Is Bilbao or Galway cheaper to live in?

Bilbao is 43% cheaper than Galway. The average monthly cost in Bilbao is $1,664, while Galway costs $2,894 per month.

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

For digital nomads, Bilbao offers faster internet at 170 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 Galway scores 5.5/10.

What is the rent difference between Bilbao and Galway?

A 1-bedroom apartment costs $1,181/month in Bilbao and $2,170/month in Galway. Bilbao has 46% lower rent.

Is Bilbao or Galway safer?

Galway has a higher safety score of 6.9/10. Bilbao scores 5.1/10 for safety while Galway scores 6.9/10.

Should I move to Bilbao or Galway as an expat?

The choice depends on your priorities. Choose Bilbao if budget is important ($1,664/month). Choose Galway for better safety. Bilbao is better for remote work with 170 Mbps internet.

Back to Comparison Tool

Bilbao vs Galway

Cost of Living, Safety & Expat Guide (2026)

Bilbao

Spain

$1,664/mo6.4/10

Galway

Ireland

$2,894/mo5.5/10

Bilbao

Spain

$1,664/moNomadIQ 6.4/10

Galway

Ireland

$2,894/moNomadIQ 5.5/10

Detailed Comparison

Factor

Bilbao

Galway

Winner

Total Monthly Cost

$1,664

$2,894

Bilbao

Rent (1BR)

$1,181

$2,170

Bilbao

Groceries

$360

$354

Galway

Transport

$38

$128

Bilbao

Healthcare

$55

$190

Bilbao

Safety Score

5.1/10

6.9/10

Galway

Internet Speed

170 Mbps

150 Mbps

Bilbao

NomadIQ Score

6.4/10

5.5/10

Bilbao

Overall Winner: Bilbao

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

Which city is better for digital nomads?

For digital nomads choosing between Bilbao and Galway, 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.

Digital Nomad Analysis: Bilbao vs Galway

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

Cost of Living: Bilbao offers a more affordable lifestyle at $1,664/month compared to Galway's $2,894/month.

Internet & Remote Work: Bilbao leads with 170 Mbps average internet speed, ideal for video calls and large file transfers. Galway offers 150 Mbps.

Safety: With a safety score of 6.9/10, Galway 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.

Cost of Living Comparison

Bilbao is 43% cheaper than Galway.

• Bilbao rent: $1,181/mo
• Galway rent: $2,170/mo
• Difference: $988/mo

Safety Comparison

Galway has a higher safety score (6.9/10) compared to Bilbao (5.1/10).

5.1/10

Bilbao

6.9/10

Galway

Digital Nomad Friendliness

For remote workers, internet speed is crucial. Bilbao offers faster internet at 170 Mbps vs 150 Mbps.

170 Mbps

Bilbao

150 Mbps

Galway

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

Galway: Best for those prioritizing amenities

Bilbao vs Galway

Bilbao

Galway

Bilbao

Galway

Detailed Comparison

Overall Winner: Bilbao

Which city is better for digital nomads?

Digital Nomad Analysis: Bilbao vs Galway

Cost of Living Comparison

Safety Comparison

Digital Nomad Friendliness

Which City Is Better for Expats?

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Frequently Asked Questions: Bilbao vs Galway