Is Alicante or Bilbao cheaper to live in?

Alicante is 10% cheaper than Bilbao. The average monthly cost in Alicante is $1,495, while Bilbao costs $1,664 per month.

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

For digital nomads, Bilbao offers faster internet at 170 Mbps. Alicante is more budget-friendly with lower living costs. Both cities have their strengths - Alicante has a NomadIQ score of 7.1/10 while Bilbao scores 6.4/10.

What is the rent difference between Alicante and Bilbao?

A 1-bedroom apartment costs $998/month in Alicante and $1,181/month in Bilbao. Alicante has 16% lower rent.

Is Alicante or Bilbao safer?

Alicante has a higher safety score of 6.3/10. Alicante scores 6.3/10 for safety while Bilbao scores 5.1/10.

Should I move to Alicante or Bilbao as an expat?

The choice depends on your priorities. Choose Alicante if budget is important ($1,495/month). Choose Alicante for better safety. Bilbao is better for remote work with 170 Mbps internet.

Back to Comparison Tool

Alicante vs Bilbao

Cost of Living, Safety & Expat Guide (2026)

Alicante

Spain

$1,495/mo7.1/10

Bilbao

Spain

$1,664/mo6.4/10

Alicante

Spain

$1,495/moNomadIQ 7.1/10

Bilbao

Spain

$1,664/moNomadIQ 6.4/10

Detailed Comparison

Factor

Alicante

Bilbao

Winner

Total Monthly Cost

$1,495

$1,664

Alicante

Rent (1BR)

$998

$1,181

Alicante

Groceries

$283

$360

Alicante

Transport

$94

$38

Bilbao

Healthcare

$90

$55

Bilbao

Safety Score

6.3/10

5.1/10

Alicante

Internet Speed

150 Mbps

170 Mbps

Bilbao

NomadIQ Score

7.1/10

6.4/10

Alicante

Overall Winner: Alicante

Based on our comparison, Alicante wins 5 out of 8 categories.Bilbao wins 3 categories.

Which city is better for digital nomads?

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

Best for Budget

Alicante

$1,495/mo

Best Internet

Bilbao

170 Mbps

Best NomadIQ Score

Alicante

7.1/10

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

Digital Nomad Analysis: Alicante vs Bilbao

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

Cost of Living: Alicante offers a more affordable lifestyle at $1,495/month compared to Bilbao's $1,664/month.

Internet & Remote Work: Bilbao provides faster connectivity at 170 Mbps compared to Alicante's 150 Mbps.

Safety: With a safety score of 6.3/10, Alicante provides a more secure environment than Bilbao (5.1/10).

Overall: Alicante earns a higher NomadIQ score of 7.1/10, making it slightly more suited for the digital nomad lifestyle.

Cost of Living Comparison

Alicante is 10% cheaper than Bilbao.

• Alicante rent: $998/mo
• Bilbao rent: $1,181/mo
• Difference: $183/mo

Safety Comparison

Alicante has a higher safety score (6.3/10) compared to Bilbao (5.1/10).

6.3/10

Alicante

5.1/10

Bilbao

Digital Nomad Friendliness

For remote workers, internet speed is crucial. Bilbao offers faster internet at 170 Mbps vs 150 Mbps.

150 Mbps

Alicante

170 Mbps

Bilbao

Which City Is Better for Expats?

Based on our analysis, Alicante edges out as the better choice for expats, winning 5 of 8 comparison factors.

Alicante: Best for budget-conscious expats

Bilbao: Best for those prioritizing amenities

Alicante vs Bilbao

Alicante

Bilbao

Alicante

Bilbao

Detailed Comparison

Overall Winner: Alicante

Which city is better for digital nomads?

Digital Nomad Analysis: Alicante vs Bilbao

Cost of Living Comparison

Safety Comparison

Digital Nomad Friendliness

Which City Is Better for Expats?

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Frequently Asked Questions: Alicante vs Bilbao