The everyday life of cities coveted by transnational gentrifiers: Barcelona as a case study

Purpose This research analyses the perceptions of expatriates, digital nomads, and academic tourists regarding different aspects of their daily lives in the city of Barcelona, including property rental, tourism pressure, traditional commerce, social interaction, and use of public space. These groups share similar characteristics, such as a high level of education, medium to medium-high purchasing power, and the decision to stay for a long or semi-permanent period. Design/methodology/approach Transnational gentrification is examined through a case study of Barcelona using a mixed-methods approach. The study combines secondary data obtained from INE, Idealista, Barcelona City Council, Catalan universities and the Inside Airbnb platform with primary data collected via an ad-hoc survey of 150 respondents. Findings The results highlight changes and new everyday lifestyles in cities viewed from a transnational lens, including the transformation of the commercial fabric and the loss of a sense of belonging and rootedness in certain neighbourhoods. However, many of these new international residents share the same concerns as local inhabitants, such as the unaffordability of (primarily rented) housing, concerns about tourism, and the desire to participate in Barcelona's community and cultural life. Originality/value This study goes beyond touristification by identifying the actors driving the changes occurring in cities that are attractive places to visit, and to live, study and work in. Its novelty lies in its analysis of the effects of touristification and transnational gentrification on everyday urban life from the perspective of temporary residents.