Cost of Living in Bilbao, Spain

Showing Bilbao. Change city above.

Housing:€900•Utilities:€210•Transport:€50See full breakdown
🏭About Bilbao

Bilbao combines industrial heritage with modern innovation, featuring world-class architecture and a strong economy. The city offers good value in northern Spain.

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Neighborhoods

Casco Viejo
€€€
Abando
€€€
Deusto
€€€
Santutxu
€€
Basurto
€€
Rekalde
€
Outskirts
€
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Money-saving tips

Use the Bilbao transport card for €35 monthly unlimited travel

Shop at local markets like Mercado de la Ribera for fresh, local produce

Take advantage of free museum visits and cultural events

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Rent overview

Bilbao city center studios average €700-1,000, with 1-bedroom apartments ranging €900-1,300. The city offers competitive prices for northern Spain.

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Best for

Professionals in engineering, finance, and technology sectors

Art and architecture enthusiasts drawn to the Guggenheim and modern design

Those seeking a more compact, walkable city with strong local culture

Bilbao is about 11% more expensive than Málaga overall. Biggest deltas: housing, transport, utilities.

Preferences

Household

Household Type

Home & Getting Around

Housing Location

Apartment Size

Transportation Type

Lifestyle

Groceries

Dining Habits

Entertainment

Shopping

Healthcare

Last updated: Apr 2025 • Sources: INE, municipal transport, listings

Monthly Expenses in Bilbao

€2,006

All monthly expenses will be converted to selected currency

* These monthly expenses estimates are based on city averages and may vary for a single person or family based on lifestyle choices, housing location preferences (city center vs outskirts), and market conditions. Use this as a general guide for budget planning.

Housing & Living Costs Distribution

Monthly Living Costs Breakdown

Detailed Monthly Costs in Bilbao

Housing, Utilities, Transportation, Food, Entertainment & More

CategoryBilbaoMálagaDifference%
Housing€900€795€10513.2%
Utilities€210€185€2513.5%
Transportation€50€40€1025.2%
Dining€180€160€2012.5%
Entertainment€95€84€1112.5%
Shopping€225€225€00.0%
Groceries€234€209€2512.0%
Healthcare€0€0€00.0%
Total€2,006€1,810€19610.8%
Export detailed cost breakdown

Rent by Location & Size

LocationStudio1-Bed3-Bed
City Center€800€900€1,600
Outside Center€600€750€1,300

Tip: City center rent in Bilbao is typically 20% higher than outside center.

Quality of Life & Living Standards

Economic Conditions
45100
55.0 points higher in Bilbao
Work
3591
56.0 points higher in Bilbao
Health
2295
73.0 points higher in Bilbao
Education & Skills
41100
59.0 points higher in Bilbao
Leisure & Recreation
3580
45.0 points higher in Bilbao
Safety & Security
6359
4.0 points higher in Málaga
Trust in Institutions
364
32.0 points higher in Málaga
Environment
4283
41.0 points higher in Bilbao
Life Satisfaction
7381
8.0 points higher in Bilbao

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Key Takeaways

  • Monthly Budget: €2,006 for a single person in Bilbao
  • Housing Share: 45% of total expenses, making it the largest cost category
  • Transportation: €50 monthly for public transport
  • Quality of Life Score: 77/100 overall
  • Cost Comparison: Bilbao is more expensive than Málaga by €196 (11%)

Frequently Asked Questions

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