The Catalan economy in 2022 grew a bit less than Madrid, according to the Regional Accounting released by the National Institute of Statistics (INE). Catalonia expanded by 6% that year, a pace two-tenths above the national average of 5.8% but still noticeably shy of Madrid’s 7.2% increase. The data reflect updated figures from the 2020-2022 series, with updates completed in December 2022. (INE, Regional Accounting 2022)
INE’s Regional Accounting shows Catalonia maintaining roughly the same share of Spanish GDP in 2022 as Madrid at about 19% while Madrid sits at 19.4%
Since 2010, Catalonia’s economy has grown at an average rate of 0.8% per year, roughly in line with Spain’s overall growth but about half of Madrid’s average of 1.5% over the last twelve years. This slower growth has slightly eroded Catalonia’s share, which stayed around 10% for much of the period. In contrast, Madrid increased its relative share from 18.4% in 2010 to 19.4% in 2022, cementing its leadership after a brief period of Catalan lead in the early part of the decade. (INE, Regional Accounting 2022)
Within the same framework, Madrid remains ahead of other regions such as Andalusia, which holds about 13.4% of Spain’s GDP, followed by Valencia (9.4%), the Basque Country (5.9%), Galicia (5.2%), and Castile and Leon (4.8%). These shares illustrate the varied economic structure across autonomous communities and the shifts that occurred through 2010–2022. (INE, Regional Accounting 2022)
GDP growth by region
INE’s data also reveal notable contrasts in growth rates across territories for 2022. The Balearic Islands posted the strongest expansion at 12.5%, with the Canary Islands close behind at 9.7%. Madrid and the Basque Country registered solid performance at 7.2% and 7.2%, respectively, while Catalonia reached 6.0% growth. The total regional GDP amounted to 255,153 million euros. (INE, Regional Accounting 2022)
Regions with the slower pace of growth included Extremadura at 2.1%, Castile-La Mancha at 2.2%, and Castile and Leon at 3.1%. These figures highlight the uneven recovery across the country and the role of local economic structures and external demand in shaping regional outcomes. (INE, Regional Accounting 2022)
When examining per capita income, Madrid leads with 38,435 euros, followed by the Basque Country at 35,832 euros. Catalonia sits at 32,550 euros, ranking fourth behind Navarre (33,798 euros) and Aragon (31,051 euros). These disparities reflect differences in productivity, wage levels, and the cost of living across communities. (INE, Regional Accounting 2022)
Beyond income, disposable income and household purchasing power offer a broader view of living standards. When public tax policies and social transfers are accounted for, the Basque Country stands out with the highest current income per person, at 20,865 euros in 2021, about 26.6% above the national average. Madrid registers 20,357 euros and Navarre 18,625 euros in similar calculations. Catalonia ranks fourth with 18,369 euros per capita, about 11% above the national average of 16,480 euros. These figures illustrate how fiscal arrangements and social programs influence real household outcomes across regions. (INE, Regional Accounting 2022)