Cost of Living, Safety & Expat Guide (2026)

Spain

Italy
Based on our comparison, Genoa wins 5 out of 8 categories.Bilbao wins 3 categories.
For digital nomads choosing between Bilbao and Genoa, the answer depends on your priorities. Here's our analysis:
Best for Budget
Genoa
$1,529/mo
Best Internet
Bilbao
170 Mbps
Best NomadIQ Score
Genoa
6.8/10
Our Recommendation: Genoa is the clear winner for digital nomads, offering both affordability and excellent nomad infrastructure.
When comparing Bilbao and Genoa for digital nomads, several factors come into play.
Cost of Living: Genoa is the more budget-friendly option at $1,529/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. Genoa offers 120 Mbps.
Safety: With a safety score of 5.5/10, Genoa offers better security than Bilbao (5.1/10).
Overall: Genoa's NomadIQ score of 6.8/10 gives it an edge for remote workers.
Genoa is 8% cheaper than Bilbao.
Genoa has a higher safety score (5.5/10) compared to Bilbao (5.1/10).
5.1/10
Bilbao
5.5/10
Genoa
For remote workers, internet speed is crucial. Bilbao offers faster internet at 170 Mbps vs 120 Mbps.
170 Mbps
Bilbao
120 Mbps
Genoa
Based on our analysis, Genoa edges out as the better choice for expats, winning 5 of 8 comparison factors.
Bilbao: Best for those prioritizing amenities
Genoa: Best for budget-conscious expats
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