Is Bilbao or Cape Town cheaper to live in?

Cape Town is 4% cheaper than Bilbao. The average monthly cost in Cape Town is $1,590, while Bilbao costs $1,664 per month.

Which city is better for digital nomads: Bilbao or Cape Town?

For digital nomads, Bilbao offers faster internet at 170 Mbps. Cape Town is more budget-friendly with lower living costs. Both cities have their strengths - Bilbao has a NomadIQ score of 6.4/10 while Cape Town scores 6.8/10.

What is the rent difference between Bilbao and Cape Town?

A 1-bedroom apartment costs $1,181/month in Bilbao and $993/month in Cape Town. Cape Town has 16% lower rent.

Is Bilbao or Cape Town safer?

Bilbao has a higher safety score of 5.1/10. Bilbao scores 5.1/10 for safety while Cape Town scores 2.7/10.

Should I move to Bilbao or Cape Town as an expat?

The choice depends on your priorities. Choose Cape Town if budget is important ($1,590/month). Choose Bilbao for better safety. Bilbao is better for remote work with 170 Mbps internet.

Back to Comparison Tool

Bilbao vs Cape Town

Cost of Living, Safety & Expat Guide (2026)

Bilbao

Spain

$1,664/mo6.4/10

Cape Town

South Africa

$1,590/mo6.8/10

Bilbao

Spain

$1,664/moNomadIQ 6.4/10

Cape Town

South Africa

$1,590/moNomadIQ 6.8/10

Detailed Comparison

Factor

Bilbao

Cape Town

Winner

Total Monthly Cost

$1,664

$1,590

Cape Town

Rent (1BR)

$1,181

$993

Cape Town

Groceries

$360

$350

Cape Town

Transport

$38

$90

Bilbao

Healthcare

$55

$120

Bilbao

Safety Score

5.1/10

2.7/10

Bilbao

Internet Speed

170 Mbps

120 Mbps

Bilbao

NomadIQ Score

6.4/10

6.8/10

Cape Town

Which city is better for digital nomads?

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

Best for Budget

Cape Town

$1,590/mo

Best Internet

Bilbao

170 Mbps

Best NomadIQ Score

Cape Town

6.8/10

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

Digital Nomad Analysis: Bilbao vs Cape Town

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

Cost of Living: Cape Town is the more budget-friendly option at $1,590/month versus Bilbao's $1,664/month.

Internet & Remote Work: Bilbao leads with 170 Mbps average internet speed, ideal for video calls and large file transfers. Cape Town offers 120 Mbps.

Safety: With a safety score of 5.1/10, Bilbao provides a more secure environment than Cape Town (2.7/10).

Overall: Cape Town's NomadIQ score of 6.8/10 gives it an edge for remote workers.

Cost of Living Comparison

Cape Town is 4% cheaper than Bilbao.

• Bilbao rent: $1,181/mo
• Cape Town rent: $993/mo
• Difference: $188/mo

Safety Comparison

Bilbao has a higher safety score (5.1/10) compared to Cape Town (2.7/10).

5.1/10

Bilbao

2.7/10

Cape Town

Digital Nomad Friendliness

For remote workers, internet speed is crucial. Bilbao offers faster internet at 170 Mbps vs 120 Mbps.

170 Mbps

Bilbao

120 Mbps

Cape Town

Which City Is Better for Expats?

Both cities are excellent choices for expats, with each having unique strengths.

Bilbao: Best for those prioritizing amenities

Cape Town: Best for budget-conscious expats

Bilbao vs Cape Town

Bilbao

Cape Town

Bilbao

Cape Town

Detailed Comparison

Which city is better for digital nomads?

Digital Nomad Analysis: Bilbao vs Cape Town

Cost of Living Comparison

Safety Comparison

Digital Nomad Friendliness

Which City Is Better for Expats?

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Frequently Asked Questions: Bilbao vs Cape Town