Cost of Living, Safety & Expat Guide (2026)

Belgium

Spain
For digital nomads choosing between Antwerp and Bilbao, the answer depends on your priorities. Here's our analysis:
Best for Budget
Bilbao
$1,664/mo
Best Internet
Antwerp
200 Mbps
Best NomadIQ Score
Antwerp
6.6/10
Our Recommendation: Choose Bilbao if budget is your top priority, or Antwerp if you need the fastest internet for remote work.
When comparing Antwerp and Bilbao for digital nomads, several factors come into play.
Cost of Living: Bilbao is the more budget-friendly option at $1,664/month versus Antwerp's $1,874/month.
Internet & Remote Work: Antwerp leads with 200 Mbps average internet speed, ideal for video calls and large file transfers. Bilbao offers 170 Mbps.
Safety: With a safety score of 6/10, Antwerp provides a more secure environment than Bilbao (5.1/10).
Overall: Antwerp earns a higher NomadIQ score of 6.6/10, making it slightly more suited for the digital nomad lifestyle.
Bilbao is 11% cheaper than Antwerp.
Antwerp has a higher safety score (6/10) compared to Bilbao (5.1/10).
6/10
Antwerp
5.1/10
Bilbao
For remote workers, internet speed is crucial. Antwerp offers faster internet at 200 Mbps vs 170 Mbps.
200 Mbps
Antwerp
170 Mbps
Bilbao
Both cities are excellent choices for expats, with each having unique strengths.
Antwerp: Best for those prioritizing amenities
Bilbao: Best for budget-conscious expats
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