Is Austin or Bilbao cheaper to live in?

Bilbao is 43% cheaper than Austin. The average monthly cost in Bilbao is $1,664, while Austin costs $2,924 per month.

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

For digital nomads, Austin offers faster internet at 200 Mbps. Bilbao is more budget-friendly with lower living costs. Both cities have their strengths - Austin has a NomadIQ score of 5.6/10 while Bilbao scores 6.4/10.

What is the rent difference between Austin and Bilbao?

A 1-bedroom apartment costs $2,118/month in Austin and $1,181/month in Bilbao. Bilbao has 44% lower rent.

Is Austin or Bilbao safer?

Austin has a higher safety score of 5.7/10. Austin scores 5.7/10 for safety while Bilbao scores 5.1/10.

Should I move to Austin or Bilbao as an expat?

The choice depends on your priorities. Choose Bilbao if budget is important ($1,664/month). Choose Austin for better safety. Austin is better for remote work with 200 Mbps internet.

Back to Comparison Tool

Austin vs Bilbao

Cost of Living, Safety & Expat Guide (2026)

Austin

United States

$2,924/mo5.6/10

Bilbao

Spain

$1,664/mo6.4/10

Austin

United States

$2,924/moNomadIQ 5.6/10

Bilbao

Spain

$1,664/moNomadIQ 6.4/10

Detailed Comparison

Factor

Austin

Bilbao

Winner

Total Monthly Cost

$2,924

$1,664

Bilbao

Rent (1BR)

$2,118

$1,181

Bilbao

Groceries

$420

$360

Bilbao

Transport

$120

$38

Bilbao

Healthcare

$200

$55

Bilbao

Safety Score

5.7/10

5.1/10

Austin

Internet Speed

200 Mbps

170 Mbps

Austin

NomadIQ Score

5.6/10

6.4/10

Bilbao

Overall Winner: Bilbao

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

Which city is better for digital nomads?

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

Best for Budget

Bilbao

$1,664/mo

Best Internet

Austin

200 Mbps

Best NomadIQ Score

Bilbao

6.4/10

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

Digital Nomad Analysis: Austin vs Bilbao

When comparing Austin 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 Austin's $2,924/month.

Internet & Remote Work: Austin 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 5.7/10, Austin provides a more secure environment than Bilbao (5.1/10).

Overall: Bilbao's NomadIQ score of 6.4/10 gives it an edge for remote workers.

Cost of Living Comparison

Bilbao is 43% cheaper than Austin.

• Austin rent: $2,118/mo
• Bilbao rent: $1,181/mo
• Difference: $937/mo

Safety Comparison

Austin has a higher safety score (5.7/10) compared to Bilbao (5.1/10).

5.7/10

Austin

5.1/10

Bilbao

Digital Nomad Friendliness

For remote workers, internet speed is crucial. Austin offers faster internet at 200 Mbps vs 170 Mbps.

200 Mbps

Austin

170 Mbps

Bilbao

Which City Is Better for Expats?

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

Austin: Best for those prioritizing amenities

Bilbao: Best for budget-conscious expats

Austin vs Bilbao

Austin

Bilbao

Austin

Bilbao

Detailed Comparison

Overall Winner: Bilbao

Which city is better for digital nomads?

Digital Nomad Analysis: Austin vs Bilbao

Cost of Living Comparison

Safety Comparison

Digital Nomad Friendliness

Which City Is Better for Expats?

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Frequently Asked Questions: Austin vs Bilbao