Is Bilbao or Birmingham cheaper to live in?

Bilbao is 17% cheaper than Birmingham. The average monthly cost in Bilbao is $1,664, while Birmingham costs $2,013 per month.

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

For digital nomads, Birmingham offers faster internet at 180 Mbps. Bilbao is more budget-friendly with lower living costs. Both cities have their strengths - Bilbao has a NomadIQ score of 6.4/10 while Birmingham scores 5.6/10.

What is the rent difference between Bilbao and Birmingham?

A 1-bedroom apartment costs $1,181/month in Bilbao and $1,401/month in Birmingham. Bilbao has 16% lower rent.

Is Bilbao or Birmingham safer?

Bilbao has a higher safety score of 5.1/10. Bilbao scores 5.1/10 for safety while Birmingham scores 3.6/10.

Should I move to Bilbao or Birmingham as an expat?

The choice depends on your priorities. Choose Bilbao if budget is important ($1,664/month). Choose Bilbao for better safety. Birmingham is better for remote work with 180 Mbps internet.

Back to Comparison Tool

Bilbao vs Birmingham

Cost of Living, Safety & Expat Guide (2026)

Bilbao

Spain

$1,664/mo6.4/10

Birmingham

United Kingdom

$2,013/mo5.6/10

Bilbao

Spain

$1,664/moNomadIQ 6.4/10

Birmingham

United Kingdom

$2,013/moNomadIQ 5.6/10

Detailed Comparison

Factor

Bilbao

Birmingham

Winner

Total Monthly Cost

$1,664

$2,013

Bilbao

Rent (1BR)

$1,181

$1,401

Bilbao

Groceries

$360

$335

Birmingham

Transport

$38

$91

Bilbao

Healthcare

$55

$140

Bilbao

Safety Score

5.1/10

3.6/10

Bilbao

Internet Speed

170 Mbps

180 Mbps

Birmingham

NomadIQ Score

6.4/10

5.6/10

Bilbao

Overall Winner: Bilbao

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

Which city is better for digital nomads?

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

Best for Budget

Bilbao

$1,664/mo

Best Internet

Birmingham

180 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: Bilbao vs Birmingham

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

Cost of Living: Bilbao offers a more affordable lifestyle at $1,664/month compared to Birmingham's $2,013/month.

Internet & Remote Work: Birmingham provides faster connectivity at 180 Mbps compared to Bilbao's 170 Mbps.

Safety: With a safety score of 5.1/10, Bilbao provides a more secure environment than Birmingham (3.6/10).

Overall: Bilbao earns a higher NomadIQ score of 6.4/10, making it slightly more suited for the digital nomad lifestyle.

Cost of Living Comparison

Bilbao is 17% cheaper than Birmingham.

• Bilbao rent: $1,181/mo
• Birmingham rent: $1,401/mo
• Difference: $220/mo

Safety Comparison

Bilbao has a higher safety score (5.1/10) compared to Birmingham (3.6/10).

5.1/10

Bilbao

3.6/10

Birmingham

Digital Nomad Friendliness

For remote workers, internet speed is crucial. Birmingham offers faster internet at 180 Mbps vs 170 Mbps.

170 Mbps

Bilbao

180 Mbps

Birmingham

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.

Bilbao: Best for budget-conscious expats

Birmingham: Best for those prioritizing amenities

Bilbao vs Birmingham

Bilbao

Birmingham

Bilbao

Birmingham

Detailed Comparison

Overall Winner: Bilbao

Which city is better for digital nomads?

Digital Nomad Analysis: Bilbao vs Birmingham

Cost of Living Comparison

Safety Comparison

Digital Nomad Friendliness

Which City Is Better for Expats?

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Frequently Asked Questions: Bilbao vs Birmingham