Cost of Living, Safety & Expat Guide (2026)

Spain

Belgium
For digital nomads choosing between Bilbao and Gent, the answer depends on your priorities. Here's our analysis:
Best for Budget
Bilbao
$1,664/mo
Best Internet
Gent
180 Mbps
Best NomadIQ Score
Gent
6.9/10
Our Recommendation: Choose Bilbao if budget is your top priority, or Gent if you need the fastest internet for remote work.
When comparing Bilbao and Gent for digital nomads, several factors come into play.
Cost of Living: Bilbao offers a more affordable lifestyle at $1,664/month compared to Gent's $1,998/month.
Internet & Remote Work: Gent provides faster connectivity at 180 Mbps compared to Bilbao's 170 Mbps.
Safety: With a safety score of 7.5/10, Gent offers better security than Bilbao (5.1/10).
Overall: Gent's NomadIQ score of 6.9/10 gives it an edge for remote workers.
Bilbao is 17% cheaper than Gent.
Gent has a higher safety score (7.5/10) compared to Bilbao (5.1/10).
5.1/10
Bilbao
7.5/10
Gent
For remote workers, internet speed is crucial. Gent offers faster internet at 180 Mbps vs 170 Mbps.
170 Mbps
Bilbao
180 Mbps
Gent
Both cities are excellent choices for expats, with each having unique strengths.
Bilbao: Best for budget-conscious expats
Gent: Best for those prioritizing amenities
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