Cost of Living, Safety & Expat Guide (2026)

Spain

El Salvador
Based on our comparison, El Tunco wins 6 out of 8 categories.Bilbao wins 2 categories.
For digital nomads choosing between Bilbao and El Tunco, the answer depends on your priorities. Here's our analysis:
Best for Budget
El Tunco
$1,030/mo
Best Internet
Bilbao
170 Mbps
Best NomadIQ Score
El Tunco
6.7/10
Our Recommendation: El Tunco is the clear winner for digital nomads, offering both affordability and excellent nomad infrastructure.
When comparing Bilbao and El Tunco for digital nomads, several factors come into play.
Cost of Living: El Tunco is the more budget-friendly option at $1,030/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. El Tunco offers 60 Mbps.
Safety: With a safety score of 7/10, El Tunco offers better security than Bilbao (5.1/10).
Overall: El Tunco's NomadIQ score of 6.7/10 gives it an edge for remote workers.
El Tunco is 38% cheaper than Bilbao.
El Tunco has a higher safety score (7/10) compared to Bilbao (5.1/10).
5.1/10
Bilbao
7/10
El Tunco
For remote workers, internet speed is crucial. Bilbao offers faster internet at 170 Mbps vs 60 Mbps.
170 Mbps
Bilbao
60 Mbps
El Tunco
Based on our analysis, El Tunco edges out as the better choice for expats, winning 6 of 8 comparison factors.
Bilbao: Best for those prioritizing amenities
El Tunco: Best for budget-conscious expats
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