ago, when these contracts were signed.

As for the Euribor, the benchmark for calculating variable-rate mortgages, it closed the month of December with a new increase and stands at 2.27%, the highest rate since last March.

Electricity and gas

Starting January 1st, the tolls and charges on electricity bills approved by the National Commission on Markets and Competition (CNMC) will increase. Specifically, access tolls to the electricity grid will rise by an average of 0.5% – varying considerably depending on the tariff – while charges will increase by around 11%. However, the Spanish government anticipates that, although both increases will affect the end consumer, they will be offset by a decrease in electricity prices due to the increased penetration of renewable energy sources. Regarding gas, the price of this fossil fuel is not expected to fluctuate excessively by 2026, although this will depend on the international situation, demand this winter, and the implementation of regulations affecting CO₂ emissions. The regulated tariff (TUR) is reviewed quarterly and may change, while the free market tariff has a fixed price that typically remains unchanged.

Water and waste

While the property tax (IBI) remains unchanged in Barcelona, the drinking water tariff will increase by 2.9% (approximately €0.40/month) in 2026 in the 23 municipalities of the Barcelona Metropolitan Area (AMB) supplied by the metropolitan public-private company Aigües de Barcelona, and by between 2.9% and 5.8% in other municipalities. The remaining tariff conditions, such as consumption blocks and the social tariff, will remain the same as in 2025. Another tax that is rising is the metropolitan waste treatment fee. The AMB has approved a 3% increase, equivalent to the Consumer Price Index (CPI). In addition, 240,000 households will have to start paying the metropolitan tax, which consists of a surcharge on the property tax (IBI) of approximately €17 per year, payable in two semi-annual installments. The revenue from this tax funds the metropolitan authority for projects such as the maintenance of natural areas like the Collserola mountain range, the Besòs and Llobregat rivers, beaches, and metropolitan parks. It also contributes to the upkeep of Barcelona's ring roads and investments in public transportation.

Public transport

Prices for public transport in the Barcelona metropolitan area are also being updated, although the discounts applied since 2022 to the T-Usual and T-Jove passes remain in place, continuing to offer half-price fares. The T-Usual – the most widely used pass, which allows unlimited travel for a month – will increase from €22 to €22.80. This year's increase will be implemented with a regional balance, meaning that some areas will see larger increases than others. For the T-Usual, the price will increase by approximately one euro across all zones. The T-Casual – the pass for less frequent travelers, which replaced the T-10 – will increase from €12.55 to €13 in Zone 1, with the price also rising depending on the specific zone. The T-Jove, the three-month travel pass for those under 30, increases from €44 to €45.50, but remains the same for all zones. The biggest increase is for the single ticket, which rises by more than 9%, from €2.65 to €2.90. Cercanías (commuter rail) users retain the €20 flat rate that allows travel for one month across all six rail zones. Starting January 1st, a €10 monthly youth pass will be available for those aged 15 to 26, as well as a free children's pass with unlimited travel throughout the year. Taxis in Barcelona are also becoming more expensive. The flag-down fare increases from €2.75 to €2.80 for both Tariff 1 (weekdays and daytime) and Tariff 2 (nighttime and holidays). The price per kilometer will be €1.35 on weekdays and €1.66 on holidays. Surcharges are also being updated. For example, the surcharge for trips to or from Barcelona Airport or the Adossat Dock increases from €4.50 to €4.60 (with a minimum price of €21). The most significant change is to the Fira Gran Via surcharge, which rises from €2.50 to €3.30. A fixed fare of €46 has also been established for the dock-airport route, primarily intended for cruise passengers.

Private transport

The tolls on the four toll roads managed by the Catalan government will increase by around 3% in 2026. Specifically, the Vallvidrera tunnels will see a 2.99% increase, reaching €5.28 per passenger vehicle during peak hours. Similarly, the toll on the C-16 between Sant Cugat and Manresa will rise by 2.96%, and the tolls for the Garraf Sky Tunnel will increase by 2.84%. The section between Castelldefels and Sitges will now cost €4.21 for vehicles with essential travel during the week and €8.42 for all other vehicles. The toll for the Cadí Tunnel will also increase by 2.82%. Regarding fuel, the price of Brent crude oil saw a slight increase in the last week of the year. However, this increase will not be immediately reflected at the pumps. Current gasoline and diesel prices are lower than last November. However, Spain must address the equalization of taxes on both fuels, as agreed with Brussels, so a rise in diesel prices is expected.

Telephony

The three major operators in Spain (Telefónica, MasOrange, and Vodafone) have announced price increases for their tariffs. On average, they will raise prices by between 3% and 4%, according to the OCU (Spanish Consumers' Association). low cost Digi is the only one that, for now, has indicated that it will not change its rates.

Social benefits and public sector salaries

Contributory pensions will increase by 2.7% starting January 1st. On average, this represents an increase of approximately €500 per year. Specifically, retirement pensions will see an additional increase of €570 per year. Minimum pensions will rise by 7%, and non-contributory pensions by 11.4%. The Minimum Living Income (IMV) will also increase by 11.4%. In Catalonia, 108,200 benefits have been granted since the measure was implemented.

The Catalan government has also approved a 3% increase in the income sufficiency indicator (IRSC), setting it at €801.85 per month. The IRSC is used to determine the amounts of various benefits that make up Catalonia's social protection system, primarily the guaranteed minimum income and supplements for recipients of non-contributory pensions.

State public sector employees have received a retroactive 2.5% salary increase for 2025, paid in December. The 2026 increase is 1.5%, with the possibility of an additional 0.5% increase depending on the average inflation rate for the following year. Public sector employees in Catalonia will receive the same increase.