Is Bilbao or Gothenburg cheaper to live in?

Bilbao is 15% cheaper than Gothenburg. The average monthly cost in Bilbao is $1,664, while Gothenburg costs $1,953 per month.

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

For digital nomads, Gothenburg offers faster internet at 200 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 Gothenburg scores 6.4/10.

What is the rent difference between Bilbao and Gothenburg?

A 1-bedroom apartment costs $1,181/month in Bilbao and $1,069/month in Gothenburg. Gothenburg has 9% lower rent.

Is Bilbao or Gothenburg safer?

Gothenburg has a higher safety score of 5.4/10. Bilbao scores 5.1/10 for safety while Gothenburg scores 5.4/10.

Should I move to Bilbao or Gothenburg as an expat?

The choice depends on your priorities. Choose Bilbao if budget is important ($1,664/month). Choose Gothenburg for better safety. Gothenburg is better for remote work with 200 Mbps internet.

Back to Comparison Tool

Bilbao vs Gothenburg

Cost of Living, Safety & Expat Guide (2026)

Bilbao

Spain

$1,664/mo6.4/10

Gothenburg

Sweden

$1,953/mo6.4/10

Bilbao

Spain

$1,664/moNomadIQ 6.4/10

Gothenburg

Sweden

$1,953/moNomadIQ 6.4/10

Detailed Comparison

Factor

Bilbao

Gothenburg

Winner

Total Monthly Cost

$1,664

$1,953

Bilbao

Rent (1BR)

$1,181

$1,069

Gothenburg

Groceries

$360

$393

Bilbao

Transport

$38

$214

Bilbao

Healthcare

$55

$240

Bilbao

Safety Score

5.1/10

5.4/10

Gothenburg

Internet Speed

170 Mbps

200 Mbps

Gothenburg

NomadIQ Score

6.4/10

Tie

Overall Winner: Bilbao

Based on our comparison, Bilbao wins 4 out of 8 categories.Gothenburg wins 3 categories.

Which city is better for digital nomads?

For digital nomads choosing between Bilbao and Gothenburg, the answer depends on your priorities. Here's our analysis:

Best for Budget

Bilbao

$1,664/mo

Best Internet

Gothenburg

200 Mbps

Best NomadIQ Score

Gothenburg

6.4/10

Our Recommendation: Choose Bilbao if budget is your top priority, or Gothenburg if you need the fastest internet for remote work.

Digital Nomad Analysis: Bilbao vs Gothenburg

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

Cost of Living: Bilbao offers a more affordable lifestyle at $1,664/month compared to Gothenburg's $1,953/month.

Internet & Remote Work: Gothenburg provides faster connectivity at 200 Mbps compared to Bilbao's 170 Mbps.

Safety: With a safety score of 5.4/10, Gothenburg offers better security than Bilbao (5.1/10).

Overall: Both cities score similarly on our NomadIQ scale at 6.4/10.

Cost of Living Comparison

Bilbao is 15% cheaper than Gothenburg.

• Bilbao rent: $1,181/mo
• Gothenburg rent: $1,069/mo
• Difference: $112/mo

Safety Comparison

Gothenburg has a higher safety score (5.4/10) compared to Bilbao (5.1/10).

5.1/10

Bilbao

5.4/10

Gothenburg

Digital Nomad Friendliness

For remote workers, internet speed is crucial. Gothenburg offers faster internet at 200 Mbps vs 170 Mbps.

170 Mbps

Bilbao

200 Mbps

Gothenburg

Which City Is Better for Expats?

Based on our analysis, Bilbao edges out as the better choice for expats, winning 4 of 8 comparison factors.

Bilbao: Best for budget-conscious expats

Gothenburg: Best for those prioritizing amenities

Bilbao vs Gothenburg

Bilbao

Gothenburg

Bilbao

Gothenburg

Detailed Comparison

Overall Winner: Bilbao

Which city is better for digital nomads?

Digital Nomad Analysis: Bilbao vs Gothenburg

Cost of Living Comparison

Safety Comparison

Digital Nomad Friendliness

Which City Is Better for Expats?

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Frequently Asked Questions: Bilbao vs Gothenburg