Is Aktau or Bilbao cheaper to live in?

Aktau is 66% cheaper than Bilbao. The average monthly cost in Aktau is $568, while Bilbao costs $1,664 per month.

Which city is better for digital nomads: Aktau or Bilbao?

For digital nomads, Bilbao offers faster internet at 170 Mbps. Aktau is more budget-friendly with lower living costs. Both cities have their strengths - Aktau has a NomadIQ score of 6.8/10 while Bilbao scores 6.4/10.

What is the rent difference between Aktau and Bilbao?

A 1-bedroom apartment costs $307/month in Aktau and $1,181/month in Bilbao. Aktau has 74% lower rent.

Is Aktau or Bilbao safer?

Bilbao has a higher safety score of 5.1/10. Aktau scores 4.6/10 for safety while Bilbao scores 5.1/10.

Should I move to Aktau or Bilbao as an expat?

The choice depends on your priorities. Choose Aktau if budget is important ($568/month). Choose Bilbao for better safety. Bilbao is better for remote work with 170 Mbps internet.

Back to Comparison Tool

Aktau vs Bilbao

Cost of Living, Safety & Expat Guide (2026)

Aktau

Kazakhstan

$568/mo6.8/10

Bilbao

Spain

$1,664/mo6.4/10

Aktau

Kazakhstan

$568/moNomadIQ 6.8/10

Bilbao

Spain

$1,664/moNomadIQ 6.4/10

Detailed Comparison

Factor

Aktau

Bilbao

Winner

Total Monthly Cost

$568

$1,664

Aktau

Rent (1BR)

$307

$1,181

Aktau

Groceries

$191

$360

Aktau

Transport

$10

$38

Aktau

Healthcare

$50

$55

Aktau

Safety Score

4.6/10

5.1/10

Bilbao

Internet Speed

70 Mbps

170 Mbps

Bilbao

NomadIQ Score

6.8/10

6.4/10

Aktau

Overall Winner: Aktau

Based on our comparison, Aktau wins 6 out of 8 categories.Bilbao wins 2 categories.

Which city is better for digital nomads?

For digital nomads choosing between Aktau and Bilbao, the answer depends on your priorities. Here's our analysis:

Best for Budget

Aktau

$568/mo

Best Internet

Bilbao

170 Mbps

Best NomadIQ Score

Aktau

6.8/10

Our Recommendation: Aktau is the clear winner for digital nomads, offering both affordability and excellent nomad infrastructure.

Digital Nomad Analysis: Aktau vs Bilbao

When comparing Aktau and Bilbao for digital nomads, several factors come into play.

Cost of Living: Aktau offers a more affordable lifestyle at $568/month compared to Bilbao's $1,664/month.

Internet & Remote Work: Bilbao provides faster connectivity at 170 Mbps compared to Aktau's 70 Mbps.

Safety: With a safety score of 5.1/10, Bilbao offers better security than Aktau (4.6/10).

Overall: Aktau earns a higher NomadIQ score of 6.8/10, making it slightly more suited for the digital nomad lifestyle.

Cost of Living Comparison

Aktau is 66% cheaper than Bilbao.

• Aktau rent: $307/mo
• Bilbao rent: $1,181/mo
• Difference: $874/mo

Safety Comparison

Bilbao has a higher safety score (5.1/10) compared to Aktau (4.6/10).

4.6/10

Aktau

5.1/10

Bilbao

Digital Nomad Friendliness

For remote workers, internet speed is crucial. Bilbao offers faster internet at 170 Mbps vs 70 Mbps.

70 Mbps

Aktau

170 Mbps

Bilbao

Which City Is Better for Expats?

Based on our analysis, Aktau edges out as the better choice for expats, winning 6 of 8 comparison factors.

Aktau: Best for budget-conscious expats

Bilbao: Best for those prioritizing amenities

Aktau vs Bilbao

Aktau

Bilbao

Aktau

Bilbao

Detailed Comparison

Overall Winner: Aktau

Which city is better for digital nomads?

Digital Nomad Analysis: Aktau vs Bilbao

Cost of Living Comparison

Safety Comparison

Digital Nomad Friendliness

Which City Is Better for Expats?

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Frequently Asked Questions: Aktau vs Bilbao