Cost of Living, Safety & Expat Guide (2026)

Spain

Italy
Based on our comparison, Bologna wins 4 out of 8 categories.Bilbao wins 3 categories.
For digital nomads choosing between Bilbao and Bologna, the answer depends on your priorities. Here's our analysis:
Best for Budget
Bologna
$1,642/mo
Best Internet
Bologna
175 Mbps
Best NomadIQ Score
Bologna
6.5/10
Our Recommendation: Bologna is the clear winner for digital nomads, offering both affordability and excellent nomad infrastructure.
When comparing Bilbao and Bologna for digital nomads, several factors come into play.
Cost of Living: Bologna is the more budget-friendly option at $1,642/month versus Bilbao's $1,664/month.
Internet & Remote Work: Bologna provides faster connectivity at 175 Mbps compared to Bilbao's 170 Mbps.
Safety: With a safety score of 5.1/10, both cities offer similar levels of security.
Overall: Bologna's NomadIQ score of 6.5/10 gives it an edge for remote workers.
Bologna is 1% cheaper than Bilbao.
Both cities have similar safety ratings.
5.1/10
Bilbao
5.1/10
Bologna
For remote workers, internet speed is crucial. Bologna offers faster internet at 175 Mbps vs 170 Mbps.
170 Mbps
Bilbao
175 Mbps
Bologna
Based on our analysis, Bologna edges out as the better choice for expats, winning 4 of 8 comparison factors.
Bilbao: Best for those prioritizing amenities
Bologna: Best for budget-conscious expats
We use cookies, analytics tools and advertising technologies, including Google Analytics, Meta Pixel and other advertising/analytics cookies, to improve our site, measure performance and personalise your experience. You can accept or decline at any time.