Cost of Living, Safety & Expat Guide (2026)

Spain

Portugal
Based on our comparison, Bilbao wins 6 out of 8 categories.Cascais wins 2 categories.
For digital nomads choosing between Bilbao and Cascais, the answer depends on your priorities. Here's our analysis:
Best for Budget
Bilbao
$1,664/mo
Best Internet
Bilbao
170 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.
When comparing Bilbao and Cascais for digital nomads, several factors come into play.
Cost of Living: Bilbao offers a more affordable lifestyle at $1,664/month compared to Cascais's $2,311/month.
Internet & Remote Work: Bilbao leads with 170 Mbps average internet speed, ideal for video calls and large file transfers. Cascais offers 150 Mbps.
Safety: With a safety score of 7.3/10, Cascais offers better security than Bilbao (5.1/10).
Overall: Bilbao earns a higher NomadIQ score of 6.4/10, making it slightly more suited for the digital nomad lifestyle.
Bilbao is 28% cheaper than Cascais.
Cascais has a higher safety score (7.3/10) compared to Bilbao (5.1/10).
5.1/10
Bilbao
7.3/10
Cascais
For remote workers, internet speed is crucial. Bilbao offers faster internet at 170 Mbps vs 150 Mbps.
170 Mbps
Bilbao
150 Mbps
Cascais
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
Cascais: Best for those prioritizing amenities
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