The report Metropolitan statistics on living conditions, based on INE data, shows a slight overall improvement. However, the situation varies by location: the poverty rate is 16.4% in Barcelona city, rising to 22% in the surrounding metropolitan belt.

Children are the most affected group, with 31.4% of those under 16 (approximately 148,000 minors) living in vulnerable households. Subjective poverty is also rising, as 23.1% of residents report struggling to make ends meet.

Housing costs have surged by 22.3% over the last five years, with average monthly expenses reaching 608 euros. Consequently, 35% of households cannot handle unexpected costs, and 20% struggle to heat their homes during winter.

The study emphasizes the importance of social transfers. Without public aid such as pensions and unemployment benefits, the poverty rate in the AMB would double to 41.6%, particularly impacting those over 65.